Bill > S0588

This bill establishes the Local Government Regulatory Accountability Act, which applies to counties, municipalities, and special districts in Florida, creating a uniform standard for regulatory enforcement. The legislation aims to prevent arbitrary or unreasonable enforcement actions by local government entities that could impede economic growth and undermine public trust. Under the bill, individuals or businesses subject to an enforcement action (defined as any regulatory decision, demand, inspection, citation, order, or interpretation) can submit a request for review within 30 days, and the local government must provide a written response. If an enforcement action is deemed arbitrary or unreasonable by a court, the local government may be required to award up to $50,000 in damages, pay the plaintiff's attorney fees, and receive injunctive relief. The bill provides whistle-blower protections for individuals who disclose information about potentially unreasonable enforcement actions and establishes that an enforcement action can be considered arbitrary if it is not supported by applicable law, deviates from prior interpretations without justification, unreasonably delays business activities, or imposes unauthorized requirements. The legislation also includes a preemption clause that makes these provisions the sole authority for challenging enforcement actions and invalidates any local policies that conflict with the law. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/588