[Dana1963]

Originally Posted by Robbie0723

Florida Impact Fee Limits Headed To DeSantis | WLRN

The Florida Senate on Monday gave final approval to a measure that seeks to limit increases in impact fees, which many local governments collect to help pay for growth-related costs.

Senators voted 28-12 to pass the measure (HB 337), with Senate sponsor Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, saying it is aimed at creating “predictability in the marketplace.” The House passed the bill last week, meaning it is now ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The bill, in part, would seek to prevent impact fees from being increased more often than every four years and cap such increases at 50 percent. Increases up to 25 percent would have to be implemented in two annual increments, while increases between 25 and 50 percent would be done in four installments. The bill also includes an exception to the limits if local governments can meet certain legal criteria --- what Gruters described as “relief valve.”

In addition, the bill defines types of infrastructure projects that could be funded with impact-fee money. Supporters have said the bill is needed because of large impact-fee increases in places such as Hillsborough County and that developers pass along the costs to homebuyers.

But. Sen. Bobby Powell, D-West Palm Beach, objected to the bill Monday, pointing to impacts on local governments’ home-rule authority.

It’s good to employ a state representative.