Land Use Lowdown: “Development-Focused Legislative Update from This Year’s Florida Regular Session”

Welcome to the Land Use Lowdown, the new podcast from the Greenspoon Marder land use team where we will share updates and trends on land‑use policy, development, and litigation shaping our region.

In this episode of Land Use Lowdown, Greenspoon Marder Land Use attorney’s Matthew Scott and Elizabeth Somerstein break down the key development-related outcomes from Florida’s 2026 Regular Legislative Session, which concluded Sine Die in mid‑March. While lawmakers will return for a special session to address the state budget, potential redistricting, and property tax proposals, this episode focuses on what did and did not pass during the regular session. The discussion opens with major community planning and local control issues, including continued controversy surrounding SB 180, the 2025 law limiting local land‑use regulations following hurricane declarations, ongoing litigation, and failed legislative attempts to narrow its scope. The hosts also highlight significant changes to development permitting and review standards under HB 399/SB 208, including new fee structures, more objective compatibility criteria, administrative approvals for certain large destination resorts, and limits on local restrictions for off‑site constructed housing.

The episode then turns to housing and growth management, featuring a deep dive into HB 1389—Live Local 4.0—which further expands the state’s affordable housing preemptions, including new allowances on religious, government, and airport‑adjacent lands, limits on setbacks and height restrictions, and expanded exemptions. Matthew and Elizabeth also cover bills affecting agricultural enclaves, expedited development approvals, infill redevelopment in South Florida’s largest counties, and the failure of proposed ADU legislation amid short‑term rental concerns. Framed by a session marked by budget challenges and last‑minute amendments, this episode provides a clear, development‑focused recap of a complex legislative year and what to watch next.
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Featured Speaker Contact:

Name: Matthew Scott
Title & Company: Partner, Greenspoon Marder
Phone: (954)333-4372
Email: [email protected]

Connect with and learn more about Matthew Scott at:

• Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/matthew-h-scott/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-scott-a0312121

Name: Liz Somerstein
Title & Company: Partner, Greenspoon Marder
Phone: (954)527-2459
Email: [email protected]

Connect with and learn more about Liz Somerstein at:

• Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/elizabeth-somerstein/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-somerstein-896187192/

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To learn more about our speakers and Greenspoon Marder, please visit www.gmlaw.com.