This past week, was the fourth of six interim committee meetings taking place before the 2020 Legislative Session convenes on January 14.
FHBA President, Michael Bourré and Volusia BIA President, Frank Severino, joined the lobbying team in Tallahassee to advocate on priority issues by meeting with key leaders, including; Senator Passidomo, Senator Simpson, Senator Wright, Representative Fetterhoff, Representative Gregory, and Representative Santiago.
The conversations focused on, but were not limited to:
HB 459, “Building Design Elements” by Representative Toby Overdorf (Senate Sponsor: Keith Perry of Gainesville, FL): The legislation seeks to prohibit local governments from adopting design and esthetic ordinances for one and two family dwellings, as well as prohibits local governments from bypassing the local building code process.
Right to cure legislation that will be filed by Senator Baxley (Lady Lake, FL) and Representative Tommy Gregory (Bradenton, FL): The legislation looks to return to the original intent of the construction defects law and eliminate frivolous suits by requiring a notice of claim be made under oath, the claimant cite the specific building code that was alleged to have been violated, the specific location of the defect, access to property records, and an inspection of the defect. Further, the bill defines “material violation” and creates a safe harbor from civil action if the party obtained all required permits and the project passed all required inspections.
Impact fee reform legislation that will be filed by Senator Gruters (Sarasota, FL) and Representative Nick DiCeglie (Largo, FL): The legislation defines capital expense to ensure local governments direct impact fees to true capital expenses, caps impact fee increases to bring predictability to the market, and limits school impact fees in order to counter local school districts from seeking funds in excess of the state allowed per square foot.
Stay tuned for progress updates on these and many more legislative issues that impact the building industry in Florida.