Hillsborough commissioners direct county attorney to challenge Live Local Act in court
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Summary
Citing concerns about erosion of local land‑use control, the board unanimously authorized the county attorney to file litigation challenging the constitutionality or application of the Live Local Act and to join or coordinate with other jurisdictions as appropriate.
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners voted Dec. 17 to direct the county attorney to challenge the Live Local Act in court, authorizing the legal office to pursue a cognizable challenge and to coordinate with other jurisdictions that may wish to join.
Commissioner Wachtel framed the motion as a defense of home rule and local land‑use authority, citing examples where the board had denied projects that could later proceed under the state law. County Attorney Christine Beck confirmed there is a plausible legal path that could be brought ethically and handled internally; she cautioned that outcomes cannot be guaranteed but supported the request to proceed.
The motion included language authorizing the county attorney's office to work with other jurisdictions and litigants if appropriate; the board carried the motion unanimously (7–0). Several commissioners described the move as bipartisan and necessary to protect the county's planning and zoning prerogatives.
The county attorney's office will now review options, prepare pleadings if litigation is filed, and coordinate with any interested governments or groups that wish to join the challenge.