Florida Lawmakers Propose 'Blue Ribbon' Development Bill

The bill aims to fast-track large-scale projects, but some counties fear it will undermine local control.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A proposed Florida bill known as the 'Blue Ribbon Projects' bill would allow developers to bypass some local zoning and land-use rules for large-scale projects over 10,000 acres. The bill's sponsor says it's a 'creative solution' to address the state's affordable housing crisis, but opponents argue it takes power away from local governments and could lead to unchecked sprawl and environmental damage.

Why it matters

The bill has received bipartisan support in the state legislature, but many local officials and environmental advocates are concerned it will override years of careful planning by counties and cities to manage growth responsibly. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between state and local control over development decisions.

The details

The current version of the bill would require developers of 'Blue Ribbon' projects to set aside 20% of housing as affordable or 'missing middle' units, as well as preserve 60% of the land as a conservation area. However, opponents argue that some of the guidelines lack measurable standards. The bill would also allow these large-scale projects to bypass standard comprehensive plan amendments and rezonings required by local governments.

  • The bill was first introduced in the Florida legislature in early 2026.
  • The House Commerce Committee voted favorably on the bill on February 20, 2026, sending it to one more committee before a potential full House vote.

The players

Ann Taylor

A St. Johns County Commissioner who opposes the bill, arguing it takes power away from local governments and ignores the county's carefully developed growth plans.

Rep. Lauren Melo

The Republican state representative from Naples who is the House sponsor of the 'Blue Ribbon Projects' bill, which she says is a 'creative solution' to the affordable housing crisis.

Gil Smart

The policy director for Friends of the Everglades, who told legislators the bill 'attempts to really truncate' the standard development review process and 'expedite these projects.'

Chadd Scott

The conservation chair with the local chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, who says the large-scale 'Blue Ribbon Projects' would constitute 'rural development bombs' that fail to promote sustainable growth.

Betsy Condon

A Clay County Commissioner who told lawmakers a 'Blue Ribbon' project could be built far from where the infrastructure residents need is concentrated.

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What they’re saying

“We believe growth should be shaped by the people who live in St. Johns County, not by a one-size-fits-all mandate from Tallahassee that allows developers to ignore our local planning foundations.”

— Ann Taylor, St. Johns County Commissioner (jaxtoday.org)

“These Blue Ribbon Projects would constitute rural development bombs. There are long established processes for developers to follow when seeking new projects in every county in this state, this bill continues to be an end-around to those processes and in no way would mitigate sprawl or promote more sustainable, eco-conscious, smarter growth. Quite the opposite.”

— Chadd Scott, Conservation Chair, Florida Native Plant Society (jaxtoday.org)

“If comp plans work, then why do we have an affordable housing crisis? If comp plans work, why are we all stuck in traffic, bumper to bumper, every day?”

— Rep. Lauren Melo, Bill Sponsor (jaxtoday.org)

What’s next

The 'Blue Ribbon Projects' bill still has one more committee stop before it could receive a full vote in the Florida House of Representatives.

The takeaway

The debate over the 'Blue Ribbon Projects' bill highlights the ongoing tension between state and local control over development decisions in Florida. While the bill's supporters see it as a solution to the affordable housing crisis, opponents argue it undermines years of careful planning by counties and cities and could lead to unchecked sprawl and environmental damage.