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FloridaHB 7552026House

Areas of Critical State Concern

Sponsored By: James Vernon "Jim" Mooney Jr. (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationNatural Resources & Disasters SubcommitteeWays & Means CommitteeAgriculture & Natural Resources Budget SubcommitteeState Affairs CommitteeRules

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Florida funds conservation and Keys land purchases

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law directs 35% of net Florida Forever Trust Fund proceeds to Florida’s environmental department. This money funds land purchases and related capital projects, with priority for protecting water resources and replenishing groundwater. Between 3% and 10% of those funds must support public-access capital projects during land purchases. At least $5 million of the allocated funds must buy land within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern. The Keys spending requirement covers budget years 2017–18 through 2035–36.

Wider drilling ban near rural reserves

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law expands petroleum restrictions near national estuarine research reserves in qualifying rural counties. These counties must be designated rural areas of opportunity and also contain an area of critical state concern. There, the ban extends from 10 miles to 30 miles around a reserve. It bars drilling, exploration, and production of oil, gas, and other petroleum products, protecting reserves while limiting operators’ activities.

Optional bond waivers for Habitat construction

Beginning July 1, 2026, public landowners can waive construction payment and performance bonds for qualifying Habitat for Humanity projects. The land must be within an area of critical state concern. Habitat for Humanity International or a local affiliate must hold a ground lease lasting at least 99 years. The public owner decides whether to grant the waiver; it is not automatic. Construction claimants can place liens on the leasehold interest, but not on the publicly owned land itself.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • James Vernon "Jim" Mooney Jr.

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 260 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 109 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 2/25/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 113 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2026-181

    7/1/2026

  2. Approved by Governor

    6/30/2026

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    6/15/2026

  4. Ordered engrossed, then enrolled

    3/12/2026House

  5. CS passed as amended; YEAS 109, NAYS 0

    3/12/2026House

  6. Amendment 408242 Concur

    3/12/2026House

  7. Added to Senate Message List

    3/12/2026House

  8. In Messages

    3/10/2026House

  9. CS passed as amended; YEAS 38 NAYS 0 -SJ 743

    3/10/2026Senate

  10. Read 3rd time -SJ 743

    3/10/2026Senate

  11. Amendment(s) adopted (408242) -SJ 742

    3/10/2026Senate

  12. Read 2nd time -SJ 742

    3/10/2026Senate

  13. Substituted for CS/SB 934 -SJ 742

    3/10/2026Senate

  14. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    3/10/2026Senate

  15. Withdrawn from Rules -SJ 742

    3/10/2026Senate

  16. Received

    2/26/2026Senate

  17. Referred to Rules

    2/26/2026Senate

  18. In Messages

    2/25/2026Senate

  19. CS passed; YEAS 113, NAYS 0

    2/25/2026House

  20. Read 3rd time

    2/25/2026House

  21. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    2/25/2026House

  22. Read 2nd time

    2/25/2026House

  23. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (2/25/2026)

    2/19/2026House

  24. Added to Second Reading Calendar

    2/17/2026House

  25. Bill released to House Calendar

    2/17/2026House

Bill Text

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