Following up on promises to streamline permitting and help get Florida back on track, Gov. Rick Scott last month signed into law a growth management bill that gives local governments more discretion in how their communities develop.
Without comment, Scott signed the measure (HB 7207) that re-enacts portions of a previously approved growth management bill (SB 360) passed by lawmakers in 2009 that was until recently tied up in court. The law makes significant changes to growth management laws dating back decades.
Scott’s decision came over the objections of environmental groups that are concerned the bill has the potential of damaging the environment by increasing urban sprawl and decreasing the incentives previously in place to encourage development in more densely populated urban areas.
The 349-page bill also reduces state oversight on development approvals, giving cities and counties more control over development decisions and whether to charge developers for roads, parks and schools. Backers say the state will continue to maintain oversight over projects that have significant regional impacts.