Many Red Flags in Tallahassee - Legislative Update from 1000 Friends

January 09, 2026

Tallahassee is seeking to strangle our input into developer projects that impact our lives, our roads, our environment. 1000 Friends is watching:

Dear Thomas,

On your marks, get set, go

The official start of the 2026 Florida Legislative Session is Tuesday, but as many of you know, legislation has been filed, and bills are already moving through committees. In fact, a key committee is meeting this Monday, before the session even begins, to hear a bill we have serious concerns about.

Here’s a quick look at what’s on the agenda next week, and how you can take action:

️ Monday — Senate Judiciary Committee

SB 208 – Land Use and Development Regulations (The “Sprawl by Another Name” bill)

This bill raises significant concerns for community planning and environmental protections.  Please act now – click the button below for more information about what’s at stake and how to contact legislators before Monday’s hearing.

VOTE NO ON SB 208

️ Tuesday — Senate Environment & Natural Resources Committee

SB 546 – Conservation Lands

Identical to HB 441, this conservation bill would require stronger public notice and transparency for proposed sales or swaps of conservation land. The bill grew out of public backlash to the proposed 2024 swap of 600 acres at the Guana River Wildlife Management Area - a deal that was ultimately withdrawn after widespread opposition.  We support this bill.

️ Tuesday — Senate Community Affairs Committee

SB 354 — “Blue Ribbon Projects”

The Senate companion to HB 299, this bill raises many red flags related to how major development projects -possibly the size of new cities- would be fast-tracked, with limited oversight and public input. We remain concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability in an approach that would skew the planning process to serve major landowners and leave taxpayers on the hook for impacts on water, transportation, and quality of life.

ACT NOW ON SB 354

SB 840- Land Use Regulations for Local Governments Affected by Natural Disasters

Filed in response to last year’s SB 180, SB 840 makes some meaningful improvements. It narrows SB 180’s scope for future hurricanes to hurricane-related repairs and reconstruction and allows local governments to require proof that damage was caused by a storm.

However, SB 840 is not a full fix. The bill does not repeal SB 180’s retroactive provisions, instead shortening their duration. As a result, communities like Orange County and Manatee County remain stymied on good-faith planning decisions unrelated to storm recovery, undermining voter- and community-driven local planning efforts.

While moving up the expiration date for SB 180's retroactive provisions is an improvement, additional changes are still needed. There is also no House bill companion at this time.

Stay Engaged

Your advocacy continues to make a real difference. Stay engaged and:

Track bills and committee action through our Legislative Tracker
Watch your email for action alerts when your voice is most needed
Sign up for our upcoming Legislative Update webinar for a mid-session overview of what’s happening in Tallahassee.

With thanks,

1000 Friends of Florida Legislative Team