⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is a public information release prepared for educational and civic engagement purposes. It does not constitute legal advice or official government communication. Readers are encouraged to verify details with official sources and consult legal counsel where appropriate.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL — August 22, 2025 — Volusia County officials are sounding the alarm over Senate Bill 180 (SB 180), a sweeping new state law that has dramatically curtailed local authority over land use and development decisions. Signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis and effective July 1, 2025, SB 180 has triggered widespread concern across Florida, with Volusia County emerging as a vocal leader in the push to restore local control.
Originally pitched as a measure to expedite rebuilding for hurricane-impacted property owners, SB 180 has instead imposed far-reaching restrictions on counties and cities statewide. The law applies to any jurisdiction within 100 miles of a hurricane’s path—effectively all of Florida—and bars local governments from enacting “more restrictive or burdensome” land use regulations for one year following landfall.
🚨 Broad Reach, Unintended Consequences
While the bill was passed with near-unanimous bipartisan support, its vague language and retroactive provisions have left local governments scrambling. Volusia County was forced to repeal stormwater regulations designed to protect residents from flooding—despite those rules having no direct link to recent hurricanes such as Debby, Helene, or Milton.
“This law is unworkable, confusing, and overly restrictive,” said advocacy group 1000 Friends of Florida. “It ignores the reality that major economic and population shifts, new industries, natural disasters, and other situations change, sometimes suddenly, requiring communities to revise their planning and regulatory approaches.”
Under SB 180, “any person”—including out-of-state corporations or individuals with no local ties—can sue to overturn local regulations. The prevailing party is entitled to attorney’s fees, creating a chilling effect on local governance and opening the door to costly litigation.
🛠 Volusia County’s Countermove
In response, the Volusia County Council has unanimously directed County Attorney Michael Dyer to draft amendments to SB 180 that would restore local authority while preserving the bill’s original intent. These proposed changes have been submitted to Volusia’s legislative delegation, including Representatives Chase Tramont, Webster Barnaby, and Richard Gentry, and Senators Tom Leek, Tom Wright, and Bill Partington.
The Council is also rallying support from municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and statewide advocacy groups such as the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties. Residents are urged to contact their representatives and demand action.
> “Your voice, your ability to have a say in how our county grows and thrives, has been greatly diminished,” the Council stated. “We must stand together to restore local control.”
Contact information and advocacy resources are available at ProtectVolusia.org.
⚖️ Litigation vs. Legislation
While some have proposed legal challenges to SB 180, Volusia leaders warn that litigation could be slow, expensive, and politically risky. Defying the law could result in the removal of elected officials, with replacements appointed by the Governor—potentially sidelining local interests even further.
Instead, the Council is pursuing legislative amendments through constitutional channels, emphasizing that the time to act is now.
> “There is no need to wait a year or two to see if there are unintended consequences,” the Council emphasized. “The damage is already happening.”
As the 2026 election season heats up, Volusia County is calling on residents to reclaim their voice and protect the future of their communities.
Add comment
Comments