State lawmakers are mulling over a plan that makes it easier to develop in Florida.
Under a bill sponsored by state Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, state officials would no longer have to approve major development projects in counties with populations of more than 300,000 people.
Right now, only very densely-populated counties-- like Miami-Dade and Hillsborough-- are exempt from state approval.
However, if this new plan passes, smaller counties like Sarasota, Lee and many others would no longer need state oversight for big development projects.
Cragin Mosteller with the Florida Association of Counties says the state should remain involved in these kinds of projects.
“When you have a large scale development, if you are going to build thousands of homes, it doesn’t typically just impact one county, it can impact a region,” she said. “The state is the only one that knows, you know, what every county is doing.”
Galvano’s bill also eliminates a rule requiring development in areas with existing roads, schools and utilities regardless of what counties they’re in.
Galvano told legislators his bill would save developers time and money.
He also said counties are well-equipped to handle the review of these types of projects.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida and the Florida Community of Developers support the bill. However, neither organization made a representative available for an interview.
