This bill establishes new regulations regarding the construction of chickees, which are traditional open-sided wooden huts associated with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It prohibits counties and municipalities from enacting ordinances, regulations, or policies that would prevent members of these tribes from constructing chickees in specified locations, such as side yards or near other structures, provided they meet certain distance requirements. Additionally, local governments are restricted from implementing regulations that are more stringent than federal floodplain management regulations. The bill also revises the definition of "chickee" in the Florida Building Code and provides specific exemptions from the Florida Fire Prevention Code for chickees under certain conditions.

Furthermore, the bill introduces penalties for individuals who are not members of the tribes and attempt to construct chickees to claim exemptions from the Florida Building Code. It allows for the incorporation of nonwood fasteners and certain electrical or plumbing features in chickees, provided they comply with building permits. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 929 Filed: 553.73
H 929 er: 553.73