Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law Senate Bill 582, Unlawful Demolition of Historical Buildings and Structures bill, a crucial piece of legislation that originated from the City of St. Augustine as a priority of Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline and written with legal guidance by City Attorney Isabelle Lopez. The Senate Bill 582 was sponsored by Sen. Tom Leek and a companion bill in the House (HB 717) was sponsored by Rep. Sam Greco and Rep. Fabian Basabe and co-introduced by Rep. Kim Kendall and Rep. Judson Sapp.
The bill allows for fines to be imposed, based on competent and substantial evidence, if inappropriate or unlawful modifications or developments are made to a historic property.
“Without this legislation, our historic landmarks, architectural uniqueness, and the intrinsic identity of St. Augustine would be at risk with little accountability or consequence to those who threaten it with demolition and destruction,” Mayor Sikes-Kline commented. “Kudos to our attorney, Isabelle Lopez, for crafting clear language and to Sen. Leek and Rep. Greco for pushing the bill through the Florida legislature.”
For media inquiries, contact Melissa Wissel, Communications Director, at 904-293-3307 or via email, mwissel@citystaug.com.