Local Leaders Rage Against DeSantis: New Law Sparks Development Chaos!

Local Leaders Rage Against DeSantis: New Law Sparks Development Chaos!

A new law in Florida, which significantly limits the ability of local governments to regulate development, has stirred up quite a bit of trouble. Lawmakers approved Senate Bill 180 (SB 180) overwhelmingly, with developers cheering the new regulations, but local leaders are singing a different tune. Critics argue that this legislation, recently signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 26, 2025, undermines local control and hampers essential disaster response efforts. A wave of legal challenges and pushback from various municipalities is already underway.

As Tallahassee.com reports, several local governments are contemplating lawsuits or pushing for legislative revisions. The city of Deltona, in particular, is slated to vote on August 18 on a constitutional challenge to the law. This community fears that SB 180 will grant builders the power to overturn its recently enacted nine-month moratorium on new residential development.

The Impact on Local Governance

Local leaders across the state are highlighting the detrimental effects of SB 180 on city management of growth and disaster response. The law essentially prevents local governments from implementing stricter regulations following hurricanes and floods, raising concerns about the safety and long-term sustainability of communities. For instance, Orange County has been ordered to scrap its new comprehensive plan, which aimed to address local needs, while Osceola County’s recently approved impact fees for transportation improvements are now in jeopardy.

Moreover, this legislation retroactively bans changes to development regulations since August 1, 2024, and sets the stage for municipalities within 100 miles of a hurricane track to face restrictions for a full year following a storm’s landfall. Such limitations would strip communities of the necessary tools to safeguard their environments and ensure the well-being of residents in potentially hazardous conditions, as detailed in Lowndes Law.

A Broader Perspective

The ramifications of this law extend beyond immediate development issues. Certain counties have begun to halt ordinances—such as Polk County pausing its rooster restrictions or Tallahassee considering a moratorium on gas stations—due to concerns that these actions might conflict with SB 180. Similarly, local efforts to restore wetlands protections in Manatee County could clash with provisions of the new law.

This overarching law not only impacts local governance but also threatens environmental safeguards, as highlighted by new sea turtle lighting guidelines that may also suffer under the new restrictions. The urgency for a more nuanced approach to managing Florida’s growth—one that considers both development and disaster preparedness—has never been clearer.

As communities gear up to confront these new regulations, local leaders are urging the Legislature to revisit SB 180 in the next session, which kicks off in January. In the meantime, disadvantaged areas, often represented by Democratic leaders, are grappling with auditing teams sent by state officials to investigate tax collections, further complicating the landscape. The need for balancing development with safety and sustainability has become paramount for the future of Florida’s communities.

As Floridians watch this unfolding drama, one thing is certain: the clash over SB 180 embodies a much larger conversation about how best to manage the beautiful yet complex tapestry of life in the Sunshine State.

For more information concerning the implications of SB 180 on Florida’s local governance and development practices, refer to the comprehensive laws available through the Florida Senate site.