Resolution No. 25-36RESOLUTION NO. 25-36
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
OPPOSING FLORIDA HOUSE BILL 247; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO
TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE GOVERNOR OF
FLORIDA, THE PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA SENATE, THE SPEAKER OF
THE FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND THE MEMBERS OF
THE DUVAL COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Florida's voters placed municipal home rule powers into the Florida Constitution
on Nov. 5, 1968, during the regular elections as an amendment to Article VIII; and
WHEREAS, this power enables municipalities to consider, adopt, revise or remove their own
laws without the need to seek legislative permission from the state and has served as the foundation
upon which every municipality builds its governmental structure; and
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach is a duly established municipality within the State of
Florida, committed to protecting the quality of life, character, and best interests of its residents and visitors;
and
WHEREAS, once again in 2025, numerous bills being considered by the Florida Legislature
contradict the will of the people of Florida, who express an unequivocal desire for broad home rule powers
in their state constitution; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature is considering approving House Bill 247 ("HB 247") requiring
local governments to adopt an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in any area
zoned for single-family residential use, except for areas designated as planned unit developments or master
planned communities; and
WHEREAS, as amended, the legislation authorizes local governments to regulate the permitting,
construction, and use of ADUs while specifying that local governments may not: prohibit ADUs from being
rented, except as authorized by law; require the parcel owner to reside on the property; increase parking
requirements on any parcel that can accommodate an additional motor vehicle on a driveway without
impeding access to the primary dwelling unit; and require replacement parking if a garage or covered
parking structure is converted to an ADU; and
WHEREAS, the bill includes certain manufactured housing within the statutory definition of ADU;
and
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach has carefully reviewed HB 247
and has identified provisions that pose significant concerns and potential negative impacts on the City and
its ability to effectively govern; and
WHEREAS, those concerns include:
• Loss of local control: The state mandate overrides local zoning authority and comprehensive
plans.
Neighborhood character changes:
erode the single-family character.
Manufactured housing inclusion:
aesthetics and property values.
Increased density, parking issues, noise, and traffic could
Integrating manufactured housing as ADUs could impact
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WHEREAS, this bill, despite the desire for affordable housing, overreaches by stripping
cities of their ability to maintain local control over zoning and preserve the character and quality of life
in single-family neighborhoods. Cities should retain the authority to make informed community
decisions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic
Beach, Florida, that:
SECTION 1. The City Commission hereby expresses its strong opposition to proposed Florida
House Bill 247.
SECTION 2. The City Commission urges the Florida Legislature to recognize the importance of
maintaining local government authority to address the unique needs and circumstances of their
communities, and to reject the provisions of HB 247 as currently drafted.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the
Governor of Florida, the President of the Florida Senate, the Speaker of the Florida House of
Representatives, and the members of the Duval County Legislative Delegation.
SECTION 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach, this 14'x'
day of April, 2025.
Attest:
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Approved as to form and correctness:
Jas ,nel ity Attorney
000,
rM I F.' lof
is Ford, Mayor
Resolution No. 25-36 Page 2 of 2