Businesses gain power to fight local governments under measures passed by Florida Senate

TALLAHASSEE – Businesses could more easily sue local governments, which also would be forced to put price tags on proposed ordinances, under measures approved Thursday by the Florida Senate.

Opponents, however, ridiculed them as a power grab. “It’s a devastating one-two punch to our local governments,” said Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Lighthouse Point.

Still, Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, the sponsor of the measures (SB 620, 280) defended the approach, saying that fortifying a company’s defense against local government regulations was important.

“I think we are one of the most pro-business states in the entire nation, and I think this bill goes a lot further to separate us from the pack,” Hutson said.

Read more: https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/politics/2022/01/27/florida-senate-bills-make-easier-businesses-sue-cities-counties/9246817002/
(Sarasota Herald Tribune)