Council adopts first-reading ordinance to align local code with new Florida rules for certified recovery residences

The City Council approved on first reading a city-initiated zoning-code amendment to add a definition for "certified recovery residences" and create a reasonable-accommodation review procedure.

Planning and Zoning Department representative Marissa Thabrio Lachman told the council the changes respond to recent state legislative updates and cited the state's revised regulatory framework enacted effective July 1, 2025. The amendment defines a certified recovery residence as one that holds a valid certificate of compliance and is actively managed by a certified recovery residence administrator, establishes mandatory review timelines, provides for automatic granting if the city fails to issue a final determination within the specified timeline, and limits the use of lapse in certification as a basis for revoking an accommodation.

Thabrio Lachman said the Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval at its March 3 meeting. No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. Council moved to approve ordinance 26-24 on first reading by voice vote.

The ordinance text and procedures adopted on first reading are intended to bring the city's zoning code into compliance with the cited state statutory changes; the transcript did not include the full ordinance text or the specific timeline durations. The item will proceed through the city's ordinance-adoption process as required.