A new state law that freezes local growth plans and land-development regulations until October 2027 is facing its second major constitutional challenge in Leon County Circuit Court.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday by the growth-management group 1000 Friends of Florida and an Orange County resident, alleges the new measure violates due-process rights and the state constitution’s single-subject rule for legislation.
The provision, part of a wide-ranging bill (SB 180) signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June, prevents cities and counties from approving “more restrictive or burdensome” changes to their comprehensive growth plans, with an effective date retroactive to August 1, 2024.
Lawmakers had cited recovery from the 2024 hurricanes as the impetus for the bill.
The plaintiffs argue that SB 180 is not limited to hurricane recovery or emergencies, but instead imposes a total ban on stricter land-use regulations that affects all future growth and development, including properties undamaged by storms. This, they claim, is an “arbitrary and capricious” overreach that invalidates local efforts to manage development pressures and protect community character.
This challenge follows a similar lawsuit filed last week by 25 cities and counties, including Manatee County, against the same state officials. Local governments, including the city of Ocoee, have already seen their revised comprehensive plans rejected by the Florida Department of Commerce due to the new law. Affected organizations are urging lawmakers to revisit the law during the 2026 legislative session.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
