March 31, 2025
If there were ever a time the impact of the Florida Home Builders Association was on full display, it was last week in our state capitol. Over 200 FHBA members – a record number – visited with their legislators on matters which concern builders, developers, material suppliers, and construction professionals throughout the state. It was an awesome display, and as the old saying goes, “all politics is local.” While Tallahassee and FHBA may seem like a world away from Tampa Bay, Hernando, Citrus, Polk, Marion and all other Florida counties, the influence of FHBA in Tallahassee positively affects every locality in the state, and each local home builder association member.
I am grateful for the time and treasure our members spent on their trek to the capitol, and for the incredible leadership of Government Affairs Chair John Riddle, FHBA CEO Rusty Payton, and the FHBA staff. It was an incredible team effort; something we can all be proud of.
Many great bills continue to move through the legislative process while others appear to have stalled, at least for now. Below are a few updates.
· Impact Fees/Art Fees (SB 482/HB 665): The Senate Bill temporarily stalled in the Senate Community Affairs Committee but will be reheard March 31. This bill continues to be an FHBA priority and we are working with legislators and other stakeholders to refine the language defining “extraordinary circumstances” so that it does not get abused.
· Contractor Fraud (SB 1262). This bill appears to have stalled and may not get passed this year.
· Mitigation Banking (SB 492/HB 1175): These bills continue to move through the process favorably.
· Building Permits for a Single-family Dwelling (SB 1128/HB 1035): It is unclear whether either of these bills will pass this year, but Senator Ingoglia continues to work hard on getting his bill to the finish line. This bill would effectively eliminate traditional permitting requirements and require local government to rely upon certifications from an engineer.
For more information on these topics and other bills filed with the legislature, please view the 
Bill Tracker. Your input and engagement is critical. As Vice Chair I am here to serve you, so please view me both as a resource and as an advocacy messenger. Telephone or email me any time.
I look forward to helping and hearing from you.
Justin R. Zinzow, CEO
Zinzow Law, LLC
ZinDocs, LLC
(727) 787-3121
