Florida Senate approves SB 324 addressing small business impact from construction delays

The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss key legislative proposals aimed at supporting small businesses and addressing housing assistance in Florida.

The meeting began with a discussion on Senate Bill 324, introduced by a senator who highlighted the detrimental effects of prolonged public works projects on small businesses. The senator recounted a specific case in their district where an 18-month sewage infrastructure project led to the closure of one small business and negatively impacted others. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the senator urged for legislative action to prevent further harm to businesses across the state.

The senator addressed concerns raised in the staff analysis regarding the bill's fiscal impact, noting that recent amendments had resolved initial worries expressed by the Florida Commerce Department. The senator expressed willingness to collaborate with fellow senators to refine the bill's language further to ensure it effectively supports small businesses. Following this discussion, the committee voted on Senate Bill 324, which was reported favorably with unanimous support from all present senators.

The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 1714, presented by Senator Burton. This bill focuses on local housing assistance plans, particularly for residents of mobile home parks, many of whom live on fixed incomes. Senator Burton explained that the bill mandates counties and municipalities to include strategies for providing financial assistance to mobile home owners, including support for lot rental costs.

Nancy Stewart, representing the Federation of Manufactured Homeowners, voiced her support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of enabling mobile home owners to access affordable housing funds. She highlighted the challenges faced by constituents who often struggle to balance essential expenses, such as rent, food, and medicine.

The meeting concluded with a clear commitment from the committee to address the pressing issues of small business sustainability and housing assistance, reflecting the ongoing efforts of the Florida Legislature to support vulnerable communities across the state.