1000 Friends of Florida Sues State Re: SB 180

 

Dear Thomas,


Yesterday, 1000 Friends of Florida filed a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Commerce challenging Senate Bill 180 — the sweeping state law passed during the 2025 Florida Legislative Session that freezes local comprehensive planning and strips communities of their authority to guide growth responsibly.


More than just hurricane recovery, SB 180 silences local voices and blocks stronger planning measures for water, infrastructure, and environmental protection. Our lawsuit argues that it violates the Florida Constitution by overstepping legislative limits, undermining due process, and restricting local efforts to conserve natural resources.


As 1000 Friends president Paul Owens said in today’s announcement: “SB 180 goes far beyond disaster recovery. It undermines communities of the basic ability to plan responsibly for growth, infrastructure, and the environment. Voters and local officials across the state are being silenced just when Florida most needs smart, resilient planning.”


Across the state, SB 180 is already harming communities—from voter-approved rural protections in Orange County now under threat, to conservation and stormwater safeguards being rolled back in municipalities statewide. This case is about restoring local control, accountability, and Florida’s constitutional balance.


👉 Read the press release here »

👉 Read the full legal complaint here »


Thank you for standing with us as we continue the fight to restore community planning in Florida. Your advocacy and support make this work possible.


With appreciation,


Your 1000 Friends of Florida Team


P.S. We’re ready to defend Florida’s communities—but we need your help. Your support fuels the legal and advocacy work that makes this fight possible

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