Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
HB3680 fundamentally alters land development and utility operations in Cameron County (and any county bordering both Mexico and the Gulf). The law criminalizes the sale of unplatted lots and prohibits utility connections without a county-issued certificate of compliance, effectively ending the "sell now, infrastructure later" business model in these jurisdictions.
Rep. Erin Gamez·House Bill·Regular Session
County Clerk • County Commissioners Court • District and County Attorneys • Texas Attorney General
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Significant regulatory changes (effective 2025-09-01). Review with your legal and compliance teams to understand implications.
Affected business types:
Affected business types:
Affected business types:
highSignificant operational investment may be required.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about HB3680
HB3680 fundamentally alters land development and utility operations in Cameron County (and any county bordering both Mexico and the Gulf). The law criminalizes the sale of unplatted lots and prohibits utility connections without a county-issued certificate of compliance, effectively ending the "sell now, infrastructure later" business model in these jurisdictions.
HB3680 was authored by Texas Representative Erin Gamez during the Regular Session.
HB3680 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
HB3680 is enforced by County Clerk, County Commissioners Court, District and County Attorneys and Texas Attorney General.
The regulatory priority for HB3680 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of HB3680 is estimated as "high". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB3680 addresses topics including gulf of mexico, civil remedies & liabilities, county government, county government--land use & zoning and crimes.
Key dates for HB3680: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Must adopt and enforce model rules developed under Water Code Section 16.343; must adopt regulations for water, waste, roads, and flood management. (2025-09-01). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
HB3680 establishes the following penalties: civil penalty of $10,000 to $15,000 per lot for Conveying a lot in an unplatted subdivision or causing a public health nuisance.; civil penalty of $500 to $1,000 per violation/day (capped at $5,000/day) for Failure to provide water/sewer facilities as described in the plat or violation of commissioners court rules.; criminal penalty of Class A Misdemeanor for Knowingly failing to file a required plat; false advertising; conveying lot without utilities.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
HB3680 primarily affects property owners and real estate professionals, insurance companies and financial institutions, utility companies and energy providers. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
