LPA backs amendment to Pinellas County code to implement state rules for certified recovery residences

At the Dec. 10 meeting the Local Planning Agency recommended approval of LDR‑25‑03, an amendment to Chapter 138 (zoning) of the Pinellas County Land Development Code intended to implement requirements of Senate Bill 954 and to align local regulation with Chapter 397 of the Florida Statutes regarding certified recovery residences (commonly referred to as sober homes).

Staff (speaker 5) said the amendment adds the statutory definition of certified recovery residences, updates the county’s table of uses to identify appropriate zoning districts and review procedures, and creates an administrative process for reasonable accommodations where land‑use rules would otherwise prohibit an approved residence. “This amendment is in response to Senate Bill 954, which was adopted during this past legislative session,” staff said.

Staff recommended approval and noted the item will be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners for first reading on Jan. 20, 2026 and likely second reading on Feb. 1, 2026. No proponents or opponents appeared in the meeting or online. Member (speaker 4) moved to approve LDR‑25‑03, the motion was seconded, and the LPA approved the recommendation by voice vote; the transcript does not record individual roll‑call tallies.

The amendment, if adopted by the commission, will change how the county identifies and reviews certified recovery residences, and establishes an administrative reasonable‑accommodation path required by state law.