Bill > H0337

This bill addresses food accessibility in low-income and underserved areas by creating a new statute that defines and provides mechanisms for establishing small-footprint grocery stores in "food insecure areas" (also known as food deserts). The bill defines a food insecure area as a location with a poverty rate of at least 20% or median family income at or below 80% of the state median, where at least 500 people or 33% of the population live more than 1 mile from a supermarket in urban areas or more than 10 miles away in rural areas. A small-footprint grocery store is defined as a retail establishment that sells products and derives at least 30% of its gross receipts from nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and low-fat dairy products. The legislation authorizes local governments to create land development regulations and comprehensive plan provisions that allow these specialized grocery stores in food insecure areas, and permits local governments to require reporting from such stores. The underlying purpose is to improve access to healthy food options in communities that currently lack convenient grocery shopping, thereby addressing potential health and nutrition challenges in economically disadvantaged areas. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/337