Florida Senate 'Blue Ribbon' Development Bill Advances to Floor After 12-10 Rules Vote

Overview

• Senate Rules advanced SB 354 on a 12-10 vote, with five Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition, while Independent Sen. Jason Pizzo supported it but warned he could oppose it on the floor.
• SB 354 would create Blue Ribbon projects for landowners with 15,000 or more contiguous acres, reserving at least 60% of the land and concentrating development on the remainder over five decades.
• Local governments could deny a project only for “substantial inconsistencies” with their comprehensive plans, a threshold critics say blurs local veto power.
• Environmental groups and local officials object to allowed “public uses” in reserve areas, citing risks that active recreation, utilities, reservoirs and even clearcutting could erode conservation goals.
• The House companion, HB 299, cleared its final committee and is scheduled for a floor vote as sponsors consider further amendments, including bans on golf courses, data centers and solar fields in reserves.