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FloridaHB 9292026House

Local Government Regulation of Chickees

Sponsored By: Nan Cobb (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationIndustries & Professional Activities SubcommitteeIntergovernmental Affairs SubcommitteeCommerce CommitteeRules

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Broader code exemptions for tribal chickees

Beginning July 1, 2026, qualifying chickees built by Miccosukee or Seminole tribal members receive a broader Florida Building Code exemption. Chickees are open-sided wooden huts with palm, palmetto, or other traditional thatched roofs; wooden decks and nonwood fasteners are allowed. Electrical or plumbing features require a building permit. Chickees also qualify for a Florida Fire Prevention Code exemption when at least 20 feet from another structure covered by the building code. Alternatively, they qualify by using fire-protection measures approved by a certified fire protection system contractor.

Fewer local barriers to tribal chickees

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida counties and cities cannot block qualifying chickee construction by Miccosukee or Seminole tribal members. Side-yard chickees must be at least 10 feet from the property line. Chickees built near another structure must be at least 10 feet from that structure. Local chickee rules cannot be stricter than federal floodplain management rules.

Criminal penalties for false chickee exemptions

Beginning July 1, 2026, nonmembers of the Miccosukee or Seminole tribes face a new criminal penalty. Building a chickee to claim the Florida Building Code exemption is a first-degree misdemeanor for these nonmembers. Penalties follow Florida’s misdemeanor sentencing and fine laws.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nan Cobb

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Richard Gentry

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 151 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 112 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2026-55

    4/30/2026

  2. Approved by Governor

    4/29/2026

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    4/21/2026

  4. Ordered enrolled

    3/12/2026House

  5. In Messages

    3/12/2026House

  6. Passed; YEAS 39 NAYS 0 -SJ 843

    3/12/2026Senate

  7. Read 3rd time -SJ 843

    3/12/2026Senate

  8. Read 2nd time -SJ 843

    3/12/2026Senate

  9. Placed on Special Order Calendar, 03/12/26 -SJ 780

    3/11/2026Senate

  10. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    3/11/2026Senate

  11. Withdrawn from Rules -SJ 780

    3/11/2026Senate

  12. Received

    3/4/2026Senate

  13. Referred to Rules

    3/4/2026Senate

  14. In Messages

    3/4/2026Senate

  15. Passed; YEAS 112, NAYS 0

    3/4/2026House

  16. Read 3rd time

    3/4/2026House

  17. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    3/4/2026House

  18. Read 2nd time

    3/4/2026House

  19. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (3/4/2026)

    2/26/2026House

  20. Added to Second Reading Calendar

    2/10/2026House

  21. Bill released to House Calendar

    2/10/2026House

  22. Reported out of Commerce Committee

    2/10/2026House

  23. Favorable by Commerce Committee

    2/10/2026House

  24. Added to Commerce Committee agenda

    2/6/2026House

  25. Now in Commerce Committee

    2/5/2026House

Bill Text

  • er

    7/1/2026

    PDF

  • Filed

    12/29/2025

    PDF

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