New Florida laws affect homes, schools, data centers

(The Center Square) – Several new Florida laws take effect Wednesday, including fewer restrictions for homeowners, new rules for data centers and education changes.

Homeowners will no longer need to secure a permit for work they have done on their homes valued at less than $7,500 under Senate Bill 803. Local governments may still require a permit for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, or structural work, but for other projects under $7,500, owners will only need to submit a written request for exemption.

Local governments are now prohibited from restricting residents from using gas-powered farm or landscape equipment. Senate Bill 290 guarantees residents the right to use gas leaf blowers, lawn mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and other similar equipment.

Senate Bill 484 ensures large scale data centers will pay their own electric costs and prevents those costs from being passed down to nearby residents or small businesses. It also enshrines local governments’ rights to retain zoning, planning, and land development authori...