HB 1143 – The “Starter Homes Act”
This bill would rezone -- without public input -- areas historically designated for single-family homes, allowing multi-family development in neighborhoods that were planned, purchased, and governed as single-family communities. Decisions that have traditionally been made at the local level — through comprehensive plans, zoning codes, and public hearings — would instead be mandated by the state.  The mandatory 85% lot size reductions in this bill means you may one day wake up and see a blank wall of zero lot line townhomes outside your window.

SB 1342 – “Transit Oriented Developments”
SB 1342 would require increased residential density and height allowances by right in each 500-acre area around a transit stop or station. Local governments would be compelled to permit increased heights and development density, regardless of existing zoning designations or community planning considerations.

Together, these bills shift land-use authority away from communities and into Tallahassee.

Zoning is not a theoretical policy issue — it directly affects traffic patterns, stormwater systems, school capacity, utilities, emergency response times, parking availability, and neighborhood character. Local communities are best positioned to evaluate infrastructure capacity and balance growth with quality of life. A one-size-fits-all state rezoning of every residential lot in Florida means your peaceful neighborhood may become a distant memory.

Regardless of one’s position on housing policy, the question of local decision-making is fundamental. These proposals represent a significant intrusion of the state into an area that has long been squarely within the control of local communities and the people who live in them.

House Joint Resolution (HJR 203) is a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that would phase out most non-school property taxes on homestead (primary residence) properties over a 10-year period. Beginning in 2027, the homestead exemption would be increased by an additional $100,000 each year, gradually reducing the taxable value of homes for county, city, and special district taxes, with the goal of fully eliminating all non-school property taxes on homesteads by 2037, while still allowing school district taxes to be collected. The amendment would also include a provision that prohibits local governments from reducing total funding for law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders below certain base levels. Before taking effect, the resolution must be approved by at least 60 % of Florida voters in a statewide referendum and, if approved, would take effect on January 1, 2027. This bill could significantly reduce local government revenues and affect funding for services that rely on property tax revenue.

The City of Sebastian is hosting Property Tax Workshops Feb 24th at 10 AM and 5 PM, and Feb 25th at 10 AM at the City Council Chambers. This workshop is open to the public and is also available to watch on the City's YouTube Channel.