A major land-use proposal moving through the Florida Legislature this week could dramatically alter how growth decisions are made across our state, while sidelining local governments and the communities they represent.

HB 299 / SB 354, known as the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bills, would require administrative approval of massive developments of 10,000 acres or more. That’s at least 15 square miles of land—and the bill sets no upper limit on the size of these projects.

Under the proposal, developers would be required to set aside 60% of the land as “reserve” and incorporate elements of walkability and compact design. But the bill strips away the planning framework needed to evaluate whether these projects are appropriate, feasible, or compatible with surrounding areas.

Local governments would have just 60 days to determine whether a proposed project meets the bill’s vague criteria. If they cannot complete their review in time, the project is automatically approved and granted 50 years of vested development rights, even if no construction ever begins.

Contact Legislators at: https://takeaction.io/1000fof/vote-no-on-house-bill-299-blue-ribbon-projects/

Why this matters:

HB 299 / SB 354 bypasses the state’s core community planning safeguards and grants extraordinary authority to developers:

• Projects are not required to fall within areas already designated for future development, meaning tens of thousands of acres of agricultural or rural land could be converted overnight—without public hearings or comprehensive plan amendments.
• There is no maximum size, allowing boundary-less projects that could reshape entire regions.
• The bill provides no clear standards for defining, planning, or managing “reserve” areas, leaving conservation and agricultural lands vulnerable to fragmentation.
• The 50-year vesting requirement could distort long-range water resource plans and limit development in areas better suited—and already planned—for growth.

These changes have the potential to transform Florida’s landscape in ways we cannot fully anticipate today, while undermining long-standing smart-growth principles and jeopardizing our agricultural heritage.

HB 299 will be heard in the House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee on Thursday, December 11. Please take a moment today to urge committee members to vote NO.

Act now at: https://takeaction.io/1000fof/vote-no-on-house-bill-299-blue-ribbon-projects/

You can stay informed on the upcoming legislative session through our 2026 Legislative Webinar Series, which will explore major bills and planning-related developments as the session unfolds. Regisiter at: https://1000fof.org/upcoming-webinars/

Thank you,

1000 Friends of Florida's Legislative Team

Kim Dinkins

Policy & Planning Director

Chadwick Leonard

Conservation & Planning Advocacy Coordinator