Mega developments in Manatee County? What to know about new Florida bills

Florida lawmakers will consider several new bills this year that could have a major impact on development in Manatee County and across the state, including one that would fast track developments over 10,000 acres.

Development remains a hot button issue in Manatee, where many residents feel that growth is happening too fast and intensely — especially in the county’s traditionally agricultural eastern half.

One closely watched bill could restore some local government control over community planning and growth that was limited by last year’s Senate Bill 180. But others could block local governments from denying large scale development projects, and potentially leave residents with less input on the future of the county’s landscape.

Here’s a closer look at some of the 2026 bills that could have a major impact on development in Manatee County.

Bill could restore home rule over development

The bill: Senate Bill 840; no companion bill filed in House

What it does: This bill would restore local officials’ ability to create new rules that put limits on development, such as development boundaries, moratoriums or environmental protections, starting in July. It aims to narrow the scope of 2025’s Senate Bill 180, which developers and state agencies have used to override local control over planning and growth.

Sponsor: State Sen. Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Petersburg)

Blue Ribbon Projects bill fast tracks massive developments

The bill: House Bill 299; Senate Bill 354

What it does: This bill could allow developments of 10,000 acres or more to bypass local government approvals and public hearings. For comparison, 10,000 acres is about a third of Lakewood Ranch, or about nine times the size of the SeaFlower development in Bradenton.

If a development project met certain standards set by the state, local officials would be required to approve it. The project could also bypass typical rezoning requirements, allowing building to occur in agricultural and natural areas.

Sponsors: State Rep. Lauren Melo (R-Naples) and State. Sen. Stan McClain (R-Ocala)

Bill would remove local wetlands and water pollution control

The bill: House Bill 479; Senate Bill 718

What it does: This bill could strip away some local environmental protections by blocking cities and counties from creating rules regarding water quality, water pollution or wetlands. It would give the authority to regulate water and wetlands exclusively to the state.

The proposed bill comes as Manatee County commissioners are attempting to restore local wetland protections over opposition from the state and developers.

Sponsors: State Rep. Randy Maggard (R-Dade City) and State Sen. Stan McClain (R-Ocala)

What happens next?

Florida’s 60-day legislative session starts Tuesday .

Lawmakers often change bills significantly as they move through the legislative process, so a bill’s final version could be much different than what is initially proposed.

To become Florida law, bills need to survive committee hearings, pass votes in the House and Senate and avoid the governor’s veto pen.