City Celebrates Legislative Approval of Key Policy Priorities

City of St. Petersburg Celebrates Legislative Approval of Key Policy Priorities

May 8, 2025 - During its regular session, the Florida Legislature approved three key legislative priorities championed by the City of St. Petersburg as part of its 2025 Legislative Agenda: the "No Vehicle Wake Flood Zone" provision, the "Yes in God's Backyard" provision, and the "Crane Safety During Emergencies" regulations.

"The passage of these state legislative priorities underscores our focus on two of St. Petersburg's Pillars for Progress: Neighborhood Health & Safety and Housing Opportunities for All," said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. "By listening to our residents and working in coordination with our state partners, these smart, forward-looking policies will ensure that St. Petersburg and Florida, as a whole, will be a safer, more affordable place to live. I am grateful for the resolve of our entire legislative delegation, and the hard work put in by staff, community leaders, and our City Council to get these wins across the finish line - we eagerly await seeing their impact in our community."

As part of SB 462, the Florida Legislature passed the "No Vehicle Wake Flood Zone" provision - crafted in response to resident concerns in St. Petersburg and other flood-prone areas. The provision will prohibit drivers from recklessly speeding through flooded streets and creating damaging wakes, a recurring source of property loss and community disruption following hurricanes and major wet-weather events. Spearheaded by Legislative Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Committee Chair Councilmember Brandi Gabbard in coordination with the City Attorney's Office, St. Pete Police, St. Pete Fire Rescue, and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, this provision is a vital tool in the City's public safety toolbox.

"This legislation will be incredibly helpful to not only protecting resident homes and businesses but will also give our law enforcement the tools they need to keep our city safe. As a coastal community, we have seen an increase in roadway flooding from rain events, tidal surge, and sunny day flooding" says Councilmember Gabbard. "This resident led initiative shows that when concerned individuals work together in a bipartisan way to address our greatest challenges, solutions are possible. While this won't stop flooding, it will create peace of mind and the assurance that resident safety is our top priority."

As part of SB 1730, the Legislature passed the "Yes In God's Backyard" provision - empowering local governments to work with their local faith communities to build affordable housing. This provision has been a priority for Mayor Kenneth T. Welch as part of his innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to solving St. Pete's affordable housing crisis. Mayor Welch first called for this provision in 2024 in an open letter in The Weekly Challenger and has worked with local legislators and the sponsor of the bill's house companion, Rep. Vicki Lopez, to secure its inclusion.

As part of SB 180, the Legislature passed "Crane Safety During Emergencies" regulations - establishing substantive statutory obligations for crane operators and builders to follow best practices in crane operations. Following the collapse of a crane in downtown St. Pete, the City conducted a Committee of the Whole Meeting to discuss the city's preparation and response to these hazards. Acknowledging that local governments were preempted from any role in crane regulation, Mayor Welch directed his administration to work with the local delegation to establish a statewide framework to keep our residents safe. While the language included in SB 180 is a vital first step in making our community safer, St. Petersburg will continue to strive for stronger language in the law.

The work that led to the passage of these three bills represents the spirit of partnership in which the City of St. Petersburg prides itself. The City would like to thank Rep. Lindsay Cross, Sen. Nick DiCeglie, and Sen. Darryl Rouson for their sponsorship and advocacy of these provisions and delegation members Rep. Michele Rayner and Rep. Linda Chaney for their support.

These comprehensive bills and their key provisions are expected to be signed into law in the coming days.

LINK: City of St. Petersburg 2025 State Legislative Agenda