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Advisory board recommends ordinance to implement expedited review for state‑certified recovery residences
Summary
The Tavares Zoning Advisory Board voted to recommend an ordinance that codifies a city process to accept reasonable‑accommodation requests from state‑certified recovery residences, aligning local code with Florida SB 954 and section 397.487 of the Florida Statutes.
The Tavares Zoning Advisory Board voted to recommend approval of ordinance 2026‑01, which would amend Chapter 8, section 8.12 of the city’s land development regulations to establish a local application process for state‑certified recovery residences.
Miss Reddick, a city staff member who read the staff summary, told the board: “The objective is to amend chapter 8 zoning regulation, section 8.12, supplemental regulations of the land development regulations, to allow for the request for reasonable accommodation of certified recovery residences consistent with both Florida SB 954 2025.” She said the change is intended to implement a narrowly tailored, expedited review only for residences that have first been certified by the state under section 397.487.
The ordinance is a response to the state law change; staff said local governments are required to adopt procedures and objective standards for handling reasonable‑accommodation requests by certified recovery residences. Staff emphasized the city’s role would be procedural: it would accept applications, set timelines and objective review standards, and notify emergency services as appropriate, but the state still determines whether a facility is certified.
Chair Mr. Santoro said he understood the legal requirement but voiced frustration at the limited local control: “I don’t like this being shoved down the city’s throat, but in respect to, to miss Hope, it’s something that we have to do.” Board members raised questions about capacity limits and whether motels or larger facilities could qualify; staff repeatedly noted certification and eligibility are determined by the state and that the local ordinance applies only after state certification is in place.
Miss Holt moved to recommend the ordinance to the City Council and Miss Reddick seconded; the board voted in favor. The board’s recommendation now goes to the City Council for formal consideration.
Background: the ordinance responds to changes tied to Florida SB 954 and a new paragraph in section 397.487 of the Florida Statutes. Staff said there were no known certified recovery residences within city limits at the time of the meeting.
