The bill amends sections 125.022 and 166.033 of the Florida Statutes to streamline the application procedures for development permits and orders in counties and municipalities, introducing the Florida Starter Homes Act. This Act prohibits local governments from adopting land development regulations for residential lots unless they meet specific criteria, such as allowing lots to front or abut shared spaces instead of public rights-of-way and eliminating minimum parking space requirements for certain lots. It also limits the criteria for lot splits and establishes a more efficient application process, including provisions for administrative approval of plats or replats. Local governments are restricted from imposing regulations on lots connected to public water or sewer systems, and the bill establishes a cause of action for violations while waiving sovereign immunity.

Additionally, the bill addresses the need for affordable housing by ensuring that local regulations do not impose unnecessary restrictions on residential properties, particularly concerning minimum lot sizes and dwelling types. It mandates that local governments process development applications promptly and imposes penalties for delays, including potential refunds of application fees. The bill also includes specific provisions regarding historic properties, clarifying that regulations cannot vary without proper lot splits and do not apply to certain structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It establishes a summary procedure for judicial review for aggrieved parties and outlines that governing documents created before July 1, 2026, are not prohibited, while those recorded after this date that conflict with the new regulations will be void. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 948 Filed: 125.022, 166.033, 177.071