BRADENTON — Commissioners have authorized staff within Manatee County’s Government Relations Department to work with and support the government relations staff of Pasco County on its effort to submit a legislative policy proposal that might “fix” the problems that SB 180 has created for local governments across the state.
Pasco County’s Government Relations team and Manatee County’s Government Relations personnel have already been in communication about the policy proposal, which would be presented during an upcoming Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Legislative Policy Conference.
Signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June, provisions of SB 180 include that local governments may not adopt or enact any new building or development regulations that are more “restrictive or burdensome” than existing rules.
What’s more, the law applies to any county that was under a state-of-emergency during Hurricanes Debby, Helene, or Milton (which is every county), and is to be applied retroactively to Aug. 1 of last year.
The measure was intended to accelerate hurricane recovery. However, local governments and their constituents are growing increasingly concerned that, while the measure may have been well-intentioned, the lack of clear definitions is preventing many local governments from enacting necessary regulations to support smart and sustainable growth.
In Manatee County, SB 180 is slowing down, if not threatening entirely, commissioners’ efforts to reinstate local wetland buffer requirements, raise impact fees, repeal Policy 2.1.2.8, and update its Comprehensive Plan.
Pasco County’s proposal is a legislative fix to SB 180 (Chapter 2025-190, Laws of Florida) aimed at clarifying the intent of Sections 18 and 28. Specifically, they are recommending language to limit the “more restrictive or burdensome” preemption provisions to only those properties damaged by a hurricane.
The proposal would be submitted to the FAC Policy Conference on September 17–18, where FAC members will debate and vote on policy proposals for the 2026 Legislative Session.
Manatee County Commissioners unanimously approved a directive to staff to move forward in engaging with, and in support of, Pasco County’s efforts on Tuesday, August 5.
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GLEN GADFLY GIBELLINA
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT against this back door deal by developers. Fighting for a legislative fix to SB 180 specifically to provisions to only properties damaged by hurricanes, offers several positive benefits. These benefits align with the goal of balancing disaster recovery with local government authority and community resilience. Here’s an analysis of the potential advantages:
1. Preserves Local Control Over Land Use Planning:
By narrowing the preemption provisions to apply only to hurricane-damaged properties, the proposed fix prevents the broad restriction on local governments’ ability to update comprehensive plans, land development regulations (LDRs), or permitting processes.
2. Enhances Community Resilience:
The clarification allows local governments to implement regulations that improve resilience to future storms, such as updated building codes or wetland buffer requirements
3. Aligns with the Bill’s Intended Purpose:
4. Avoids Unintended Consequences:
5. Supports Sustainable Growth:
6. Reduces Financial Burdens on Taxpayers:
7. Addresses Statewide Applicability Concerns:
8. Strengthens FAC’s Advocacy for Local Governments:
In summary, the proposed legislative fix to SB 180’s Sections 18 and 28 would restore local governments’ ability to plan effectively, enhance community resilience, align with the bill’s disaster recovery intent, and avoid costly legal and financial consequences. By focusing preemption on hurricane-damaged properties, it ensures a balanced approach to recovery and sustainable growth, benefiting Florida’s communities long-term.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Report this