The bill establishes a new section in Florida law, 163.31791, aimed at addressing food insecurity in designated areas. It recognizes that access to affordable and healthy food options is limited due to the lack of supermarkets within convenient distances, which poses a threat to public health and welfare. To combat this issue, the bill encourages local governments to approve land development regulations that allow for the establishment of small-footprint grocery stores in food insecure areas. The legislation defines "food insecure area" and "small-footprint grocery store," providing specific criteria for each.
Additionally, the bill permits local governments to incorporate provisions in their comprehensive plans to facilitate the development of these grocery stores and allows for mandatory reporting of certain information from them. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the availability of nutrient-dense food options in communities that currently lack access to such resources.