Committee backs bill letting historic Black cemeteries sell excess land to fund maintenance

TALLAHASSEE — Representative Aristide told the committee that the proposed committee substitute for HB 425 is intended to help sustain historic African American cemeteries struggling to fund ongoing maintenance.

The PCS allows a cemetery that has excess land not used for burial to sell that land for the express purpose of funding long‑term upkeep, and it requires local governments to administratively approve a land‑use or rezoning application for that land so long as the proposed use is compatible with the surrounding area, the sponsor said.

"Please understand this is not just a blanket mandate," Representative Aristide said, adding that local governments retain responsible discretion over zoning and compatibility.

When asked how sale proceeds would be used, Aristide said there would be a trust into which funding would be placed so the sale proceeds are dedicated to cemetery maintenance.

Public supporters waived in, including representatives of Guardians of American History Inc. and Equal Ground Action Fund. Several committee members praised the bill’s stewardship approach: Representative Gant described a historic cemetery in Liberty City/Brownsville and noted the sites’ cultural significance; Representatives Dunkley, Harrison, Campbell and others spoke in favor.

The committee voted to report the PCS for HB 425 favorably, 16 ayes, 0 nays.

What’s next: PCS for HB 425 was reported favorably and will go forward in the House process; the committee did not set a floor date in the hearing.