This bill establishes regulations concerning the construction of chickees, which are defined as open-sided wooden huts with thatched roofs. It creates two new sections in Florida Statutes, ss. 125.573 and 166.0487, which prohibit counties and municipalities from enacting ordinances or regulations that would prevent the construction of chickees under certain conditions, such as being at least 10 feet from property lines or other structures. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to clarify that the incorporation of nonwood features into existing chickees requires a permit, and it imposes criminal penalties for individuals not affiliated with specific tribes who attempt to circumvent the Florida Building Code by constructing chickees.

Furthermore, the bill revises the definition of chickees in the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code, allowing certain chickees to be exempt from these codes if they meet specific criteria, such as distance from other structures or inclusion of fireproofing measures. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1020 Filed: 553.73