The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Community Affairs
BILL: SB 180
INTRODUCER: Senator DiCeglie
SUBJECT: Emergency Preparedness and Response
DATE: March 10, 2025
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Shuler Fleming CA Pre-meeting
2. AP
I. Summary:
SB 180 makes various changes throughout Florida Statutes regarding the preparation and
response activities of state and local government when emergencies impact the state.
Specifically, the bill:
• Provides that DEP may waive or reduce the beach management project match requirements
for counties impacted by erosion caused by Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene, or
Hurricane Milton.
• Provides that certain agricultural equipment that was unable to be used for 60 days due to
Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene, or Hurricane Milton would be assessed at salvage value
on the 2025 property tax roll.
• Requires FDEM to prioritize shelter retrofit funding for projects in counties with shelter
deficits and projects other than schools.
• Allows Florida National Guard servicemembers to provide medical care to military personnel
and civilians during emergencies.
• Revises legislative intent and provisions related to FDEM’s planning and emergency
management duties.
• Requires the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to annually provide information on the special
needs registry to their special needs clients and caregivers.
• Revises DEM emergency expenditure auditing and reporting requirements.
• Revises requirements for agencies and their emergency coordination officers to notify and
coordinate with FDEM.
• Renames the Natural Hazards Interagency Workgroup as the “Natural Hazards Risks and
Mitigation Interagency Coordinating Group” and substantially revises the duties of the group.
• Specifies administerial requirements for FDEM related to HMGP funds.
• Requires political subdivisions to annually notify FDEM of their designated emergency
contact.
• Revises FDEM public shelter space reporting, planning, and funding requirements.
REVISED: BILL: SB 180 Page 2
• Creates requirements for county and municipal post-storm permitting and operations.
• Revises authorizations and requirements related to storm-generated debris.
• Prohibits counties and municipalities listed in the federal disaster declaration for Hurricane
Debby, Hurricane Helene, or Hurricane Milton from adopting moratoriums or more
restrictive or burdensome amendments or procedures to their comprehensive plans or land
development regulations concerning review, approval, or issuance of a site plan,
development permit, or development order before August 1, 2024.
The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, unless otherwise expressly provided.
II. Present Situation:
Presidential Disaster and Emergency Declarations
When there is a disaster in the United States, the Governor of an affected state must request an
emergency and major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act.
1
All emergency and disaster declarations are made at the discretion
of the President of the United States.
2
There are two types of disaster declarations: emergency
declarations and major disaster declarations.
3
Both declarations allow for federal assistance to
states and local governments, however they differ in scope, types, and amount of assistance
available.
4
The President can declare an emergency for any occasion where federal assistance is deemed
necessary, and emergency declarations provide emergency services from the federal government
in such cases. The total amount of assistance from an emergency declaration cannot exceed
$5 million unless reported to Congress.
5
Following a request from the Governor, the President can declare a major disaster for any natural
event, including hurricanes if the President deems that the disaster is of such a severity that it is
beyond the combined capabilities of state and local governments to respond.
6
A major disaster
declaration makes a wide range of federal assistance resources available for individuals and
states for emergency and permanent work.
7
2024 Hurricane Season
Hurricane Debby
Forming into a tropical depression on August 3, 2024, Debby intensified into a Category 1
hurricane less than 12 hours before landfall.
8
Hurricane Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee
1
42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5207.
2
FEMA, How a Disaster Gets Declared, https://www.fema.gov/disaster/how-declared (last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
3
Id.
4
Id.
5
Id.
6
Id.
7
Id.
8
National Weather Service, Hurricane Debby Strikes the Florida Big Bend August 5, 2024,
https://www.weather.gov/tae/HurricaneDebby2024 (last visited Mar. 9, 2025). BILL: SB 180 Page 3
in Taylor County around 7am on August 5, 2024.
9
Debby brought storm surge of 3 to 5 feet
across portions of the Nature Coast and the southeast Big Bend, causing damage to areas where
many were still recovering from Hurricane Idalia from the year before.
10
Debby’s primary
impact across the area was flooding from heavy rainfall due to the forward movement of the
storm slowing after landfall.
11
Rainfall amounts of 8 to 12 inches resulted in widespread flooding
in southeast Madison and eastern Lafayette counties, while in Suwannee and Gilchrist counties,
rainfall amounts approaching 15" were observed.
12
Flooding lasted for several weeks in Madison
county after landfall due to the influx of rainfall putting pressure on the groundwater system,
which subsequently triggered new flooding as water came up from the ground.
13
Flooding along
the Suwanee River continued 3 weeks after landfall.
14
Disaster Declaration Map for Hurricane Debby
Hurricane Helene
Due to high oceanic heat and the abatement of wind shear, conditions were favorable for Helene
to rapidly intensify from a category 1 hurricane into a category 4 hurricane from September 25 to
9
Id.
10
Id.
11
Id.
12
Id.
13
Id.
14
Id. BILL: SB 180 Page 4
September 26, 2024.
15
Helene hit a maximum of 140 mph for sustained winds just before making
landfall near Perry, Florida, just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River around 11:10pm on
September 26, 2024.
16
While the storm moved quickly across the state, this did not lessen the
impacts.
17
The wind field of Helene was among the top 10% of all recorded storms resulting in
widespread wind impacts and hurricane-force gusts extending further inland than most systems.
18
Much of the area affected by the storm experienced 4-8 inches of rainfall, but the heaviest
amounts were observed near the Apalachicola State Forest where radar estimates indicated 10 to
18 inches of rain.
19
A large upper-level trough to the west of Helene helped funnel abundant
tropical moisture northward well before landfall, creating conditions that led to significant
impacts from heavy rainfall and flooding.
20
Many counties across the Panhandle reported
flooding and washed-out roads.
21
The combination of Helene’s large size and extremely fast
forward motion contributed to catastrophic storm surge in the southeast Big Bend area and along
the west coast of Florida.
22
In Cedar Key, the storm surge level of 9.3 ft exceeded the level of
6.89 ft observed during Hurricane Idalia the previous year.
23
Preliminary data for Taylor and
Dixie counties estimated more than 15 ft of surge, while areas near Tampa saw levels over 6 ft.
24
15
National Weather Service, Hurricane Helene Makes Landfall in the Florida Big Bend September 26-27, 2024,
https://www.weather.gov/tae/helene2024 (last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
16
Id.
17
Id.
18
Id.
19
Id.
20
Id.
21
Id.
22
Id.
23
Emily Powell, Florida Climate Center, Hurricane Helene Post-Storm Summary Report, (Oct. 7, 2024),
https://climatecenter.fsu.edu/images/docs/Hurricane-Helene-Summary-Report.pdf (last visited Mar. 9, 2024).
24
Id. BILL: SB 180 Page 5
Disaster Declaration Map for Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Milton
Just shy of 2 weeks after Hurricane Helene’s landfall in Florida, Hurricane Milton made landfall
around 8:30 pm on October 9, 2024 in Siesta Key, Florida in Sarasota County.
25
At landfall,
Milton was a category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph.
26
Hurricane
Milton spawned a record tornado outbreak, resulting in a total of 47 confirmed tornados on
October 9, 2024, covering 400 miles and causing 7 deaths and 14 injuries.
27
Though Milton
moved quickly across the state, it produced extreme rainfall, with the highest amounts—nearly
20 inches—measured in the Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg areas.
28
In the days and weeks
following the storm, rainfall caused rivers and tributaries to reach major flood stages.
29
The
hydrograph at Astor for the St. Johns River showed a new record high level on October 10, 2024,
of 4.81 ft, while the Hillsborough River crested at a new record of 38.16 ft at Morris Bridge on
October 12, 2024.
30
Storm surge in many areas was less than Hurricane Ian in 2022, but higher
than experienced during Helene.
31
NOAA gages in Ft. Myers and Naples Bay North measured
25
National Weather Service, Hurricane Milton Impacts to East Central Florida,
https://www.weather.gov/mlb/HurricaneMilton_Impacts (last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
26
Emily Powell, Florida Climate Center, Post-Storm Summary Report on Hurricane Milton, (Oct. 31, 2024),
https://climatecenter.fsu.edu/images/docs/Hurricane-Helene-Summary-Report.pdf (last visited Mar. 9, 2024).
27
Id.
28
Id.
29
Id.
30
Id.
31
Id. BILL: SB 180 Page 6
storm surge above 5 feet.
32
Enormous amounts of sand were displaced along Florida’s west-
central coast following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which eroded beaches and undid previous
beach renourishment projects.
33
Disaster Declaration Map for Hurricane Milton
Agricultural Losses Related to the 2024 Hurricane Season
Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton caused significant impacts on agricultural production
throughout the state. Debby impacted 2.2 million acres of agricultural lands that annually
produce $3.17 billion in agricultural products; Helene affected 6.1 million acres with $8.74
billion of annual agricultural production; and Milton impacted 5.7 million acres annually
producing $8.66 billion of agricultural products.
34
In terms of value, the three storms impacted
the field and row crops, animals and animal products, vegetables, melons and potatoes, and
greenhouse and nursery commodity groups the most.
35
Preliminary estimates of cumulative
agricultural production losses in Florida for the 2024 hurricane season are between $402.3
32
Id.
33
Id.
34
Christa D. Court, et. al., UF/IFAS, Estimated Agricultural Losses Resulting from the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season,
Presentation before the Florida Senate Committee on Agriculture, (January 14, 2025), available at
https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/AG/MeetingPacket/6223/10896_MeetingPacket_6223.pdf (last visited Mar. 9,
2025).
35
Id. BILL: SB 180 Page 7
million and $975.8 million.
36
Survey respondents have reported damage or destruction to a
variety of agricultural assets, including livestock sheds and watering points, irrigation systems,
honeybee boxes, tractors, vehicles, and heating and cooling systems for greenhouses.
37
State Emergency Management Act
The State Emergency Management Act (Act), ch. 252, F.S., was enacted to be the legal
framework for this state’s emergency management activities, recognizing the state’s
vulnerability to a wide range of emergencies, including natural, manmade, and technological
disasters.
38
In order to reduce the state’s vulnerability to these circumstances and to prepare to
respond to them, the act promotes the state’s emergency readiness through enhanced
coordination, long-term planning, and adequate funding.
39
The Act also delineates the Governor’s authority to declare a state of emergency, issue executive
orders, and otherwise lead the state during emergencies. If the Governor finds that an
emergency
40
has occurred or is imminent, he or she must declare a state of emergency.
41
An
executive order or proclamation of a state of emergency shall identify whether the state of
emergency is due to a minor,
42
major,
43
or catastrophic
44
disaster.
45
The state of emergency must
continue until the Governor finds that the threat or danger has been dealt with to the extent that
the emergency conditions no longer exist, but no state of emergency may continue for longer
than 60 days unless renewed by the Governor.
46
Additionally, the Legislature may end a state of
emergency by passing a concurrent resolution.
47
In a state of emergency, the Governor has broad power to perform necessary actions to ensure
Floridians' health, safety, and welfare. A state of emergency provides the governor with
additional authority not otherwise present, such as the ability to order evacuations, determine
means of ingress and egress to and from affected areas, and commandeer or utilize private
property subject to compensation.
48
To effectively facilitate emergency measures, the Governor
has the power to issue executive orders, proclamations, and rules, which have the force and
effect of law.
49
36
Id.
37
Id.
38
Section 252.311(1), F.S.
39
Section 252.311(2) and (3), F.S.
40
“Emergency” means any occurrence, or threat thereof, whether natural, technological, or manmade, in war or in peace,
which results or may result in substantial injury or harm to the population or substantial damage to or loss of property. See s.
252.34(4), F.S.
41
Section 252.36(2), F.S.
42
“Minor disaster” means a disaster that is likely to be within the response capabilities of local government and to result in
only a minimal need for state or federal assistance. See s. 252.34(2)(c), F.S.
43
“Major disaster” means a disaster that will likely exceed local capabilities and require a broad range of state and federal
assistance. See s. 252.34(2)(b), F.S.
44
“Catastrophic disaster” means a disaster that will require massive state and federal assistance, including immediate military
involvement. See s. 252.34(2)(a), F.S.
45
Section 252.36(4)(c), F.S.
46
Section 252.36(2), F.S.
47
Section 252.36(3), F.S.
48
See s. 252.36(6), F.S.
49
Section 252.36(1)(b), F.S. BILL: SB 180 Page 8
Through this emergency power, the Governor can suspend the provisions of any regulatory
statute if compliance would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action to deal with the
emergency.
50
Further, as designated by the Governor or in emergency management plans, state
agencies, local governments, and others can make, amend, and rescind orders and rules as
necessary for emergency management purposes.
51
However, these orders and rules cannot
conflict with orders of the Governor, the Division of Emergency Management, or other state
agencies delegated emergency powers by the Governor.
52
Florida Division of Emergency Management
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) administers programs to rapidly apply
all available aid to impacted communities stricken by emergency.
53
The FDEM is responsible for
carrying out the State Emergency Management Act and maintaining a comprehensive statewide
program of emergency management to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies,
recover from them, and mitigate against their impacts.
54
In doing so, the FDEM coordinates
efforts with and among the federal government, other state agencies, local governments, school
boards, and private agencies that have a role in emergency management.
55
The FDEM also
serves as the administrator of federal funds awarded to the state and local governments through
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s mitigation grant programs.
Natural Hazards Interagency Workgroup
In 2017, the Legislature created the Natural Hazards Interagency Workgroup.
56
The group was
created for the purpose of sharing information on the current and potential impacts of natural
hazards throughout the state, coordinating the ongoing efforts of state agencies in addressing the
impacts of natural hazards, and collaborating on statewide initiatives to address the impacts of
natural hazards.
57
Each agency within the executive branch, each water management district, and
the Florida Public Service Commission must designate a liaison to the workgroup.
58
FDEM is
responsible for preparing an annual progress report on behalf of the workgroup on the
implementation of the state’s enhanced hazard mitigation plan, developed and submitted in
accordance with 42 U.S.C. s. 5165 and any implementing regulations, as it relates to natural
hazards.
59
The annual report is due to the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the
House of Representatives by January 1 of each year.
60
There are 25 agencies required to participate in the Workgroup. In its 2024 Annual Report,
FDEM stated that nine agencies attended all four meetings, and five agencies attended three of
50
Section 252.36(6), F.S.
51
Section 252.46(1), F.S.
52
Id.
53
Section 14.2016(1), F.S.
54
Section 252.35(1) and (2), F.S.
55
Section 252.35(1), F.S.
56
Chapter 2017-48, Laws of Fla.
57
Section 252.3655(1)(a), F.S.
58
Section 252.3655(1)(b), F.S.
59
Section 252.3655(2), F.S.
60
Section 252.3655(2)(c), F.S. BILL: SB 180 Page 9
the meetings.
61
Despite offering virtual attendance options, four agencies attended only one
meeting, and six agencies attended no meetings in 2023.
62
Required agency attendance was
down overall from 2022.
63
Emergency Shelters
FDEM is required to prepare a Statewide Emergency Shelter Plan (SESP).
64
The SESP is
submitted to the Governor and Cabinet for approval by January 31 of each even-numbered
year.
65
The SESP identifies the general location and square footage of existing General
Population and Special Needs shelter space, by Regional Planning Council (RPC) region, and
projected space needs during the next 5 years.
66
Beginning with publication of the 2006 SESP, the FDEM monitors the status of the statewide
inventory of special needs shelters.
67
Historically, special needs estimates were included in the
total population hurricane evacuation shelter demand estimates and hurricane evacuation shelter
capacities.
68
The FDEM was asked to separate the two shelter types and monitor progress toward
improvement, following the 2004 hurricane season which revealed the need to improve special
needs shelters.
69
Special needs shelter requirements differ from general copulation shelters as
they require the provision of standby electric power, supported air-conditioning, and
additional space per client to accommodate for caregivers and medical equipment.
70
To ensure the needs of persons requiring special needs shelters are met, the FDEM maintains a
special needs registry.
71
Individuals can register through a website maintained by the Florida
Department of Health.
72
Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program
In 1999, the Legislature created the Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program (HLMP) within the
FDEM for funding programs for improving the wind resistance of residences and mobile
homes.
73
61
Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida Natural Hazards Interagency Workgroup 252.3655 Florida Statues
2023 Annual Report, (Jan. 1, 2024) available at
https://portal.floridadisaster.org/mitigation/MitigateFL/External/F.S.%20252.3655%20Annual%20Reports/Florida%20Natur
al%20Hazards%20Interagency%20Work%20Group%20F.S.%20252.3655%202022%20Annual%20Report%201-1-2024.pdf
(last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
62
Id.
63
Id.
64
Sections 252.385(2)(b) and 1013.372(2) F.S.
65
Section 252.385(2)(b), F.S.
66
Florida Division of Emergency Management, Statewide Emergency Shelter Plan: State of Florida 2024, avialabile at
https://www.floridadisaster.org/globalassets/final_statewide-emergency-shelter-plan_2024.pdf (last visited Mar. 8, 2025).
67
Id.
68
Id.
69
Id.
70
Id.
71
Section 252.355, F.S.
72
Fla. Dep’t of Health, Florida Special Needs Registry, https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/ (last visited Mar. 2025).
73
Chapter 99-305, Laws of Fla. BILL: SB 180 Page 10
The HLMP is funded by an annual appropriation of $10 million from the Florida Hurricane
Catastrophe Fund.
74
Specifically, current law requires the funds to be used as follows:
• $7 million must be directed toward programs that improve the wind resistance of residences
and mobile homes, including loans, subsidies, grants, demonstration projects, and direct
assistance; educating persons concerning the Florida Building Code; and other efforts to
prevent or reduce losses or reduce the cost of building after a disaster.
75
Of this funding, 40
percent must be used to inspect and improve tie-downs for mobile homes and 10 percent hall
be allocated to the Florida International University center dedicated to hurricane research.
76
• $3 million must be directed toward retrofitting existing facilities used as public hurricane
shelters. FDEM must prioritize the use of these funds for projects included in the annual
Shelter Retrofit Report.
77
Of the funds dedicated to the Shelter Retrofit Program, the FDEM must prioritize the use of the
funds for projects included in the annual Shelter Retrofit Report.
78
The FDEM must similarly
prioritize these funds to projects in regional planning council regions with shelter deficits and
projects that maximize the use of state funds.
79
In Fiscal Year 2021-2022, the FDEM reports that 1 new shelter retrofit agreement was executed
and 8 projects were completed. At the end of the fiscal year, projects for 12 recipients were
active in communities in 61 different locations across the state.
80
On January 1 of each year, FDEM must submit an annual report and accounting of activities
under the HLMP and an evaluation of the activities.
81
The report must be submitted to the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the Majority and
Minority Leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
82
The Office of Insurance
Regulation (OIR) must review the report and make recommendations to the insurance industry as
deemed appropriate.
83
The HLMP expires on June 30, 2032.
84
FEMA Mitigation Grant Programs
FEMA was established in 1979 to centralize federal emergency and disaster activities.
85
The
latter of FEMA’s primary mission areas, hazard mitigation, is defined as any sustained action
74
Section 215.559(1), F.S. See ch. 2024-231, Specific Appropriation 2716, Laws of Fla.
75
Section 215.559(1)(a), F.S.
76
Section 215.559, F.S.
77
Section 215.559(1)(b), F.S.
78
The Shelter Retrofit Report is prepared annually and submitted to the Governor and the Legislature. See s. 252.385, F.S.
79
Section 215.559(1)(b), F.S.
80
Division of Emergency Management, Florida Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program: 2022 Annual Report (January 1, 2023),
https://www.floridadisaster.org/dem/mitigation/hurricane-loss-mitigation-program/ (last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
81
Section 215.559(6), F.S. Hurricane Loss Mitigation Reports reside on the FDEM website:
https://www.floridadisaster.org/dem/mitigation/hurricane-loss-mitigation-program/ (last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
82
Section 215.559(6), F.S.
83
Section 215.559(6), F.S.
84
Section 215.559(7), F.S.
85
FEMA, About the Agency (May 11, 2016), available at https://www.fema.gov/about/history (last visited Mar. 9, 2025). BILL: SB 180 Page 11
taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards.
86
FEMA
administers several mitigation grant programs designed to reduce and mitigate future natural
disaster losses.
87
Some of the FEMA mitigation grant programs are authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act).
88
These programs include the Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Post Fire, Pre-Disaster
Mitigation (PDM) grant program, Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program, the
Public Assistance Grant Program, and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
program.
89
The National Flood Insurance Act authorizes the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant,
which was created with the goal of reducing or eliminating repetitive flood damage under the
National Flood Insurance Program.
90
Funds received from any one of these grants can be used
for hazard mitigation planning, mitigation activities, and management costs.
91
Under most circumstances, in order for state, tribal, and local governments to receive a FEMA
mitigation grant, the applicant must produce a hazard mitigation plan approved by FEMA that
conforms to a specified set of requirements.
92
At a minimum, a hazard mitigation plan must
outline processes for identifying the natural hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities of the area under
the jurisdiction of the government.
93
Jurisdictions must update their plans and re-submit them to
FEMA every 5 years to maintain eligibility.
94
Florida National Guard Medical Officer Authorization
The Florida National Guard (FLNG) is the organized militia of the state.
95
Its mission includes
maintaining readiness to support national and state security efforts, as well as leading or assisting
in humanitarian and logistical operations. These operations include hurricane preparation and
recovery and currently include assistance with the pandemic response. The Governor is the
commander in chief of the FLNG and the Adjutant General is its chief of staff.
96
The FLNG has
an Army component and an Air component, each of which has an Assistant Adjutant General
who is also its Commander.
97
86
44 C.F.R. s. 201.2.
87
FEMA, Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide, (July 30, 2024), available at
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_hma_guide_082024.pdf (last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
88
42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.
89
See FEMA, Learn About HMA (Feb. 18, 2025), https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn (last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
90
Id.
91
FEMA, Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide, at 44-45 (July 30, 2024), available at
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_hma_guide_082024.pdf (last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
92
Id.
93
42 U.S.C. s. 5165(b)(2).
94
FEMA, Create a Hazard Mitigation Plan, (Feb. 25, 2025) https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-
management/hazard-mitigation-planning/create-hazard-plan (last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
95
Section 250.02(2), F.S. The nonorganized militia is composed of all able-bodied citizens of the state and those individuals
who have declared intentions to become citizens of the United States. FLA. CONST. art. X, sec. 2(a); and s. 250.02(1), F.S.
96
Section 250.06(1), F.S.
97
Florida National Guard, Assistant Adjutant General—Army and Commander, https://fl.ng.mil/leadership/Pages/Assistant-
Adjutant-General-Army.aspx (last visited April 11, 2021); Florida National Guard, Assistant Adjutant General—Air and
Commander, https://fl.ng.mil/leadership/Pages/Assistant-Adjutant-General-Air.aspx (last visited April 11, 2021). BILL: SB 180 Page 12
Section 250.375, F.S., provides that physicians holding an active license to practice medicine in
any other state, a U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia, while serving as medical officers in
the FLNG pursuant to federal or state orders, are expressly authorized to practice medicine on
military personnel or civilians during an emergency, declared disaster, or during federal military
training.
Emergency Management - Counties and Municipalities
State policy for responding to disasters is to support local emergency response efforts while also
recognizing the needs of residents and communities will likely be greater than can be met by
local resources.
98
The Act provides specific authorization and emergency powers to counties,
requiring each county to establish and maintain an emergency management agency and develop
a county emergency management plan and program consistent with the state comprehensive
emergency management plan and program.
99
Municipalities are encouraged to create their own
emergency management plans but must coordinate with the county emergency management
agency.
100
County emergency management agencies must each have a director appointed by either their
respective board of county commissioners or county chief administrative officer and serving at
the pleasure of the appointing authority.
101
The county emergency management director may be a
county constitutional officer
102
or an employee of such an officer.
103
Responsible for the
organization, administration, and operation of the county emergency management agency, the
director must coordinate the emergency activities, services, and programs of the agency
throughout the county and serve as the county liaison to FDEM and other local emergency
management entities.
104
Community Planning
The Community Planning Act provides counties and municipalities with the power to plan for
future development by adopting comprehensive plans.
105
Each county and municipality must
maintain a comprehensive plan to guide future development.
106
All development, both public and private, and all development orders approved by local
governments must be consistent with the local government’s comprehensive plan.
107
A
comprehensive plan provide the principles, guidelines, standards, and strategies for the orderly
98
Section 252.311(3), F.S.
99
Section 252.38(1)(a), F.S.
100
Section 252.38(2), F.S.
101
Section 252.38(1)(b), F.S.
102
FLA. CONST. art. VIII, s. 1(d) requires the election of the following county officers: sheriff, tax collector, property
appraiser, supervisor of elections, and clerk of the circuit courts.
103
Section 252.38(1)(b), F.S.
104
Section 252.38(1)(b), F.S.
105
Section 163.3167(1), F.S.
106
Section 163.3167(2), F.S.
107
Section 163.3194(3), F.S BILL: SB 180 Page 13
and balanced future economic, social, physical, environmental, and fiscal development of the
area.
108
A locality’s comprehensive plan lays out the locations for residential uses, commercial uses,
industry, agriculture, recreation, conservation, education, public facilities, and other categories of
the public and private uses of land. A comprehensive plan is made up of 10 required elements,
each laying out regulations for a different facet of development.
109
A comprehensive plan is implemented through the adoption of land development regulations
110
that are consistent with the plan, and which contain specific and detailed provisions necessary to
implement the plan.
111
Such regulations must, among other prescriptions, regulate the
subdivision of land and the use of land for the land use categories in the land use element of the
comprehensive plan.
112
Substantially affected persons have the right to maintain administrative
actions which assure that land development regulations implement and are consistent with the
comprehensive plan.
113
Development that does not conform to the comprehensive plan may not be approved by a local
government unless the local government amends its comprehensive plan first. State law requires
a proposed comprehensive plan amendment to receive two public hearings, the first held by the
local planning board, and subsequently by the governing board.
114
Development Permits and Orders
The Community Planning Act defines "development" as "the carrying out of any building
activity or mining operation, the making of any material change in the use or appearance of any
structure or land, or the dividing of land into three or more parcels."
115
When a party wishes to
engage in development activity, they must seek a development permit from the appropriate local
government having jurisdiction. Under the Community Planning Act, a development permit
includes "any building permit, zoning permit, subdivision approval, rezoning, certification,
special exception, variance, or any other official action of local government having the effect of
permitting the development of land."
116
Once a local government has officially granted or denied
a development permit, the official action constitutes a development order.
117
A development
order vests certain rights related to the land.
118
108
Section 163.3177(1), F.S.
109
Section 163.3177(6), F.S.
110
“Land development regulations” means ordinances enacted by governing bodies for the regulation of any aspect of
development and includes any local government zoning, rezoning, subdivision, building construction, or sign regulations or
any other regulations controlling the development of land, except that this definition does not apply in s. 163.3213. See s.
163.3164(26), F.S.
111
Section 163.3202, F.S.
112
Id.
113
Section 163.3213, F.S.
114
Sections 163.3174(4)(a) and 163.3184, F.S.
115
Section 163.3164(14), F.S.
116
Section 163.3164(16), F.S.
117
See s. 163.3164(15), F.S.
118
See s. 163.3167(3), F.S. BILL: SB 180 Page 14
Building Permits and Inspections
It is the intent of the Legislature that local governments have the power to inspect all buildings,
structures, and facilities within their jurisdiction in protection of the public’s health, safety, and
welfare.
119
Every local government must enforce the Florida Building Code and issue building permits.
120
It
is unlawful for a person, firm, or corporation to construct, erect, alter, repair, secure, or demolish
any building without first obtaining a permit from the local government enforcing agency or
from such persons as may, by resolution or regulation, be directed to issue such permit.
121
A local government may charge reasonable fees as set forth in a schedule of fees adopted by the
enforcing agency for the issuance of a building permit.
122
Such fees shall be used solely for
carrying out the local government’s responsibilities in enforcing the Building Code.
123
Enforcing
the Building Code includes the direct costs and reasonable indirect costs associated with review
of building plans, building inspections, reinspections, building permit processing, and fire
inspections.
124
Local governments must post all building permit and inspection fee schedules on
its website.
125
Any construction work that requires a building permit also requires plans and inspections to
ensure the work complies with the building code. The building code requires certain building,
electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas inspections.
126
Construction work may not be done
beyond a certain point until it passes an inspection.
127
Current law provides a set of deadlines for ordinary processing of building permits depending on
the type of permit.
128
Various laws require or encourage local governments to further expedite
the permitting process in certain situations, such as for the construction of public schools, state
colleges and universities and affordable housing.
129
General Overview of Property Taxation
The ad valorem tax or “property tax” is an annual tax levied by counties, municipalities, school
districts, and some special districts. The tax is based on the taxable value of a property as of
119
Section 553.72, F.S.
120
Sections 125.01(1)(bb), 125.56(1), and 553.80(1), F.S.
121
Sections 125.56(4)(a), 553.79(1), F.S.
122
Section 553.80 F.S.
123
Id.
124
Section 553.80(7)(a)(1)
125
Sections 125.56(4)(c) F.S. and 166.222(2) F.S.
126
Florida Building Code, 2023 Florida Building Code: 8th Edition, s. 110 (2023), available at
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/FLBC2023P1/chapter-1-scope-and-administration#FLBC2023P1_Ch01_SubCh02_Sec110
(last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
127
Id. at s. 110.6.
128
Section 553.792(1)(a), F.S.
129
See sections 403.973(3), 420.5087(6)(c)8., and 553.80(6)(b)2., F.S. BILL: SB 180 Page 15
January 1 of each year.
130
The property appraiser annually determines the “just value”
131
of
property within the taxing authority and then applies relevant exclusions, assessment limitations,
and exemptions to determine the property’s “taxable value.”
132
The state constitution prohibits
the state from levying ad valorem taxes
133
and it limits the Legislature’s authority to provide for
property valuations at less than just value, unless expressly authorized.
134
Assessment of Damaged Agricultural Equipment
“Tangible personal property” means all goods, chattels, and other articles of value (not including
vehicles) capable of manual possession and whose chief value is intrinsic to the article itself.
135
All tangible personal property is subject to ad valorem taxation unless expressly exempted.
136
Household goods and personal effects,
137
items of inventory,
138
and up to $25,000 of assessed
value for each tangible personal property tax return
139
are exempt from ad valorem taxation.
For purposes of ad valorem property taxation, agricultural equipment that is located on property
classified as agricultural under s. 193.461, F.S., and is obsolete and no longer usable for its
intended purpose is deemed to have a market value no greater than its value for salvage.
140
Beach Funding
Funding for Florida’s critically eroded beaches is managed by the Beach Management Funding
Assistance Program.
141
The program provides grants to local governments (up to 75% of project
costs) for beach and inlet management projects to restore and nourish the state’s most severely
eroded beaches.
142
These projects protect upland structures and infrastructure, provide critical
habitat for threatened and endangered species, provide recreational opportunities, and support
local economies through tourism.
143
130
Both real property and tangible personal property are subject to tax. Section 192.001(12), F.S., defines “real property” as
land, buildings, fixtures, and all other improvements to land. Section 192.001(11)(d), F.S., defines “tangible personal
property” as all goods, chattels, and other articles of value capable of manual possession and whose chief value is intrinsic to
the article itself.
131
Property must be valued at “just value” for purposes of property taxation, unless the Florida Constitution provides
otherwise. FLA. CONST. Art VII, s. 4. Just value has been interpreted by the courts to mean the fair market value that a willing
buyer would pay a willing seller for the property in an arm’s-length transaction. See, e.g., Walter v. Schuler, 176 So. 2d 81
(Fla. 1965); Deltona Corp. v. Bailey, 336 So. 2d 1163 (Fla. 1976); S. Bell Tel. & Tel. Co. v. Dade Cnty., 275 So. 2d 4 (Fla.
1973).
132
See ss. 192.001(2) and (16), F.S.
133
FLA. CONST. art. VII, s. 1(a).
134
See FLA. CONST. art. VII, s. 4.
135
Section 192.001(11)(d), F.S.
136
Section 196.001(1), F.S.
137
Section 196.181, F.S.
138
Section 196.185, F.S.
139
Section 196.183, F.S.
140
Section 193.4615, F.S.
141
Fla. Dep’t of Environmental Protection, About the Beaches Funding Program, https://floridadep.gov/rcp/beaches-funding-
program (last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
142
Section 161.101(1), F.S.
143
Fla. Dep’t of Environmental Protection, About the Beaches Funding Program, https://floridadep.gov/rcp/beaches-funding-
program (last visited Mar. 9, 2025). BILL: SB 180 Page 16
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) accepts funding requests on an annual basis
from local governments and municipalities for beach and inlet management projects.
144
To be
eligible for funding, projects must be accessible to the public, located on the Gulf of Mexico,
Atlantic Ocean or Straits of Florida, be designated by DEP as a critically eroded beach, and be
consistent with the state’s Strategic Beach Management Plan.
145
The funds are cost-shared with local governments on local and federally authorized projects,
with each level of government contributing about one-third of the cost of the entire program.
146
This funding has resulted in the restoration and subsequent maintenance of more than 253 miles,
or 58%, of the state’s 432.5 miles of critically eroded beaches.
147
Solid Waste
Counties have the authority to provide and regulate waste and sewage collection and disposal.
148
A county may require that any person within the county demonstrate the existence of some
arrangement or contract by which the person’s solid waste
149
will be disposed of in a manner
consistent with county ordinance or state or federal law.
150
Counties also have authority to adopt
ordinances that govern the disposal of solid waste generated outside the county at the county’s
solid waste disposal facility.
151
The DEP is responsible for implementing and enforcing the solid waste management program,
which provides guidelines for the storage, separation, processing, recovery, recycling, and
disposal of solid waste throughout the state.
152
The program is required to include procedures
and requirements to ensure cooperative efforts in solid waste management by counties and
municipalities and groups of counties and municipalities where appropriate.
153
Counties are responsible for operating solid waste disposal facilities, which are permitted
through the DEP, in order to meet the needs of the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the
county
154
and may contract with other persons to fulfill some or all of its solid waste
responsibilities.
155
Each county must ensure that municipalities within its boundaries participate
in the preparation and implementation of recycling and solid waste management programs
144
Fla. Admin. Code R. 62B-36.005.
145
Fla. Admin. Code Chapter 62B-36. See also Fla. Dep’t of Environmental Protection, About the Beaches Funding
Program, https://floridadep.gov/rcp/beaches-funding-program (last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
146
Fla. Dep’t of Environmental Protection, About the Beaches Funding Program, https://floridadep.gov/rcp/beaches-funding-
program (last visited Mar. 9, 2025).
147
Id.
148
Section 125.01(1)(k), F.S.
149
Section 403.703(35), F.S. “Solid waste” is defined as sludge unregulated under the federal Clean Water Act or Clean Air
Act, sludge from a waste treatment works, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility, or garbage, rubbish,
refuse, special waste, or other discarded material, including solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained gaseous material resulting
from domestic, industrial, commercial, mining, agricultural, or governmental operations.
150
Section 125.01(1)(k)2., F.S.
151
Section 403.706(1), F.S.
152
Section 403.705, F.S.
153
Section 403.705(2)(a), F.S.
154
Section 403.706(1), F.S.
155
Section 403.706(8), F.S. BILL: SB 180 Page 17
through interlocal agreements or other means.
156
In providing services or programs for solid
waste management, local governments and state agencies are encouraged to use the most cost-
effective means for providing services and are encouraged to contract with private entities for
any or all such services or programs to assure that those services are provided on the most cost-
effective basis.
157
Local governments are expressly prohibited from discriminating against
privately owned solid waste management facilities solely because they are privately owned.
158
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
Section 1 amends s. 161.101, F.S., to provide that, for any county listed in a federal declaration
of disaster in 2024 that was impacted by erosion caused by Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene,
or Hurricane Milton, the DEP may waive or reduce the match requirements for local
governments for local participation in beach management and erosion control projects. This
subsection expires July 1, 2026.
Section 2 amends s. 193.4518, F.S., providing that tangible personal property owned and
operated by a farm, farm operation, or agricultural processing facility in certain counties shall be
deemed to have a market value no greater than its salvage value, provided the tangible personal
property was unable to be used in the operation of the facility for at least 60 days due to the
effects of Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene, or Hurricane Milton. This valuation will be
effective only for the 2025 tax year and is limited to properties in Alachua, Baker, Bradford,
Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin,
Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian
River, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin,
Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole,
St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, or Wakulla counties.
The deadline to apply for this assessment is August 1, 2025. If the application is denied by the
property appraiser, a petition may be filed with the value adjustment board to request the
property be assessed according to this provision. The petition must be filed on or before the 25th
day after the property appraiser mails the 2025 notice of assessment.
Section 3 amends s. 215.559, F.S., to require FDEM to give funding priority for shelter retrofit
projects located in counties that have shelter deficits and to projects that are publicly owned
other than schools.
Section 4 amends s. 250.375, F.S., to allow servicemembers who are trained to provide medical
care and are assigned to a military duty position and authorized by FLNG to provide medical
care because of that duty position to provide medical care to both military personnel and
civilians during emergencies or declared disasters.
Section 5 amends s. 252.35, F.S., to revise legislative intent to specify that other departments
and agencies of state government, county and municipal governments and school boards, and
156
Section 403.706(3), F.S.
157
Section 403.7063, F.S.
158
Id. BILL: SB 180 Page 18
private agencies have a role in emergency management and that the Legislature intends that they
coordinate to the greatest extent possible in the provision of emergency management efforts
through FDEM.
The shelter planning component of the comprehensive emergency management plan is revised to
require planning to ensure shelter space be available on a county basis, rather than a regional
basis. The bill revises the annual requirement for FDEM to submit the state comprehensive
emergency management plan to be due on October 1 of every odd-numbered-year. A separate
reporting requirement on the emergency management capabilities of the state and its political
subdivisions is consolidated into this report.
The requirement for FDEM to assist political subdivisions in preparing and maintaining
emergency management plans is clarified to include the development of a template for
comprehensive management plans and guidance on the development of mutual aid agreements.
The requirement for FDEM to implement training programs is clarified to include the purpose of
maintaining Florida’s status as a national leader in emergency management. FDEM must specify
minimum biennial training requirements for county or municipal administrators, county or city
managers, county or municipal emergency management directors, and county or municipal
public works directors or other officials responsible for the construction and maintenance of
public infrastructure, in addition to minimum training already required under the Act.
FDEM must complete an inventory of disaster response equipment, including an inventory of
portable generators as already required by the Act.
The bill requires FDEM to conduct a hurricane readiness session by April 1 annually for the
purpose of facilitating coordination between emergency management stakeholders. A session
will be held in each region as designated by FDEM. County emergency management directors
(or designees) must attend, and other county or municipal personnel may attend the session.
Content of the session must include guidance on timelines for preparation and response,
information on state and federal post-disaster resources and assistance, guidance to promote
efficient and expedited rebuilding of the community after a hurricane, best practices for
coordination and communication among entities engaged in post-disaster response and recovery,
and discussion of any outstanding county or municipal preparedness or readiness needs
Section 6 amends s. 252. 355, F.S., to require the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to annually
provide information on the special needs registry to their special needs clients and caregivers.
Section 7 amends s. 252.3611, F.S. to revise emergency expenditure auditing and reporting
requirements. Requirements for reporting of contracts executed with funding authorized for use
in responding to the emergency to apply when a declaration or extension of a state of emergency
by the Governor lasts longer than 90 days. Under such circumstances, all contracts to be posted
on the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACTS), including those executed
before the declaration for resources or services in anticipation or advance of an emergency.
The Auditor General is required to post the results of audits of expenditures associated with
emergencies on his or her official website. BILL: SB 180 Page 19
FDEM is required to annually report by January 15 to the Legislature, including the
appropriations committees, on expenditures incurred related to emergencies over the previous
year. The report must summarize the event and actions taken by FDEM. It must detail
expenditures by event and include an accounting of inventory and assets purchased.
Section 8 amends s. 252.365, F.S., to revise the requirement for agency emergency coordination
officers to coordinate with FDEM to include identifying priorities for post-disaster long-term
recovery activities. The requirement for agency heads to inform the Governor of who has been
designated as the agency emergency coordination officer is revised to be required by May 1
annually.
Section 9 amends s. 252.3655, F.S., to rename the Natural Hazards Interagency Workgroup as
the “Natural Hazards Risks and Mitigation Interagency Coordinating Group” and substantially
revise the requirements of the group. The purpose for the group is amended to include work
related to risks and mitigation. Administrative and reporting requirements for the group are
substantially revised.
Rather than agencies, water management districts, and the Florida Public Service Commission
selecting a designee for the group, the heads of the Agency for Health Care Administration, the
Chief Resilience Officer of the Statewide Office of Resilience; the Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services; the Department of Commerce.; the Department of Environmental
Protection; the Department of Health; the Department of Law Enforcement; the Department of
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.; the Department of Military Affairs; the Division of
Emergency Management.; the Department of Transportation; the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission; the Office of Insurance Regulation; the Public Service Commission are required to
serve.
Section 10 creates s. 252.3713, related to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, to specify
administerial requirements for FDEM related to HMGP funds.
FDEM’s designation as the entity responsible for administering the HMGP is explicitly codified.
FDEM is limited to retaining no more than 25 percent of funds for use by the state, while the
remaining 75 percent must be distributed to subrecipients in counties specified in the Presidential
Disaster Declaration. Subrecipients are authorized to share their allocation with FDEM for
regional use.
FDEM and subrecipients are directed to prioritize projects for reducing shelter deficits;
mitigating impacts to public infrastructure, retrofitting of regional and local emergency
management or operations centers, or other projects specified in FDEM rule.
FDEM is authorized to coordinate with state agencies and political subdivisions in developing
and implementing innovative approaches to funding projects using HMGP grants.
Fiscally constrained counties are authorized to request that FDEM administer a HMGP grant the
county receives and may request FDEM assistance in applying for HMGP grants.
BILL: SB 180 Page 20
FDEM is required to adopt rules to implement the section.
Section 12 amends s. 252.38, F.S., to direct political subdivisions to notify FDEM by May 1
annually of the person designated as the emergency contact and their alternate. Counties must
designate the county’s emergency director as the emergency contact.
Section 13 amends s. 252.385, F.S., to revise public shelter space reporting requirements for
FDEM. The annual requirement for FDEM to provide a list of recommended shelter facilities is
combined with a biennial statewide shelter plan into a single annual report. The report must be
provided annually by October 15 to the Governor and Legislature.
State funds should be maximized and targeted to projects in counties, rather than in regions.
FDEM is required to prioritize on the list of recommended facilities other state-owned,
municipal-owned, and county-owned public buildings, other than schools, for retrofit using state
funds.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities is required to assist FDEM in planning the need for
special needs shelter space.
Section 14 creates s, 252.392, F.S., related to post-storm county and municipal permitting and
operations. Under the section, counties and municipalities are required to develop plans for post-
storm permitting to expedite recovery and rebuilding by providing for special building permit
and inspection procedures after a hurricane or tropical storm and update them by May 1
annually. Counties and municipalities must plan to ensure sufficient personnel can manage
building inspection, permitting, and enforcement; account for in-person locations for permitting
services during business hours; protocols to expedite permitting and waive or reduce fees; and
procedures to expedite debris removal.
Counties and municipalities must publish a guide on their website by May 1 annually intended
for residential and commercial property owners. The guide must cover post-storm repairs that do
and do not require permits and applicable fees; post-storm permitting procedures; and local
rebuilding requirements.
Counties and municipalities are prohibited, for 180 days after the declaration of a state of
emergency for a hurricane or tropical storm, form increasing building permit fees or inspection
fees. During the same time period, counties and municipalities are required to have personnel
available during business hours to process permits.
Section 16 amends s.403.7071, F.S., to revise authorizations and requirements related to storm-
generated debris.
Local governments are authorized and encouraged to add an addendum to existing contracts or
franchise agreements for collection of storm-generated debris
Counties and municipalities are required to apply to the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection for authorization of at least one debris management site and seek annual
preauthorization for previously approved sites as allowed for the department. BILL: SB 180 Page 21
Municipalities are authorized to jointly apply for authorization of a debris management site with
a county or an adjacent municipality, pursuant to a memorandum of understanding.
Section 17 provides that a county or municipality listed in the federal disaster declaration for
Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene, or Hurricane Milton shall not propose or adopt a
moratorium on construction, reconstruction, or redevelopment of property damaged by
hurricanes; more restrictive or burdensome procedures to its comprehensive plan or land
development regulations concerning the review, approval or issuance of a site plan, development
permit, or development order. Any such moratorium or restrictive or burdensome comprehensive
plan amendment, land development regulation, or procedure is null and void ab initio. This
subsection applies retroactively to August 1, 2024. Any comprehensive plan amendment, land
development regulation, development permit, or development order approved by a county or
municipality under procedures adopted before the effective date of this act may be enforced
under certain circumstances.
Section 19 provides that the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, unless otherwise expressly
provided.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
Article VII, s. 18(b) of the State Constitution provides that except upon the approval of
each house of the Legislature by a two-thirds vote of the membership, the Legislature
may not enact, amend, or repeal any general law if the anticipated effect of doing so
would be to reduce the authority that municipalities or counties have to raise revenue in
the aggregate, as such authority existed on February 1, 1989. The mandate requirement
does not apply to laws having an insignificant impact,
159
which for Fiscal Year 2025-
2026 is forecast at approximately $2.4 million.
The Revenue Estimating Conference has not yet adopted an impact estimate concerning
the assessment limitation on agricultural equipment in section 2. If the estimated
reduction in authority exceeds $2.4 million, the mandates provisions may apply. If the
bill does qualify as a mandate, the bill must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the
membership of each house.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
159
FLA. CONST. art. VII, s. 18(d). An insignificant fiscal impact is the amount not greater than the average statewide
population for the applicable fiscal year multiplied by $0.10. See Fla. S. Comm. on Cmty. Affairs, Interim Report 2012-115:
Insignificant Impact, (Sept. 2011), available at:
http://www.flsenate.gov/PublishedContent/Session/2012/InterimReports/2012-115ca.pdf (last visited Mar. 9, 2025). BILL: SB 180 Page 22
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. State Tax or Fee Increases:
Section 19 of Article VII, Florida Constitution, requires increased taxes or fees to be
passed in a separate bill and by two-thirds vote of the membership of each house of the
Legislature. This bill does not increase any taxes or fees, and thus the increased tax or fee
requirements do not apply.
E. Other Constitutional Issues:
None identified.
V. Fiscal Impact Statement:
A. Tax/Fee Issues:
The Revenue Estimating Conference has not yet reviewed this bill.
B. Private Sector Impact:
Agricultural producers with agricultural equipment unable to be used due to hurricanes
will experience property tax relief.
Residents and businesses affected by disasters may experience quicker post-storm permit
processing times and reduced or waived permit and inspection fees.
C. Government Sector Impact:
Local governments affected by beach erosion from hurricanes in 2024 will be able to
implement beach management and erosion projects with a reduced match or without
having to put forward match funds.
Local governments may receive reduced property tax revenues due to the assessment
limitation on agricultural equipment unable to be used due to hurricanes in 2024.
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None.
VII. Related Issues:
None. BILL: SB 180 Page 23
VIII. Statutes Affected:
This bill substantially amends the following sections of the Florida Statutes: 161.101, 193.4518,
215.559, 250.375, 252.35, 252.355, 252.3611, 252.365, 252.3655, 252.373, 252.38, 252.385,
400.063, and 403.7071.
This bill creates the following sections of the Florida Statutes: 252.3713 and 252.392.
This bill reenacts s. 252.55, F.S:
IX. Additional Information:
A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Changes:
(Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.)
None.
B. Amendments:
None.
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.