FLORIDA - The Florida Senate's Community Affairs Committee has unanimously approved a bill that would prevent local governments from regulating the construction of presidential libraries in Florida.
Senate Bill 118, introduced by Republican Senator Jason Brodeur, aims to preempt local ordinances that could impede the establishment and operation of presidential libraries.
The proposed legislation would prohibit counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions from enacting or enforcing any ordinances, resolutions, or rules related to presidential libraries unless authorized by federal law.
This measure is designed to ensure a uniform regulatory approach across the state, granting exclusive oversight to state and federal authorities.
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) currently oversees 13 presidential libraries across 10 states, with a 14th under construction for President Barack Obama in Chicago. If President Donald Trump chooses to build his library in Florida, it would be the state's first.
While specific plans for a Trump presidential library have not been officially announced, there is speculation that Florida, particularly Palm Beach—where Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort is located—could be a potential site.
The bill now moves to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.
A companion bill has been filed in the House of Representatives and is currently under review.
If enacted, this legislation would streamline the process for establishing presidential libraries in Florida, ensuring that local regulations do not pose obstacles to their development.