Bill > H0995

This bill addresses several aspects of land development and housing in the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern. First, it provides an exemption from payment and performance bond requirements for construction projects on properties with long-term ground leases held by Habitat for Humanity under specific conditions. The bill extends Florida Forever appropriations for land purchases in the Florida Keys through the 2035-2036 fiscal year, with a continued commitment of at least $5 million for land acquisition. Most significantly, the bill modifies hurricane evacuation requirements by adjusting the maximum evacuation clearance time to 24.5 hours and establishing a system of 825 total building permit allocations distributed among Monroe County, Marathon, Islamorada, and Key West. These permits are tightly controlled, with restrictions on how many can be issued per parcel and a strong emphasis on workforce housing, which is defined as residential units occupied by households earning at least 70% of their income from local employment. The bill aims to balance development, affordable housing, and hurricane preparedness in this environmentally sensitive region, with the new provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee (House), Ways & Means Committee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/995