The City of Riviera Beach opposes HB17 and SB 1158, which preempts local business regulations, prohibits local government from imposing or adopting any new regulations on businesses unless expressly authorized by the Legislature. Cities are voluntarily created and chartered by their citizens as the embodiment of local self-determination. In 1968, Florida voters amended the State Constitution to confer broad “Home Rule” powers to municipal governments, under Article VIII, Section 2(b).

The City of Riviera Beach’s ability to timely act on local problems and opportunities will be limited by HB 17 and SB 1158 to a State Legislature that hold sessions only once a year, and whose ability to address local problems will be contingent on the relative effectiveness of its representative in the State Legislature.

City Staff believes the opposition of HB 17 and SB 1158 would be in the best interests of the residents and businesses of the City of Riviera Beach and the State of Florida.

Therefore, City staff request the approval of this resolution to request the reinstitution of home rule authority, whereby the Riviera Beach City Council Members and local policymakers at the local level can determine the quality of life for their local communities.