The bill amends sections 125.022 and 166.033 of the Florida Statutes to enhance the processing of zoning applications and development permits by local governments. It requires counties and municipalities to clearly outline the minimum information needed for zoning approvals and ensure this information is accessible to applicants. The bill establishes specific timeframes for processing applications, mandating that local governments confirm receipt within five business days and review for completeness within 30 days. If an application is found deficient, the applicant is given 30 days to rectify the issues. Additionally, the bill introduces the concept of "substantive change," which restarts the processing timeline if significant modifications are made to the application.

Furthermore, the bill outlines a tiered refund system for applicants if local governments fail to adhere to the specified timeframes, with refunds ranging from 10% to 100% of the application fee based on the nature of the delay. It also prohibits school districts from imposing alternative fees for educational facility concurrency that do not meet certain legal requirements, placing the burden of proof on the school district in any legal challenges regarding such fees. The bill mandates that municipalities provide written notice and legal citations when denying development permits and restricts them from requiring state or federal permits as a condition for local permit processing unless those permits have been denied. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 579 Filed: 125.022, 166.033
H 579 c1: 125.022, 166.033