Clermont adopts ordinance to bring subdivision plat approvals into compliance with Florida statutes

Clermont— The City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025-038 on Oct. 14 to amend the City Code so that certain residential subdivision plat approvals are completed administratively by a designated staff member rather than by vote of the council.

What changed: City staff said the state legislature revised statutory requirements that effectively require counties and municipalities to provide an administrative path for expedited residential subdivision permitting (citing statutory changes). The ordinance amends Chapter 119 of the city code to require administrative approval of plats that meet statutory requirements and designates the planning and development director or a city-manager designee as the approving authority. The proposed language also includes minor cleanup provisions for scriveners errors and severability.

Why it matters: Staff told the council the existing code does not comply with new state statutes (sections referenced in the staff presentation) and that adopting the ordinance avoids legal noncompliance; one council member asked whether the council could simply adopt a statement to "follow state law as amended," but staff recommended the targeted code change so the citys online code and procedures reflect current law.

Council action: The ordinance passed on a roll call: Council Member Strange, Council Member Howard, Council Member Myers and Mayor Tim Murray all voted "aye." The ordinance becomes part of city code and staff will implement the administrative approval process and the minor amendment to designate the approving official.