Panel advances land‑use bill that sparks concern over local charters and Everglades protections

Representative Barreiro summarized HB 399 as a four‑part bill: require local governments to define "compatibility" for development reviews; restrict review fees to be reasonably related to actual review work; require a study on urban development boundaries; and require a simple majority to approve certain comprehensive plan amendments.

The committee adopted a minor amendment delaying a study due date. Public commenters included Mark Peters (Orange County), who limited remarks to section 3 and said the bill would negate a 2024 charter amendment in Orange County that increased voter thresholds; he opposed the bill on that basis. Representatives Cross and Robinson voiced concerns about preserving existing urban development boundaries in areas such as Miami‑Dade that help protect drinking‑water resources and Everglades restoration investments.

Sponsor Barreiro defended the bill as responding to a housing‑supply problem and said allowing overly restrictive local boundaries can raise housing costs; he asked for support after offering to work with stakeholders on amendments. The subcommittee reported HB 399 favorably.