Environment (Natural Disasters)

SB 218 prohibits counties and municipalities in areas affected by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, or Milton (as designated in federal disaster declarations) from imposing construction moratoriums or stricter land use rules for properties damaged by those storms. It specifically blocks local governments from adopting more restrictive land development regulations, site plan approvals, or comprehensive plan amendments related to hurricane-damaged properties until October 1, 2027. The law applies retroactively to August 1, 2024, and allows affected residents or business owners to sue to halt violations, with potential recovery of legal fees. The bill expires June 30, 2028, and directly affects rebuilding efforts in designated disaster zones.