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HB0755

Changes to Land Protection and Construction Rules in Florida

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:35 AM

In one sentence

This law exempts Habitat for Humanity from certain bond requirements on long-term state land leases, extends funding deadlines for buying land in the Florida Keys, and expands bans on oil drilling near protected water areas.

Exempts specified entities from payment and performance bond requirements when building public structures on property within an Area of Critical State Concern under a long-term ground lease of 99 years or more with Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. or its local affiliates.
Extends the deadline through fiscal year 2026-2027 to spend at least $5 million from Florida Forever funds on land acquisition within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern.
Prohibits drilling, exploration, or production of oil, gas, and other petroleum products within 10 miles of a national estuarine research reserve in counties designated as rural areas of opportunity.
Increases the prohibition distance to 30 miles from a national estuarine research reserve if the county is both a rural area of opportunity and contains an Area of Critical State Concern.

Contractors building public structures for Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. or its local affiliates on state-owned land.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection managing the Florida Forever Trust Fund allocations.
Oil, gas, and petroleum companies seeking to drill in counties designated as rural areas of opportunity near national estuarine research reserves.

The bond exemption applies only at the discretion of the official or board that owns the underlying property in fee simple.
Drilling restrictions apply specifically within counties designated as rural areas of opportunity under s. 288.0656.

Plain language

Area of Critical State Concern: A specific region identified by the state for special protection due to its natural resources or environmental value, which triggers stricter drilling bans if combined with rural opportunity status.
Payment and Performance Bond: A guarantee from a surety insurer that a contractor will pay workers and finish the job as agreed in their contract for public buildings or works.
Florida Forever Trust Fund: State funds used by the Department of Environmental Protection to acquire lands and support capital projects, including specific allocations for the Florida Keys.

Official record

Source attached

Areas of Critical State Concern

Official activity