Florida House Committee Advances Bill to Ease Development in Agricultural Enclaves
A proposal by Republican Representative Adam Botana from Bonita Springs, Florida, aims to simplify the process for converting agricultural lands into residential developments. The bill, known as HB 691, has successfully passed its second House Committee. It seeks to replace the current requirement for comprehensive plan amendments with an expedited certification and review process. This change would allow property owners with agricultural parcels surrounded by existing developments to pursue single-family residential projects without needing to amend local comprehensive plans. The bill mandates a public hearing within 30 days of application submission and automatic certification if local governments do not act within 90 days. The measure also restricts local governments from imposing more burdensome regulations on these developments compared to similar projects. The bill has been advanced to the State Affairs Committee, with a similar bill already progressing in the Senate. 
