On March 25, the “Jobs for Florida” bill, SB 1752 by Senator Gaetz, passed the Florida Senate. The bill contained several detrimental environmental policies that would have resulted in a significant loss of environmental protection and would have been harmful to local governments. However, Senator Storms offered a series of amendments, which Senator Gaetz accepted. These amendments greatly improved the bill and removed the harmful provisions. FAC thanks Senators Storms, Bennett, and Gaetz for making these improvements to the bill, as well as many others who helped behind the scenes to improve the bill.
While much of the bill contains strategies centered on targeted industry tax credits and incentives, there are segments of the legislation that may directly or indirectly affect local government. The following provides a brief overview of these concepts with further analysis to be provided at a later date as the actual legislation develops.
Section 1: Transparency in the use of Public Funds in Economic Development
This section of the “Jobs Bill” will require counties to participate in enhanced reporting on the use of local tax dollars in economic development efforts, as well as the outcome of these efforts.
Section 30: SB 360/ch. 2009-96, L.O.F.
This section further extends the permit extensions granted in SB 360/ch. 2009-96, L.O.F.
Section 31: Housing
Extend the current extension of the First-Time Homebuyers program administered by the Florida Housing Finance Agency by an additional year.
To view the legislation click here.
Additional Resources:
SB 1752 - Section 24.pdf