Florida League of Cities Issues Statement on HB 519

MEDIA RELEASE

JANUARY 21, 2020

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –The Florida League of Cities, the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, issued the following statement on HB 519:

“Today, HB 519, the “lawyer relief act” bill, advanced in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee as an overreaching attempt to provide a “solution” when there is no problem.

The bill amends the Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act of 1995, which gives landowners a way to seek compensation when a local government takes action that impacts the use or potential use of their property.

The current process carefully considers exceptions on a case-by-case basis. HB 519 will change that process. By making those exceptions now the rule, there are unintended consequences to other property owners. We need to preserve balanced private property rights for all. We believe this bill is nothing more than a back-door handout to the multi-million-dollar commercial short-term rental industry.

Unfortunately, the bill was heard in the final minutes of the committee despite its complexity and potential to result in mounting lawsuits. Public testimony was limited. Ultimately, the bill passed without fully vetting its sweeping consequences.

Florida already has some of the strongest private property rights protections of any state, let’s keep it that way.”

Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities, which are formed and governed by their citizens. The League believes in “Local Voices Making Local Choices,” which focuses on the impact citizens and city leaders have in improving Florida’s communities. For more information, visit flcities.com.