Bill gives builders more muscle over local governments

AI-assisted summary

New legislation in Florida would prevent local governments from denying new home construction based on incompatibility with surrounding neighborhoods.

Supporters argue the bill will help ease the state's housing crisis and streamline approvals for more attainable housing.

Opponents, including the Florida League of Cities, warn the measure would force automatic approval of developments with little public input.

The development industry would get another weapon in its planning requirements, with that would bar key controls on homebuilding.

The measure would block cities or counties from halting residential construction because of concerns that a new development is not compatible with surrounding neighborhoods. If a proposed development was next to an existing residen