HB 1007 – Hyperscale Data Centers

On Tuesday, February 24, HB 1007 by Representative Griff Griffitts (R-Panama City Beach) was heard by the House State Affairs Committee and was reported favorably. AIF spoke for information purposes only.

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for large-scale data centers and other large electric load customers in Florida, focusing on transparency, local land-use authority, utility ratepayer protections, and water resource management. Additionally, the bill creates detailed permitting standards for large-scale data centers’ water use, emphasizing conservation, reclaimed water utilization, public hearings, and protection of Florida’s water resources. The bill also prohibits government agencies from entering into nondisclosure agreements that limit public disclosure of data center developments and establishes a 5-mile siting restriction around residential developments. 

HB 1007 will now go to the House Floor for further consideration.

AIF supports much of the language throughout HB 1007 as it establishes reasonable guardrails for large-scale data center development in Florida. However, AIF has concerns with the provision creating a statewide 5-mile siting restriction and limiting the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements in the pre-development stage. AIF will continue working with the sponsor to refine the bill and advance policies that support both responsible growth and Florida’s pro-business climate.

SB 1220 - Transportation

On Tuesday, February 24, SB 1220 by Senator Ralph Massulo (R-Inverness) was read by the Senate Appropriations Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill makes wide-ranging updates to Florida’s transportation, infrastructure, and emerging mobility statutes by consolidating authority within the Department of Transportation, modernizing planning and resource requirements for seaports and airports, and expanding support for workforce development, research, and advanced technologies. It establishes new policies for personal delivery devices, mobile carriers, and drone delivery services, clarifying where they may operate, limiting local fees and restrictions, and excludes certain sensitive areas such as theme parks and state lands. The amendment also strengthens state preemption over local regulation of communications facilities and rights-of-way,

SB 1220 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration.

AIF supports initiatives that ease burdens for utility providers who are forced to move facilities from a right-of-way by local governments. Clear, concise permitting regulations create an environment where all parties can plan and react appropriately when working in a right-of-way.

SB 1234 - Building Permits and Inspections

On Tuesday, February 24, SB 1234 by Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Petersburg) was read by the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill streamlines Florida’s building permitting and inspection process to make approvals more predictable and reduce unnecessary red tape for property owners and contractors. It clarifies permit expiration timelines, limits what local governments can require in applications, expands and standardizes the private provider option for plan review and inspections. The bill also preempts purely aesthetic building design mandates with no functional purpose, helping standardize construction processes and making it easier for responsible developers to build on the land they own.

SB 1234 will now go to the Senate Floor for further consideration.

AIF supports streamlining the permitting and inspection process by reducing unnecessary local documentation and cost burdens and expanding reliable options like private providers to keep projects moving. Faster, more predictable approvals help lower project delays and costs which supports housing supply, resilience improvements and Florida’s broader pro-business growth.

SB 686 - Agricultural Enclaves

On Tuesday, February 24, SB 686 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) was read by the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

The bill significantly expands and clarifies Florida’s agricultural enclave framework by creating a faster, more predictable pathway for certain agriculturally used parcels surrounded by development to transition to residential use, while limiting local government discretion. The bill allows qualifying landowners to seek certification as an agricultural enclave, imposes firm timelines on local governments to act, and provides automatic approval if deadlines are missed, along with judicial review if an application is denied. 

SB 686 will now go to the Senate Floor for further consideration.

AIF supports responsible growth by allowing limited, well-planned development on land surrounded by existing infrastructure to help ease the housing shortage in Florida.

SB 208 – Land Use and Development Regulations

On Tuesday, February 24, SB 208 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) was heard by the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill revises Florida’s development review process to increase predictability and transparency for property owners and businesses. The bill requires local government application fees to reflect actual review costs, establishes clearer standards for evaluating residential compatibility, and limits the ability of local governments to deny projects on compatibility grounds when reasonable mitigation measures are proposed. It also requires written explanations for denials and allows approvals to include reasonable conditions, creating a more structured and consistent statewide permitting framework.

SB 208 will now go to the Senate Floor for further consideration

AIF supports streamlining the approval process for development that provides greater predictability for businesses across Florida. By tying fees to actual costs and clarifying standards for project review, the bill reduces uncertainty and unnecessary delays. Promoting responsible development is key to assisting in mitigating the affordability issues in Florida.

HB 927 – Local Land Planning and Development

On Tuesday, February 24, HB 927 by Representative Judson Sapp (R-Green Cove Springs) was heard by the House State Affairs Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill streamlines Florida’s local land planning and development review process to provide greater predictability and efficiency for businesses and developers while maintaining government oversight. The bill requires local governments to establish a program allowing applicants to use approved “qualified contractors” for preapplication compliance reviews, helping identify issues early and reduce delays. Local governments must maintain a registry of contractors, reduce application fees when one is used, and complete reviews within set timeframes. The bill also limits additional local requirements for final plat approvals, voids conflicting local provisions, and allows flexibility to waive certain bonding requirements.

HB 927 will now go to the House Floor for further consideration.

AIF supports streamlining processes for development by improving the regulatory pathway for builders across the state. Promoting responsible development is key to assisting in mitigating the affordability issues in Florida.

HB 433 – Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

On Tuesday, February 24, HB 433 by Representative Danny Alvarez (R-Fish Hawk) was heard by the House State Affairs Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

The bill enhances Florida’s approach on regulating the agriculture industry. The bill creates the Farmers Feeding Florida Program to ensure native, local ingredients are broadly available around the state. The bill also preempts local governments from passing ordinances that prohibit or restrict gas-powered equipment used on lawns or agricultural lands.

HB 433 will now go to the House Floor for further consideration.

AIF supports promoting Florida’s agricultural community and protecting those who choose to work on agricultural lands from unfair local ordinances that can change business practices and make working lands unaffordable.

HB 951 – One-Cent Piece

On Tuesday, February 2, HB 951 by Representative Fiona McFarland (R-Sarasota) was heard by the House Commerce Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill clarifies the rounding rules for cash change in the future after the Federal Government ceased the production of the penny. Depending on the change owed, the business may round up or down to avoid using a penny.

HB 951 will now go to the House Floor for further consideration.

AIF supports clarifying language in Florida Statutes for the business community to follow while dispensing cash change. As the penny becomes less common, making sure the state has clear and concise procedures will become increasingly important.