Tavares council adopts ordinance aligning rules for certified recovery residences with state law

The City of Tavares City Council voted 4-0 on March 18 to adopt Ordinance 2026-01, amending the city’s land development regulations to establish a uniform process for review and requests for reasonable accommodation for certified recovery residences in order to conform with Senate Bill 954 and section 397.487 of the Florida Statutes. The ordinance was presented at second reading and recommended by staff and the Planning & Zoning advisory board.

The vice mayor read the ordinance and staff explained the change is intended to align city rules with the new statewide framework for certification and oversight of recovery residences that serve people recovering from substance use disorder. A Planning & Zoning board member noted the board had unanimously recommended approval at its February 19 meeting.

Council discussion focused on how much local control remains under the state law. A staff member recommended deleting the phrase “or is actively seeking” from section 2.I.b so the local code would apply to residences that already hold state certification rather than to every applicant; the council approved that amendment as part of the motion. Council members raised questions about whether homeowners associations or condo statutes could limit such uses and whether churches or age-restricted communities could be affected; staff said guidance and litigation may emerge but advised the city to adopt the ordinance to avoid statutory liability for failing to implement the state-required process.

The council’s motion to adopt Ordinance 2026-01 with the staff-recommended edit passed by voice vote, recorded as 4-0.

Council members and staff said they will continue to monitor related state litigation and any administrative guidance and return to the council with updates or potential workshops if further clarification or amendments are needed.