The 2021 Florida Legislative session just ended. But there is still time to try and stop some bad bills from being enacted into law.
Over the past few years, the Governor vetoed a few bills that he felt were too aggressive in overturning home rule -- i.e., state preemption bills. We have the chance this year to encourage him to do this again, but we must act fast. These bills, which we discussed and opposed throughout this Session, are waiting for his signature. Please contact him and urge him to VETO the following bills that go against the will of the people regarding community and environmental planning in their local communities:
1) HB 337 Impact Fees -- Impact fees are collected by local governments to fund local infrastructure that meets the demands of population growth. The fees also allow for the purchase of fire department vehicles, emergency medical service vehicles, sheriff’s office vehicles, police department vehicles and other equipment. This bill restricts how local communities may collect an impact fee and it caps the maximum fee that can be raised on a yearly basis, leaving the burden of new development costs to the taxpayers.
2) HB 403 Home-based Business--Will preempt local planning. Current state law requires local governments to have comprehensive land use plans that designate what businesses are permitted in different areas. This bill will allow any business to operate in a residential neighborhood, as long as it does not create noise, vibration, heat, smoke, dust, glare, fumes, odors or electrical or electronic interference detectable by neighbors.
3) HB 919 Preemption on Restriction of Utility Services--Prevents local governments from moving away from outdated, gas-powered building codes to modern, clean-energy building codes. The legislation would effectively make any commitment to 100% clean energy impossible.
4) HB 839 Express Preemption of Fuel Retailers and Related Transportation Infrastructure--Prohibits local governments from taking certain actions to prohibit the location, development, or redevelopment of gas stations and related infrastructure, and from requiring them to install or invest in fueling infrastructure such as electric vehicle charging stations.
Please contact Gov. DeSantis today and urge him to VETO these bills. He can be reached by phone at (850) 488-7146, by email at governorron.desantis@eog.myflorida.com, or by Twitter @GovRonDeSantis.
Thank you, Jean Siebenaler Santa Rosa Democrats Legislative Liaison
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