SB 840 Clears Next to Last Committee Vote

Last year, the Florida legislature passed Senate Bill 180. I have been fairly outspoken with my opinions on that bill. Because, while the vast majority of that bill was well-thought-out and well-intentioned, a last-minute amendment - made outside of this chamber - created some significant hurdles. That amendment has impacted every corner of our state - every one of your districts - leading to confusion, burdensomely broad interpretations by executive agencies, and unintended and detrimental consequences for local growth management. It is clear that we need clarification and a fix, and Senate Bill 840 is the solution we have been hoping for.

I want to personally thank Senator DiCeglie for stepping up and sponsoring this bill. Senate Bill 840 is a sincere, thoughtful correction designed to clear up the conflicting views and misinterpretations caused by last year’s language. We all agree that, after a storm, current homeowners should be able to repair their homes. And business owners should be able to reopen their businesses. But last year’s bill went FAR beyond what I believe this chamber intended. By refining these provisions, as laid out in SB840, we are ensuring that local governments will once again have the clarity and the autonomy we need to manage growth effectively for our residents without being bogged down by these present legal ambiguities.

This is about more than just fixing a few lines of text; it is about ensuring our state laws work for the people they affect. Senate Bill 840 does that while still maintaining all the positive, emergency-related attributes of the original bill. I strongly support this bill and urge this committee to pass it through. I further request, and hope, that the Senate as a whole expeditiously passes this bill off the floor so it can reach the House in a timely manner. Currently, barring a significant strike-all amendment, the House has failed to file a proper companion bill, and we need to give them enough time to navigate any committee stops that may be required to allow for a House vote to ensure this good bill, with this exact language, can reach the Governor’s desk and become law.

Between sessions, we’ve heard many members of both chambers publicly claim that SB180 was not being used and interpreted as they intended when they passed it last session. We’ve heard that it was written and approved for the redevelopment of existing properties. This is the opportunity for members to codify in Tallahassee what has been stated when members were back home in their districts.

For the sake of our communities and the future integrity of thoughtful growth management in Florida, I am asking for a 'yes' vote on Senate Bill 840. Please correct the vagueness of the past bill and provide local governments with the clear, reliable guidance we need to represent all of our residents. Thank you, Senator DiCeglie, for leading the way on this essential correction, and thank you to every member of this committee for your favorable vote.