A recent public records investigation has uncovered a troubling lack of action by Volusia County and the City of New Smyrna Beach in response to Florida Senate Bill 180 (SB 180)—a sweeping land-use law that many view as a direct assault on local government authority. The findings, released by community advocate Bryon White, reveal that neither entity has taken meaningful steps to challenge or amend the legislation, despite its far-reaching consequences.
SB 180, which went into effect on July 1, 2025, restricts local governments from enacting more protective land-use regulations until October 1, 2027. It also allows any individual or entity—regardless of residency or direct impact—to challenge local planning decisions, with the added incentive of recovering attorney’s fees. This has created a chilling effect on cities and counties seeking to manage growth, flooding, and infrastructure responsibly.
According to the public records request, the only documented outreach from Volusia County was a single email sent by County Chair Jeff Brower to the Volusia County Legislative Delegation. The response from Rep. Webster Barnaby was tepid at best: “We’ll look into it.” No follow-up, no strategy memos, no coordinated lobbying efforts. No other communications were found from staff or elected officials.
“This is a failure of leadership,” White stated. “Our local governments know SB 180 is an egregious abuse of power, but they’re barely lifting a finger to fight it.”
The law’s impact is already being felt. SB 180 freezes stronger local land-use rules and comprehensive plan protections, making it easier for developers and special interests to override community concerns. It also prevents cities and counties from responding to environmental threats like flooding and overdevelopment, particularly in areas affected by hurricanes and other disasters.
White’s call to action is clear: residents must pressure their elected officials to take a stand. He urges citizens to email their city commissioners and county councilmembers—excluding Edgewater, which has already taken steps to oppose the law—and demand:
-
Active lobbying for repeal or amendment of SB 180
-
Public resolutions and agenda items opposing the law
-
Collaboration with other Florida municipalities to restore home rule
“This is about more than one bill,” White emphasized. “It’s about whether local government works for residents—or for Tallahassee lobbyists and developers.”
White, who is running for office, pledged to fight for home rule if elected. In the meantime, he’s encouraging residents to flood inboxes with one unified message: Fix SB 180. Restore home rule. Start fighting for us.
A full list of email contacts for Volusia County Council and city commissions has been shared publicly, making it easy for residents to take immediate action.
Sources: Detailed Analysis of SB 180 – 1000 Friends of Florida Summary and Position Statement – 1000 Friends of Florida SB 180 Overview – Bilzin Sumberg SB 180 and Disaster Recovery – Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP
Add comment
Comments