At the Sept. 16 Palm Coast council meeting residents urged action or an update on SB 180, the state bill they said could limit local moratoria on construction. Chantal Prelinger asked whether the city had decided to join any lawsuit challenging the bill, noting an earlier estimate of a $20,000 cost to join other municipalities in litigation.
City staff said the city had engaged and joined the county on the legislative agenda related to that matter. Council member Miller told the dais that the bill was amended late the night before its vote in a way that changed its effect; he said those late changes made it difficult for municipalities to anticipate or lobby against the measure. Miller added that legal challenges were likely and that the bill’s sponsor had already signaled an intent to sponsor further changes.
Separately, Jeanne Duarte used the public‑comment period to say the Charter Review Committee should be suspended until 2028, alleging intimidation and suppression of residents who speak at meetings. Vice Mayor Panieri said she had not heard specifics and asked Duarte to provide examples so the council could investigate. The council did not take formal action on either the SB 180 or charter‑review complaints at the meeting; staff and council members suggested follow‑up and documentation be provided for further action.
No vote or new legal commitment was recorded; the city attorney said the council had joined with the county on its legislative agenda related to the topic. Council members discussed that the state Supreme Court and sponsor actions were likely next steps in the bill’s legal and political pathway.