FloridaSB 11802026Senate

Community Development Districts

Sponsored By: Kristen Aston Arrington (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationCommunity AffairsEthics and ElectionsFiscal PolicyHouse Calendar

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

More mixed-use developments can qualify

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law expands which developments qualify as compact, urban, mixed-use districts. The area must be 75 acres or less, within a municipality and either a federal Qualified Opportunity Zone or a local Community Redevelopment Area. One path requires development entitlements for at least 400,000 square feet of retail space and 500 residential units. Another requires at least 250,000 square feet of commercial space and 500 rental homes affordable to very low-, low-, or moderate-income people. Qualification does not guarantee that homes will be built or provide a direct household payment.

Recall petition misconduct brings criminal penalties

Beginning July 1, 2026, specified misconduct involving district recall petitions is a second-degree misdemeanor. Covered acts include impersonation, false statements about a name or residence, forged signatures, and knowingly signing without being a qualified voter. Accepting employment or payment to circulate or witness recall or recall referendum petitions is also covered.

Homeowners get turf protections with exceptions

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law limits local rules for synthetic turf on single-family residential property once state environmental standards are adopted. Local governments cannot ban turf or impose installation requirements that conflict with those standards. Community development districts can still enforce applicable deed restrictions involving turf. The turf must meet the state environmental standards.

District voters gain recall with upfront costs

Beginning July 1, 2026, qualified voters can seek to recall community development district board members elected by qualified electors. This process does not cover appointed members. A member must have served at least one-fourth of the term. Grounds are limited to official wrongdoing, improper performance of duties, neglect of duty, drunkenness, incompetence, permanent inability to serve, or conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude. A committee of qualified voters must name a chair and use separate petitions for each member. The first petition needs signatures from at least 10% of registered district voters, or subdistrict voters where applicable. It is due within 35 days after the first signature. A later referendum petition needs at least 15% of district electors and is due within 60 days after the chair receives the official recall record. Signatures must be in ink or indelible pencil. Signers must be qualified voters and provide their printed name, address including city and county, and signing date. They must also provide a voter registration number or birth date, plus a Florida license or ID number or the last four Social Security digits. Voters can withdraw signatures within 30 days of signing; proceedings end if withdrawals leave too few verified signatures. The law includes both 60-day and 30-day deadlines for sending filed petitions to election supervisors for verification. Each county verifies its own voters when a district crosses county lines. Members have 30 days after notice of sufficient signatures to submit a rebuttal. The clerk keeps the petition, verification results, and rebuttal for two years. Recall committees must prepay actual signature-checking and referendum costs, and petitions and election notices must disclose the amount paid. The vote takes place 30–90 days after certification, using a special election if no eligible existing election falls within that window. Newspaper publication and mailed notice to every qualified voter are required at least 14 days before voting. Notices include election details and information about the recall record on the district website. A member can submit an irrevocable resignation within 20 days after certified notice to cancel the vote. A majority vote for removal makes the seat vacant immediately. Existing law and district procedures govern replacements; the Governor fills vacancies if three or more members are recalled together. Anyone recalled, or resigning after a recall petition is filed, cannot be appointed to the board for two years. Recall campaign activity must follow state campaign finance rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kristen Aston Arrington
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Community Affairs
Affiliation unavailable
Fiscal Policy
Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 183 • No: 0

House vote • 3/10/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 112 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/24/2026

Fiscal Policy Vote

Yes: 18 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/4/2026

Ethics and Elections Vote

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/27/2026

Community Affairs Vote