Planning board recommends adoption of local rules to implement Florida’s SB 954 for certified recovery residences

The Planning & Zoning Board unanimously recommended the city commission adopt local regulations to implement Florida Senate Bill 954, which requires municipalities to establish procedures to review and approve certified recovery residences.

Staff explained the proposed LDR amendment inserts statutory definitions (certified recovery residence; certified recovery residence administrator), establishes an administrative application and review process, and incorporates federal Fair Housing and ADA requirements into the local procedure. Under the draft, the planning department would stamp applications on receipt, notify applicants within 30 days if additional information is required, and issue a final written determination within 60 days of a completed application; if staff does not act in time, the application is deemed approved unless an extension is agreed in writing.

Board members asked clarifying questions about when a site plan would be required (the city’s class thresholds were reviewed: class 1 <=500 sq ft; class 2 above 500 square feet up to class 3 thresholds), and staff reiterated that the local code is implementing a state requirement due by Jan. 1, 2026. The motion to recommend the regulation to the city commission passed 6–0.

Because the statute constrains local denial grounds, staff advised the board that denials must be based on objective, evidence‑based criteria in the record rather than a categorical prohibition in residential areas. The measure will now move to the commission as required by state law.