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Palm Coast adopts first-reading ordinance to register recovery residences ahead of state deadline
Summary
Council approved a first reading to add certified recovery residences to the land development code, limit occupancy to 10 residents per single-family home and require FAR certification; nine currently operate without registration and must comply after state deadline.
The Palm Coast City Council approved a first reading Dec. 2 to establish a local code for certified recovery residences to comply with Florida’s new statutory requirements.
Jackie Gonzales of the planning division told the council the state will require FAR (Florida Association of Recovery Residences) registration beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Staff reported there are 18 recovery homes within the city, nine currently registered and nine not. The proposed local code would set a maximum of 10 residents per single-family home (the state minimum), require 1,000-foot spacing between such residences, and create a local appeal and complaint process.
Council members asked whether the city could restrict proximity to schools or day cares; planning staff said state law prevents such a restriction for these residential homes and that most single-family lots are already approximately 1,000 feet from schools. Staff said noncompliant homes that fail to register after the state deadline would be required to close or comply within a specified timeline.
Council voted unanimously on the ordinance first reading. The item returns for second reading and final local adoption required to meet the Jan. 1, 2026 statutory timeline.
