Major changes are coming to Florida’s land development landscape. Following the Spring 2026 legislative session, four key bills have been signed into law that will significantly streamline permitting, redefine local zoning control, and impact how we approach residential and commercial projects across the state.
At KPM Franklin, we are committed to helping our clients navigate these shifting regulations seamlessly. Here is a quick snapshot of the key legislation you need to know:
HB 927 Local Land Planning and Development – Signed Monday, March 23, 2026 Requires larger counties/municipalities to create programs for pre-application consultation services, including qualified contractor registries, to streamline reviews of plans, permits or plats. Limits additional local procedures for plat approvals.
HB 399 Land Use/Local Zoning Control – Signed Monday, March 30, 2026 Requires application fees for development permits to reasonably relate to processing costs, not a percentage of project costs. Mandates that local comprehensive plans and land development regulations include specific factors for assessing residential compatibility, with requirements for written explanations if denied. It also addresses variances for resorts, manufactured buildings, and uniform enforcement.
SB 686 Agricultural Enclaves – Signed Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Creates a streamlined process for certifying certain farmland parcels surrounded by development as agricultural enclaves, allowing faster administrative approval for compatible residential/commercial development with reduced local input/delays.
SB 1434 Infill Redevelopment on Contaminated Land – Signed Friday, May 22, 2026 Preempts certain local land development regulations for qualifying parcels, environmentally impacted plots of at least 5 acres adjacent to residentially zoned land in large counties, requiring local governments to permit residential development on those parcels at up to 25 dwelling units per acre or the average density of surrounding zoning districts, whichever is lower.
At KPM Franklin, we are committed to helping our clients navigate these shifting regulations seamlessly. Here is a quick snapshot of the key legislation you need to know:
HB 927 Local Land Planning and Development – Signed Monday, March 23, 2026 Requires larger counties/municipalities to create programs for pre-application consultation services, including qualified contractor registries, to streamline reviews of plans, permits or plats. Limits additional local procedures for plat approvals.
HB 399 Land Use/Local Zoning Control – Signed Monday, March 30, 2026 Requires application fees for development permits to reasonably relate to processing costs, not a percentage of project costs. Mandates that local comprehensive plans and land development regulations include specific factors for assessing residential compatibility, with requirements for written explanations if denied. It also addresses variances for resorts, manufactured buildings, and uniform enforcement.
SB 686 Agricultural Enclaves – Signed Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Creates a streamlined process for certifying certain farmland parcels surrounded by development as agricultural enclaves, allowing faster administrative approval for compatible residential/commercial development with reduced local input/delays.
SB 1434 Infill Redevelopment on Contaminated Land – Signed Friday, May 22, 2026 Preempts certain local land development regulations for qualifying parcels, environmentally impacted plots of at least 5 acres adjacent to residentially zoned land in large counties, requiring local governments to permit residential development on those parcels at up to 25 dwelling units per acre or the average density of surrounding zoning districts, whichever is lower.