TALLAHASSEE, Florida — As promised, more than two dozen cities and counties on Monday challenged a new state law that critics say bar local governments from adopting more restrictive land use regulations and development codes following hurricanes.
The lawsuit filed in circuit court in Tallahassee asserts that the new law is “the largest incursion into local home rule authority” since 1968, when a new constitution was adopted by voters.
The legal challenge contends the law — which places restrictions on local governments until October 2027 — conflicts with other state laws on growth and planning and the Legislature failed to meet other constitutional requirements for bills. The lawsuit points out that the moratorium contained in the new law has led state officials to nullify growth management proposals of local governments such as Orange County.
Cities and counties are asking a judge to declare the new law invalid and block its enforcement.
