Local Voices United Legislative Digest
Last month marked the end of Florida’s two-month Legislative Session.
Whether that fills you with excitement or boredom, legislators grappled with a number of big issues affecting #LocalVoices making #LocalChoices.
Local Voices United is excited to share our 2022 Legislative Digest: “From Sidewalks to the State Capitol!”
So, without further adieu, here are a few of the big issues affecting local decision-making that we supported this year:
The Sunshine State has 825 miles of sandy coastline, attracting over 19 million surf-chasers each year. For decades, Florida beachgoers have watched as other visitors tossed cigarette butts in the sand, where they put their beach chairs, blankets and where kids build sand castles.
Today, a new state law will empower local decision-making and allow cities to decide if prohibiting smoking at public beaches and parks is right (or wrong) for their communities. Click here to learn more.
Short-term vacation rentals in quiet, residential communities continue to draw negative headlines in Florida. Stories about out-of-control partying and drug abuse are all too common.
Unfortunately, Florida’s legislature has “preempted” local voices from making common sense, local choices about “hotel houses” in our communities. Our communities should be governed by the people who live in them — not distant politicians.
We support legislation that restores local authority to implement smart, targeted solutions to solve problems caused by short-term rentals.
With your help, we will continue to fight for local voices to decide local short-term rental solutions in our communities.
From our springs to our beaches, Florida’s environment is special. That includes the hundreds of thousands of urban trees and greenspaces, which help clean the air, recharge the aquifer and provide shade and recreational spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Local tree ordinances ensure the healthy maintenance of trees and canopies in our communities. In 2019, the Legislature passed a bill that loosened tree preservation rules and led to abuses like the clear-cutting of land and the removal of healthy trees that pose little, if any, risk to persons or structures.
We have a duty to protect our natural resources and habitats for future generations. This year, Local Voices United proudly supported legislation to close loopholes and allow local decision-making to better manage tree trimming, pruning and removal. Click here to learn more.
Together, we are making sure #LocalVoices are being heard in Tallahassee. “Like” us on Facebook today and support #LocalVoices — making #LocalChoices!
