Important State Legislation for 2022

By Alex Lama, Commissioner

(Friday, January 7, 2022) – As we commence 2022, I wish you a healthy, prosperous and happy new year. I also want to inform you of important upcoming legislation proposals at the 2022 Florida Legislative Session in Tallahassee from January 11 – March 11, 2022.

Local Ordinances

SB 280 (Hutson) and HB 403 (Giallombardo) would require a municipality to prepare a business impact statement before adopting any local ordinances, excluding emergency ordinances. Municipalities will be forced to suspend enforcement for any appeals, civil action or challenges. While disguised as positive legislation, it transfers power to the state and substantially restricts local government from managing its city and providing for local solutions.

Regulation of Smoking by Counties and Municipalities

HB 105 (Fine) and SB 224 (Gruters) would permit cities to restrict smoking within the boundaries of a county-owned beach or park located within the city if it doesn’t conflict with any county ordinance. This legislation is long overdue and I hope that it passes.

Aggressive Careless Driving

SB 476 (Pizzo/Book) and HB 287 (Aloupis, Jr) w ill create the Anthony Reznik Act, penalizing aggressive careless drivers whose actions result in serious bodily injury, death and property damage. This is an important and significant bill for our city; and we will do everything in our power to see that it passes.

Please familiarize yourselves with the legislation that w ill have a substantial impact on local government and help us advocate in favor of municipalities. To learn about the bills and send a message to the state legislators, please visit floridaleagueofcities.com.

Contact Commissioner Alex Lama at seat2@sibfl.net or 305.792.1752.