Jan. 13 marks the official start of the 2026 Florida Legislative Session, and lawmakers are already moving quickly on bills affecting growth, conservation, and local planning. Thank you to everyone who took action and stayed engaged as several key proposals advanced through committee this week. 

Here’s a brief update on early outcomes and what we’re watching next: 

Bill Updates: 

SB 208 — Land Use and Development Regulations 

Thanks to strong advocacy from citizens across the state — including nearly 14,000 emails you sent to Florida Senators — SB 208 was amended before advancing, removing and narrowing the most concerning provisions. Your calls, emails, and testimony made a real difference. 

The House companion, HB 399, however, has not been similarly amended, and we will continue tracking both bills closely. 

SB 546 — Conservation Lands 

SB 546 passed its first committee stop. The bill strengthens public notice and transparency for proposed sales or swaps of conservation land. This is an important step forward following last year’s Guana River controversy. We were pleased to support this bill and will continue advocating as it moves ahead. 

SB 354 — “Blue Ribbon Projects” 

SB 354 advanced from its first committee, but not without significant debate. Several senators raised substantive concerns, and multiple members who voted in favor indicated they expect changes as the bill moves forward. Notably, a former Republican Senate President voted against the bill. 

1000 Friends of Florida and many partners opposed SB 354 due to concerns about fast-tracking major development projects while limiting public oversight and engagement. We will keep you updated as the bill advances. 

SB 840 — Disaster-Related Land Use Regulations 

SB 840 moved forward with discussion acknowledging both improvements and unresolved issues. While the bill narrows some provisions of last year’s SB 180, it still does not fully address the retroactive impacts affecting local governments and voter-approved planning decisions. We are watching closely for potential amendments, as well as whether it receives a House companion bill. 

HB 479 — Wetland Buffers 

HB 479 advanced after being amended to narrow its scope. Rather than broadly preempting local water regulations, the bill now specifically preempts local wetland buffer requirements that exceed state minimum standards. During debate, the sponsor argued for uniform state standards, while several members pushed back. We continue to evaluate the implications of this narrower preemption. 

 1000 Friends Legislative Team

Kim Dinkins

Policy & Planning Director

Chadwick Leonard

Conservation & Planning Advocacy Coordinator