Florida SB 1080: New Land Use And Permitting Rules For 2025

Under SB 1080, counties and municipalities must now clearly define, in writing, the minimum information that an applicant must provide...

Written Standards for Florida Land Use Applications

Under SB 1080, counties¹ and municipalities² must now clearly define, in writing, the minimum information that an applicant must provide when seeking zoning approval, rezoning, subdivision approval, a special exception, variance, or certification. These standards cannot be hidden in internal checklists or left to informal staff discretion. Instead, they must be:

• Posted on the county's website,

• Available for public inspection and copying where applications for development permits or orders are received, or

• Provided to applicants during pre-application meetings.

  
  

This change reflects a push for transparency and predictability. Developers have long complained that applications were often stalled because local governments claimed required documents were missing—sometimes without clear guidance about what was necessary. SB 1080 removes that ambiguity.

Deadlines for Processing Land Use Applications In Florida

Perhaps the most impactful reform is the new mandatory timeline for application review. Counties and municipalities are now bound to act within specific periods, or else face financial consequences.

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