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Legislative Bill Summaries

The 2022 regular Legislative Session commences on January 11 and will adjourn on March 11. Below are summaries of all the bills with municipal impact that have been filed to date.


To search bill summaries by a keyword, click Control + F. If you have any questions on a specific bill, please contact the lobbyist tracking the bill. This is indicated by the last name in parenthesis following each bill summary. Links to the House and Senate are located at the bottom of the page.

 

01 - SPOTLIGHT BILLS

Business Damages Against Local Government (Oppose)

SB 620 (Hutson) and HB 569 (McClure) require compensation for business damages caused by local government ordinances or charter provisions. A business that has been engaged in a lawful business in Florida for at least three years may claim business damages from a local government if the government enacts or amends an ordinance or charter provision that will cause a reduction of at least 15% of the business' revenue or profit. A local government is not liable for business damages caused by: ordinances required to comply with state or federal law; emergency ordinances, declarations or orders adopted pursuant ...

SB 620 (Hutson) and HB 569 (McClure) require compensation for business damages caused by local government ordinances or charter provisions. A business that has been engaged in a lawful business in Florida for at least three years may claim business damages from a local government if the government enacts or amends an ordinance or charter provision that will cause a reduction of at least 15% of the business' revenue or profit. A local government is not liable for business damages caused by: ordinances required to comply with state or federal law; emergency ordinances, declarations or orders adopted pursuant to the state Emergency Management Act; a temporary emergency ordinance which remains in effect for no more than 90 days; ordinances that "increase economic freedom." The bills specify procedures and methodologies for a business to recover business damages, attorney fees and costs against a local government. The bills' provisions are nearly identical to the business damage procedures set forth in Florida's eminent domain statute. (O'Hara)

Communicable and Infectious Diseases (Watch)

HB 117 (Fetterhoff) and SB 774 (Gruters) add COVID-19 and infectious diseases to the list of conditions that, if suffered by an emergency rescue or public safety worker, are presumed to have been contracted while at work for purposes of workers' compensation. Unlike similar presumptions in current law for hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis and tuberculosis, the bills do not require the public safety worker or emergency rescue worker to receive immunization against COVID-19 in order to receive the presumptive eligibility provisions afforded by workers' compensation coverage. (Cruz) ...

HB 117 (Fetterhoff) and SB 774 (Gruters) add COVID-19 and infectious diseases to the list of conditions that, if suffered by an emergency rescue or public safety worker, are presumed to have been contracted while at work for purposes of workers' compensation. Unlike similar presumptions in current law for hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis and tuberculosis, the bills do not require the public safety worker or emergency rescue worker to receive immunization against COVID-19 in order to receive the presumptive eligibility provisions afforded by workers' compensation coverage. (Cruz)

Homestead Assessments Following a Change in Ownership (Oppose – Mandate) 

HB 283 (Duran) and SB 460 (Rodriguez) provide for an exception from assessment of homestead property at just value upon transfer of property if the property is transferred to a child or a grandchild of the deceased owner. (Hughes) ...

HB 283 (Duran) and SB 460 (Rodriguez) provide for an exception from assessment of homestead property at just value upon transfer of property if the property is transferred to a child or a grandchild of the deceased owner. (Hughes)

Local Ordinances (Oppose)

SB 280 (Hutson) and HB 403 (Giallombardo) change the legal standards and processes used by courts to assess the validity of municipal ordinances and imposes new substantive requirements on municipalities for adopting and enforcing ordinances. First, the bills require a municipality to prepare a business impact statement before adopting an ordinance and specifies the minimum content that must be included in the statement. Emergency ordinances are exempt. The statement must be posted on the municipality's website concurrent with a publication of notice of the proposed ordinance. Second, the bills require a municipality to suspend enforcement of an ordinance ...

SB 280 (Hutson) and HB 403 (Giallombardo) change the legal standards and processes used by courts to assess the validity of municipal ordinances and imposes new substantive requirements on municipalities for adopting and enforcing ordinances. First, the bills require a municipality to prepare a business impact statement before adopting an ordinance and specifies the minimum content that must be included in the statement. Emergency ordinances are exempt. The statement must be posted on the municipality's website concurrent with a publication of notice of the proposed ordinance. Second, the bills require a municipality to suspend enforcement of an ordinance that is the subject of a civil action, including any appeals, challenging the ordinance's validity on the grounds that it is preempted by state law, is arbitrary or unreasonable, or is otherwise prohibited by law. This requirement applies only if: the action was filed within 20 days of the ordinance's effective date; suspension of the ordinance was requested in the complaint, and the municipality was served with a copy of the complaint. Third, the bills authorize the award of attorney fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff in a civil action commenced after October 1, 2022, in which the adoption or enforcement of an ordinance is alleged to be arbitrary or unreasonable or prohibited by law other than by express preemption (i.e., is impliedly preempted or is in conflict with state law). Ordinances adopted to implement Part II of Chapter 163 (comprehensive planning and land development regulation), section 553.73 (Building Code), or section 633.202 (Fire Code) are exempt from this provision. Fourth, the bill specifies factors a court must consider in determining whether an ordinance is arbitrary or unreasonable, including: the extent to which the ordinance protects public health, safety and welfare; the impact of the ordinance on the personal rights and privileges of municipal residents; the total economic impact of the ordinance; and the business impact statement prepared by the municipality. It requires courts to prioritize and expedite the disposition of cases in which enforcement of an ordinance is suspended. It authorizes the award of attorney fees and costs pursuant to section 57.112. The court prioritization and new legal standard do not apply to emergency ordinances, ordinances relating to comprehensive planning and land development regulations, ordinances implementing the Florida Building Code and ordinances implementing the Florida Fire Code. (O'Hara)

Municipal Water and Sewer Utility Rates (Oppose)

SB 886 (Jones) and HB 515 (Robinson, F.) require a municipal water or sewer utility that serves customers in another recipient municipality using infrastructure located in the recipient municipality to charge consumers in the recipient municipality the same rates, fees and charges as it does the consumers inside its own municipal boundaries. (O'Hara) ...

SB 886 (Jones) and HB 515 (Robinson, F.) require a municipal water or sewer utility that serves customers in another recipient municipality using infrastructure located in the recipient municipality to charge consumers in the recipient municipality the same rates, fees and charges as it does the consumers inside its own municipal boundaries. (O'Hara)

Preemption of Tree Pruning, Trimming and Removal (Support)

HB 6025 (Eskamani) and SB 316 (Stewart) repeal current law preempting specified local government regulations relating to tree pruning, trimming and removal on residential property. (O'Hara) ...

HB 6025 (Eskamani) and SB 316 (Stewart) repeal current law preempting specified local government regulations relating to tree pruning, trimming and removal on residential property. (O'Hara)

Regulation of Smoking by Counties and Municipalities (Support)

HB 105 (Fine) and SB 224 (Gruters) authorize cities and counties to restrict smoking within the boundaries of any public beach or park they own. The bills specify that municipalities can restrict smoking within the boundaries of a beach or park that is owned by the county but located within the city, as long as it does not conflict with any county ordinance. The Senate bill language prohibits smoking within state parks; the House bill does not contain this language. (Taggart) ...

HB 105 (Fine) and SB 224 (Gruters) authorize cities and counties to restrict smoking within the boundaries of any public beach or park they own. The bills specify that municipalities can restrict smoking within the boundaries of a beach or park that is owned by the county but located within the city, as long as it does not conflict with any county ordinance. The Senate bill language prohibits smoking within state parks; the House bill does not contain this language. (Taggart)

Residential Home Protection (Support)

SB 518 (Brodeur) amends current law provisions that prohibit local governments from requiring permits for the removal of "dangerous" trees on residential property. The bill clarifies what constitutes residential property and clarifies the level of assessment and type of documentation that must be provided by an arborist or landscape architect under the law. (O'Hara) ...

SB 518 (Brodeur) amends current law provisions that prohibit local governments from requiring permits for the removal of "dangerous" trees on residential property. The bill clarifies what constitutes residential property and clarifies the level of assessment and type of documentation that must be provided by an arborist or landscape architect under the law. (O'Hara)

Vacation Rentals (Watch)

SB 512 (Burgess) and HB 325 (Fischer)  ...

SB 512 (Burgess) and HB 325 (Fischer)  Impact on Local Governments The bills maintain the current preemption on local governments from adopting zoning ordinances specific to short-term rentals, as well as regulating the duration of stays and the frequency in which the properties are rented. The bills expand this preemption to include local regulations on advertising platforms. For cities that adopted ordinances prior to June 1, 2011, the bills maintain the "grandfather" currently in place but clarify that those cities may amend their ordinances to be less restrictive or to comply with a local registration program. For cities that do not have "grandfathered" protections, the bills preempt cities from licensing short-term rentals; however, they authorize local governments to have a local registration program.  Local governments who choose to adopt a local registration program may impose a fine for failure to register. The local government has 15 days after receiving an application for registration to either accept the application or issue a written notice specifying all deficiencies. Both parties may agree to extend the timeline. If a municipality does not accept or deny an application within that 15-day window, that application is deemed approved. As a condition of registration, the local registration programs may only require the owner or operator of a vacation rental to: •Pay a fee of no more than $50 for processing the registration application. •Renew their registration no more than once per year unless the property has a change in ownership.  •Submit identifying information about the owner or the property manager and the short-term rental being registered. •Obtain a license as a transient public lodging establishment by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) within 60 days of local registration. •Obtain all required tax registration, receipts or certificates issued by the Department of Revenue, a county or a municipal government.  •Maintain all registration information on a continuing basis so it is current. •Comply with parking and solid waste handling requirements. These requirements cannot be imposed solely on short-term rentals. •Designate and maintain a property designee who can respond to complaints and other immediate problems related to the property, including being available by phone. •Pay in full all municipal or county code liens against the property being registered.  Impact on Advertising Platforms and DBPR Advertising platforms must include in all listings the property's state license number, and if applicable, the local registration number. After July 1, 2023, the advertising platform will be required to check and verify the license number of all listings with DBPR. Additionally, by that date, DBPR will be required to maintain all short-term rental license information in an electronic format to ensure prompt compliance. Advertising platforms will be required to remove unlicensed listings within 15 days after notification by DBPR, as well as collect and remit all required taxes.  Termination/Denial of License DBPR may revoke, refuse to issue or renew a short-term rental license or suspend the license for up to 30 days under several circumstances: •The property owner violates the terms of any lease or applicable condominium, coop or homeowner's association restrictions.  •The owner fails to provide proof of local registration if one is required. •The local registration is terminated by a local government for violating any of the registration requirements described above. •The property and property owner are subject to a final order or judgment directing termination of the properties short-term rental status. •DBPR may also suspend the license for up to 30 days when the short-term rental has been cited for two or more code enforcement violations during a 90-day period. (Taggart)

Articles in this section: 9

02 - PREEMPTIONS

Traffic Infraction Detectors (Oppose – Preemption) 

HB 6029 (Sabatini) preempts cities, counties and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles from installing, maintaining or utilizing red light cameras effective July 1, 2025. (Branch) ...

HB 6029 (Sabatini) preempts cities, counties and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles from installing, maintaining or utilizing red light cameras effective July 1, 2025. (Branch)

Articles in this section: 1

03 - MANDATES

Critical Infrastructure (Oppose – Mandate)

SB 828 (Hutson) requires local governments who operate critical infrastructure to have those systems and controls comply with and meet operational standards as defined in the ISA/IED 62443 series of standards as determined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework by July 1, 2024. ISA/IED 62443 standards are an international series of standards for industrial communication networks and systems developed by the International Society of Automation. The bill also requires local governments who operate these systems to conduct an annual risk assessment and create a mitigation plan. Systems that fall under these requirements include, ...

SB 828 (Hutson) requires local governments who operate critical infrastructure to have those systems and controls comply with and meet operational standards as defined in the ISA/IED 62443 series of standards as determined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework by July 1, 2024. ISA/IED 62443 standards are an international series of standards for industrial communication networks and systems developed by the International Society of Automation. The bill also requires local governments who operate these systems to conduct an annual risk assessment and create a mitigation plan. Systems that fall under these requirements include, but are not limited to, public transportation, water and wastewater treatment facilities, public utilities, public services subject to jurisdiction by the Public Service Commission, and public buildings. By July 1, 2026, when local governments procure automation and control system components, services, or solutions, or when contracting for facility upgrades for critical infrastructure, the local government must require those new components or services to meet the ISA/IEC 62443 standards. Additionally, the bill specifies civil penalties for non-compliance if a local government does not make a good-faith effort to comply with these standards and an incident occurs. (Taggart)

Homestead Assessments Following a Change in Ownership (Oppose – Mandate) 

HB 283 (Duran) and SB 460 (Rodriguez) provide for an exception from assessment of homestead property at just value upon transfer of property if the property is transferred to a child or a grandchild of the deceased owner. (Hughes) ...

HB 283 (Duran) and SB 460 (Rodriguez) provide for an exception from assessment of homestead property at just value upon transfer of property if the property is transferred to a child or a grandchild of the deceased owner. (Hughes)

Articles in this section: 2

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Agreements with Professional Sports Teams (Watch)

HB 499 (Gregory) requires agreements between a governmental entity and a professional sports team or sporting event entered into after July 1, 2022, to include a requirement that the U.S. National Anthem be played at the beginning of each sporting event if the agreement includes a financial commitment from the governmental agency. The government that enters into the agreement would be responsible for enforcing this requirement. The bill also specifies penalties for the sports entity for failure to comply. (Taggart) ...

HB 499 (Gregory) requires agreements between a governmental entity and a professional sports team or sporting event entered into after July 1, 2022, to include a requirement that the U.S. National Anthem be played at the beginning of each sporting event if the agreement includes a financial commitment from the governmental agency. The government that enters into the agreement would be responsible for enforcing this requirement. The bill also specifies penalties for the sports entity for failure to comply. (Taggart)

Economic Development (Support)

SB 800 (Albritton) authorizes municipalities to exempt by ordinance the public service tax on electrical energy for qualified purchasers determined by the Department of Revenue (DOR). The bill also provides a sales tax exemption for building materials being used to revitalize real property located within an opportunity zone. The bill specifies that the sales tax exemption will be distributed in the form of a refund on previously paid taxes if the property owner, lessee, or lessor files an application with the local government that the opportunity zone is located in. The bill specifies the information that the applicant ...

SB 800 (Albritton) authorizes municipalities to exempt by ordinance the public service tax on electrical energy for qualified purchasers determined by the Department of Revenue (DOR). The bill also provides a sales tax exemption for building materials being used to revitalize real property located within an opportunity zone. The bill specifies that the sales tax exemption will be distributed in the form of a refund on previously paid taxes if the property owner, lessee, or lessor files an application with the local government that the opportunity zone is located in. The bill specifies the information that the applicant will be required to provide in their application to the local government and gives the local government 10 business days to certify the application for completeness and transmit it to DOR. The applicant is also required to forward the application to DOR. Applications for a sales tax refund must be submitted to DOR within six months of the real property being deemed "substantially completed" by the local building inspector. Applicants are limited to one application per property, and the amount must exceed $500. Additionally, the bill expands this tax exemption to include electrical energy being used by a business that operates in an opportunity zone for up to 50% of the tax imposed if the municipality chooses to adopt an ordinance. The bill also modifies some parameters of the Rural Job Tax Credit Program by removing the minimum number of employees and increasing the tax credit per employee from $1,000 to $2,500. The bill also creates the Rural Opportunity Tax Refund Program intended to provide tax relief for new, qualified targeted businesses that bring economic diversity and high-wage jobs to rural areas. In order for a qualified targeted business to receive this tax benefit, the municipality where the business will be located must adopt a resolution recommending the applicant be approved. (Taggart)

Florida Tourism Marketing (Support)

SB 434 (Hooper) and HB 489 (Chaney) delay the scheduled repeal of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation (Visit Florida) and the Division of Tourism Marketing of Enterprise Florida, Inc. SB 434 delays the repeal from 2023 to 2031, while HB 489 delays the repeal from 2023 to 2028. (Taggart) ...

SB 434 (Hooper) and HB 489 (Chaney) delay the scheduled repeal of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation (Visit Florida) and the Division of Tourism Marketing of Enterprise Florida, Inc. SB 434 delays the repeal from 2023 to 2031, while HB 489 delays the repeal from 2023 to 2028. (Taggart)

Other Bills of Interest

HB 202 (Farmer) – Small Business Website Development Grant Program ...

HB 202 (Farmer) – Small Business Website Development Grant Program HB 217 (Trabulsy) and SB 946 (Trabulsy)– Film, Television and Digital Media Rebate Program HB 247 (Salzman) – Florida Main Street Program and Historic Preservation Tax Credits HB 359 (Eskamani) – Agreement for Best Practices in Economic Development HB 6059 (Eskamani) – Confidentiality of Economic Development Agreement Information

Articles in this section: 4

ETHICS & ELECTIONS

Elections (Oppose)

SB 524 (Hutson) amends various provisions of the Florida Election Code. The bill prohibits the use of ranked-choice voting to determine election or nomination to elective office and voids existing or future local ordinances authorizing the use of ranked-choice voting. It removes the limitation on the amount of aggregate fines that may be assessed against a third-party voter registration organization and revises the candidate oath regarding outstanding fines, fees or penalties owed for certain ethics or campaign finance violations. The bill authorizes a supervisor of elections to designate up to two additional early voting sites per election. (O'Hara) ...

SB 524 (Hutson) amends various provisions of the Florida Election Code. The bill prohibits the use of ranked-choice voting to determine election or nomination to elective office and voids existing or future local ordinances authorizing the use of ranked-choice voting. It removes the limitation on the amount of aggregate fines that may be assessed against a third-party voter registration organization and revises the candidate oath regarding outstanding fines, fees or penalties owed for certain ethics or campaign finance violations. The bill authorizes a supervisor of elections to designate up to two additional early voting sites per election. (O'Hara)

Fiduciary Duty of Care for Appointed Public Officials and Executive Officers (Oppose)

SB 508 (Diaz) establishes standards of conduct and a mandatory five hours of training relating to the "fiduciary duty of care" for appointed local public officers and executive officers of local government entities. In addition, the bills impose restrictions on legal representation by government attorneys. The fiduciary duty and training requirements apply to appointed officials of various local boards and committees, including code enforcement boards, planning and zoning boards, land use boards and community redevelopment agency boards. The requirements do not apply to pension board members. The bill provides that each appointed public official and executive officer has ...

SB 508 (Diaz) establishes standards of conduct and a mandatory five hours of training relating to the "fiduciary duty of care" for appointed local public officers and executive officers of local government entities. In addition, the bills impose restrictions on legal representation by government attorneys. The fiduciary duty and training requirements apply to appointed officials of various local boards and committees, including code enforcement boards, planning and zoning boards, land use boards and community redevelopment agency boards. The requirements do not apply to pension board members. The bill provides that each appointed public official and executive officer has a fiduciary duty of care to the governmental entity served and has a duty to act in accordance with laws and terms governing the office or employment, act with the care and competence normally exercised by private business professionals, act only within the scope of authority and refrain from conduct likely to damage the economic interests of the governmental entity. Further, such persons must become reasonably informed in connection with any decision-making function and keep reasonably informed concerning the performance of a governmental entity's officers, agents and employees. The bill imposes training requirements on appointed public officers and executive officers that require completion of at least five hours of board governance training per term served. The bill specifies the minimum content of such training programs, including board governance best practices and fiduciary duty of care and liabilities imposed by the new law. The bill provides that all legal counsel employed by a governmental entity must represent the legal interest and position of the governing body of the governmental entity and not the interest of any individual or employee of the governmental entity. (O'Hara)

Financial Disclosures for Elected Local Officers (Oppose)

HB 301 (Roach) and SB 510 (Brodeur) require all municipal elected officials and all municipal managers to file an annual full disclosure of financial interests (Form 6) with the Florida Commission on Ethics. These individuals are currently required to file only a Limited Disclosure of Financial Interests (Form 1). (O'Hara) ...

HB 301 (Roach) and SB 510 (Brodeur) require all municipal elected officials and all municipal managers to file an annual full disclosure of financial interests (Form 6) with the Florida Commission on Ethics. These individuals are currently required to file only a Limited Disclosure of Financial Interests (Form 1). (O'Hara)

Prohibition of Public Funds for Lobbying (Oppose)

HB 501 (Gregory) prohibits local governments and school districts from using public funds to retain a lobbyist for purposes of lobbying the state legislative or executive branch. The bill prohibits lobbyists from accepting public funds for such purposes. Full-time employees of the local government or school district are excluded from the prohibition. The bill prohibits a not-for-profit organization that accepts public funds from the state specialty license plate program from retaining a lobbyist to represent the organization before the state executive or legislative branch. The bill specifies penalties for violations and authorizes any Florida resident to bring a ...

HB 501 (Gregory) prohibits local governments and school districts from using public funds to retain a lobbyist for purposes of lobbying the state legislative or executive branch. The bill prohibits lobbyists from accepting public funds for such purposes. Full-time employees of the local government or school district are excluded from the prohibition. The bill prohibits a not-for-profit organization that accepts public funds from the state specialty license plate program from retaining a lobbyist to represent the organization before the state executive or legislative branch. The bill specifies penalties for violations and authorizes any Florida resident to bring a civil action for injunctive relief to enforce the bill's provisions. Persons prevailing in such civil actions are entitled to recover attorney fees and costs. The bill authorizes any Florida resident to file a complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics for alleged violations. (O'Hara)

Articles in this section: 4

FINANCE & TAXATION

Abatement of Taxes for Residential Dwellings Rendered Uninhabitable by Catastrophic Event (Watch)

HB 71 (Woodson) and SB 568 (Polsky) create an abatement of property taxes for residential dwellings that are uninhabitable due to a catastrophic event. If a residential dwelling is rendered uninhabitable for at least 30 days due to a catastrophic event, taxes originally levied for the tax year in which the catastrophic event occurred may be abated if certain conditions are met. The bills require the tax collector to notify each affected local government of the reduction of property taxes due to this bill. This change would apply retroactively to January 1, 2021. (Hughes) ...

HB 71 (Woodson) and SB 568 (Polsky) create an abatement of property taxes for residential dwellings that are uninhabitable due to a catastrophic event. If a residential dwelling is rendered uninhabitable for at least 30 days due to a catastrophic event, taxes originally levied for the tax year in which the catastrophic event occurred may be abated if certain conditions are met. The bills require the tax collector to notify each affected local government of the reduction of property taxes due to this bill. This change would apply retroactively to January 1, 2021. (Hughes)

Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Nonprofit Homes for the Aged (Watch)

SB 362 (Rodriguez) and HB 401 (Smith) expand options that would allow a nonprofit home for the aged to qualify for an exemption from ad valorem taxation. (Hughes) ...

SB 362 (Rodriguez) and HB 401 (Smith) expand options that would allow a nonprofit home for the aged to qualify for an exemption from ad valorem taxation. (Hughes)

Financial Disclosures for Elected Local Officers (Oppose)

HB 301 (Roach) and SB 510 (Brodeur) require all municipal elected officials and all municipal managers to file an annual full disclosure of financial interests (Form 6) with the Florida Commission on Ethics. These individuals are currently required to file only a Limited Disclosure of Financial Interests (Form 1). (Hughes) ...

HB 301 (Roach) and SB 510 (Brodeur) require all municipal elected officials and all municipal managers to file an annual full disclosure of financial interests (Form 6) with the Florida Commission on Ethics. These individuals are currently required to file only a Limited Disclosure of Financial Interests (Form 1). (Hughes)

Homestead Assessments Following a Change in Ownership (Oppose – Mandate) 

HB 283 (Duran) and SB 460 (Rodriguez) provide for an exception from assessment of homestead property at just value upon transfer of property if the property is transferred to a child or a grandchild of the deceased owner. (Hughes) ...

HB 283 (Duran) and SB 460 (Rodriguez) provide for an exception from assessment of homestead property at just value upon transfer of property if the property is transferred to a child or a grandchild of the deceased owner. (Hughes)

Property Appraisers (Watch)

HB 417 (Fernandez-Barquin) and SB 572 (Garcia) revise factors that a property appraiser must consider in deriving just valuation for a property. For example, the property appraiser may not consider the highest and best use if the necessary zoning changes, concurrency requirement or permits to achieve the highest and best use are not in place on January 1 of the assessment year. (Hughes) ...

HB 417 (Fernandez-Barquin) and SB 572 (Garcia) revise factors that a property appraiser must consider in deriving just valuation for a property. For example, the property appraiser may not consider the highest and best use if the necessary zoning changes, concurrency requirement or permits to achieve the highest and best use are not in place on January 1 of the assessment year. (Hughes)

Property Tax Exemptions (Watch)

HB 13 (Gottlieb) and SB 154 (Rodriguez) increase the property tax exemption from $500 to $5,000 for homesteaded residents who are widows, widowers, blind or totally and permanently disabled. (Hughes) ...

HB 13 (Gottlieb) and SB 154 (Rodriguez) increase the property tax exemption from $500 to $5,000 for homesteaded residents who are widows, widowers, blind or totally and permanently disabled. (Hughes)

Taxation of Property Used for Agriculture (Watch)

HB 149 (Tuck) and SB 404 (Rodriguez) specify the methodology for the assessment of the structures and equipment used in aquaculture. The bills allow the property owner to request removal of its agriculture classification if the tax assessed based on such methodology exceeds the tax assessed based on the value of the structures and equipment. (Hughes) ...

HB 149 (Tuck) and SB 404 (Rodriguez) specify the methodology for the assessment of the structures and equipment used in aquaculture. The bills allow the property owner to request removal of its agriculture classification if the tax assessed based on such methodology exceeds the tax assessed based on the value of the structures and equipment. (Hughes)

Other Bills of Interest

HB 85 (Eskamani) and SB 246 (Book) – Tax Exemption for Diapers and Incontinence Products ...

HB 85 (Eskamani) and SB 246 (Book) – Tax Exemption for Diapers and Incontinence Products HB 201 (Daley) and SB 356 (Jones) – Sales Tax Holiday for ENERGY STAR & WaterSense Products SB 234 (Jones) and HB 613 (Robinson, F.) – Working Floridians Tax Rebate Program HB 439 (Smith, C) and SB 712 (Taddeo) – Small Business Saturday Sales Tax Holiday  HB 509 (Yarborough) and SB 830 (Hooper) – Sales Tax on Mobile Homes SB 808 (Gruters) – Sales Tax Holiday for Disaster Preparedness Supplies HB 6051 (Overdorf) and SB 786 (Hutson) – Aircraft Sales and Lease Tax HB 6075 (Eskamani) – Tourist Development Taxes

Articles in this section: 8

GENERAL GOVERNMENT

Local Ordinances (Oppose)

SB 280 (Hutson) and HB 403 (Giallombardo) change the legal standards and processes used by courts to assess the validity of municipal ordinances and imposes new substantive requirements on municipalities for adopting and enforcing ordinances. First, the bills require a municipality to prepare a business impact statement before adopting an ordinance and specifies the minimum content that must be included in the statement. Emergency ordinances are exempt. The statement must be posted on the municipality's website concurrent with a publication of notice of the proposed ordinance. Second, the bills require a municipality to suspend enforcement of an ordinance ...

SB 280 (Hutson) and HB 403 (Giallombardo) change the legal standards and processes used by courts to assess the validity of municipal ordinances and imposes new substantive requirements on municipalities for adopting and enforcing ordinances. First, the bills require a municipality to prepare a business impact statement before adopting an ordinance and specifies the minimum content that must be included in the statement. Emergency ordinances are exempt. The statement must be posted on the municipality's website concurrent with a publication of notice of the proposed ordinance. Second, the bills require a municipality to suspend enforcement of an ordinance that is the subject of a civil action, including any appeals, challenging the ordinance's validity on the grounds that it is preempted by state law, is arbitrary or unreasonable, or is otherwise prohibited by law. This requirement applies only if: the action was filed within 20 days of the ordinance's effective date; suspension of the ordinance was requested in the complaint, and the municipality was served with a copy of the complaint. Third, the bills authorize the award of attorney fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff in a civil action commenced after October 1, 2022, in which the adoption or enforcement of an ordinance is alleged to be arbitrary or unreasonable or prohibited by law other than by express preemption (i.e., is impliedly preempted or is in conflict with state law). Ordinances adopted to implement Part II of Chapter 163 (comprehensive planning and land development regulation), section 553.73 (Building Code), or section 633.202 (Fire Code) are exempt from this provision. Fourth, the bill specifies factors a court must consider in determining whether an ordinance is arbitrary or unreasonable, including: the extent to which the ordinance protects public health, safety and welfare; the impact of the ordinance on the personal rights and privileges of municipal residents; the total economic impact of the ordinance; and the business impact statement prepared by the municipality. It requires courts to prioritize and expedite the disposition of cases in which enforcement of an ordinance is suspended. It authorizes the award of attorney fees and costs pursuant to section 57.112. The court prioritization and new legal standard do not apply to emergency ordinances, ordinances relating to comprehensive planning and land development regulations, ordinances implementing the Florida Building Code and ordinances implementing the Florida Fire Code. (O'Hara)

Business Damages Against Local Government (Oppose)

SB 620 (Hutson) and HB 569 (McClure) require compensation for business damages caused by local government ordinances or charter provisions. A business that has been engaged in a lawful business in Florida for at least three years may claim business damages from a local government if the government enacts or amends an ordinance or charter provision that will cause a reduction of at least 15% of the business' revenue or profit. A local government is not liable for business damages caused by: ordinances required to comply with state or federal law; emergency ordinances, declarations or orders adopted pursuant ...

SB 620 (Hutson) and HB 569 (McClure) require compensation for business damages caused by local government ordinances or charter provisions. A business that has been engaged in a lawful business in Florida for at least three years may claim business damages from a local government if the government enacts or amends an ordinance or charter provision that will cause a reduction of at least 15% of the business' revenue or profit. A local government is not liable for business damages caused by: ordinances required to comply with state or federal law; emergency ordinances, declarations or orders adopted pursuant to the state Emergency Management Act; a temporary emergency ordinance which remains in effect for no more than 90 days; ordinances that "increase economic freedom." The bills specify procedures and methodologies for a business to recover business damages, attorney fees and costs against a local government. The bills' provisions are nearly identical to the business damage procedures set forth in Florida's eminent domain statute. (O'Hara)

Supermajority Vote for Legislative Preemption (Support)

SB 152 (Farmer) proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution that would require any general law that preempts a subject of legislation to the state to pass by a two-thirds vote of each house of the Legislature. (O'Hara) ...

SB 152 (Farmer) proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution that would require any general law that preempts a subject of legislation to the state to pass by a two-thirds vote of each house of the Legislature. (O'Hara)

Articles in this section: 3

LAND USE & COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING

Marketable Record Titles to Real Property (Watch) 

HB 219 (Tuck) revises rights that are not affected or extinguished by marketable record titles and requires persons with certain interests in land that may be extinguished by this act to file a specified notice to preserve their interests. (Cruz) ...

HB 219 (Tuck) revises rights that are not affected or extinguished by marketable record titles and requires persons with certain interests in land that may be extinguished by this act to file a specified notice to preserve their interests. (Cruz)

Photovoltaic Solar Installations (Oppose)

HB 259 (Roth) prohibits counties and municipalities from preventing construction or placement of photovoltaic solar installation on existing permitted structures from being considered accessory uses to those structures. The bill also requires a broker to provide written disclosures regarding photovoltaic solar installations before selling residential real estate. (Cruz) ...

HB 259 (Roth) prohibits counties and municipalities from preventing construction or placement of photovoltaic solar installation on existing permitted structures from being considered accessory uses to those structures. The bill also requires a broker to provide written disclosures regarding photovoltaic solar installations before selling residential real estate. (Cruz)

School Concurrency (Watch) 

SB 706 (Perry) requires instead of encourages local governments that adopt school concurrency to apply such concurrency to development on a districtwide basis so that a concurrency determination for a specific development will be based upon the availability of school capacity districtwide. The bill specifies that proportionate-share mitigation must be set aside and not spent if an improvement has not been identified. (Cruz) ...

SB 706 (Perry) requires instead of encourages local governments that adopt school concurrency to apply such concurrency to development on a districtwide basis so that a concurrency determination for a specific development will be based upon the availability of school capacity districtwide. The bill specifies that proportionate-share mitigation must be set aside and not spent if an improvement has not been identified. (Cruz)

Articles in this section: 3

OTHER

Acceptance of Cash Payments by Businesses (Watch)

HB 233 (Willhite) and SB 408 (Jones) require businesses to accept cash payments for any good or service if the customer is physically present at the place of business. The bills exempt transactions above $5,000. Of interest to local governments, the bills exempt parking facilities owned by a municipality regardless of who operates the parking facility. (Taggart) ...

HB 233 (Willhite) and SB 408 (Jones) require businesses to accept cash payments for any good or service if the customer is physically present at the place of business. The bills exempt transactions above $5,000. Of interest to local governments, the bills exempt parking facilities owned by a municipality regardless of who operates the parking facility. (Taggart)

Communicable and Infectious Diseases (Watch)

HB 117 (Fetterhoff) and SB 774 (Gruters) add COVID-19 and infectious diseases to the list of conditions that, if suffered by an emergency rescue or public safety worker, are presumed to have been contracted while at work for purposes of workers' compensation. Unlike similar presumptions in current law for hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis and tuberculosis, the bills do not require the public safety worker or emergency rescue worker to receive immunization against COVID-19 in order to receive the presumptive eligibility provisions afforded by workers' compensation coverage. (Cruz) ...

HB 117 (Fetterhoff) and SB 774 (Gruters) add COVID-19 and infectious diseases to the list of conditions that, if suffered by an emergency rescue or public safety worker, are presumed to have been contracted while at work for purposes of workers' compensation. Unlike similar presumptions in current law for hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis and tuberculosis, the bills do not require the public safety worker or emergency rescue worker to receive immunization against COVID-19 in order to receive the presumptive eligibility provisions afforded by workers' compensation coverage. (Cruz)

Criminal Justice (Support)

SB 450 (Jones) repeals the process allowing specified elected officials to appeal a municipal law enforcement operating budget that contains a funding reduction. (Hughes) ...

SB 450 (Jones) repeals the process allowing specified elected officials to appeal a municipal law enforcement operating budget that contains a funding reduction. (Hughes)

Critical Infrastructure (Oppose – Mandate)

SB 828 (Hutson) requires local governments who operate critical infrastructure to have those systems and controls comply with and meet operational standards as defined in the ISA/IED 62443 series of standards as determined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework by July 1, 2024. ISA/IED 62443 standards are an international series of standards for industrial communication networks and systems developed by the International Society of Automation. The bill also requires local governments who operate these systems to conduct an annual risk assessment and create a mitigation plan. Systems that fall under these requirements include, ...

SB 828 (Hutson) requires local governments who operate critical infrastructure to have those systems and controls comply with and meet operational standards as defined in the ISA/IED 62443 series of standards as determined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework by July 1, 2024. ISA/IED 62443 standards are an international series of standards for industrial communication networks and systems developed by the International Society of Automation. The bill also requires local governments who operate these systems to conduct an annual risk assessment and create a mitigation plan. Systems that fall under these requirements include, but are not limited to, public transportation, water and wastewater treatment facilities, public utilities, public services subject to jurisdiction by the Public Service Commission, and public buildings. By July 1, 2026, when local governments procure automation and control system components, services, or solutions, or when contracting for facility upgrades for critical infrastructure, the local government must require those new components or services to meet the ISA/IEC 62443 standards. Additionally, the bill specifies civil penalties for non-compliance if a local government does not make a good-faith effort to comply with these standards and an incident occurs. (Taggart)

Emergency Orders Prohibiting Religious Services or Activities (Watch)

HB 215 (DiCeglie) and SB 254 (Brodeur) provide that an emergency order may not expressly prohibit a religious institution from regular religious services or activities. (Branch) ...

HB 215 (DiCeglie) and SB 254 (Brodeur) provide that an emergency order may not expressly prohibit a religious institution from regular religious services or activities. (Branch)

First Responder’s Employment-related Accidents and Injuries (Watch)

HB 49 (Bartleman) and SB 200 (Rodriguez) expand the eligibility for first responder post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) workers' compensation benefits to also include certain correctional officers, 911 public safety telecommunicators, and all volunteer law enforcement officers and firefighters. Current law only covers law enforcement officers and firefighters. The bills require the employing agency to provide at least one hour of educational training related to mental health awareness, prevention, mitigation and treatment annually. (Cruz) ...

HB 49 (Bartleman) and SB 200 (Rodriguez) expand the eligibility for first responder post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) workers' compensation benefits to also include certain correctional officers, 911 public safety telecommunicators, and all volunteer law enforcement officers and firefighters. Current law only covers law enforcement officers and firefighters. The bills require the employing agency to provide at least one hour of educational training related to mental health awareness, prevention, mitigation and treatment annually. (Cruz)

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Workers' Compensation for Law Enforcement, Correctional and Correctional Probation Officers (Watch)

HB 425 (Fischer) and SB 664 (Bradley) expand workers' compensation coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for first responders to also include correctional officers, part-time correctional officers, part-time law enforcement officers and auxiliary law enforcement officers. PTSD is an occupational disease compensable by workers' compensation benefits. In order to receive benefits under this bill, the post-traumatic stress disorder must be demonstrated by clear and convincing medical evidence. (Cruz) ...

HB 425 (Fischer) and SB 664 (Bradley) expand workers' compensation coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for first responders to also include correctional officers, part-time correctional officers, part-time law enforcement officers and auxiliary law enforcement officers. PTSD is an occupational disease compensable by workers' compensation benefits. In order to receive benefits under this bill, the post-traumatic stress disorder must be demonstrated by clear and convincing medical evidence. (Cruz)

Retail Sale of Domestic Dogs and Cats (Watch)

HB 253 (Killebrew) prohibits a for-profit business from selling domestic cats and dogs. The bill does not prohibit a city or county from adopting an ordinance on the sale of animals that is more stringent than the bill. (Taggart) ...

HB 253 (Killebrew) prohibits a for-profit business from selling domestic cats and dogs. The bill does not prohibit a city or county from adopting an ordinance on the sale of animals that is more stringent than the bill. (Taggart)

Other Bills of Interest

HB 295 (Fernandez-Barquin) – Workers’ Compensation Coverage by Employee Leasing Companies ...

HB 295 (Fernandez-Barquin) – Workers’ Compensation Coverage by Employee Leasing Companies HB 335 (Fabricio)  HB 353 (Fabricio)– Satisfaction of Mortgages HB 431 (Barnaby) – Office of Financial Regulation HB 471 (Roth) – Town of Lake Clarke Shores, Palm Beach County SB 468 (Perry) HB 503 (Gregory) – Insurance  SB 610 (Brandes) – COVID-19 Related Claims Against Health Care Providers HB 2239 (Smith, D.) – UCF-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic for Florida Veterans and First Responders HB 429 (Goff-Marcil) and SB 532 (Stewart) – Private Schools SB 178 (Pizzo) and HB 285 (Benjamin) – Visiting County and Municipal Detention Facilities SB 162, SB 164, & SB 326 (Brandes) and HB 333 (Williamson)– Physicians Certifications for the Medical Use of Marijuana HB 467 (Hinson), HB 549 (Omphroy), HB 551 (Omphroy), and SB 776 (Brandes) – Legalization of Recreational Marijuana SB 556 (Cruz) – Medical Marijuana Identification Cards for Service-disabled Veterans SB 704 (Harrell) and HB 479 (Caruso) – Substance Abuse Service Providers SB 714 (Hooper) – Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Articles in this section: 9

PERSONNEL

Fire Investigator Cancer Treatment Benefits (Watch)

HB 557 (Salzman) and SB 838 (Wright) expand the eligibility for certain cancer treatment benefits to include full-time, Florida-certified fire investigators. (Hughes) ...

HB 557 (Salzman) and SB 838 (Wright) expand the eligibility for certain cancer treatment benefits to include full-time, Florida-certified fire investigators. (Hughes)

Firefighter Inquiries and Investigations (Watch)

SB 264 (Hooper) and HB 31 (Busatta Cabrera) extend certain provisions of the Firefighters' Bill of Rights to questioning conducted under an informal inquiry. The bills specify that an informal inquiry does not include routine work-related discussions, such as safety sessions or normal operational fire debriefings. The bills require an informal inquiry of a firefighter to be of reasonable duration with permitted periods for rest and personnel necessities and not subject the firefighter to offensive language or offer any incentive as an inducement to answer any questions. During an informal inquiry or interrogation, a firefighter may not be ...

SB 264 (Hooper) and HB 31 (Busatta Cabrera) extend certain provisions of the Firefighters' Bill of Rights to questioning conducted under an informal inquiry. The bills specify that an informal inquiry does not include routine work-related discussions, such as safety sessions or normal operational fire debriefings. The bills require an informal inquiry of a firefighter to be of reasonable duration with permitted periods for rest and personnel necessities and not subject the firefighter to offensive language or offer any incentive as an inducement to answer any questions. During an informal inquiry or interrogation, a firefighter may not be threatened with a transfer, suspension, dismissal or other disciplinary action. (Hughes)

Racial and Sexual Discrimination (Watch)

HB 57 (Fine) and SB 242 (Gruters) prohibit municipalities, and other governmental entities, from including in any mandatory employee training "divisive concepts" as defined by the bills. ...

HB 57 (Fine) and SB 242 (Gruters) prohibit municipalities, and other governmental entities, from including in any mandatory employee training "divisive concepts" as defined by the bills. The bills also require that each municipality ensure that all diversity and inclusion efforts encourage employees not to judge each other on color, race, ethnicity, sex or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. (Hughes)

Service as a Law Enforcement Officer (Watch)

HB 139 (Fabricio) and SB 266 (Diaz) revise the definition of "law enforcement officer" to specify that time spent on certain activities, such as portal-portal travel in an agency-issued vehicle, is a part of service as a law enforcement officer. (Hughes) ...

HB 139 (Fabricio) and SB 266 (Diaz) revise the definition of "law enforcement officer" to specify that time spent on certain activities, such as portal-portal travel in an agency-issued vehicle, is a part of service as a law enforcement officer. (Hughes)

Wage and Employment Benefits (Support)

SB 446 (Taddeo) and HB 6047 (Smith, C.) repeal the preemption on political subdivisions' ability to establish a minimum wage other than the state or federal minimum wage. (Hughes) ...

SB 446 (Taddeo) and HB 6047 (Smith, C.) repeal the preemption on political subdivisions' ability to establish a minimum wage other than the state or federal minimum wage. (Hughes)

Other Bills of Interest

HB 293 (Thompson) and SB 322 (Stewart) – Discrimination in Labor and Employment  ...

HB 293 (Thompson) and SB 322 (Stewart) – Discrimination in Labor and Employment  SB 376 (Book) and HB 291 (Woodson) – Employment Protections SB 382 (Brandes) – Minimum Wage Training SB 550 (Cruz) – Unlawful Employment Practices SB 720 (Ausley) – The Florida Retirement System  SB 688 (Cruz), SB 656 (Nixon) and HB 627 (Nixon) – Employment Practices for Family Medical Leave SB 656 (Cruz) – Family and Medical Leave Insurance Benefits Fund

Articles in this section: 6

PUBLIC RECORDS & PUBLIC MEETINGS

OGSR/Campus Emergency Response (Support)

SB 7006 (Education) saves from repeal the public records exemption relating to any portion of a campus emergency response held by a public postsecondary institution, a state or local law enforcement agency, a county or municipal emergency management agency, the Executive Office of the Governor, the Department of Education, the Board of Governors of the State University System, or the Division of Emergency Management, as well as that portion of a public meeting which would reveal information related to a campus emergency response. (Taggart) ...

SB 7006 (Education) saves from repeal the public records exemption relating to any portion of a campus emergency response held by a public postsecondary institution, a state or local law enforcement agency, a county or municipal emergency management agency, the Executive Office of the Governor, the Department of Education, the Board of Governors of the State University System, or the Division of Emergency Management, as well as that portion of a public meeting which would reveal information related to a campus emergency response. (Taggart)

Public Meetings During Declared States of Emergency (Support) 

SB 674 (Cruz) suspends the physical quorum requirement for local governmental bodies during a declared state of emergency. The bill would allow meetings of any board or commission to be held via telephone, real-time videoconferencing or similar real-time electronic or video communication for no more than six months from the start of the declared state of emergency, unless extended by the governor by executive order. (Taggart) ...

SB 674 (Cruz) suspends the physical quorum requirement for local governmental bodies during a declared state of emergency. The bill would allow meetings of any board or commission to be held via telephone, real-time videoconferencing or similar real-time electronic or video communication for no more than six months from the start of the declared state of emergency, unless extended by the governor by executive order. (Taggart)

Public Records Exemption for Animal Adoption (Watch)

HB 307 (Hawkins) and SB 716 (Bradley) provide a public records exemption for the personal information of individuals who adopt an animal from an animal shelter or animal control agency operated by a local government. (Taggart) ...

HB 307 (Hawkins) and SB 716 (Bradley) provide a public records exemption for the personal information of individuals who adopt an animal from an animal shelter or animal control agency operated by a local government. (Taggart)

Articles in this section: 3

PUBLIC SAFETY

Authorization of Restrictions Concerning Dangerous Dogs (Watch)

SB 614 (Garcia) authorizes certain housing authorities to adopt ordinances, rules or policies relating to dangerous dogs. The bill removes an exemption for local ordinances adopted before a specified date that pertain to dogs that have bitten or attacked persons or domestic animals. (Branch) ...

SB 614 (Garcia) authorizes certain housing authorities to adopt ordinances, rules or policies relating to dangerous dogs. The bill removes an exemption for local ordinances adopted before a specified date that pertain to dogs that have bitten or attacked persons or domestic animals. (Branch)

Boating Safety (Watch)

HB 493 (Botana) and SB 606 (Garcia) create additional safety provisions and requirements for boat liveries or privately owned boat rental companies. Of importance to local governments, the bills require livery owners to notify local law enforcement if a vessel is unnecessarily overdue more than one hour after the contracted time. Additionally, the bills appropriate funding for the creation of an Illegal Boating Strike Team for the purposes of increasing intergovernmental coordination while addressing illegal boating activity. (Taggart) ...

HB 493 (Botana) and SB 606 (Garcia) create additional safety provisions and requirements for boat liveries or privately owned boat rental companies. Of importance to local governments, the bills require livery owners to notify local law enforcement if a vessel is unnecessarily overdue more than one hour after the contracted time. Additionally, the bills appropriate funding for the creation of an Illegal Boating Strike Team for the purposes of increasing intergovernmental coordination while addressing illegal boating activity. (Taggart)

Care for Retired Law Enforcement Dogs (Support)

SB 226 (Powell) and HB 25 (Killebrew) create the Care for Retired Law Enforcement Dog Program within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The bills require that the FDLE contract with a nonprofit corporation to administer and manage the program. (Taggart) ...

SB 226 (Powell) and HB 25 (Killebrew) create the Care for Retired Law Enforcement Dog Program within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The bills require that the FDLE contract with a nonprofit corporation to administer and manage the program. (Taggart)

Drug-Related Overdose Prevention (Watch)

SB 544 (Boyd) requires EMS providers to electronically report suspected or actual controlled substance overdoses using the Emergency Medical Service Tracking and Reporting System or other program as identified by department rule. Current law allows for optional reporting. (Taggart)  ...

SB 544 (Boyd) requires EMS providers to electronically report suspected or actual controlled substance overdoses using the Emergency Medical Service Tracking and Reporting System or other program as identified by department rule. Current law allows for optional reporting. (Taggart)

First Responder Roadway Safety (Watch)

HB 127 (Slosberg) prohibits the use of handheld wireless devices while operating a motor vehicle where first responders are actively working. This bill does provide several exceptions, such as first responders performing in their official capacity or drivers accessing safety-related information, including emergency, traffic or weather alerts. (Branch) ...

HB 127 (Slosberg) prohibits the use of handheld wireless devices while operating a motor vehicle where first responders are actively working. This bill does provide several exceptions, such as first responders performing in their official capacity or drivers accessing safety-related information, including emergency, traffic or weather alerts. (Branch)

Florida Hometown Hero Housing Program (Watch)

SB 788 (Hooper) creates the Florida Hometown Hero Housing Program for the purpose of assisting frontline emergency workers, certain medical and health care personnel and educators in purchasing a home as their primary residence. (Branch) ...

SB 788 (Hooper) creates the Florida Hometown Hero Housing Program for the purpose of assisting frontline emergency workers, certain medical and health care personnel and educators in purchasing a home as their primary residence. (Branch)

Human Trafficking Public Awareness Signs (Watch) 

SB 652 (Cruz) requires the employer of each athletic venue, entertainment venue and convention center capable of accommodating 5,000 persons or more to display a human trafficking public awareness sign. (Taggart) ...

SB 652 (Cruz) requires the employer of each athletic venue, entertainment venue and convention center capable of accommodating 5,000 persons or more to display a human trafficking public awareness sign. (Taggart)

Impeding, Provoking or Harassing Law Enforcement Officers (Watch)

HB 11 (Rizo) prohibits a person from approaching a law enforcement officer after receiving a warning with intent to impede, provoke or harass. (Taggart) ...

HB 11 (Rizo) prohibits a person from approaching a law enforcement officer after receiving a warning with intent to impede, provoke or harass. (Taggart)

Limiting COVID-19 Restrictions (Oppose)

HB 75 (Sabatini) prohibits the state or any political subdivision from enacting a mask mandate. The bill also prohibits local governments from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, issuing vaccine passports or other standardized documentation to third parties. The bill further prohibits businesses from requiring customers to provide documentation of vaccination to gain entry or service from the business. (Branch) ...

HB 75 (Sabatini) prohibits the state or any political subdivision from enacting a mask mandate. The bill also prohibits local governments from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, issuing vaccine passports or other standardized documentation to third parties. The bill further prohibits businesses from requiring customers to provide documentation of vaccination to gain entry or service from the business. (Branch)

Offenses Against Firefighters (Support)

SB 370 (Hooper) and HB 351 (Duggan) add service as a firefighter as grounds for increased criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses. (Taggart) ...

SB 370 (Hooper) and HB 351 (Duggan) add service as a firefighter as grounds for increased criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses. (Taggart)

Photographic Enforcement of School Zone Speed Limits (Watch)

HB 189 (Duran) and SB 410 (Rodriguez) authorize a county or municipality to contract with a vendor to install cameras in school speed zones to enforce speed limits. Within the first 30 days after such a camera or cameras are installed in a school speed zone, a motor vehicle operator found to have violated the speed limit will be issued a warning and will not be liable for the civil penalty. (Branch) ...

HB 189 (Duran) and SB 410 (Rodriguez) authorize a county or municipality to contract with a vendor to install cameras in school speed zones to enforce speed limits. Within the first 30 days after such a camera or cameras are installed in a school speed zone, a motor vehicle operator found to have violated the speed limit will be issued a warning and will not be liable for the civil penalty. (Branch)

Repeal Preemption of Firearms and Ammunition (Support)

SB 496 (Taddeo) and HB 6049 (Daley) repeal the current statutory preemption prohibiting cities and counties from regulating firearms and ammunition. (Taggart) ...

SB 496 (Taddeo) and HB 6049 (Daley) repeal the current statutory preemption prohibiting cities and counties from regulating firearms and ammunition. (Taggart)

School Safety (Watch)

SB 802 (Gruters) requires the Department of Education to work with local emergency management and law enforcement personnel to create a model reunification plan for use by child care facilities, K-12 schools and public postsecondary educational institutions for schools that are unexpectedly evacuated due to a disaster. Each school district will be required to adopt a district-specific plan by working with local law enforcement. The model plan will be required to be reviewed annually. The bill also requires law enforcement officers responsible for responding to specific schools in the event of an active assailant emergency to be physically ...

SB 802 (Gruters) requires the Department of Education to work with local emergency management and law enforcement personnel to create a model reunification plan for use by child care facilities, K-12 schools and public postsecondary educational institutions for schools that are unexpectedly evacuated due to a disaster. Each school district will be required to adopt a district-specific plan by working with local law enforcement. The model plan will be required to be reviewed annually. The bill also requires law enforcement officers responsible for responding to specific schools in the event of an active assailant emergency to be physically present on campus during the execution of active assailant emergency drills. The bill also directs the Department of Education to consult with local constituencies to establish minimum drill policies relating to the timing, frequency, participation, training, notification, accommodations and responses to threat situations by incident type, as well as to school level and characteristics. The bill specifies that these drills be conducted at least annually. (Taggart)

Telecommunicator Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Watch)

SB 890 (Burgess) and HB 593 (Trabulsy) require an employee of a public safety agency who answers emergency medical service calls to provide direct telephonic assistance in administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation or transfer calls to a dedicated telephone line, call center or other public safety agency with which the transferring public safety agency has a reciprocal agreement. The bills also require all 911 public safety telecommunicators who take telephone calls and provide dispatch functions for emergency medical conditions to complete telecommunicator cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and continuing education as deemed appropriate by the Department of Health. (Taggart) ...

SB 890 (Burgess) and HB 593 (Trabulsy) require an employee of a public safety agency who answers emergency medical service calls to provide direct telephonic assistance in administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation or transfer calls to a dedicated telephone line, call center or other public safety agency with which the transferring public safety agency has a reciprocal agreement. The bills also require all 911 public safety telecommunicators who take telephone calls and provide dispatch functions for emergency medical conditions to complete telecommunicator cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and continuing education as deemed appropriate by the Department of Health. (Taggart)

Traffic Infraction Detectors (Oppose – Preemption) 

HB 6029 (Sabatini) preempts cities, counties and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles from installing, maintaining or utilizing red light cameras effective July 1, 2025. (Branch) ...

HB 6029 (Sabatini) preempts cities, counties and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles from installing, maintaining or utilizing red light cameras effective July 1, 2025. (Branch)

Other Bills of Interest

HB 179 (Altman) and SB 702 (Burgess) – Photographic Enforcement of School Bus Safety ...

HB 179 (Altman) and SB 702 (Burgess) – Photographic Enforcement of School Bus Safety HB 6009 (Sabatini), HB 6069 (Shoaf) and SB 734 (Gruters) – Vaccinations During Public Health Emergencies HB 297 (Aloupis) and SB 476 (Book) – Aggressive Careless Driving HB 19 (Gottlieb) and SB 402 (Polsky) – Firearm Restrictions Pursuant to Court Findings or Risk Protection Orders HB 73 (Rayner) and SB 888 (Jones) – Use or Threatened Use of Force HB 83 (Eskamani) and SB 372 (Berman) – Domestic Violence HB 103 (Sabatini) – Carrying of Firearms Without a License HB 109 (McCurdy) – Prohibiting Deception in Interrogations of Minors HB 133 (Sabatini) – Prohibiting Cooperation with a United States Capitol Police Officer Located in this State HB 181 (Daley) and SB 334 (Polsky) – Sales of Ammunition HB 199 (Smith, C.) and SB 214 (Farmer) – Assault Weapons and Large-capacity Magazines SB 204 (Farmer) – Sale and Delivery of Firearms SB 210 (Farmer) – Prohibited Recordkeeping Relating to Firearms  or Firearm Owners SB 220 (Farmer) and HB 347 (Rayner) – Safe Storage of Loaded Firearms HB 363 (Hart) and SB 630 (Jones) – Pregnant Women in Custody SB 458 (Torres) – Secure Storage of Firearms SB 660 (Cruz) – Sexual Offense Victims Rights SB 668 (Cruz) – Custodial Interrogations of Minors  SB 672 (Cruz) – School Safety Funding SB 860 (Stewart) and SB 862 (Stewart) – Firearms Without a Unique Serial Number or Identifying Mark SB 872 (Polsky) and HB 527 (Hunschofsky) – Unfinished Firearms SB 874 (Pizzo) - Arrests HB 6007 (Sabatini) – License to Carry Concealed Weapons or Firearms HB 6013 (Sabatini) – Removing Firearm Regulations

Articles in this section: 16

SHORT-TERM RENTALS

Vacation Rentals (Watch)

SB 512 (Burgess) and HB 325 (Fischer)  ...

SB 512 (Burgess) and HB 325 (Fischer)  Impact on Local Governments The bills maintain the current preemption on local governments from adopting zoning ordinances specific to short-term rentals, as well as regulating the duration of stays and the frequency in which the properties are rented. The bills expand this preemption to include local regulations on advertising platforms. For cities that adopted ordinances prior to June 1, 2011, the bills maintain the "grandfather" currently in place but clarify that those cities may amend their ordinances to be less restrictive or to comply with a local registration program. For cities that do not have "grandfathered" protections, the bills preempt cities from licensing short-term rentals; however, they authorize local governments to have a local registration program.  Local governments who choose to adopt a local registration program may impose a fine for failure to register. The local government has 15 days after receiving an application for registration to either accept the application or issue a written notice specifying all deficiencies. Both parties may agree to extend the timeline. If a municipality does not accept or deny an application within that 15-day window, that application is deemed approved. As a condition of registration, the local registration programs may only require the owner or operator of a vacation rental to: •Pay a fee of no more than $50 for processing the registration application. •Renew their registration no more than once per year unless the property has a change in ownership.  •Submit identifying information about the owner or the property manager and the short-term rental being registered. •Obtain a license as a transient public lodging establishment by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) within 60 days of local registration. •Obtain all required tax registration, receipts or certificates issued by the Department of Revenue, a county or a municipal government.  •Maintain all registration information on a continuing basis so it is current. •Comply with parking and solid waste handling requirements. These requirements cannot be imposed solely on short-term rentals. •Designate and maintain a property designee who can respond to complaints and other immediate problems related to the property, including being available by phone. •Pay in full all municipal or county code liens against the property being registered.  Impact on Advertising Platforms and DBPR Advertising platforms must include in all listings the property's state license number, and if applicable, the local registration number. After July 1, 2023, the advertising platform will be required to check and verify the license number of all listings with DBPR. Additionally, by that date, DBPR will be required to maintain all short-term rental license information in an electronic format to ensure prompt compliance. Advertising platforms will be required to remove unlicensed listings within 15 days after notification by DBPR, as well as collect and remit all required taxes.  Termination/Denial of License DBPR may revoke, refuse to issue or renew a short-term rental license or suspend the license for up to 30 days under several circumstances: •The property owner violates the terms of any lease or applicable condominium, coop or homeowner's association restrictions.  •The owner fails to provide proof of local registration if one is required. •The local registration is terminated by a local government for violating any of the registration requirements described above. •The property and property owner are subject to a final order or judgment directing termination of the properties short-term rental status. •DBPR may also suspend the license for up to 30 days when the short-term rental has been cited for two or more code enforcement violations during a 90-day period. (Taggart)

Preemption of the Regulation of Vacation Rentals (Support)

HB 6033 (Grieco) repeals all preemption provisions in current law relating to the local regulation of vacation rentals. (Taggart) ...

HB 6033 (Grieco) repeals all preemption provisions in current law relating to the local regulation of vacation rentals. (Taggart)

Articles in this section: 2

TRANSPORTATION

Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (Watch)

SB 426 (Brandes) dissolves the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority. The bill requires the Authority to discharge its liabilities and settle and close its activities and affairs. The bill also provides for the distribution of the Authority’s assets or the proceeds of such assets, such that each local general-purpose government represented on the Authority’s board receives a distribution generally in proportion to each entity’s contribution to the acquisition of the assets. (Branch) ...

SB 426 (Brandes) dissolves the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority. The bill requires the Authority to discharge its liabilities and settle and close its activities and affairs. The bill also provides for the distribution of the Authority’s assets or the proceeds of such assets, such that each local general-purpose government represented on the Authority’s board receives a distribution generally in proportion to each entity’s contribution to the acquisition of the assets. (Branch)

Transportation Network Companies (Watch)

SB 696 (Perry) and HB 445 (Botana) limit certain fees charged by airports or seaports. The bill does not prohibit fees associated with pickup, as long as the pickup fees do not exceed $2 per ride. If an airport or seaport is charging a pickup fee, they may not intentionally remove, degrade or otherwise impede access to any service, benefit or infrastructure, including, but not limited to, staging lots, curb access and driver rest facilities made available to a transportation network company before January 1, 2021. (Branch)  ...

SB 696 (Perry) and HB 445 (Botana) limit certain fees charged by airports or seaports. The bill does not prohibit fees associated with pickup, as long as the pickup fees do not exceed $2 per ride. If an airport or seaport is charging a pickup fee, they may not intentionally remove, degrade or otherwise impede access to any service, benefit or infrastructure, including, but not limited to, staging lots, curb access and driver rest facilities made available to a transportation network company before January 1, 2021. (Branch)

Other Bills of Interest

HB 145 (Hage) and SB 474 (Perry) – Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Weight Limits ...

HB 145 (Hage) and SB 474 (Perry) – Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Weight Limits HB 157 (Andrade) and SB 398 (Hooper) – Transportation Projects

Articles in this section: 3

UTILITIES & NATURAL RESOURCES

Agricultural Practices (Watch)

SB 904 (Farmer) requires, rather than authorizes, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop and adopt rules for interim measures, best management practices or other measures to achieve certain levels of pollution reduction statewide. (O'Hara) ...

SB 904 (Farmer) requires, rather than authorizes, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop and adopt rules for interim measures, best management practices or other measures to achieve certain levels of pollution reduction statewide. (O'Hara)

Bottled Water Excise Tax (Watch)

HB 473 (Casello) and SB 798 (Taddeo) impose an excise tax on bottled water operators and specify the tax proceeds must be used to provide grants and loans to local governmental agencies for water projects, with priority given to septic-to-sewer conversion projects. (O'Hara) ...

HB 473 (Casello) and SB 798 (Taddeo) impose an excise tax on bottled water operators and specify the tax proceeds must be used to provide grants and loans to local governmental agencies for water projects, with priority given to septic-to-sewer conversion projects. (O'Hara)

Caloosahatchee River Watershed (Watch)

HB 585 (Botana) prohibits the land application of septage from onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems within the Caloosahatchee River watershed. The bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt an updated Caloosahatchee estuary basin management action plan (BMAP), which shall include the following: an implementation schedule to achieve nutrient load reductions necessary to meet total maximum daily load requirements for wastewater treatment facilities by 2027; an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system remediation plan and implementation schedule to meet nutrient load reductions for such systems by 2027; and a municipal stormwater remediation plan that requires an ...

HB 585 (Botana) prohibits the land application of septage from onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems within the Caloosahatchee River watershed. The bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt an updated Caloosahatchee estuary basin management action plan (BMAP), which shall include the following: an implementation schedule to achieve nutrient load reductions necessary to meet total maximum daily load requirements for wastewater treatment facilities by 2027; an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system remediation plan and implementation schedule to meet nutrient load reductions for such systems by 2027; and a municipal stormwater remediation plan that requires an implementation schedule to achieve stormwater nutrient load reductions by 2027. Lastly, the bill prohibits new domestic wastewater disposal facilities within the watershed, except for those facilities that meet advanced wastewater treatment standards and new septic systems on lots of less than 1 acre, if the addition of a specific system will conflict with the remediation plan. (O'Hara)

Certified Pile Burning (Oppose)

HB 6027 (Sabatini) amends current law relating to the open burning of debris from agricultural, silvicultural, land-clearing or tree-cutting activities, which is regulated and authorized by the Florida Forest Service. Currently, the law specifies the debris must originate onsite. HB 6027 would remove the onsite requirement, which would authorize the open burning of debris originating offsite as well as onsite. (O'Hara) ...

HB 6027 (Sabatini) amends current law relating to the open burning of debris from agricultural, silvicultural, land-clearing or tree-cutting activities, which is regulated and authorized by the Florida Forest Service. Currently, the law specifies the debris must originate onsite. HB 6027 would remove the onsite requirement, which would authorize the open burning of debris originating offsite as well as onsite. (O'Hara)

Energy (Watch)

SB 548 (Polsky) and HB 491 (Skidmore) address a variety of energy and renewable energy issues. It establishes a tax credit for electricity produced from a renewable energy source located on a farm operation and authorizes the state to lease manmade stormwater systems for floating solar energy systems. The bill requires the state to adopt rules for a renewable and energy efficiency portfolio standard. (O'Hara) ...

SB 548 (Polsky) and HB 491 (Skidmore) address a variety of energy and renewable energy issues. It establishes a tax credit for electricity produced from a renewable energy source located on a farm operation and authorizes the state to lease manmade stormwater systems for floating solar energy systems. The bill requires the state to adopt rules for a renewable and energy efficiency portfolio standard. (O'Hara)

Everglades Protection Area/Comprehensive Plan Amendments (Watch)

SB 932 (Rodriguez, A.) requires comprehensive plans and plan amendments that apply to any land within, or within 2 miles of, the Everglades Protection Area to follow the state coordinated review process for state agency compliance review under Part II, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. The bill also requires the Department of Environmental Protection to coordinate with the affected local governments on mitigation measures for plans or plan amendments that would impact Everglades restoration. (O'Hara) ...

SB 932 (Rodriguez, A.) requires comprehensive plans and plan amendments that apply to any land within, or within 2 miles of, the Everglades Protection Area to follow the state coordinated review process for state agency compliance review under Part II, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. The bill also requires the Department of Environmental Protection to coordinate with the affected local governments on mitigation measures for plans or plan amendments that would impact Everglades restoration. (O'Hara)

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Watch)

SB 380 (Rodriguez) and HB 463 (Melo) prohibit state and regional agencies from adopting or enforcing state and regional programs to regulate greenhouse gas emissions without specific legislative authorization. (O'Hara) ...

SB 380 (Rodriguez) and HB 463 (Melo) prohibit state and regional agencies from adopting or enforcing state and regional programs to regulate greenhouse gas emissions without specific legislative authorization. (O'Hara)

Implementation of Recommendations of Blue-Green Algae Task Force (Watch)

SB 832 (Stewart) and HB 561 (Goff-Marcil) require onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems to be inspected once every five years and require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to administer the inspection program and requirements. The bills also require DEP to assess the efficacy of projects listed within a basin management action plan having a total cost exceeding $1 million. (O'Hara) ...

SB 832 (Stewart) and HB 561 (Goff-Marcil) require onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems to be inspected once every five years and require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to administer the inspection program and requirements. The bills also require DEP to assess the efficacy of projects listed within a basin management action plan having a total cost exceeding $1 million. (O'Hara)

Infrastructure Project Funding/Transfers of Utility Revenues (Watch)

HB 621 (Fine) prohibits specified state agencies and water management districts from disbursing state funds (including grants) for local government infrastructure, water and resiliency projects if the local government transfers its utility revenues (other than the costs of administrative and support services under a cost allocation plan) for use in providing general government functions and services. (O'Hara) ...

HB 621 (Fine) prohibits specified state agencies and water management districts from disbursing state funds (including grants) for local government infrastructure, water and resiliency projects if the local government transfers its utility revenues (other than the costs of administrative and support services under a cost allocation plan) for use in providing general government functions and services. (O'Hara)

Inventories of Critical Wetlands (Watch)

SB 882 (Brodeur) requires each water management district governing board, in cooperation with local governments, to develop a list of critical wetlands for acquisition using funds from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund. The bill specifies criteria the water management districts should consider in designating a wetland for inclusion on the list. (O'Hara) ...

SB 882 (Brodeur) requires each water management district governing board, in cooperation with local governments, to develop a list of critical wetlands for acquisition using funds from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund. The bill specifies criteria the water management districts should consider in designating a wetland for inclusion on the list. (O'Hara)

Legal Rights of the Natural Environment (Watch)

HB 6003 (Eskamani) repeals provisions of current law prohibiting local governments from recognizing or granting certain legal rights to the natural environment or granting such rights relating to the natural environment to a person or political subdivision. (O'Hara) ...

HB 6003 (Eskamani) repeals provisions of current law prohibiting local governments from recognizing or granting certain legal rights to the natural environment or granting such rights relating to the natural environment to a person or political subdivision. (O'Hara)

Municipal Water and Sewer Utility Rates (Oppose)

SB 886 (Jones) and HB 515 (Robinson, F.) require a municipal water or sewer utility that serves customers in another recipient municipality using infrastructure located in the recipient municipality to charge consumers in the recipient municipality the same rates, fees and charges as it does the consumers inside its own municipal boundaries. (O'Hara) ...

SB 886 (Jones) and HB 515 (Robinson, F.) require a municipal water or sewer utility that serves customers in another recipient municipality using infrastructure located in the recipient municipality to charge consumers in the recipient municipality the same rates, fees and charges as it does the consumers inside its own municipal boundaries. (O'Hara)

Preemption of Over-the-counter Drugs and Cosmetics (Support)

HB 6019 (Eskamani) repeals current law provisions preempting the regulation of over-the-counter proprietary drugs and cosmetics to the state. (O'Hara) ...

HB 6019 (Eskamani) repeals current law provisions preempting the regulation of over-the-counter proprietary drugs and cosmetics to the state. (O'Hara)

Preemption of Recyclable and Polystyrene Materials (Support)

SB 320 (Stewart) and HB 6063 (Grieco) remove the current statutory preemption of local laws regarding the regulation of auxiliary containers, wrappings or disposable plastic bags. In addition, the bills remove the statutory preemption of local laws regarding the use or sale of polystyrene products to the Department of Agriculture. (O'Hara) ...

SB 320 (Stewart) and HB 6063 (Grieco) remove the current statutory preemption of local laws regarding the regulation of auxiliary containers, wrappings or disposable plastic bags. In addition, the bills remove the statutory preemption of local laws regarding the use or sale of polystyrene products to the Department of Agriculture. (O'Hara)

Preemption of Tree Pruning, Trimming and Removal (Support)

HB 6025 (Eskamani) and SB 316 (Stewart) repeal current law preempting specified local government regulations relating to tree pruning, trimming and removal on residential property. (O'Hara) ...

HB 6025 (Eskamani) and SB 316 (Stewart) repeal current law preempting specified local government regulations relating to tree pruning, trimming and removal on residential property. (O'Hara)

Public Bathing Places/Safe Waterways (Watch)

HB 393 (Hinson) and SB 604 (Berman) require the Department of Health to adopt and enforce certain rules and issue health advisories for public bathing places if the results of bacteriological water sampling at the site fail to meet health standards. The bills require the Department to notify a municipality or county if a health advisory is issued against swimming in public bathing places and require the county or municipality to place signage around public bathing places warning of the bacterial contamination until such time the bacterial contamination is resolved. (O'Hara) ...

HB 393 (Hinson) and SB 604 (Berman) require the Department of Health to adopt and enforce certain rules and issue health advisories for public bathing places if the results of bacteriological water sampling at the site fail to meet health standards. The bills require the Department to notify a municipality or county if a health advisory is issued against swimming in public bathing places and require the county or municipality to place signage around public bathing places warning of the bacterial contamination until such time the bacterial contamination is resolved. (O'Hara)

Renewable Energy (Oppose)

SB 182 (Brandes) allows the owner of a business or a contracted third party to install, maintain and operate a renewable energy source device on or about the structure in which the business operates or on any property the business leases. The bill provides that the business owner or the third party may sell the electricity that is generated from the device to another business immediately adjacent to or within the same parcel as the business, and such sales shall not be considered or regulated as retail sales of electricity. The bill provides that if the energy-producing business ...

SB 182 (Brandes) allows the owner of a business or a contracted third party to install, maintain and operate a renewable energy source device on or about the structure in which the business operates or on any property the business leases. The bill provides that the business owner or the third party may sell the electricity that is generated from the device to another business immediately adjacent to or within the same parcel as the business, and such sales shall not be considered or regulated as retail sales of electricity. The bill provides that if the energy-producing business or its customers require additional related services from a utility, such as backup generation capacity or transmission services, the utility may recover the full cost of providing those services. The bill authorizes a utility to enter a contract with a business to install, maintain or operate any type of renewable energy source device on or about the structure from which the business operates and to sell the electricity to an adjacent business and the bill provides that such electricity sales shall not be considered or regulated as retail sales of electricity. The bill specifies that if the Public Service Commission determines the level of reduction in electricity purchases by customers using renewable energy source devices is significant enough to adversely impact the rates that other customers pay in the rate territory, the Commission may approve a utility's requests to recover its costs of providing the electricity needed by all customers, including customers using a renewable energy source device. The bill provides for methodology of such cost recovery, a process for customers to challenge the cost recovery and authorized rulemaking by the Commission. The bill may have a negative fiscal impact on municipal revenues, including potential impacts to municipal electric franchise revenues and municipal public service utility taxes. (O'Hara)

Residential Home Protection (Support)

SB 518 (Brodeur) amends current law provisions that prohibit local governments from requiring permits for the removal of "dangerous" trees on residential property. The bill clarifies what constitutes residential property and clarifies the level of assessment and type of documentation that must be provided by an arborist or landscape architect under the law. (O'Hara) ...

SB 518 (Brodeur) amends current law provisions that prohibit local governments from requiring permits for the removal of "dangerous" trees on residential property. The bill clarifies what constitutes residential property and clarifies the level of assessment and type of documentation that must be provided by an arborist or landscape architect under the law. (O'Hara)

Resiliency Energy Environment Florida Program (Watch)

HB 101 (Fine) and SB 228 (Rodriguez) amend current law relating to Property Assessed Clean Energy programs, whereby local governments, alone or in partnership with a program administrator, may finance qualifying improvements on residential property relating to energy conservation and efficiency or renewable energy. The program is renamed the "Resiliency Energy Environment Florida Program." The bills expand the program to include nonresidential real property, including government leased property. The bills impose various requirements on a program administrator to reasonably determine a property owner has the ability to pay the estimated annual assessment. The bills impose obligations on a ...

HB 101 (Fine) and SB 228 (Rodriguez) amend current law relating to Property Assessed Clean Energy programs, whereby local governments, alone or in partnership with a program administrator, may finance qualifying improvements on residential property relating to energy conservation and efficiency or renewable energy. The program is renamed the "Resiliency Energy Environment Florida Program." The bills expand the program to include nonresidential real property, including government leased property. The bills impose various requirements on a program administrator to reasonably determine a property owner has the ability to pay the estimated annual assessment. The bills impose obligations on a program administrator before it may enter a contract for a residential property, such as providing a financing estimate and specified disclosures to the owner. The bills require additional obligations on administrators relating to contractors, such as confirming the contractor has performed the applicable work or service before disbursing funds to the contractor. The bills also impose specified marketing and communications guidelines on PACE administrators and contractors and impose additional monitoring and reporting requirements on administrators. (Hughes)

Sanitary Sewer Lateral Inspection Programs (Watch)

HB 303 (Truenow) and SB 608 (Brodeur) authorize counties and municipalities to access sanitary sewer laterals within their jurisdiction to investigate, repair or replace the lateral. A sanitary sewer lateral is a privately-owned pipeline connecting a property to the main sewer line. The bills require municipalities and counties to notify private property owners within a specified timeframe if the government intends to access the owner's sanitary sewer lateral and an anticipated timeframe for the work. The bills specify that local governments who establish sanitary sewer lateral programs are legally and financially responsible for all work that is performed ...

HB 303 (Truenow) and SB 608 (Brodeur) authorize counties and municipalities to access sanitary sewer laterals within their jurisdiction to investigate, repair or replace the lateral. A sanitary sewer lateral is a privately-owned pipeline connecting a property to the main sewer line. The bills require municipalities and counties to notify private property owners within a specified timeframe if the government intends to access the owner's sanitary sewer lateral and an anticipated timeframe for the work. The bills specify that local governments who establish sanitary sewer lateral programs are legally and financially responsible for all work that is performed and authorize such programs to use specified state or local funds to evaluate and rehabilitate impaired laterals. (O'Hara)

Seagrass Mitigation Banks (Watch)

SB 198 (Rodriguez) authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to establish seagrass mitigation banks under certain conditions. (O'Hara) ...

SB 198 (Rodriguez) authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to establish seagrass mitigation banks under certain conditions. (O'Hara)

State Renewable Energy Goals (Watch)

HB 81 (Eskamani) and SB 366 (Berman) prohibit the drilling, exploration or production of petroleum products in the state. In addition, the bills direct the Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop a statewide plan to generate 100% of the electricity used in the state from renewable energy by 2040 and for the state to have net-zero carbon emissions statewide by 2050. (O'Hara) ...

HB 81 (Eskamani) and SB 366 (Berman) prohibit the drilling, exploration or production of petroleum products in the state. In addition, the bills direct the Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop a statewide plan to generate 100% of the electricity used in the state from renewable energy by 2040 and for the state to have net-zero carbon emissions statewide by 2050. (O'Hara)

Temporary Underground Power Panels (Oppose)

HB 481 (Duggan) prohibits counties and municipalities from enacting regulations that prevent electric utilities from installing temporary underground power panels that meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code. The bill also prevents counties and municipalities from requiring permanent inspections if the local government has already performed a temporary inspection. (O'Hara) ...

HB 481 (Duggan) prohibits counties and municipalities from enacting regulations that prevent electric utilities from installing temporary underground power panels that meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code. The bill also prevents counties and municipalities from requiring permanent inspections if the local government has already performed a temporary inspection. (O'Hara)

Vessels/Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Watch)

HB 323 (Sirois) and SB 494 (Hutson) revise the vessel conditions that an officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission) or law enforcement agency may use to determine that a vessel is at risk of becoming derelict to include vessels that are tied to an unlawful or unpermitted mooring or other structure. The bills prohibit local governments from designating public bathing beach areas or swim areas within the marked channel portion of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway or within 100 feet of the marked channel. The bills repeal Section 376.15, Florida Statutes, relating to derelict vessels ...

HB 323 (Sirois) and SB 494 (Hutson) revise the vessel conditions that an officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission) or law enforcement agency may use to determine that a vessel is at risk of becoming derelict to include vessels that are tied to an unlawful or unpermitted mooring or other structure. The bills prohibit local governments from designating public bathing beach areas or swim areas within the marked channel portion of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway or within 100 feet of the marked channel. The bills repeal Section 376.15, Florida Statutes, relating to derelict vessels and the relocation and removal of such vessels. The bills amend the definition of “abandoned property” to include vessels declared to be a public nuisance and clarify the notice requirements and procedure for vessels declared to be public nuisances. The bills authorize the Commission to establish a grant program for local governments regarding derelict vessels and vessels declared a public nuisance. (Branch)

Water Resources Management (Watch)

HB 349 (Sirois) authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Board) to grant easements for mitigation banks under certain conditions. The bill also exempts certain docks on recorded easements from state permit requirements and authorizes such docks to use submerged lands upon the Board's approval. (O'Hara) ...

HB 349 (Sirois) authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Board) to grant easements for mitigation banks under certain conditions. The bill also exempts certain docks on recorded easements from state permit requirements and authorizes such docks to use submerged lands upon the Board's approval. (O'Hara)

Well Stimulation (Watch)

SB 208 (Farmer) creates the Stop Fracking Act. The bill prohibits extreme well stimulation, which is defined to include the various forms of fracking used to increase the production at an oil or gas well. (O'Hara) ...

SB 208 (Farmer) creates the Stop Fracking Act. The bill prohibits extreme well stimulation, which is defined to include the various forms of fracking used to increase the production at an oil or gas well. (O'Hara)

Other Bills of Interest

HB 35 (Roach) & SB 244 (Gruters) – Partisan Elections for Members of District School Boards ...

HB 35 (Roach) & SB 244 (Gruters) – Partisan Elections for Members of District School Boards SB 442 (Rodriguez) and HB 571 (Mooney) – Powers of Land Authorities HB 309 (Fetterhoff) and SB 856 (Brodeur) – Private Provider Inspections of Onsite Sewage Treatment & Disposal Systems SB 536 (Diaz) and HB 337 (McClain) – Administrative Procedures SB 690 (Rodriguez, A.) – Resilience-related Advisory Committees HB 421 (Truenow) and SB 834 (Brodeur) – Long-term Cleanup of Water Bodies SB 602 (Rodriguez, A.) and HB 449 (Mooney) – Land Acquisition Trust Fund (Florida Keys) HB 603 (Bell) – Land Acquisition Trust Fund (Heartland Headwaters) HB 441 (Fabricio) – Construction Materials Mining Activities HB 6071 (Fabricio) – Construction Materials Mining Activities Admin Recovery Act HB 6073 (Fabricio) – Construction Materials Mining Activities Admin Recovery Act HB 579 (Melo) – Aquatic Plant Management SB 840 (Albritton) – Residential Property Riparian Rights HB 513 (Bartleman) – Comprehensive Review Study of the Central and Southern Florida Project

Articles in this section: 27

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