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HB 399

Property; require certain residential landlords to have in-state staff to manage tenant communications

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shaw Blackmon and 5 co-sponsors

HB 399 streamlines Florida's residential development by limiting local fees, promoting infill projects, and requiring a study on removing Urban Development Boundaries.

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Bill Summary · HB 399

Summary of HB 399: Land Use and Development Regulations

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 399
- Title: Land Use and Development Regulations
- Status: Filed
- Introduced: November 12, 2025
- Effective Date: July 1, 2026

Purpose and Intent

HB 399 aims to amend existing land use and development regulations in Florida. The bill seeks to clarify definitions related to land use compatibility, restrict local governments from imposing certain fees on residential developments, and mandate a study on the implications of removing Urban Development Boundaries (UDB) in specific counties.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition of Compatibility:

    • The bill revises the definition of "compatibility" to ensure that land uses within the same category can coexist without adversely impacting one another.

  2. Restrictions on Local Land Development Regulations:

    • Local governments are prohibited from adopting regulations that condition the approval of residential development applications on fees based on a percentage of construction costs.
    • Any fees imposed must be:
      • Limited to the actual cost of services provided.
      • Clearly itemized in the local government's fee schedule.
      • Capped at the amounts established for building permit and inspection fees under existing law.
    • Regulations that violate these provisions will be declared null and void.

  3. Infill Residential Development:

    • The bill defines "infill residential development" as projects on parcels no larger than 100 acres that are contiguous with existing residential areas.
    • Local governments cannot deny or delay approval for developments adjacent to existing residential areas based on compatibility concerns.

  4. Study by OPPAGA:

    • The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) is tasked with conducting a study to assess the effects of removing UDBs in Miami-Dade County and other counties.
    • The study will evaluate:
      • Continued growth control through other zoning and land use designations.
      • Economic benefits related to land and housing costs.
      • Environmental protection capabilities without UDBs.
    • OPPAGA must submit the study results to the Legislature by October 1, 2026.

Impact

  • Local Governments: The bill limits the authority of local governments in regulating residential developments, potentially streamlining the approval process.
  • Developers and Homebuyers: Developers may benefit from reduced fees and expedited approvals, while homebuyers could see increased housing availability due to the promotion of infill development.
  • Environmental Considerations: The mandated study will provide insights into how the removal of UDBs might affect environmental protections and growth management.

Conclusion

HB 399 represents a significant shift in Florida's land use and development regulations, focusing on enhancing residential development opportunities while ensuring that local governments adhere to specific guidelines regarding fees and compatibility assessments. The outcomes of the OPPAGA study will be crucial in shaping future land use policies in the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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