Volusia staff warn Senate Bill 180 could void recent local stormwater rules if governor signs it

Clay Irvin, a staff member for Volusia County, told the Environmental and Natural Resources Advisory Committee on May 7 that a state bill known as Senate Bill 180 contains language that would prevent local governments from enacting land‑development regulations stricter than those in effect on Aug. 1, 2024, and would run through Oct. 1, 2027, if the governor signs it.

Why it matters: Committee members were told SB 180 could render local stormwater and floodplain rule changes that the county approved since Aug. 1, 2024, void. That would force staff and elected officials to rework locally adopted rules if the bill becomes law, potentially delaying implementation of resiliency measures intended to reduce flooding and property damage.

Irvin summarized the bill and its history for the committee, saying the new bill “resurrects the old Senate Bill 250” and that the enrolled language includes a retroactivity clause to Aug. 1, 2024. Paolo Soria, senior assistant county attorney, confirmed the enrolled bill had not yet been signed and that citizens could petition the governor for a veto. Irvin and other staff said the provision also contains a trigger that would extend restrictions for one year after any federally declared disaster that makes landfall within 100 miles of a county.

Committee attorneys and staff described the practical effect: work on local amendments, moratoria or more‑stringent local land‑development regulations adopted after Aug. 1, 2024, could be nullified if SB 180 is enacted as written. Staff noted the county could continue technical work and draft language but could not formally propose or enact measures that would contradict the bill while it remains effective.

Committee members asked procedural questions: whether the bill had been sent to the governor (staff said the governor has 14 days to act following the enrolled transmittal), which sponsors filed the bill, and how SB 180 compares to the earlier SB 250. Staff said SB 180 differs by using a 100‑mile radius trigger and the longer retroactivity window; SB 250 was narrowed after enactment in a subsequent special session and ultimately did not apply to Volusia County.

What the committee directed: members generally agreed to continue technical work on resilience measures rather than stop drafting. Staff said county and city lobbyists could advocate in Tallahassee but cautioned local lobbying may have limited near‑term effect while the bill is pending. Several committee members urged staff to document options that would remain available under the proposed state language and to prepare materials for elected officials.

What remains uncertain: Whether the governor will sign SB 180; if signed, when staff and counsel will interpret specific local code implications; and whether later legislative or special‑session action might narrow or repeal the provision. No formal county action to oppose or challenge the bill was taken at the meeting.

Ending: Staff recommended the committee proceed with technical work so that, if the bill is enacted or later narrowed, the county will be ready to move when local authority is restored.