Manatee County commissioners said this week they intend to adopt a development moratorium and wider wetland-buffer rules that conflict with Senate Bill 180, the state measure enacted last year that bars cities and counties from enforcing environmental standards stricter than Florida’s baseline regulations. Several commissioners acknowledged at a public meeting that the move is "illegal" under the new statute and could prompt Governor Ron DeSantis to suspend or remove them from office, a power he has exercised in past disputes over state pre-emption. Advocates of the local plan argue tougher protections are needed to preserve sensitive habitat and curb rapid growth, while critics warn the confrontation could jeopardize jobs and investment in the Gulf-coast county. The clash underscores escalating tension between Tallahassee and local governments over land-use authority. If Manatee County adopts the rules, the state could sue to block them, and the governor—along with the Florida Cabinet—would decide whether commissioners stay in office pending litigation.