Florida lawmakers will consider several new bills this year that could have a major impact on development across the state, including one that would fast-track developments over 10,000 acres.
Development remains a hot-button issue in Florida, where many residents feel that growth is happening too fast and intensely — especially in previously natural or agricultural areas.
One closely watched bill could restore some local government control over community planning and growth that was limited by last year’s Senate Bill 180. But others could block local governments from denying large scale development projects, and potentially leave residents with less input on the future of their communities.
Here’s a closer look at some of the 2026 bills that could have a major impact on development in Florida.
Bill could restore home rule over development
The bill: Senate Bill 840; no companion bill filed in House
What it does: This bill would partially restore local officials’ ability to create new rules that put limits on development, such as development boundaries, moratoriums or environmental protections, starting in July. It aims to narrow the scope of 2025’s Senate Bill 180, which developers and state agencies have used to override local control over planning and growth.
Sponsor: State Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-St. Petersburg
Blue Ribbon Projects bill fast tracks massive developments
The bill: House Bill 299; Senate Bill 354
What it does: This bill could allow developments of 10,000 acres or more to bypass local government approvals and public hearings. For comparison, 10,000 acres is five times the size of the University of Florida’s campus.
If a development project met certain standards set by the state, local officials would be required to approve it. The project could also bypass typical rezoning requirements, allowing building to occur in agricultural and natural areas.
Sponsors: State Rep. Lauren Melo, R-Naples, and State. Sen. Stan McClain, R-Ocala
Bill would remove local wetlands and water pollution control
The bill: House Bill 479; Senate Bill 718
What it does: This bill could strip away some local environmental protections by blocking cities and counties from creating rules regarding water quality, water pollution or wetlands. It would give the authority to regulate water and wetlands exclusively to the state.
Sponsors: State Rep. Randy Maggard, R-Dade City, and State Sen. Stan McClain, R-Ocala
What happens next?
Florida’s 2026 legislative session starts Tuesday.
Lawmakers often change bills significantly as they move through the legislative process, so a bill’s final version could be much different than what is initially proposed.
To become Florida law, bills need to survive committee hearings, pass votes in the House and Senate and avoid the governor’s veto pen.
©2026 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
