This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to provide specific exemptions and regulations related to construction contracts and land use in areas of critical state concern, particularly the Florida Keys. It introduces a new provision that exempts contractors working with Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., or its affiliates from executing a payment and performance bond when working on properties under a long-term ground lease of 99 years or more. Additionally, it clarifies that the underlying real property owned by the state or local governments will not be subject to lien rights under certain conditions.

The bill also extends the timeframe for Florida Forever appropriations to be used for land purchases in the Florida Keys from 2026-2027 to 2035-2036. It establishes new limitations on building permit allocations, specifying that certain municipalities must maintain a permit allocation system to ensure compliance with evacuation clearance time requirements. The bill sets a maximum hurricane evacuation clearance time of 24.5 hours or 825 permit allocations, whichever is less, and outlines the distribution of these permits among Monroe County and several cities, prioritizing workforce housing and affordable housing initiatives. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1326 Filed: 196.1978, 259.105, 380.0552
S 1326 c1: 196.1978, 259.105, 380.0552
S 1326 c2: 259.105, 380.0552