The bill amends section 162.09 of the Florida Statutes to address the unlawful demolition of historical buildings and structures. It introduces a new provision that allows a code enforcement board or special magistrate to impose fines that exceed existing limits for the unlawful demolition of buildings that are either individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places or are contributing resources to a National Register-listed district. This provision applies when the demolition is found to be knowing and willful, and not the result of a natural disaster. The maximum fine that can be imposed under this new provision is capped at 20 percent of the fair or just market valuation of the property prior to the demolition, as determined by the property appraiser.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The inclusion of this new language aims to strengthen protections for historical buildings and ensure that penalties for unlawful demolitions are more reflective of the significance of these structures.