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Impacts 0f State Legislative Acti0ns pre-empting H0me Rule

A summary review 0f the impacts 0f State Changes - and Pre-empti0ns 0f H0me Rule and L0cal Planning Auth0rity from Miles T0der 0f SEERD M arch 2026 Update-Focus on State Legislation It's been a busy month in Tallahassee where our state legislature wrapped up its session. Our lawmakers considered many changes in state law, some quite controversial, so it could not agree upon many bills, and left more than a few loose ends. There is a strong possibility that the governor will call the legislature back into session shortly because they failed to pass a budget, one of the few "must-do" tasks that our state constitution requires of our lawmakers. The governor also seems to want the legislature to pass a redistricting plan for elections even though redistricting depends on federal decennial census data that we will not have for four more years. And the governor appears eager for the legislature to finish work on a plan to reduce or eliminate real property taxes to be pl...
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Quick view of Florida's Live Local Act

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The   Live Local Act (SB 102/SB 328)   is a landmark Florida law enacted to boost affordable housing by providing over  $800 million million in funding, tax exemptions, and zoning preemption. It allows developers to build high-density, mixed-use projects in commercial/industrial zones without traditional local government hearings, provided 40% of units are affordable for 30-50 years. Key Components & Impacts Zoning Preemption:  Local governments must approve qualifying projects administratively (without public hearings) in commercial, industrial, or mixed-use areas, say Hillsborough County (.gov) and  this YouTube video . Tax Incentives:  Developers can receive a   to   property tax exemption for projects where units are set aside for workers earning up to   of the  Area Median Income (AMI) . Density & Parking:  Projects can match the highest density allowed in the jurisdiction and receive reduced parking requ...
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An important message from stayTRU

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  stayTRU Call to Action Please support our County Commissioners in their efforts to limit unwanted development   Send an email immediately Leave a voice message on Monday, March 23, 2026 Attend the March 24th County meeting in Venice from 1 to 4pm   Dear stayTRU Members,   Our County Commissioners are exploring ways to fight development attempts like the recent request to build 2,000+ apartments on our Open Space (the Tatum Ridge Golf land).  To show our support and appreciation for the Commissioners efforts, please:   1. Send an email immediately to   commissioners@scgov.net , tmast@scgov.net , mhsmith@scgov.net , tknight@scgov.net , jneunder@scgov.net , rcutsinger@scgov.net , info@staytru.org   Include your name and address and write:   "I support efforts to restrict Live Local Act development to urban areas close to workplaces, shopping centers and schools - as the law was originally intended.  I, along with the 1,000+ registe...
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Why Manasota Beach Road is a major issue for Englewood residents

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  Mary Burke  shared this on Facebook:   To those who question why we are protesting the MBR extension , let me enlighten you. Yes, MBR Rd and Keyway Rd have been on the counties thoroughfare plan for years, that is the only truthful fact. What some of you may have missed was that Keyway Rd. had long been slated to go in first as a 4 lane road. What changed you ask? Pat Neal built Boca Royale and then worked with the commissioners behind closed doors via memos and emails (all FOIA’d and truthful) to push MBR through at a discounted price as long as the county removed Keyway Rd from its thoroughfare plan. He built homes in Boca Royale, very close to the the counties planned Keyway Rd, got FPL to put in power lines right through the Keyway Rd planed road. All while knowing Keyway Rd. was planned. Why? Bc he could and the county either wasn’t paying attention or allowed it specifically for Neal. The county does whatever benefits Neal and dos not consider its constituents...
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"An engaged community cannot be bought" Tallahassee Pre-empting Home Rule

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excellent discussion of threatening bills bubbling in Tallahassee - one is HB 479 - it would pre-empt localities from controlling their own water resources. SB 840 would castrate local efforts to cope with impacts of large developments. Carrie Seidman  is joined by  Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse Bradenton Times editor Mitch Maley  Mark Hebden of Save Florida Home Rule!   Mitch Maley:  "An engaged community cannot be bought"
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