Zoning Laws in Florida
Private real estate and property owners in Florida can be subject to a wide range of zoning laws. These regulations are enacted under the state's Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act , and cover anything from what kinds of buildings can be built to what kinds of signs can be used.
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Comprehensive Plans
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Florida law allows zoning boards and agencies to implement zoning regulations in accordance to a comprehensive plan. These plans are designed to provide a description of the local guidelines, goals, principals, and standards the community wants to implement to maintain economic, social, physical and environmental development. These comprehensive plans must be created and changed through the local panning agency, which must hold public hearings on the plan to allow the public a chance to have input.
Local Planning Agencies
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Under the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act (Florida Statutes §163.3174) Florida county and municipal governments can form planning agencies to determine local zoning regulations. These local planning agencies can act individually or in coordination with other agencies. For example, the city of Deltona, Florida has a Deltona Planning & Zoning Board that is responsible for drafting, implementing, and overseeing the comprehensive zoning plan. The board makes recommendations to the City Commission for any changes it believes are needed.
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Restrictions
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The kinds of restrictions and rules a local planning agency can implement through the comprehensive plan is very broad. Zoning laws can cover any number of aspects, ranging from how land can be used, to provisions for public services like sewage and waste water removal, to store street sign regulations. Zoning regulations can also permit local zoning agencies to allow for exceptions or variances. For example, the City of Deltona Planning and Zoning Board can hear proposals for zoning variances and amendments. In evaluating these, the board can take into consideration factors like aesthetic impact, safety, and traffic impact issues.
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References
- Photo Credit Florida state contour with Capital City against blurred USA flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
