On May 4, 2012, Governor Scott signed into law HB 503, the last of the growth management bills highlighted in our Practice Update of March 30, 2012, Florida Legislative Session Clarifies Growth Management, Provides New Opportunities. The Governor had previously signed two other important growth management bills discussed in that Practice Update. A brief summary of the three bills follows. For more information please see the previous Practice Update.

HB 503 (Chapter 2012-205, Laws of Florida)

Signed on May 4, this bill deals primarily with environmental issues, but also contains a new 2-year extension opportunity for certain development approvals and permits. The extension requires written notification to the authorizing agency by December 31, 2012. The bill prohibits local government from charging for the new extension or for the 2-year extensions provided under Sections 73 and 79 of the Community Planning Act. It also prohibits local governments from requiring a permit or approval from a federal or state agency as a condition of processing or issuing a development approval, unless the state or federal agency has already denied the permit or approval. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2012.