Florida lawmakers pass hurricane bill amid restriction fears
The hurricane bill package (SB 180) lawmakers pushed across the finish line aims to help Floridians rebuild after future storms, as well as increase disaster planning on the local level; but critics of the bill say it could actually prevent resiliency after a hurricane hits.
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'I think it will make our state stronger going forward, and it will help those of us who are recovering from a really terrible hurricane year,' said State Rep. Fiona McFarland (R-Sarasota).
A sponsor of the bill, McFarland, says there is no 'perfect' bill out there, but is proud of the work her and her colleagues did this session.
However, that didn't stop local lawmakers from raising concerns with the bill language during committee debate.
'Although there's lots and lots of great things in this bill, I think we still have a little more work to do,' said State Rep. Linda Chaney (R-St. Pete Beach).
She's especially concerned about the section focusing on building back better after the storms, with the bill language possibly adding restrictions to local disaster recovery (LDR) and comprehensive emergency management plans (COMPLANS).'It's a hurricane every year, we're always 100 miles from the track. So that's in essence telling all local governments you cannot change your COMPLANS and your LDR'S to be more restrictive,' Chaney said.
Chaney added that counties along the coast were raising red flags, pointing to unintended consequences that could restrict local governments who want to develop and recover their properties.
Matthew Singer, with Florida League of Cities, who represents 411 Florida cities, towns, and villages, echoed those remarks.'Whether it's anti-growth interests or business competitors, a city updating its drainage system after a storm or approving a new project could face a legal challenge if someone argues that it's burdensome to their operations, which can delay recovery and progress,' Singer said.
Sponsors of the bill shared that lawmakers learn something new during and after each hurricane season, and they hope to continue to work with Floridians and local municipalities across the state to develop future legislation in the year ahead.
DeSantis has yet to sign the bill into law. He also has the option to veto it, but local lawmakers don't see that happening and believe it will get the green light from the governor.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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