City staff flags new state law limiting post-storm land-use changes through 2027

City staff informed the Planning and Zoning Commission about a recently signed state law (identified in the meeting as Senate Bill 180) that, according to staff, restricts local governments affected by recent hurricanes from enacting changes to development regulations, permitting processes or other ordinances that are "more burdensome" than current rules until a date in 2027.

A staff member said the statute was written broadly and could preclude amendments to development regulations, fee changes and other local requirements. "This is preempting us from really amending all of our code of ordinances, not just our development regulations," the staff member told the commission, and added local governments across Florida are trying to determine how the law will play out and whether the Legislature will revisit it.

Staff noted the law has immediate operational effects: the city paused pursuit of proposed local regulations that would add restrictions (staff cited recent proposals for short-term rental regulations and regulations of recovery residences as examples). The staff member also warned the city could face legal challenges and potential exposure for attorney fees under the statute if a challenge succeeds.

Staff recommended commissioners be aware the law may limit the city’s ability to adopt new regulations for the affected communities and that the city will evaluate specific proposals in light of the statute before proceeding.