The Florida Division of Elections approved a petition form for the Hometown Democracy Amendment, which would require a public vote before any new land use plan is adopted or amended by a local government. Critics say it reflects a “not in my backyard” perspective, but it actually concerns jurisdiction-wide planning, not individual backyards. This amendment does not cover building permits or rezonings, just the legislative function of enacting or amending local government plans. The Florida Supreme Court has said that changes to the comprehensive plan, which includes small changes to the future land use map, are like laws made by the government. Florida law allows some public votes on these changes. The Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment is based on the idea that all political power comes from the people. The amendment would let voters decide on changes to the comprehensive plan. The importance of people taking part in local land use planning is recognized in existing law. A commission in 2000 said there should be more public participation in planning, but their ideas didn’t focus on involving the public. Critics of the Hometown Democracy Amendment say there are other ways to improve planning, but the amendment just wants to give voters more say in their communities. Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc. has a website where you can find information about their proposed amendment. It includes the full text of the amendment and other info about Floridaâs Hometown Democracy Amendment.
Source: https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/a-discussion-nimbyism-part-two-floridas-hometown-democracy-amendment/
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