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
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
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
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
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
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
- 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.