Senate Bill 354 / House Bill 299 would require administrative approval of massive developments of 10,000+ acres (at least 15 square miles) with no upper limit on size. There would be no opportunity for public input, and local governments would have just 60 days to review proposals, after which projects would be automatically approved.
Although the bill requires 60% of land to be designated as “reserve,” it allows a variety of uses within the “reserve” area and does not ensure that these areas would be meaningfully protected or managed. Potential projects also would not be limited to designated growth areas ...
Senate Bill 354 / House Bill 299 would require administrative approval of massive developments of 10,000+ acres (at least 15 square miles) with no upper limit on size. There would be no opportunity for public input, and local governments would have just 60 days to review proposals, after which projects would be automatically approved.
Although the bill requires 60% of land to be designated as “reserve,” it allows a variety of uses within the “reserve” area and does not ensure that these areas would be meaningfully protected or managed. Potential projects also would not be limited to designated growth areas, meaning large expanses of rural or agricultural land could be developed without public hearings or comprehensive plan amendments.
These provisions silence public community input, weaken local decision-making, and allow Florida’s rural areas to be sold off to the highest bidder.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: This bill has only one committee stop left with the Committee on Rules
Write to the Committee members and tell them to VOTE NO on Senate Bill 354.
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