Bill > S1326

This bill makes several changes to Florida statutes related to areas of critical state concern, focusing on the Florida Keys region. The bill first modifies bonding requirements for construction contracts with Habitat for Humanity, allowing exemptions from payment and performance bonds under specific circumstances for long-term ground leases, while ensuring that underlying public property remains free from lien rights. It extends the timeframe for Florida Forever land acquisition appropriations in the Florida Keys to the 2035-2036 fiscal year, ensuring continued funding for land preservation. The most significant changes involve building permit allocations in Monroe County and its municipalities, establishing a strict permit allocation system of 825 total permits to be distributed over at least 10 years among Monroe County (539 permits), Marathon (187 permits), Islamorada (71 permits), and Key West (28 permits). These permits are subject to specific restrictions, such as being limited to vacant parcels, with a focus on workforce housing and affordable housing. The bill defines "workforce housing" as residential units restricted to households earning at least 70% of their income from employment in Monroe County, with the goal of maintaining hurricane evacuation clearance times and managing development in this environmentally sensitive area. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government (Senate), Environment and Natural Resources (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1326