FAC News Clips – March 12, 2024

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

WLRN 

At least $1.5 billion needed to make dent in Miami-Dade affordable housing needs, report finds  

A housing advocacy group has released calculations on an estimated price tag of making a considerable dent in the housing affordability crisis gripping Miami-Dade County, at a time when it’s considering a plan that could pump up to $800 million in affordable housing projects. 

 

LEGISALTION 

The Islander  

‘Troubling’ vacation rental bill on governor’s desk  

The city of Anna Maria’s annual battle to oppose the preemption of vacation rental regulations to the state might be ending in defeat. 

 

WUWF 

10 dead issues in the 2024 session  

When Florida lawmakers went home after ending the 2024 legislative session Friday, they left behind hundreds of bills that did not pass. Here are snapshots of 10 issues that died during the session: 

 

WMNF 

Florida lawmakers reject changes to a law requiring municipal officials to disclose finances  

TALLAHASSEE — Amid state and federal court challenges, Florida lawmakers have rejected an attempt to change a 2023 law that requires municipal officials to disclose detailed information about their personal finances. 

 

Sanibel-Captiva 

State restrictions on local fertilizer bans opposed  

Given the recent releases from Lake Okeechobee, a Sanibel City Council member joined more than 50 other elected officials from around the state calling on Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Legislature to reject any legislation that would attempt to restrict the ability of local municipalities to regulate the use of fertilizer. 

FAC News Clips – March 5, 2024

LEGISLATION 

WUWF 

Florida cities want to ban noisy gas leaf blowers, go electric. Tallahassee may stop that  

Across Florida, cities have been making the switch from noisy gas-powered leaf blowers to electric ones, citing benefits like quieter lawn care, less air pollution and fewer atmosphere-warming emissions. 

 

Palm Beach Daily News 

2024 Session: Millions in last-minute spending help seal Florida budget deal  

Tucking in millions of dollars in additional spending on hometown projects and state programs, Florida House and Senate budget negotiators completed work on a state spending plan for next year – setting up the Legislature for an on-time Friday finish.   

 

WUWF 

Florida lawmakers are close to passing a bill preempting civilian oversight of police  

The Florida Legislature has voted overwhelmingly to curtail civilian oversight of law enforcement or correctional officers. The measure would preempt the authority of local governments in cases of police misconduct. 

 

Florida Politics 

Sprinkle list: South Florida gets 4.5% cut of last-minute budget earmarks  

Florida’s 3 most populous and well-to-do counties are getting about $30M combined. 

 

Florida Politics 

Senate prepares homeless camping ban backed by Ron DeSantis for final vote  

Florida is ready to crack down on homelessness, and let local jurisdictions foot the bill for the state’s scheme. 

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

WUWF 

Florida lawmakers pass legislation to change Live Local Act, affordable housing law  

Some changes are coming to last year’s landmark housing law, known as the Live Local Act. 

 

COUNTY 

Fox 13 

State legislators holding final discussions on Hillsborough County transportation tax  

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – After years of in-fighting, time is running out for legislators to decide how to spend nearly $600,000,000 collected from the now defunct Hillsborough Transportation Surtax.   

 

Tampa Bay Times 

Hillsborough commissioner wants $200K back from county elections office  

Josh Wostal says a drop in active registered voters means elections supervisor Craig Latimer’s budget should get cut. 

 

WTXL 

“Shut them down” – Neighbors ask Gadsden Co. Commissioners for ordinance against illegal internet cafes  

Neighbors are asking Gadsden County Commissioners to create an ordinance to ban illegal internet cafes across the county. 

FAC News Clips – March 4, 2024

LEGISLATION 

Florida Politics 

Legislature on precipice of needed fixes to Florida’s PACE program  

Most who utilize this financing are low-to-moderate income homeowners for whom traditional bank financing frequently isn’t an option. 

 

CBS 12 

Florida elected officials challenge expansion of financial disclosure law  

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — In a legal battle against Florida’s Commission on Ethics, nearly 80 elected officials, including some from the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast, are challenging the recently expanded Form 6 requirement, calling it a government overreach. 

 

Miami Herald 

As Florida advances camping ban, Orlando’s homeless ask, ‘Where are we supposed to go?’   

ORLANDO, Fla. – As Florida officials move to ban people from sleeping on public property, Peter Roberts wonders where he’ll be forced to go. 

  

COUNTY 

WLRN 

Addressing transportation issues in Florida and Hillsborough County  

Wherever you are in Florida, driving can be a pain. 

 

Palm Beach Daily News 

‘Taxpayers need a break’: But League of Cities argues county is replacing one tax with another 

County commissioners are prepared to let the infrastructure surtax die and instead introduce a transportation surtax. Voters must approve the implementation of any surtax. 

FAC News Clips – February 29, 2024

LEGISLATION 

Florida Politics 

County Commissioner term limits bill dies as Senate, House diverge  

Hard-line conservatives wouldn’t compromise, but the bill will be back next year. 

 

WLRN 

After Miami’s hottest summer, Florida looks set to ban local heat protections for workers  

On extremely hot days, many outdoor workers in Florida often lack access to three basic accommodations: water, shade and rest breaks. 

 

Florida Politics 

Senate passes bill easing replacement of old coastal buildings  

Like the structures it concerns, opposition to the bill has eroded over time as its sponsors made changes to reflect community feedback. 

 

Sun-Sentinel 

Here’s why some in South Florida won’t back state plan for homeless camps  

Like other states around the nation, Florida is home to tens of thousands of people who live on the street — a fact of life that has vexed city and county leaders for decades. 

 

The Capitolist 

Public works bill advances in House  

The Florida House of Representatives voted favorably on a bill Thursday that seeks to standardize the procurement process for public works projects across the state, potentially altering how local governments and contractors operate. 

 

Florida Politics 

That’s a wrap: Bill letting local governments ban plastics fails to advance  

Critics of the preemption warn that plastic bags can kill animal life and pollute the state. 

 

COUNTY 

Click Orlando 

In Orange County, 911 dispatchers can now help with mental health  

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – It’s a first for Central Florida: 911 dispatchers can now assist when someone in a mental health crisis calls for help.
 

WLRN 

Palm Beach County’s penny tax is set to lapse – but a new surtax may be coming  

Palm Beach County’s penny tax, levied through sales tax on every dollar spent in the county, will end next year after county leaders agreed to let it lapse. 

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

Bradenton Herald 

Biden administration to boost affordable housing programs, supply of manufactured homes  

The Biden administration announced on Thursday that it will take steps to bolster federal programs that produce affordable housing, boost the supply of manufactured homes and promote fairer rental markets. 

FAC News Clips – February 28, 2024

LEGISLATION 

WCJB 

Bill calling for term limits for county commissioners is headed to the full Florida Senate  

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Eight of Florida’s 67 counties currently have eight-year limits for county commissioners. Three other counties have 12-year limits, and the rest have none. Legislation amended this week in a Senate committee would place a referendum on the 2024 general election ballot, asking voters if they want eight-year term limits for their county commissioners. 

 

Florida Politics 

Budget conference: Chambers remain at odds on jobs, transportation, police recruitment programs  

The Senate is sticking to its $75M position for the Job Growth Grant Fund. 

 

Florida Politics 

These repairs are expected to ‘provide a safe and secure environment for all visitors and staff located in the Baker County Courthouse.’  

Money from Tallahassee is likely headed to Macclenny for much needed upgrades of the Baker County Courthouse, offering what locals say would be a “better environment that is more conducive to county business and a reflection of the community.” 

 

COUNTY 

WMFE 

Advocates push back on ‘dehumanizing’ regulations targeting homelessness  

Leaders on local, state, and federal levels have been discussing regulations against homelessness, but not without pushback from advocates. 

 

WGCU 

Single-member vs. at-large voting districts won’t come before Collier voters in the foreseeable future.  

There’s a saying that if it’s not broken, then don’t fix it. And that’s exactly what a majority of the Collier County Commissioners decided when a proposal to study various forms of governance was floated. 

 

News 4 Jax  

How an app is helping 911 dispatchers in Flagler County see suspected criminals caught in the act in real-time  

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office introduced new technology used by 911 dispatchers to help deputies see suspected crimes being committed in real-time. 

 

WTXL 

Leon County launches interactive history experiences in celebration of bicentennial  

Leon County Government is proud to announce the launch of two new interactive history experiences in celebration of the Tallahassee-Leon County Bicentennial. 

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

WESH News  

New affordable housing community in Florida made of shipping containers  

Some families in West Palm Beach will soon have a new place to call home that won’t break the bank. 

 

BROADBAND 

Route-Fifty 

Biden administration waives certain ‘Build America’ requirements for broadband  

Even with the waiver, though, the administration estimates that roughly 90% of funding for equipment will still be used to purchase U.S.-made products. 

FAC News Clips – February 27, 2024

LEGISLATION 

Islander News 

“You’re trying to fix a problem that we don’t have;” new FL bill would allow certain counties to vote on 8-year term limits for commissioners  

Voters in certain Florida counties could go to the polls in November to decide if they want to reduce term limits for county commissioners to eight years, even as some elected officials in small jurisdictions continue to insist that this is going down the wrong path. 

 

Florida Politics 

After twists and turns, County Commissioner term limit bill bound for Senate floor  

More changes ahead? The sponsor says ‘what’s in here today may not be the final product on the floor.’ 

 

Florida Politics 

Senate bill to strengthen Everglades protections heads to floor as House companion lags  

Lawmakers have been trying for years to impose stronger development limits within 2 miles of the endangered wetlands. 

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

Bay News 9 

Sirata owners threaten to develop using Live Local Act if commissioners vote against plans 

  1. PETE BEACH, Fla. — After a more than 10-hour meeting regarding the future of the Sirata Beach Resort ended without a vote last week, St. Pete Beach City Commissioners will return Tuesday night to continue their deliberations.

 

FEDERAL 

WLRN 

State seeks partial stay of court ruling in wetlands permitting case  

TALLAHASSEE — Pointing to permits in “regulatory limbo,” the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on Monday asked a judge for a partial stay of a ruling in a legal battle about a 2020 decision that shifted permitting authority from the federal government to the state for projects that affect wetlands. 

 

COUNTY 

WINK News 

Collier Commissioner looking at countywide elections with voter referendum  

Collier County Commissioner Burt Saunders wants the board to consider a voter referendum to switch to countywide elections for commissioners instead of single-district elections.