News Summary
Twenty-five cities and counties in Florida have filed a lawsuit against state law SB 180, which limits local growth regulations for two years. The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, freezes local land-development plans, arguing it infringes on their home-rule authority. Local governments contend this law significantly impacts their ability to manage growth effectively and meets specific community needs. Critics argue the legislation primarily benefits developers rather than addressing genuine recovery efforts after hurricanes. The outcome of this case could reshape the relationship between state and local governance in Florida.
Leon County, Florida – Twenty-five cities and counties have filed a lawsuit challenging a new state law, SB 180, which restricts local growth regulations. The lawsuit, submitted on September 29, 2025, aims to contest the legality of the law that prohibits local governments from implementing “more restrictive or burdensome” changes to their growth plans for two years. This law was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 26, 2025, with retroactive implications effective from August 1, 2024.
The lawsuit claims that the law effectively freezes all local land-development regulations and comprehensive plans until October 1, 2027. Local governments argue that this halt impedes their ability to effectively manage growth according to their unique needs and circumstances, violating home-rule authority which grants them the right to self-governance.
Jamie Cole, an attorney representing the local governments, emphasized the necessity of home rule, suggesting that local leaders are best positioned to address the particular challenges faced in their respective communities. The lawsuit names several state officials as defendants, including Florida Department of Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly, who is responsible for enforcing the law and has previously rejected proposed amendments from local governments.
The implementation of SB 180 has prompted local governments to pause numerous planning and zoning regulations that have taken years to develop, leading to significant financial waste of public funds. The lawsuit argues that the law creates an unfunded mandate for local governments and represents the most significant erosion of local home rule authority since the Florida Constitution’s adoption in 1968.
Originally, the legislation was presented as a tool to support recovery efforts following hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, but critics claim it primarily serves to benefit developers rather than address genuine recovery needs for residents. The law affects all 67 counties in Florida, impacting local authority statewide and not solely in areas affected by hurricanes.
In addition to Orange and Manatee counties, cities participating in the lawsuit include Deltona, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Jupiter, among others. Under the new law, residents and business owners can file lawsuits against local governments for enforcing any regulations seen as violating the provisions established by SB 180.
To aid in the legal expenses related to the suit, participating local governments have been asked to contribute $10,000 each, with the anticipation of needing additional funds for potential appeals. Proponents of the law argue that minimizing government interference assists communities in quickly recovering from storms. Still, numerous local governments have expressed concern that the law could prevent them from implementing essential regulations that do not relate directly to hurricane recovery efforts.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent regarding the balance of power between state and local governments in Florida. As the legal process unfolds, local governments maintain that their authority to govern growth effectively must be preserved in the face of the challenges posed by the newly enacted law.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports
- Wikipedia: Home Rule
- Tallahassee.com
- Google Search: local government Florida, growth law
- Florida Phoenix
- Google Scholar: Florida land development law
- My News 13
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Local Government
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
