A Florida state senator is seeking to revise a hurricane recovery law he sponsored last year after local governments and planning advocates said it went too far.

State Sen. Nick DiCeglie, a Republican from Pinellas County, has introduced Senate Bill 840 to address what he calls unintended consequences of Senate Bill 180, which was passed during the 2025 legislative session.

SB 180 was designed to prevent cities and counties from imposing moratoriums or stricter land-use regulations that could slow rebuilding after hurricanes like Helene and Milton. However, DiCeglie said last-minute language added during the legislative process created unforeseen problems.

“That broad definition has created several unintended consequences across the state,” DiCeglie said. He noted that some local governments became uncertain about what actions they were legally permitted to take.

Critics have argued that SB 180 restricts local planning authority beyond disaster recovery contexts. The nonprofit 1000 Friends of Florida called for repealing portions of the law in October 2025, stating it prevents communities from planning responsibly for growth, infrastructure, and environmental issues. The organization said the law’s vague language leaves unclear which actions cities and counties can take, discouraging local decision-making on matters such as stormwater management and environmental protection.

SB 840 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously on January 20 and is now moving to the Senate Rules Committee. Lawmakers will consider whether the bill adequately addresses concerns about the original law.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater news at PIE-Sun.com