HB 1379 - Airport Zoning Law Summary

• Revises Florida's Airport Zoning Law to modernize definitions, permit processes, and zoning requirements for airports, with emphasis on federal obstruction standards in 14 C.F.R. part 77.

• Shifts airport protection permitting from state (Department of Transportation) to local governments when political subdivisions adopt compliant zoning regulations; department retains 15-day concurrent review period.

• Requires political subdivisions to adopt both airport protection zoning regulations (governing airport hazards) and airport land use compatibility zoning regulations (governing noise, bird hazards, educational facilities) by July 1, 2017.

• Removes variance provisions and boards of adjustment for airport zoning, establishing instead a local permit and appeal process administered by political subdivisions' existing administrative agencies.

• Establishes new compliance timeline, repeals outdated provisions, and requires political subdivisions to submit adopted zoning codes to the department's Aviation and Spaceports Office within 30 days of adoption.