ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — A Florida bill originating from St. Augustine will create stronger protections for historic buildings, addressing growing local concerns about a lack of protection for certain aging structures.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 582, known as the Unlawful Demolition of Historic Buildings and Structures bill, on May 23.

The law aims to protect historical buildings from unlawful demolition, allowing fines to be imposed against those who modify or develop on historic property.

The bill, put forth by the City of St. Augustine, allows for a code enforcement board or special magistrate to impose the fines if "substantial evidence" finds demolition was "knowing and willful," not permitted or the result of a natural disaster.

The bill was written by St. Augustine City

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