House approves land‑use bill easing development constraints and lowering local vote threshold

The Florida House on Wednesday approved CS/CS/CS/HB 399, a sweeping land‑use measure that places new limits on development fees, creates expedited processes for certain large destination resorts, and reduces some local supermajority requirements for comprehensive‑plan amendments.

Representative Barreiro, the sponsor, framed the bill as a response to housing‑supply constraints that are driving up costs. "With this bill, you have an opportunity here to do something very meaningful to make certain counties and places throughout our state much more affordable," Barreiro said on the floor.

Opponents, led by Representative Eskamani and others, argued the measure preempts long‑standing local voter protections — particularly some counties' urban development boundaries — and risks undermining carefully negotiated local plans. Representative Eskamani warned the bill "further preempts local governments" and urged colleagues to preserve local voters' will. Members debated a series of amendments, including proposals to protect Orange County's 'majority plus one' rule for a rule‑boundary referendum; that amendment was defeated.

Sponsors emphasized provisions requiring development fees be 'reasonably related' to administrative costs and clarified that fees may not be percentage‑based on construction cost. Representatives supporting the bill argued those steps will reduce the cost and delay associated with development approvals and expand housing supply without new state spending.

The House adopted the bill after structured debate, voting 71 yeas to 38 nays. The measure now goes to the Senate. Supporters described follow‑up guidance and local implementation as areas for further work.