Local leaders say SB 180’s post‑storm rules risk undermining local planning and invite litigation

Mayor Alan Kolback of Atlantis told the Palm Beach County legislative delegation that two provisions of SB 180 are having a chilling effect on local planning and post‑storm recovery work.

"Sections 18 and 28 go far beyond the objective of easing the burden on local residents," Kolback said, arguing the law applies overly broad geographic limits (described in the presentation as an ongoing exemption for municipalities within 100 miles of a hurricane's track), uses vague terms such as "burdensome" and "more restrictive," and allows any person to sue a local government and recover attorney fees. Kolback said the law's retroactive reach (the transcript cites retroactivity back to Aug. 1, 2024) and a 14‑day cure window are practically impossible to meet because public‑notice and meeting requirements prevent rescinding regulations on that timeline.

Kolback urged the delegation to support clarifying amendments that would narrow the scope to jurisdictions with measurable storm damage and properties actually damaged, restore local planning authority for necessary post‑storm updates, define ambiguous terms to reduce legal uncertainty, and provide realistic cure and notice procedures. He said the uncertainty has placed comprehensive‑plan and zoning updates in limbo and stalled local redevelopment projects that rely on clear planning authority.

Senator Gail Harrell asked for a line‑by‑line list of suggested edits so she could present the League's recommended clarifications to the bill's sponsor; Kolback said the League already was preparing specifics and would provide them. Several delegation members expressed willingness to work with the League on targeted language rather than wholesale repeal. The meeting did not include any formal legislative action; senators requested the League's written proposals for follow‑up.