FL S0620

Creates the Local Business Protection Act authorizing private for-profit businesses to claim damages from counties or municipalities if an ordinance or charter provision reduces the business' profit by at least 15 percent per location, provided the business has operated lawfully in the jurisdiction for 3 years preceding enactment.

Limits business damages recovery to the present value of lost profits for the lesser of 7 years or the number of years the business operated in the jurisdiction before the ordinance took effect.

Exempts from liability ordinances or charter provisions required by state or federal law, emergency declarations, growth management regulations, building and fire codes, procurement rules, budget matters, debt issuance, and those promoting economic competition.

Requires businesses to present a written settlement offer within 180 days of the ordinance's effective date and at least 180 days before filing suit; counties or municipalities have 120 days to accept, reject, or counteroffer.

Eliminates liability if the county or municipality repeals or amends the ordinance within 120 days to avoid the 15 percent profit reduction, grants a waiver, or publishes notice and acts within 30 days; courts may award reasonable attorney fees and costs to prevailing parties.