TALLAHASSEE, Florida — The state Senate sponsor of a law change earlier this year that critics said blocks local governments from regulating development filed new legislation this week to scale back the effects of the earlier measure.
Details: State Sen. Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Petersburg) filed the new bill after dozens of cities and the environmental group 1000 Friends of Florida filed lawsuits in state court challenging the changes that were meant to ensure homeowners could rebuild after hurricanes.
Critics say the law changes prevent local governments across the state from adopting stricter land-use plans and development codes through Oct. 1, 2027.
The new legislation appears to ease the restrictions on the enforcement of new rules except when they apply to home repairs and reconstruction following a storm.
