Under proposed legislation, some businesses would be able to collect damages from city or county governments that enact or amend certain ordinances that cause their profits to decrease.
Filed in November 2021 by Sen. Travis Hutson (R-St. Augustine), SB 620 would allow companies that have been in business in Florida for at least three years to seek and claim damages from county or city governments that enact ordinances that cause a 15 percent reduction in the firm’s business revenue or profit.
In addition to damages, suing firms may also be able to collect court and attorney fees.
Ordinances, declarations, or orders passed in response to an emergency are exempt under the proposed bill.
No one from Hernando County or from the City of Brooksville was available for comment on the proposed legislation.
SB 620 was initially referred to the Senate’s judiciary, rules, and appropriations committees for consideration. On Nov. 30, 2021, it was approved by the body’s Judicial Committee by a vote of 7 to 4.
The bill is now under consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.
