Two proposed bills in the Florida Legislature may drastically reduce local authority over land development, raising alarms about potential urban sprawl.

Senate Bill 1118, sponsored by Sen. Stan McClain, seeks to alter how land-use decisions are made by limiting local government control and requiring a supermajority vote for certain comprehensive plan changes. The bill is set for review Monday by the Senate’s Community Affairs Committee, which McClain chairs.

A companion bill, House Bill 1209, introduced by Rep. Kevin Steele, mirrors the same objectives across Florida.

McClain, a Republican, represents Levy, Marion, and parts of Alachua counties, while Steele, also a Republican, hails from Dade City.

Critics argue the legislation could accelerate urban sprawl and strip local governments of their ability to manage growth.

David Bear of Save Rural Seminole is deeply concerned about the impact of unchecked development on Florida’s natural landscapes.

“For years, many of us in Central Florida and Seminole County have fought for responsible growth—developing an urban core rather than sprawling endlessly into rural areas,” Bear said. “This bill threatens to undo all that by preempting local governments’ ability to protect rural spaces.”

Under the proposed measures, cities and counties would lose significant control over future development. The bills would allow property owners to seek administrative approval for projects, bypassing existing land-use designations and preventing local governments from enforcing certain regulations.

Bear criticized the shift in decision-making authority:

“Instead of the usual process—where developers apply to the county, go through public hearings, and allow residents a say—this bill would strip that power from local communities. Instead, major land-use decisions would be handled through an administrative process in Tallahassee.”

Steele, the author of House Bill 1209, argues that the legislation is about empowering landowners.

“I support preservation,” Steele said. “This isn’t about large-scale developments taking over. It’s about ensuring landowners have a say in what happens to their property.”

But Bear sees it differently. He believes local control is essential for smart growth and environmental protection. While the bill includes provisions to safeguard certain wildlife areas, such as Central Florida’s Wekiva Study Area, Bear warns against allowing those to become the last remnants of Florida’s natural beauty.

“We need these spaces so people can experience and appreciate Florida’s natural environment,” he said.

Both bills remain in the early stages as they move through the legislative process.

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