City attorney: firm retained to challenge Senate bills 250 and 180; council urged to consider legislative fixes

Punta Gorda's city attorney updated the council on pending state-level legislation and potential legal action tied to recent changes in land-development rules.

Attorney Leskovich said the firm the city retained to analyze Senate Bill 250 and Senate Bill 180 has been engaged by “at least 10 different, counties and cities to file a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of senate bill 1 80.” He named Gainesville, Naples and Bradenton among entities involved and said some counties including Orange and Alachua were participating. Leskovich added that the firm was “charging a $10,000 flat fee, which covers all costs, and fees incorporated with it.”

The council discussed alternatives to litigation. A council member reported that the League of Cities attorney recommended pursuing legislative changes as an initial step, saying legislators generally do not like to be sued and may be receptive to recommended improvements to the bills. Leskovich said he would contact the firm the city initially hired to ask for updates and would bring any new information back to council at the next meeting.

Separately, Leskovich told council he had received a written proposal for settlement from RJ Gorman and would circulate it to the council without convening a shade meeting; he asked council members not to respond directly and to send any replies through him.

No vote to join litigation was taken at the meeting; the attorney will seek additional information and report back to the council.