Florida Development Bill Sparks Controversy Over Local Control
TALLAHASSEE, FL – A proposed Florida law, known as the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill (HB 299), is facing opposition from several counties who argue it undermines local control over development. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Lauren Melo, R-Naples, aims to streamline the approval process for large-scale projects, with a particular focus on increasing affordable housing options and supporting conservation efforts. However, critics contend the legislation shifts too much power to state authorities and disregards locally developed comprehensive plans.
What is the Blue Ribbon Projects Bill?
HB 299 would allow developers of projects exceeding 10,000 acres to bypass certain local zoning and land-use regulations, provided they meet specific criteria. Key requirements include dedicating 20% of housing to affordable or “missing middle” housing types, such as duplexes and triplexes. The bill mandates that development be clustered on 40% of the land, with the remaining 60% designated as a “reserve area” for conservation, excluding uses like golf courses, data centers, or solar farms.
Concerns Over Local Authority
St. Johns County Commissioner Ann Taylor has been a vocal opponent of the bill, stating it “takes power away from governmental bodies closest to constituents.” Taylor argues that growth should be determined by local communities, not a “one-size-fits-all mandate from Tallahassee.” She expressed concern that the bill would override the county’s comprehensive plan, a document developed over years with significant public input. According to Taylor, the bill allows for up to 12 units per acre in residential areas and could place the burden of infrastructure costs on taxpayers.
Gil Smart, policy director for 1000 Friends of Florida, echoed these concerns, asserting that the bill effectively declares local government comprehensive plans “null and void.” He criticized the bill as an attempt to expedite projects by truncating established processes.
State Perspective and Affordable Housing
Rep. Lauren Melo defends the bill as a “creative solution” to Florida’s affordable housing crisis. She questioned the effectiveness of existing comprehensive plans, asking, “If comp plans perform, then why do we have an affordable housing crisis?” Melo also pointed to traffic congestion as a symptom of inadequate planning.
Impact on St. Johns County and Beyond
St. Johns County is particularly affected by the proposed legislation, as it possesses over 31,000 acres of land suitable for a “Blue Ribbon” project, much of it located north of Elkton and west of Interstate 95. A New York real estate investment firm purchased this land in 2020. Clay County Commissioner Betsy Condon also noted the potential for a Blue Ribbon project in her county, potentially far from existing infrastructure.
Bill’s Progress and Bipartisan Support
Despite opposition, HB 299 has received bipartisan support and passed through the House Commerce Committee. It now awaits consideration by another committee before a potential vote by the full House of Representatives. The bill has undergone revisions since its initial introduction, addressing concerns about eliminating public input, but opponents maintain it still infringes on local control.
Recent Developments
On February 5, 2026, St. Johns County Commissioner Ann Taylor spoke to the National Junior Honor Society’s Pacetti Bay Middle School Chapter. On February 12, 2026, the St. Johns County Airport Authority hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for two new hangars.
In a recent protest against the bill, Commissioner Ann Taylor wore handcuffs to a board meeting, symbolizing what she views as a restriction of her ability to govern St. Johns County effectively.