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 ...