Your Voice, Your Future
Advocacy Newsletter - October 3, 2025
| | What's Happening in Advocacy | | |
Stay informed with our advocacy newsletter! Get updates on key local, state, and federal issues, upcoming events, valuable resources, and ways to take action. Learn about policy changes, and discover opportunities to engage with your community. Stay connected, stay empowered, and make a difference.
Together, we’re building a stronger voice for the business community!
| | Our Chamber traveled with a group of leaders to Charleston, SC this past August for our Intercity Trip, sharing ideas, building connections, and bringing back inspiration for our community. | |  | On September 12, our Eggs & Issues series focused on Emergency Management, bringing together key leaders for a timely and important discussion. From left to right: Daytona Regional Chamber Board Chair Michael Sznapstajler, Volusia County Emergency Services Department Director Aaron Van Kleeck, Volusia County Fire Chief Joe King, Volusia County Emergency Management Services Deputy Chief Mike Semple, and District 2 County Councilman Matt Reinhart. | | | Congressman Randy Fine shares insights about Capitol Hill during our August Advocacy Speaker Series, sponsored by NASCAR. | | | A special thank you to our local university leaders for joining our panel at the July Eggs & Issues, where we focused on the impact of our colleges and universities. From left to right: Daytona Regional Chamber Board Chair Michael Sznapstajler; Dr. Barry Butler, President of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Dr. Albert Mosley, President of Bethune-Cookman University; Dr. Amy Locklear, Executive VP & Provost of Daytona State College; Dr. Winston Schoefeld, VP of Research & Innovation at the University of Central Florida; Ashley Neff, Campus President of Keiser University; Dr. Joy Lewis, Dean of Academic Affairs at Palmer College of Chiropractic; and the Daytona Regional Chamber’s President & CEO, Nancy Keefer. | | | Inside The Issues - Local | |
Impact Fee Update
On Wednesday, September 17th. The Daytona Beach City Commission voted unanimously to approve increasing impact fees with a three-year phase-in approach beginning December 1, 2025. The new fees are designed to fund capital improvements for essential services such as police, fire, parks and recreation, general government, and mobility.
1. Effective date & timing
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The new ordinance takes effect December 1, 2025, after the required 90-day notice period
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The increases are phased in over three years to soften the financial impact on new development.
2. Yearly schedule
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Year 1 (Dec. 1, 2025 – Nov. 30, 2026): Initial increase takes effect.
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Year 2 (Dec. 1, 2026 – Nov. 30, 2027): Fees rise again toward the calculated amounts.
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Year 3 (Dec. 1, 2027 and beyond): Full new fee levels are reached and remain in place thereafter
For example:
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Police fee (single-family dwelling): $482.33 (Year 1) → $554.67 (Year 2) → $627.00 (Year 3).
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Fire fee (single-family dwelling): $444.67 (Year 1) → $678.33 (Year 2) → $852.00 (Year 3).
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Parks fee (single-family dwelling): $1,829.00 (Year 1) → $1,911.00 (Year 2) → $1,993.00 (Year 3).
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General government fee (multi-family unit): $515.33 (Year 1) → $524.67 (Year 2) → $534.00 (Year 3).
To watch Daytona Beach City Commission meetings online, visit: https://codb.civicweb.net/portal/
Advocacy Victory
The Daytona Regional Chamber is pleased to support the rezoning for The Pearl Beach Club Hotel at 1299 South Atlantic Avenue, which the Daytona Beach City Commission voted unanimously, 7-0, to approve on August 20th. This project will be a landmark addition to our hospitality sector, offering world-class amenities alongside sustainable features such as rooftop gardens, green walls, and resilient coastal planning. Beyond its design, the Pearl Beach Club will create jobs, strengthen tourism, and activate the oceanfront with retail, dining, and pedestrian-friendly spaces for both residents and visitors. We believe this project reflects Daytona Beach’s vision for growth and vitality, and we look forward to the economic and cultural benefits it will bring to our community.
2026 Charter Review Commission-Volusia County
The 2026 Charter Review Commission for Volusia County has officially begun its work. Appointed by the County Council, this citizen body meets regularly under Florida’s Sunshine Law to undertake the once-a-decade review of the Home Rule Charter, the foundational document that defines the structure and powers of county government. The Commission will evaluate whether the charter continues to meet our community’s evolving needs, propose amendments, and submit recommendations to the Council. Public input will be a key part of the process, and any proposed changes would go before voters in a referendum
Meetings are held in the Dennis McGee Room at Daytona Beach International Airport, 700 Catalina Dr., Daytona Beach. All members of the public are encouraged to attend.
Meeting Dates:
- October 13, 2025
- November 10, 2025
- December 8, 2025
- January 12, 2026
- February 9, 2026
- March 9, 2026
- April 13, 2026
- May 4, 2026 – Adoption of Final Report
- May / June 2026 – Final Report to be received by County Council
- June / July 2026 – Three public hearings on proposed amendments
Stay engaged and informed on these important discussions that will shape local governance in Volusia County.
| | Inside The Issues - State | |
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Florida Legislature Prepares for 2026 Session
The Florida State Legislature is gearing up for the 2026 legislative session, with committee weeks set to begin on October 6th. Lawmakers will meet to discuss proposed legislation, hold hearings, and set the stage for policy priorities in the coming year. Stay informed as key issues that affect our community and business environment begin to take shape.
The 2026 Legislative Session will begin on January 13, 2026 and is set to conclude on March 13, 2026.
Minimum Wage
Floridians will see an increase of $1 on Sept. 30, taking the minimum wage from $13 to $14. Tipped employees will see their required cash wage increased to $10.98. After a 60% voter approved constitutional amendment that passed on Nov. 3, 2020, the state’s minimum wage will increase incrementally each year until reaching $15 an hour ($11.98 for tipped workers) on Sept. 30, 2026. As a reminder, Florida businesses must display federal and State of Florida employment law posters where they can be easily viewed by employees.
Business Rent Tax
The repeal of Florida’s long-standing Business Rent Tax officially took effect on October 1, marking one of the most significant tax reforms in state history. After more than a decade of advocacy led by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, businesses will now collectively save nearly $3 billion each year that can be reinvested into employees, equipment, innovation, and growth. Florida is no longer the only state to impose this tax on commercial leases, leveling the playing field and making our state more competitive for job creators. This victory underscores the power of sustained advocacy and highlights the importance of continuing to engage on policies that lower the cost of doing business in Florida.
Your Voice Matters
Help shape the Daytona Regional Chamber’s 2026 local and state advocacy priorities by completing our quick survey. Your feedback ensures we are tackling the issues that matter most to our business community.
Our priorities will be presented at the Volusia County Delegation meeting at their meeting on October 29th.
DeLand City Hall
120 S. Florida Ave, DeLand, FL 32720
While we set priorities each year, we remain committed to being the voice for our business community on all issues that affect you. If you have suggestions or concerns, please reach out to our Director of Advocacy, David Robinson at: david@daytonachamber.com to schedule a meeting and discuss.
Click Image Below to Share Your Input
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We actively represented the interests of the business community through a range of advocacy efforts, including presenting comments before the Daytona Beach City Commission in opposition to significant increases in impact fees.
The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce has proudly signed onto a new coalition letter organized by the U.S. Chamber in support of arbitration. Arbitration has long served as an efficient, fair, and cost-effective way to resolve disputes, providing businesses and individuals with a valuable alternative to costly litigation.
The Daytona Regional Chamber’s Intercity Trip to Charleston provided local business and community leaders with valuable insights on affordable housing, waterfront development, tourism, and resiliency. By learning how Charleston has tackled these key issues, participants gained innovative strategies and best practices that can be applied to strengthen Daytona Beach and Volusia County. Just as importantly, the trip fostered stronger collaboration among local leaders, ensuring a shared vision and proactive approach to addressing our community’s future needs.
| | Our Director of Advocacy, David Robinson, presents before the Daytona Beach City Commission regarding Impact Fees. | | | Discussion on resiliency during the Charleston Intercity Trip, highlighting strategies for sustainable growth and community preparedness. | | | An insightful panel discussion on affordable housing during the Charleston Intercity Trip, highlighting innovative approaches and strategies to increase access and strengthen community development. | | | A special thank you to Charleston Mayor William Cogswell for sharing his insights and hospitality during our intercity trip. His leadership and perspectives were truly inspiring! | | | Grateful to have Volusia County Councilman Matt Reinhart join us | | | Pictured here, from left to right, are Daytona Beach City Commissioner Paula Reed and Ormond Beach City Commissioner Lori Tolland. Thank you for joining! | | | | | |
