Viva la Revolución!

In a bold and inspiring display of courage and spirit, municipalities and counties across Florida are resisting the State’s overreach and defying SB 180. Floridians don’t much appreciate being told how to live.

Florida Senate Bill 180 is a new law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 26, 2025, that focuses on emergency management and disaster recovery after storms. Its goal is to protect homeowners rebuilding after natural disasters, but SB 180 significantly changes how local governments can regulate and manage land use and development. SB 180 bans building moratoria, more restrictive zoning or development controls, as well as new stormwater and wetland protections. Critics argue these provisions strip local authorities of the ability to enact tailored or protective measures, undermining resilience planning and community-specific growth control.

What could be more American than communities coming together to oppose tyrannical rule and the oppressive power of bureaucrats? Citizens across the state are urging commissioners to respect the will of their voters. A class action lawsuit is being organized to challenge SB 180. This isn’t just about policy; it’s about protecting your home, neighborhood, and future. The preemption efforts in Tallahassee are serious. This measure demonstrates how state legislators are attempting to strip local governments of their authority. We should be prepared to go to court if necessary. Now is the time to stand up and fight.

Egged on by angry constituents, Orange County commissioners refused to repeal growth controls in defiance of a development group’s legal threat and a new state law that may invalidate the measures. The commission unanimously voted to maintain its rural boundary and development timeline, explicitly rejecting state pressure tied to SB 180. Commissioners described the bill as an overreach into local control. Orange County Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad stated that the county had an obligation to defend its laws, its vision, and the will of its voters, who had overwhelmingly adopted a rural boundary to halt urban sprawl.

Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower and the County Council urged the governor to veto SB 180, warning it would nullify their post-Milton development moratorium and stormwater protections. He emphasized that the bill tells us we can’t protect our citizens.

New Smyrna Beach and the City of Edgewater sent formal letters to Gov. DeSantis, requesting a veto, and pointed out that SB 180 would block their recent stormwater project.

Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse says, “We're currently fighting the state to get wetland protections back. The agencies are using the previously enacted SB 250 to preempt our development code and right to self-governance. We believe we have a case against that terrible bill. However, at the 11th hour, they slipped the SAME language into SB180.”

The Ormond Beach Planning Board and City Commission discussed sending a letter to the governor expressing concern. They noted the bill would preempt any new zoning or environmental restrictions, effectively hindering local efforts to manage growth. 

However, Deltona, Florida, is particularly grappling with SB 180 because it restricts them from adopting specific ordinances that might be considered more "restrictive or burdensome" to their land development regulations and comprehensive plans. But opponents are claiming the bill is only for reconstruction and not rezoning. Deltona recently imposed a moratorium on housing developments, but SB 180 prohibits such actions for one year following a hurricane's landfall.

The Deltona City Commission approved a residential development moratorium despite the new law, and the city has received a pre-suit notice from developers threatening legal action, but is not backing down.

Deltona Commissioner Dori Howington says Senate Bill 180 is shaking the foundation of local control across the entire state of Florida. This law challenges the ability of cities and counties to determine their land use, comprehensive plans, and building codes. The communities being hit hardest are where conservation and smart growth matter most.

Where are Stuart and Martin County in this fight?

The real battleground isn’t in the commission chambers but in Tallahassee, where the legislation was passed. We need to encourage our commissioners to join this movement. All of our elected officials should stand in solidarity on this issue. Still, we should anticipate some reluctance and pushback from those who kowtow to the establishment and want to use SB 180 to achieve their goals of unchecked development. However, a unique opportunity has arisen, and this could be a crucial moment in Florida’s history. Especially here in Stuart and Martin County, where the fight for sovereignty and environmental protections is vital to our way of life.

The next City of Stuart Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 28, at 5:30 pm at City Hall. The Martin County Commission will meet at the county administrative building on August 12th at 9:00 a.m. We need everyone to attend to demonstrate community support and ensure our voices are heard. It is our home, and it is our right to defend it. This is our battle cry and a call to arms. Like a schoolyard bully, if we let the state take away our rights, next year they’ll take even more.