Planning board forwards code amendment to implement Florida law for certified recovery residences

The Charlotte County Planning and Zoning Board voted to forward a legislative code amendment (TLDR‑25‑04) to the Board of County Commissioners that updates local code to implement Senate Bill 954 regarding certified recovery residences and revises related definitions.

Staff overview: Jaden Keach of the Community Development Department told the board the amendment is countywide and is intended to implement Florida legislation commonly referred to as Senate Bill 954. The proposed code changes include revising section 3‑9‑2 (definitions and rules of construction), renaming and revising the definition of “adult congregate living facility” to “assisted living facility,” and creating a new section 3‑9‑62.1 titled “Certified Recovery Residences.”

What the new section will require: Staff advised that certified recovery residences will follow a four‑step process under the proposed code: 1) submit a zoning determination request; 2) demonstrate compatibility with the surrounding environment; 3) meet separation/distance requirements where applicable; and 4) provide appropriate state and local licensing documentation and reasonable accommodation review as required by state law. Staff said the proposed code also creates an application and review process for reasonable accommodation requests tied to these residences.

Board questions: Board members asked whether the draft tracks the legislative requirements; zoning staff (Sean Cullinan) confirmed the local amendment is a statutory implementation and updates references to state agencies and terms that have changed since earlier code language was adopted.

Board action: A motion to forward TLDR‑25‑04 to the Board of County Commissioners with a recommendation of approval, citing the Community and Planning Division staff memorandum dated 09/24/2025, carried without recorded opposition.

Next steps: The matter will be placed on the Board of County Commissioners’ adoption hearing calendar for a countywide ordinance to update the zoning code to implement statute-required provisions for certified recovery residences.