House Bill 1143, known as the "Florida Starter Homes Act," 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. The bill prohibits local governments from adopting land development regulations for residential lots that do not 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 that local governments can impose on applications for lot splits and establishes a new application process, aiming to reduce barriers to residential development, particularly for affordable housing.

Additionally, the bill mandates prompt confirmation of application receipt by municipalities and requires them to review applications for completeness within a specified timeframe. If deficiencies are identified, applicants are given a set period to address them, and applications must be administratively approved within a defined period once deemed complete. The bill also includes provisions for the administrative approval of plats or replats, outlines responsibilities for local governments, and allows property owners to seek damages if local regulations are violated. It waives sovereign immunity for local governments in such cases and clarifies that existing governing documents or deed restrictions established before July 1, 2026, remain unaffected unless recorded after that date. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1143 Filed: 125.022, 166.033, 177.071