Development bill clears another committee stop despite counties' opposition

By Bruce Ritchie

A bill dealing exempting more counties from state review of larger developments passed its second committee stop Wednesday [Feb. 19] despite new opposition from the Florida Association of Counties.

SB 372 would increase from eight to 15 the number of counties exempt from review by state agencies for designated "developments of regional impact," or DRIs. Furthermore, those DRIs no longer would have to be proposed in urban areas within those counties to be exempted from review.

The Florida Association of Counties joined environmental groups on Wednesday in raising concerns that the effects of development on neighboring rural counties won't be reviewed or planned for.