St. Johns County commissioners back letter asking governor to veto bill they say would curb local land-use control

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners agreed March 24 to ask Florida’s governor to veto HB 0399, a bill County staff said would preempt certain local land-use controls.

County Administrator Joy Andrews told the Board that the state legislative session ended March 13 and ‘‘HB 0399, which contained preemptive language that would affect local governments’ land use control, was on the governor’s desk for signature.’’ Christine Valliere, the county’s interim intergovernmental affairs director, summarized provisions of the bill that County staff said would affect elements of residential zoning applications and public hearings. Commissioners discussed maintaining local control over development, property rights, and the need for public education if the bill were to be enacted.

The Board voiced support for sending a letter asking the governor to veto the bill and directed County Administration to prepare the correspondence. Staff also noted that, if signed, the County would need to amend its Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to conform to the law. Andrews also briefed commissioners that requests for state funding for the State Road 16 expansion and the Florida Black History Museum remain pending while the state finalizes its budget.

Why it matters: County officials said HB 0399 could require changes to local land-use procedures and public hearings, potentially narrowing the County’s existing processes. The Board’s request for a veto signals county opposition and starts an intergovernmental advocacy step ahead of a possible gubernatorial signature.