“We’ll Believe It When We See It” — Locals Skeptic about New Law Promising a Better Permitting Process

“We’ll believe it when we see it.”

That’s the reaction you’re hearing from contractors and developers across Nassau County after the passage of

CS/CS/CS/HB 927: Local Land Planning and Development

And honestly?  You can’t blame them.

What the Law Says

On paper, this is a good bill—maybe even a very good one.

It changes the front end of the permitting process in a way that could save time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

Here’s how:

  • Pre-application meetings become part of the process
    Before submitting plans, applicants can request a sit-down to understand exactly what’s required. No more guessing and hoping you got it right.
  • More hands on deck
    Local governments can bring in qualified outside contractors to help review and guide applications, easing internal bottlenecks.
  • No insider advantage
    Those contractors must be independent—no conflicts of interest allowed.
  • Consistency in approvals
    Local governments CAN’T pile on extra procedures that conflict with state law, especially when it comes to plats and replats.

In short:
Clear expectations upfront. Fewer surprises later.

Why Locals Are Skeptical

Because they’ve heard promises like this before.

In Nassau County, the frustration hasn’t just been about rules—it’s been about how those rules are applied.

  • Processes that drag on longer than expected
  • Requirements that seem to change midstream
  • Projects that stall without clear answers

So when Tallahassee says, “We’re fixing it,” the response from the field is cautious at best.

The Real Test

HB 927 doesn’t just suggest improvements.  It requires them.

But laws on paper don’t always translate to action on the ground.

The real question is:

👉 Will Nassau County actually implement it the way it was intended?

  • Will pre-application meetings be meaningful—or just another box to check?
  • Will outside experts speed things up—or get buried in the same system?
  • Will the rules stay consistent—or keep shifting?

The Opportunity No One Is Talking About

  • If this law works, government should need fewer people—not more.
  • Less red tape. Less rework. Less time per project.
  • 👉 Lower costs for taxpayers

So the real question isn’t compliance. It’s…”Will Nassau County actually get more efficient—or just keep getting bigger?”

Our Hope

There’s real potential here for Nassau to fix the broken permitting system.

A process that starts with clarity instead of confusion could change everything for people trying to build, invest, and improve property in this county.

But for now, the people who deal with this system every day are taking a wait-and-see approach.

The law promises a smoother path. Nassau County now has to prove it’s all in and agrees to the law. 

To read the bill, go here:   https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/803

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Reconsideration of the Westside Regional Park Investment

Petition to the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners

Subject: Reconsideration of the Westside Regional Park Investment

 

Dear Commissioners,

 

We, the undersigned residents of Nassau County, respectfully submit this petition regarding the allocation of public funds toward the development of the Westside Regional Park.

 

It would surprise many to learn that 82.7% of all Nassau County Ad Valorem taxes are paid by properties located east of Interstate 95. Yet, the County has programmed $22.86 million into the Westside Regional Park, located 20 miles west of Interstate 95 — a location largely inaccessible to the majority of residents who are funding it.

 

This project spans over 100 acres with an estimated construction cost of $21 million. Although the land was purchased in 2007 for $1.09 million, it has taken 17 years to bring forward a plan, raising additional concerns about the project's long-term viability and true priority.

 

Over 67% of Nassau County’s population lives in the easternmost zip codes of 32034 and 32097, areas where residents would have to travel up to 35 miles to access the park. Research shows that individuals living more than 10 miles away from a park are unlikely to use it regularly, if at all.

 

In short: the taxpayers bearing the largest burden for this project are the least likely to benefit from it.

 

Given these facts, we have serious concerns about whether the Westside Regional Park is the most responsible and equitable use of taxpayer dollars.

We respectfully request the following:

  • A full public reassessment of the Westside Regional Park's location, accessibility, and return on investment.
  • Consideration of alternative investments in parks and recreation facilities that are more geographically equitable and accessible to the majority of Nassau County taxpayers.
  • Greater transparency and opportunity for public input regarding major capital projects moving forward.

We urge you to pause further expenditures on this project until a thorough and transparent review is conducted.

 

It is time for Nassau County to ensure that public funds are invested fairly, wisely, and in ways that serve the entire community — not just a select portion of it.

 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

 

We look forward to your leadership and stewardship of our county’s future.

{Your name will be here}

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    Your signature is submitted voluntarily and represents your personal support for the petition.
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We will not sell, trade, or misuse your data. Your information may be shared with government officials only as part of the official submission of this petition.

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    This petition is organized by Nassau FL DOGE, an informal group of concerned citizens. We are not affiliated with any political party, government agency, or official campaign.
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