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Bruce RitchieApril 24, 2015

A bill that would eliminate a state review program for shopping malls, huge housing projects and other large developments passed the House on Friday and is on the way to the governor. Supporters of SB 1216 said the “developments of regional impact” program was burdensome, redundant and actually discouraged the development of planned communities. The Legislature […]

Bruce RitchieApril 24, 2015

A property rights bill filed in response to a U.S. Supreme Court case ruling in favor of an Orange County landowner passed the Florida House on Friday. The Supreme Court in 2013 overturned a Florida Supreme Court ruling against the late Coy A. Koontz Sr., who sought to build on 3.7 of his 15 acres […]

Bruce RitchieApril 21, 2015

A Senate water bill passed its final committee stop on Tuesday despite continuing concerns raised by counties and environmentalists. SB 918 replaces a Lake Okeechobee pollution permitting program with more reliance on water cleanup plans, sets deadlines for establishing minimum flow levels for springs, sets timelines for springs cleanup plans and creates a statewide advisory […]

Bruce RitchieApril 14, 2015

A controversial House growth management bill passed its final committee stop on the way to the House floor on Tuesday. HB 933, which originally combined seven separate House growth management bills, includes provisions eliminating the “development of regional impact” review process for larger developments and requiring a property rights element in local government comprehensive land […]

Bruce RitchieApril 8, 2015

A House property rights bill prompted by a U.S. Supreme Court case involving a Florida landowner was amended Wednesday to resolve many concerns raised by local governments. The Supreme Court in 2013 overturned a Florida Supreme Court ruling against the late Coy A. Koontz Sr., who sought to build on 3.7 of his 15 acres […]

Bruce RitchieApril 7, 2015

A wide-ranging House growth management bill was amended Tuesday to remove language requiring construction approval on agricultural land surrounded by development. But HB 933 still faces opposition from cities, counties and environmental groups that are concerned it eliminates a state review process for designated “developments of regional impact.” HB 933 passed the House Transportation and […]

Bruce RitchieApril 6, 2015

Critics of a wide-ranging House growth management bill say that a section would undermine local development planning by requiring approval of agricultural lands that are nearly surrounded by development. HB 933, by Rep. Mike La Rosa, a Republican from St. Cloud, is scheduled to be heard Tuesday by the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 25, 2015

A 2015 Legislative Session that already was busy with water bills and Amendment 1 funding just got a huge growth management bill in the House. A House subcommittee on Wednesday passed a sweeping committee substitute for HB 933 despite objections from cities, counties and environmental groups. “We’ve got a lot to consider,” Rep. Mike La […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 24, 2015

Counties, agriculture, industry groups and environmentalists all raised concerns Tuesday as a Senate committee passed its first version of a water bill. House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner have said passing water legislation is a top priority in the 2015 Legislative Session. The House bill, opposed by environmentalists, passed the chamber 106-9 […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 24, 2015

A Senate bill that shifts from utilities to local government the cost of moving power lines and other utilities in easements for roadway expansions passed a Senate committee on Monday despite opposition from local governments. SB 896 by Sen. Jeff Brades, a Republican from St. Petersburg, was prompted by a dispute between the city of Cape […]

Tag: Florida Association of Counties
Three people were killed in an accident on the Florida Turnpike in St. Lucie County on Aug. 12. Image via Treasure Coast Newspapers.

Bill eliminating state development review program goes to governor

Property rights bill responding to U.S. Supreme Court case passes House

Senate bill clears final committee stop despite concerns from counties, environmentalists

Growth bill headed to House floor with opposition from cities, counties

Property rights bill clears final House stop with fewer local government concerns

Growth bill passes House panel after “constrained” agriculture language removed

Growth bill critics target “constrained” agricultural parcels language

Add growth management to a busy legislative session

Senate panel clears water bill; environment, industry groups concerned

Cities, counties say bill would stick them with costs for moving roadside utilities