Potential impact of SB 1118

1. Retroactive Ban on Referendums:

SB 1118 retroactively prohibits local referendums or citizen-initiated measures on land development regulations dating back to June 1, 2011. If the height referendum was voter-approved after this date, it could be rendered invalid, stripping away the protections it established.

2. Creates a Legal Backdoor for Large-Scale Development Developers now have a clearer path to pursue large-scale projects, especially in previously protected areas, without fear of local challenges. This greatly benefits developers by ensuring predictability and fewer legal hurdles.

3. Preemption of Local Authority:

The bill strengthens state preemption over local land development policies, preventing cities from adopting or enforcing certain types of growth control measures. This could mean that even if the height limits remain intact, future modifications or attempts to strengthen those protections may be prohibited.

4. Reduces Oversight and Public Accountability:
By removing local oversight and voter input, SB 1118 centralizes decision-making power in the hands of local governing bodies that are often more susceptible to lobbying and political influence from developers. This streamlines the approval process for developers, allowing them to bypass community opposition.

A key controversy of SB 1118 is its potential to override local voter-approved measures controlling rural development. The bill retroactively bans local land development referendums from June 1, 2011, which could invalidate measures like the 2024 charter amendments in Orange and Seminole counties that 

established and strengthened rural boundary protections.

Streamlining Approval Processes: The bill may **expedite the approval of certain developments** potentially limiting public input or environmental review in cases where projects meet the state’s criteria.

With SB1119, our trusted, local, elected officials lose even more of their strength and legal rights to represent our citizens rights and voice.

NEXT STEPS:
Email our National, State, and Local, representatives to make them aware so they can advocate on our behalf.

Email ASAP:
Peggy.Gossett-Seidman@myfloridahouse.gov;travis.hutson@flsenate.gov;ana.rodriguez@flsenate.gov;jason.brodeur@flsenate.gov;osgood.rosalind.web@flsenate.gov; Allison.Tant@flhouse.gov;mbogen@broward.org;hazellerogers@broward.org;bganz@deerfield-beach.com;bpreston@deerfield-beach.com;mhudak@deerfield-beach.com;bparness@deerfield-beach.com;tdrosky@deerfield-beach.com;ben.albritton@flsenate.gov;GovernorRon.Desantis@eog.myflorida.com;ingoglia.blaise.web@flsenate.gov;pizzo.jason.web@flsenate.gov;berman.lori.web@flsenate.gov; bradley.jennifer.web@flsenate.gov;burton.colleen.web@flsenate.gov;calatayud.alexis.web@flsenate.gov; collins.jay.web@flsenate.gov;stewart.linda.web@flsenate.gov;mayfield.debbie.web@flsenate.gov; brodeur.jason.web@flsenate.gov.

Dear Honorable Members of the Florida Legislature, Esteemed Senators and Representatives, and Respected Local, Elected Officials;

I am writing as a concerned resident of Deerfield Beach to urge you to oppose SB 1118. This bill all but eliminates the option for local governments and citizens to influence local Land Use and Zoning decisions through referendums or initiatives, effectively curtailing public input on development matters, and nullifying voter-approved measures aimed at preventing overdevelopment and protecting community integrity.  

SB 1118’s Impact on Our Community:
Removes Local Oversight: SB 1118 retroactively bans local referendums and initiatives on land development decisions, eliminating the ability of citizens to influence growth in their communities.

  
Nullifies Voter-Approved Protections: It overturns measures and charter amendments, which were established to prevent unchecked development.  

**Promotes Overdevelopment Without Public Input:** In Deerfield Beach, we have witnessed firsthand how quiet rezoning and exploitative overdevelopment leads to  dangerously increased traffic, overcrowded schools, environmental degradation, and a dramatic decline in property values. The AXIS Project (currently in litigation due to protest by citizens in Deerfield Beach), Hillsboro Square, and Vista Clara, were all approved without genuine community input, and they exemplify how unchecked development divides & harms our city.  

Why SB 1118 is Harmful:
This bill favors developers by bypassing community concerns and diminishing local control, making it easier for large-scale, high-density projects to move forward without public oversight. It takes decision-making power away from residents and local governments, leaving communities vulnerable to the QUIET REZONING, EXPLOITATIVE OVER-DEVELOPMENT, and environmental and property degradation.  

**We Need Your Support to Protect Deerfield Beach:**  

I urge you to stand with the residents of Deerfield Beach and oppose SB 1118. Please protect our community’s right to determine how we grow and develop by preserving the ability of voters to influence local land use decisions.  

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to hearing how you will work to safeguard our community’s voice.  

Please see HelloDeerfieldBeach.com for our views on the detrimental impact of quiet rezoning and exploitative overdevelopment in Deerfield Beach. 

Kindest regards,

April Bolowich

899 NE 4th St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

HelloDeerfieldBeach.com
(BCC 150 community members)