The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to local government impact fees and development permits. It prohibits counties and municipalities from requiring applicants to install or pay for works of art as a condition for processing or issuing development permits or orders, declaring any conflicting ordinances or regulations void and unenforceable. Additionally, the bill introduces definitions for "plan-based methodology" and "extraordinary circumstances," which are essential for justifying increases in impact fees. Specifically, it mandates that a demonstrated-need study using a plan-based methodology must be completed before any impact fee increase, and such increases can only occur under specified extraordinary circumstances.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the criteria that must be met for local governments to increase impact fees, including the requirement for public workshops and a two-thirds vote from the governing body. It also clarifies that local governments cannot increase impact fees if they have not done so in the past five years, with exceptions for jurisdictions affected by hurricane disasters. The bill aims to ensure that any increases in impact fees are justified and transparent, thereby protecting applicants from arbitrary fees while also addressing the infrastructure needs of growing communities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 665 c1: 212.055