Geospatial Impact Analysis of SB 250 – Prohibition on Certain Local Government Actions Within 100 Miles of 2022 Landfalling Hurricanes (Ian, Nicole)

Abstract

The 2023 Florida Legislature enacted SB 250 (Chapter 2023-304, Laws of Florida) in response to the 2022 hurricane season. The new law addresses aspects of emergency response, especially those relating to local government authority. Section 14 of the new law prohibits counties or municipalities “located entirely or partially within 100 miles of where either Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole made landfall” from proposing or adopting moratoriums on “construction, reconstruction, or redevelopment” of hurricane-damaged property, or proposing or adopting “more restrictive or burdensome amendments” to comprehensive plans and land development regulations, or more restrictive or burdensome review procedures for site plans, development permits or development orders. This time-limited preemption expires on October 1, 2024.