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County directs attorney to challenge Florida's Live Local Act in court
Summary
The Hillsborough County Commission unanimously directed the county attorney to pursue litigation to test the constitutionality of the Live Local Act, and approved letting other jurisdictions join the effort if they choose.
Hillsborough County commissioners voted unanimously Dec. 17 to direct the county attorney to challenge the constitutionality of Florida's Live Local Act.
Commissioner Wuestell (as recorded in the meeting transcript) moved for the county attorney to file suit, saying the statute undermines home-rule authority over land-use decisions and threatens to flood the county with approvals that circumvent local zoning. County Attorney Christine Beck confirmed the office had a "legitimate course of action" and sufficient resources to pursue litigation internally.
The motion also included a friendly amendment to allow Hillsborough County to join or support similar suits brought by other jurisdictions that may lack the resources to litigate alone. Board members from across the political spectrum described the vote as a defense of local control.
Outcome and next steps: The board voted 7 to 0 to authorize the county attorney to proceed; the county attorney's office will evaluate legal strategy, potential partners and timing for filing. Commissioners said they could not predict litigation outcomes but framed the motion as protecting the county's authority over land-use decisions.
