Florida Legislators Plan to Gut Growth Management Agency

State legislators have proposed a plan to break up a state agency in charge of managing growth. The move is one of a host of measures proposed by lawmakers to stimulate the state's economy.

1 minute read

March 10, 2009, 12:00 PM PDT

By Nate Berg

"State legislators are pushing to dismantle the agency in charge of managing growth, arguing that it's standing in the way of reviving Florida's economy.

A proposal unveiled Monday for consideration by a House committee on Wednesday calls for taking the Department of Community Affairs apart, handing over nearly all of its duties to Secretary of State Kurt Browning.

The move is one of a host of measures proposed by lawmakers to stimulate the state's economy by loosening the rules on construction permitting. Other proposals include eliminating impact fees designed to make developers pay for roads, sewers and schools needed for growth, and cutting in half the time allowed for reviewing permits for wiping out wetlands.

Environmental activists say speculation-fueled development, not government regulation, is what caused Florida's economic downfall. State figures show there are more than 300,000 houses sitting vacant throughout Florida."

Thanks to Renee Autumn Ray

FULL STORY: Bill would dismantle Florida's growth management agency

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 in St. Petersburg Times

Government / Politics Florida Growth Management GMA

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