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Florida Lawmaker Files Bill to Fast-Track Small Grocers in Food Deserts

The proposal would let local governments fast-track zoning for small grocers in USDA-defined food deserts.

Overview

  • State Rep. Michele Rayner introduced HB 337 in Tallahassee to expand access to healthy food in underserved neighborhoods.
  • The bill would authorize cities and counties to streamline land-use and zoning to approve small-footprint grocery stores that sell fresh, nutrient-dense foods.
  • The filing comes as a federal shutdown has created uncertainty for roughly three million Floridians who use SNAP, a population largely composed of children, seniors and people with disabilities.
  • If enacted, the measure would take effect July 1, 2026, targeting areas the USDA defines as low-income communities far from supermarkets.
  • The legislation is pending after a similar bipartisan effort from Rayner failed in committee earlier this year, with supporters also citing potential local economic benefits.