Relief for Florida Private Schools! Easing of Land Use and Zoning Restrictions

  • Relief for Florida Private Schools! Easing of Land Use and Zoning Restrictions

    Posted by Kevin on May 6, 2024 at 10:49 am

    A new Bill that amends a prior one related to land usage and Zoning for private schools – HB 1285: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1285 will amend Florida Statute 1002.42 to enable private schools to use certain types of facilities under existing zoning and land use designations, no rezoning or special use permits required.

    The zoning relief applies to facilities on property owned or leased by a church, library, community service organization, museum, performing arts venue, theatre, or cinema provided it is or was actively used for such purposes within five years. Also included are any facilities recently used to house a school or licensed child care facility, any facility or land owned by a Florida College system institution or university, or any similar public institutional facilities. The relief is applicable whether the private school leases the premises or purchases the premises.

    Kevin replied 1 day, 15 hours ago 4 Members · 7 Replies
  • 7 Replies
  • Jason

    Member
    May 6, 2024 at 6:19 pm

    This could be a big help since so many students are exiting the public schools and seeking Christian education. Let’s all be praying about how we can open new spaces for students on our existing campuses or by opening new campuses.

  • Nicole

    Member
    May 7, 2024 at 5:58 pm

    Thank you Kevin!

    • Kevin

      Organizer
      May 8, 2024 at 10:25 am

      My pleasure!

  • Rachel

    Member
    May 10, 2024 at 4:05 pm

    As someone who had to fight this difficult battle, I believe this is a great change for all of us!

    • Kevin

      Organizer
      May 15, 2024 at 11:39 am

      Absolutely! We have to continue to advocate for policy that benefits school choice and Christian education.

  • Rachel

    Member
    July 24, 2024 at 4:04 pm

    Does anyone know if this applies to preschools and daycares or if there was a similar statute that would apply to them?

    • Kevin

      Organizer
      July 25, 2024 at 12:23 pm

      Hi Rachel,

      I hope all is well. I went ahead and looked over the actual statute, and it does not specify between K-12 or preschool. It only states “private school”. Please see the excerpt from the bill: A private school may use facilities on property purchased from a library, community service organization, museum, performing arts venue, theatre, cinema, or church facility under s. 170.201, which is actively or was actively used as such within 5 years of any executed agreement with a private school to purchase the facilities; any facility or land owned by a Florida College System institution or university; any similar public institutional facilities; and any facility recently used to house a school or child care facility licensed under s. 402.305, under any such facility’s preexisting zoning and land use designations without obtaining a special exception, rezoning, or a land use change, and without complying with any mitigation requirements or conditions.

      • This reply was modified 1 day, 15 hours ago by  Kevin.

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