SB 484 – Data Centers

On Wednesday, March 11, SB 484 by Senator Bryan Avila (R-Hialeah Gardens) was heard on the House Floor after being amended and was reported favorably. AIF ultimately supported the amendment to the legislation. 

AIF appreciates the sponsor’s amendment addressing issues in the original language. The bill was amended to replace the original five-mile siting restriction with a requirement that new large-scale data centers located within five miles of a residential property or school demonstrate compliance with local noise ordinances. It also clarifies that non-disclosure agreements can be used during early economic development negotiations for the first 12 months of development. 

SB 484 will now be sent back to the Senate for consideration.

AIF still has concerns with the language related to the risk of nonpayment associated with serving large-load customers, as well as the provisions regarding confidentiality agreements. However, we believe the amendment moves the bill in the right direction and will continue working to support policies that foster the growth of data centers in Florida.

HB 167 - Former Phosphate Mining Lands

On Wednesday, March 11, HB 167 by Representative Lawrence McClure (R-Plant City) was heard on the Senate Floor and was reported favorably. AIF supports this legislation.

Phosphate mining is a critical industry in Florida and is essential to providing sufficient fertilizers and agrichemicals for agricultural operations around the globe. HB 167 provides protections against bad actors who bring claims against producers and property owners of land previously used for phosphate mining. The bill requires the Florida Department of Health (DOH) to perform radiation surveys on land previously used for phosphate mining operations at the request of the landowner. Plaintiffs would be required to submit DOH reports as discovery evidence in causes of action against landowners.

HB 167 will now be sent to the Governor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that adds a transparent good faith clause to the strict liability statute to protect businesses and landowners following environmental guidelines from being held liable in frivolous lawsuits, allowing businesses to utilize thousands of acres of land for needed projects.

SB 686 - Agricultural Enclaves

On Wednesday, March 11, SB 686 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) was read on the House Floor and was reported favorably. AIF supports 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 be sent to the Governor for consideration.

AIF supports laws that make it faster and easier to receive permits so homes can continue to be built across Florida. With housing costs rising, building more homes can help increase supply and keep prices affordable for families.