Att
This is NOT an official Okaloosa County website
The Official North OkaloosaPlanning Study website is: https://www.inspire-engagement.com/north-okaloosa-plan
Please visit the website and read the Final Report about the vision we have for our county.
Feel free to tell the county “Don’t PJ Adams our North Okaloosa!”
It Ain’t over yet!
While you were keeping an eye on the county, the state legislature passed a horrible bill infamously known as SB180. Two sections of this bill, section 18 and 28, take the power over development away from you and your County Commission.
What YOU can do now:
Urge everyone to follow unofficial People Protecting Okaloosa, Inc. on Facebook
See below for details about emailing the Governor and elected officials to tell them to fix SB 180.
Scroll down to see the
North Okaloosa Planning Study update for Monday, 11/10/2025
People Protecting Okaloosa
We are not anti growth. Okaloosa County has a Comprehensive Plan and associated zoning for every property in the county. See https://myokaloosa.com/gm/planning/plan We are fine with every property being developed for residential purposes in accordance with the existing Plan/zoning. If every property was developed for residential use in accordance with the existing Plan/zoning, there would be many thousands of new residences in the county.
We welcome all residents who choose to come to Okaloosa to preserve and protect our rural and agricultural characteristics and heritage.
The purposes of People Protecting Okaloosa are two:
1. To inform the citizens of North Okaloosa County Florida of activities undertaken by the governing bodies in Okaloosa County and the State Capitol regarding growth in the County that affect them either directly or indirectly. Growth issues include increasing allowable residential density of residential properties within the County, plans (or lack thereof) to improve traffic in the County, plans (or lack thereof) to provide sewer services, and other infrastructure issues. Typically, increases in residential density are accomplished by amending the Okaloosa County Comprehensive Growth Plan and a companion Land Development Code rezoning ordinance of the area under discussion.
2. To provide information for the citizens of North Okaloosa County Florida on how to contact both elected and appointed governmental personnel so that they can have a dialog where they can discuss their comments, concerns and recommendations.
Presented on these web sites and facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/412667740892358) are sources for information such as county documents or websites where you can research information on the many issues related to county growth. Any opinions expressed by the authors of this website should be considered merely as suggestions for ideas for you to consider when doing your own research and forming your own opinions.
Please scroll down to the free Sign the Petition section, sign the petition and you will also be signed up to receive free periodic updates. Then, click the facebook.com logo at the bottom and follow/like the People Protecting Okaloosa facebook.com page.
How to contact County Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners need to hear from all of us on this issue. Please be polite and respectful at all times. It is best if you offer solutions and recommendations rather than just complain.
Okaloosa County Commissioners and Assistants:
District1 Paul Mixon: pmixon@myokaloosa.com; scutsinger@myokaloosa.com;
District 2 Carolyn Ketchel: cketchel@myokaloosa.com; jlorenz@myokaloosa.com;
District 3 Sherri Cox: scox@myokaloosa.com; dricketts@myokaloosa.com;
District 4 Trey Goodwin: tgoodwin@myokaloosa.com; csharon@myokaloosa.com;
District 5 Drew Palmer: dpalmer@myokaloosa.com; asullivan@myokaloosa.com;
Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners
1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100
Shalimar, FL 32579
South office phone: 850-689-5050
North office phone: 850 689 5030 (Mixon, Cox)
Always be civil and constructive
Please, everyone, share this info with all your neighbors and ask them to contact each County Commissioner with your recommendations for this study. If you think traffic is a problem but they never hear from you, they don’t think it is a problem! We find email is the best way to communicate with them directly. USPS mail is also effective but takes longer. The Secretaries to the County Commissioners take phone messages for them. I have never had one return a call. You and a small group (maybe 4 maximum), can also request a face to face meeting and those are quite effective. Making your view known well before any future public meeting that might be scheduled will make sure these officials are well aware of how you feel. Those advocating for higher density without regard to traffic and infrastructure are working with these officials every day – don’t allow them to have the only input. Don’t forget to urge everyone to check the Facebook group page People Protecting Okaloosa, Inc. frequently for updates. Find it at https://www.facebook.com/groups/412667740892358
Meet the North Okaloosa Planning Study
Please read this whole message and share with your neighbors
The Official North OkaloosaPlanning Study website is: https://www.inspire-engagement.com/north-okaloosa-plan
· Do you want an apartment building next door?
· Do you want to preserve and protect the rural and agricultural character of the north county?
· Does your family farm or raise animals?
· Do we have enough tiny lot subdivisions?
These are some of the things you need to discuss with neighbors.
Thank you North Okaloosa Citizens for participating in YOUR Study.
Over 4,000citizens participated directly in the study. That is ten percent of the citizens in unincorporated North Okaloosa – a fantastic turnout.
If you scroll down on the Study web page, you will see the Final Report.
Alternatively, here is a direct link to the report
https://indd.adobe.com/view/15828d14-e019-4406-bb2f-4ba0db805a64
Here is a summary of what you said, what the experts concluded and what is recommended for North Okaloosa in that report.
You can download the report as an Adobe.PDF file.
Important items from the report:
Pages 33 & 138 “The following key findings presented in Chapter 2.1, Public Priorities:”
• a strong desire to preserve the rural and agricultural character of North Okaloosa County;
• concern with inadequate infrastructure associated with existing development patterns and future growth in the community; and
• alarm regarding a lack of transparency and inadequate coordination in managing growth.”
IMPORTANT: This information was adopted unanimously by the your County Commissioners BCC as guidance for the study on May 7, 2024.
Page 27 – “The 4,614 comments span a variety of subjects but are connected by one central and overarching theme:
Rapid growth in North Okaloosa has altered the region’s historic rural character and undermined residents’ quality of life. The North Okaloosa Community would like the County to consider and enact measures to manage the pace, location, and form of future development in the area.”
Page 39 – 10 year population growth projected to be about 4,800 people.
Page 53 – 42,890 acre Prime Farmland, 138,313 acres farmland
Page 61 – “It appears that allowing growth to occur based on existing entitlements will result in a worst-case urban sprawl scenario in which it will be nearly impossible to provide services in a cost effective or orderly manner.”
Page 121 – “In order to protect prime farmland, the Okaloosa County Comprehensive Plan limits density of development within the Agriculture Future Land Use designation. Prime farmland (10 acres or more) is restricted to no more than one residential unit per 10 acres.”
Page 134 – Implement 3 tiers:
Tier 1 “Areas include existing water and public sewer infrastructure.”
Tier 2 Includes areas planned for water and public sewer infrastructure.
“Note: Urban development boundary includes Tiers 1 and 2; parcels in Tier 2automatically transition to Tier 1 with connection to public water and sewer. The Tier System is not intended to preempt previously executed development agreements.”
Tier 3 Development on septic, consistent with entitlements at the time of application, is allowed. However, future land use amendments to increase density or intensity shall not be allowed.
Page 140 “The conditional densities provided for within the Agricultural and Residential Rural Land Use Categories are leading to development patterns that undermine agricultural and rural character.”
Page 144 regarding current Comprehensive Planpolicies…”are designed to discourage urban sprawl. They appear to be having little to no effect.”
Page 152 “Conclusion: The Future Land Use chapter of the Comprehensive Plan provides an overallocation of entitlements which far exceeds population projections for the study area.”
“Despite the mandate established in Florida State Statute Chapter 163.3177(6)(a) 9.a. to prevent andreduce urban sprawl, the analysis indicates that urban sprawl is occurring due to competing and often ambiguous policy guidance.”
P155 – Adoption of the proposed Urban Development Boundary creates room for 102,000 additional residents.
P160 – 162 Immediate Revisions
** Note: Bert Harris Act presentation notes in below text refers to11/2024 1000 Friends of Florida presentation “Florida’s Bert Harris Act: Property Rights Unbalanced?”
Future Land Use Element
Revise Objective 9 regarding Urban Sprawl with reference to UDB tiered growth Management System.
Recommendation: Add policy language that defines the Tiers (see Local Planning Analysis) specifically in Objective 9; delete Policy 9.2; add reference to Tiers in Policy 9.3.
** From Bert Harris Act presentation:
Make sure county ordinances are fair across all property owners
Vested right: the Act does not categorically preclude a reduction in allowable uses/density/intensity.
Revise Objective 10 (Policy 10.1B) regarding existing rural overlays and add character policies.
Recommendation: Complete a Special Area Plan for the Holt and Baker Rural Community Overlay within a certain time.
Revise the Future Land Use Table for Agriculture and
Rural Residential land uses.
Recommendation: Remove conditional density allowances to ensure maximum allowable density within Agriculture is 1 unit per 10 acres, and 1 unit per 5 acres in Residential Rural. One acre lot splits for family member homesteads remain allowable. Add note on one year notification and compatibility.
** From Bert Harris Act presentation:
Make sure county ordinances are fair across all property owners
Vested right: the Act does not categorically preclude a reduction in allowable uses/density/intensity.
Under Florida vested rights decisions, a landowner has no vested right to the continuation of existing planning or zoning allowances.
Within 1 Year of the Law or Regulation First Being Applied by the Government Entity, a Property Owner Must Bring a Claim. §70.001(11), Fla. Stat. otherwise, the claim is absolutely barred.
Sanitary Sewer Element
Emphasize Objective 2 and 3 for growth management direction on provision of sanitary sewer within an urban development and urban development boundary framework.
Strike Objective 1 as itis not relevant; in Objective 2, revise and add language regarding level of service and adherence to the CIP and delete language that is no longer relevant; in Objective 3, add language regarding tiered system and then delete language no longer relevant.
Land Development Code
5. Chapter 2 - Zoning Regulations 2.01.06 Agriculture (AA) District BulkRegulations
Recommendation: Removeconditional lot/parcel size and maximum density from Table 2.1.
** From Bert Harris Act presentation – see 3, above
6. Chapter 2 - Zoning Regulations 2.02.06 Residential Rural (RR) District
Recommendation: Remove conditional lot/parcel size and maximum density from Table 2.2.
** From Bert Harris Act presentation – see 3, above
7. Chapter 3 - Overlay Zones
As per recommended Future Land Use Element changes regarding Policy 10.1B, following Special Area Plan efforts, add community driven language that provides residential and nonresidential parameters as well as design considerations for future development of rural communities identified in the Comprehensive Plan and located in Holt and Baker.
** Merely adds a time line and public engagement to existing language.
END
Always be respectful, constructive and courteous and you will have an impact.
North Okaloosa Planning Study update for Monday, 11/10/2025
Please urge everyone to Join, Like or Friend People Protecting Okaloosa, Inc. on Facebook
October 15, 2025 marked one year since the results of your study were presented to your County Commissioners.
Please see the above section “Meet your Planning Study” to see the study findings. They include concrete steps to do as you asked: Protect the rural and agricultural character of North Okaloosa.
The County Commissioners essentially rejected it. Nothing has been done.
Now the FL State Legislature has made things much worse for us. They have passed a horrible infamous bill that is known statewide simply as SB 180.
Until we resolve SB 180, there is not a lot we can do with our County Commissioners to protect the rural and agricultural character of North Okaloosa.
Call to Action: Your voice has been silenced – Demand the Legislature fix SB 180
The 2025 Florida Legislature passed SB 180, a direct attack on your voice in the future of your community!
· It removes your local governments control over community planning
· It contains vague language that prohibits local governments from adopting “more restrictive or burdensome” growth policies, but fails to define what that means.
This law must be fixed. We are calling on citizens, advocacy groups, civic organizations, and elected officials across Florida to email Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Ben Albritton, and House Speaker Daniel Perez to demand either SB 180 be repealed or the most harmful provisions of SB 180 be removed.
The Onerous Parts of SB 180 That Must Be Removed
1. Retroactive Application – the law applies back to August 1, 2024,undermining voter-approved measures.
2. Undefined Language –Terms like “restrictive or burdensome” are not defined, creating confusion and opening the door for endless developer lawsuits.
3. Developer Lawsuit Weaponization – SB 180 grants developers a legal weapon to intimidate local governments, threatening costly litigation every time you and your community tries to protect its land.
4. Ban on Local Growth Management Tools now and in the future:
· Now: Section 28 prohibits – from 2024 until Oct.2027 - local government from adopting common-sense planning policies tailored to their own needs.
· In the future: Section 18seeks to extend these prohibitions to hurricanes that may occur in the future.
Together, we can fix SB 180 and defend Florida’s rural lands and local control. Please share this alert widely with your network, civic groups, and neighbors.
After you email the Governor, take your time and email as many of the others listed below as you can over the next few weeks.
TAKE ACTION NOW
1. Email the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker – They have the power to fix SB 180.
Governor Ron DeSantis
governorron.desantis@eog.myflorida.com; peter.cuderman@eog.myflorida.com; leda.kelly@laspbs.state.fl.us; jason.weida@eog.myflorida.com;
Senate President Ben Albritton
albritton.ben.web@flsenate.govHouse Speaker Daniel Perez
daniel.perez@myfloridahouse.govTell them in your own words - Be right, Be polite:
"SB 180 is vague, retroactive, and already being abused by developers to silence citizen voices. Either repeal SB 180 or remove these onerous provisions now—before more damage is done."
2. Contact Your State Legislators – We also need your Representative and Senator to support the call to fix SB 180.
Email the Senator responsible for this bill
DiCeglie.Nick.web@flsenate.gov; Colletti.Ashley@flsenate.gov; Kreps.Stephanie@flsenate.gov;
Then email the Rep. responsible for the BAD parts of SB 180
Fiona.McFarland@FLHouse.gov; Andrew.Parker@FLHouse.gov;
Panhandle State Representatives and Legislative Aides:
Michelle.Salzman@flhouse.gov; annaGrace.Michael@flhouse.gov;
Alex.Andrade@flhouse.gov;turner.mitchell@flhouse.gov;
nathan.boyles@flhouse.gov; Noah.brown@flhouse.gov;
patt.maney@flhouse.gov; Ian.Thomson@flhouse.gov;
shane.abbott@flhouse.gov; Samantha.sullivan@flhouse.gov;
Find Your FLState Representative: https://www.flhouse.gov/FindYourRepresentative
State Senators and Legislative Aides:
Gaetz.don.web@flsenate.gov;Pitzer.keri@flsenate.gov;
trumbull.jay.web@flsenate.gov; gainey.andrea@flsenate.gov;
Find Your State Senator: https://flsenate.gov/Senators/Find
Email them today. Demand that the retroactivity, future restrictions, vague language, developer lawsuit provisions, and bans on local planning tools be removed from SB 180 to defend Florida’s communities, farmland, and home rule.
Share, Share, Share!
Please urge everyone to Join, Like or Friend People Protecting Okaloosa, Inc. on Facebook
Thank you,
Your North Okaloosa Neighbors
The sprawl paradox. Density of residential development.
Are you one of the many who tell me you moved here because of the beautiful rural nature of the county and the ability to own a home on a larger lot or perhaps a few acres? How do you feel about the growth in the PJ Adams Parkway or Live Oak Church Road area? There are families who have moved from a congested area like PJ Adams to a more spacious environment in the north of the county. In recent months, if you attended county Planning Board or County Commission meetings you have witnessed what appears to be a determined effort to encourage high density (for example, 4 houses per acre or multi unit structures) residential development. If this were to be applied across the north county, the rural nature of the county would be lost.
Governmental entities refer to proliferation of low density development such as you see from Crestview to the Alabama border as sprawl. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_sprawl They use it as a negative term because they prefer to provide infrastructure to dense, compact concentrations of population. One idea vocalized was that the county should increase the density around Crestview to manage or prevent sprawl from there to the Alabama Border. How does this work? If you increase the density around Crestview, I can still buy 10 acres further north and build a nice home. It simply doesn’t make sense. If you prefer a more spacious environment, if you moved here for the beauty of a spacious rural setting, you need to tell the County Commission to leave the future land use densities as they are.
Traffic, roads, infrastructure and community services…
Has traffic got you down? Of the two primary concerns with the future of our county, one is traffic and roads. The county waited to address PJ Adams Parkway and the area traffic until it was a crisis. The county will tell you it took 10 years to put together a plan to address PJ Adams. According to the County Engineer and Public Works Director, there is no published plan identifying roads that may need work and how the county intends to address them. At least they should explain the methodology they use to determine when a road needs improvement such as adding travel lanes or re-designing intersections. If you can find evidence of the county setting aside funds for one or more major road improvements, please let us know. If we are to analyze future land as in the proposed study, shouldn’t we be also analyzing our infrastructure and planning for the future? If you and others feel traffic is bad, roads inadequate and nothing is being done about it, it is critical that you let your County Commissioners know now.
Say, Hopefully you have planned for an event such as having to evacuate the area due to hurricane or other event. What route would you take out of the county and what do you feel traffic would be like?
All of the above applies equally to any plans for county sewer services according to the Director of Water and Sewer. The state Department of Economic Opportunity has included in letters to the county concern for the proliferation of septic tanks.
Section 2 of the study proposal states “infrastructure and community services” will be part of the study. Ask the County Commissioners what the county intends to include as infrastructure and services before the study starts.
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