The Florida House has taken steps to address issues from the damaging 2024 hurricane season with a wide-ranging proposal, HB 1535. The bill aims to address property tax issues for homes rebuilt after hurricanes, enhance post-storm rules for elections supervisors, and regulate shelter regulations, debris cleanup, and crane positioning during storms. The proposal received unanimous approval from the House Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee.
One key aspect of the bill is the prohibition of counties from imposing moratoriums on rebuilding storm-damaged properties under certain federal disaster declarations until Oct. 1, 2027. It also allows residents to rebuild homesteaded property up to 130 percent larger without facing increases in property values.
Additionally, the proposal includes provisions for streamlined permitting for repairing and rebuilding damaged structures, changes to early voting locations and procedures in the event of an emergency declared by the governor, and measures to secure hoisting equipment like cranes before hurricanes hit.
The legislation also mandates a study on statewide emergency shelter needs, including accommodations for people with developmental disabilities and space for pets. The bill has received support from various stakeholders, including elections supervisors and voting rights advocates.
Rep. Fiona McFarland, the bill’s sponsor, stated that the proposal is the result of collaboration with various stakeholders and feedback from local governments, Realtors, homeowners associations, builders, environmentalists, and emergency managers. The bill still needs to clear two more House panels before potentially going to the full House for a vote.
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