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Opening Prayer and Moment of Silence

Minister Angie Wiggins from Wellspring of Life International Ministry led the opening prayer.

• Expressed gratitude for the day and invited divine presence for the 2025 Florida Legislative Session.
• Prayed for wisdom, guidance, peace, and protection for public servants and their families.
• Emphasized unity and discernment in decision-making for the well-being of Florida and its citizens.

Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan requested a moment of silence for:

• Senator Geraldine Thompson, remembered for her dedication to education and black history advocacy.
• Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, recognized for his impact on the Miami-Dade community and Cuban-American community.

Legislative and Ceremonial Proceedings

• The clerk confirmed the presence of a quorum with 117 members voting.
• The session was declared officially open for the 127th regular session since 1845.
• Presentation of Colors by Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office deputies.
• Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Lisa Dunkley.
• National Anthem performed by Caitlin A. from FSU College of Music.

Special Recognition

Sheriff Rosie Cordero Stutz was honored as the law enforcement officer of the day, noted for being Miami-Dade County's first female sheriff.

Introduction of Special Guests

Florida Cabinet Members:

• Chief Financial Officer: Honorable Jimmy Patronis
• Attorney General: Honorable James Uthmeier
• Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Honorable Wilton Simpson

Supreme Court Justices:

• Chief Justice, Honorable Carlos Muniz
• Honorable Charles T. Canaday
• Honorable Jorge Labarga
• Honorable John D. Couriel
• Honorable Jamie R. Grosshans
• Honorable Renatha Francis
• Honorable Meredith L. Sasso

Former Speakers of the Florida House:

• Honorable Dean Cannon
• Honorable Richard Corcoran
• Honorable Larry Cretul
• Honorable Steve Crisafulli
• Honorable Paul Renner
• Honorable John Thrasher
• Honorable H. Lee Moffitt

Republican Leaders:

• Marty Bowen
• Dane Eagle
• Michael Grant
• Adam Haslam
• Sandra Moore

Democratic Leaders:

• Bobby DuBose
• Willie Logan
• Chris Smith

Introduction of Speaker Perez's Family:

Speaker pro tempore Duggan introduced Speaker Perez's family, including his wife Stephanie and children Camila, Matias, and Paulina, whom were welcomed in the West Gallery.

Acknowledgment of numerous former members, including Chuck Clemens, Marty Coley, Susan Goldstein, and others.

Remarks by Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez

Speaker Perez’s Opening Day Address: As Prepared for Delivery 

Session Overview and Goals:

• The session will focus on executing constitutional duties over the next 60 days, with decisions impacting Florida's future.
• Speaker Perez emphasized a collective approach, avoiding personal priorities and focusing on the House's engagement and dynamism.

Legislative Focus and Approach:

• Encouraged members to prioritize meaningful reforms over symbolic gestures and to challenge the status quo.
• Urged subcommittee chairs to address controversial ideas and engage in substantial debates to improve legislation.
• Highlighted the importance of collaboration among members to enhance bills and ensure they serve the people of Florida effectively.

KEY POLICY ISSUES:

Property Insurance:

• Concerns raised about undisclosed reports suggesting insurance companies may have hidden profits while claiming a crisis.
• The insurance and banking subcommittee will conduct hearings with full investigatory powers.

Other Policy Areas:

• Emphasis on housing, healthcare, public education, and public safety.
• Encouraged members to support each other's bills and focus on impactful legislation.

Government Accountability and Fiscal Responsibility:

• Stressed the need to curb government excesses and protect taxpayer interests.
• Challenged budget subcommittee chairs to find savings in recurring revenue, emphasizing that funds belong to the people of Florida.

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Opening Prayer and Moment of Silence

Senator Dr. Rosalind Osgood led the opening prayer.

• A prayer was offered, thanking God for His kindness and guidance, and asking for blessings of wisdom and health for leaders including President Trump, Governor DeSantis, Senate Leader Albritton, and Speaker of the House Perez.
• The prayer also called for divine guidance for the legislators to make decisions that positively impact people's lives, and for the session to be conducted with respect, dignity, and integrity.

At the request of President Albritton, the Senate observed a moment of silence in memory of Senator Geraldine F. Thompson, who passed away February 13, 2025.

• Senator Thompson represented Senate District 15 from 2022-present.
• She also served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006-2012 (District 39), the Florida Senate from 2012-2016 (District 12), and the Florida House of Representatives from 2018-2022 (District 44).

Special Recognitions

The Senate President recognized Dr. Alicia Bishop, of Tallahassee, as the doctor of the day, here at his invitation. Dr. Bishop specializes in emergency medicine and her husband, John Hinchee, is a long-time staffer in the Senate.

Tribute to former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart:

• At the request of Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, the Senate observed a moment of silence in memory of Lincoln Diaz-Balart who passed away on March 3, 2025.
• Lincoln Diaz-Balart served in elected office for 24 years, 18 of those years in Congress (1993- 2011) and 6 years between the Florida House of Representatives (1986- 1989) and the Florida Senate (1989-1992).

Tribute to Senator Geraldine Thompson:

• Senator Thompson's passing is a significant loss for the Senate.
• The Senate's 2024-2026 handbook is dedicated to Senator Thompson, honoring her contributions to education and history.

Introduction of Special Guests

Special Acknowledgments:

• Attorney General James Uthmeier
• Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis
• Commissioner of Agriculture and former Senate President Wilton Simpson
• Supreme Court Justices:
• Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz
• Justice Charles T. Canady
• Justice Jorge Labarga
• Justice John D. Couriel
• Justice Jamie R. Grosshans
• Justice Renatha Francis
• Justice Meredith L. Sasso
• Former Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, interim President of Florida International University
• President Albritton welcomed new granddaughter Bella Grace, born on February 23, 2025.
• Recognition of Commissioner Simpson for his work in supporting rural Florida and agriculture.

Former Senate Presidents:

• Jim Scott (1994- 1996) and his wife, Ginger
• Jeff Atwater (2008-2010)
• Current Senator Don Gaetz (2012-2014)
• Bill Galvano (2018-2020) and his wife, Julie
• Current Senator Kathleen Passidomo (2022-2024)

Former Senators:

• Manny Diaz, Jr., Commissioner of Education
• Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System
• Loranne Ausley
• Chris Smith
• Bobby Powell, Jr., Palm Beach County Commissioner
• Kelli Stargel
• Keith Perry

Remarks by Florida Senate President Ben Albritton

President Ben Albritton Opening Day Address: As Prepared for Delivery 

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

Theme: "Agriculture matters" emphasized throughout the session.

Citrus Industry:

• Commitment to supporting Florida's citrus industry and rural communities.
• Research and new technologies are providing hope for the industry's future.

Rural Renaissance:

• Legislation to expand education, healthcare, and commerce in rural areas.
• Investment in infrastructure to support agricultural supply chains.

GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:

Framework: Florida's accountability standards have served well but need modernization.

Strategic Planning:

• Plans submitted by state agencies since 2000 need updates to improve flexibility and focus on outcomes.
• Recommendations from the Government Efficiency Task Force to enhance these plans.

Information Technology:

• Challenges in managing IT across state government.
• Proposal to elevate IT to a cabinet-level agency to ensure cohesive and secure operations.
• Emphasis on hiring top talent to address cybersecurity and efficiency.

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY AND RULEMAKING

Federal Bureaucracy Concerns:

• Americans are concerned about the unchecked authority of unelected federal bureaucrats.
• Emphasis on laws being created by elected officials accountable to the public.

Florida Rulemaking Modernization:

• Proposal for a five-year rule review process for state agencies.
• Each agency to review 20% of rules annually to identify necessary changes.
• Aim to improve oversight and accountability in government operations.

ECONOMIC CONCERNS AND INITIATIVES

Inflation and Economic Impact:

• Acknowledgment of ongoing inflation affecting families and businesses.
• Housing costs have increased post-pandemic, impacting property insurance and taxes.

State Government's Role:

• Commitment to holding insurance companies accountable.
• Exploration of options for reducing property taxes.
• Continued efforts to pass a balanced budget with accountability measures.

SOCIAL ISSUES AND LEGISLATION

Autism Support:

• Legislation to increase early detection and support for children with autism.
• Florida aims to be a hub for autism research and services.

Veteran Support:

• Legislation to expand mental health training and adult day health care for veterans.
• Florida's commitment to being veteran-friendly.

Mental Health and Child Welfare:

• Introduction of the Tristan Murphy Act for mental health treatment diversion.
• Legislation to combat child exploitation and improve child welfare services.

ENVIRONMENT

Everglades Restoration:

• Continued commitment to Everglades restoration with federal support.
• Record funding for clean water infrastructure.

EDUCATION

Public School Efficiency:

• Legislation to create administrative efficiencies in public schools.
• Support for public school teachers to reduce bureaucracy.

FOOD INSECURITY

Commitment to Solving Hunger:

• Focus on addressing food insecurity among children in Florida.
• Call to action for collective efforts to improve food access.

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Opening and Proceedings

Introduction and Prayer:

• The session was called to order with the presentation of the gavel to Senate President Ben Albritton.
• Representative Kim Daniels led a prayer, emphasizing unity, humility, and divine guidance for the legislative session. She prayed for blessings on the leadership, staff, and families of both Republican and Democratic caucuses, as well as for Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials.

Pledge of Allegiance:

• Led by Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Broder and House Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan.

The Senate President recognized the First Lady of Florida Casey DeSantis who was present.

The Senate President introduced the Governor to the joint assembly.

Motion to Notify the Governor:

• Leader Sirois moved to appoint a committee to notify the governor that the joint session was assembled and ready to receive his message. The motion was approved.
• Appointed members included Senators Hooper, Harrell, Wright, and Boyd, and Representatives Jaquez, Shoff, Cobb, Jay Lopez, and Sirois.

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Immigration

Florida has enacted legislation to address illegal immigration, making it a crime to enter the state illegally and ending "catch and release" policies. The state is committed to being part of the solution, not the problem.

Economy

Budget:

Governor DeSantis introduced a budget proposal totaling $115.6 billion for the upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1. State lawmakers are set to assess this proposal as they work toward crafting and finalizing their own budget. It is important to note that leaders have expressed concerns that the end of federal pandemic funding may lead to a decrease in spending on local projects.

Economic Growth:

Florida ranks number one in entrepreneurship, new business formations, and GDP growth among large states. The state has maintained a lower unemployment rate than the national average for over 50 months.

Insurance Reforms:

Recent reforms have led to reductions in automobile insurance rates and stability in the homeowners insurance market. The legislature's commitment to these reforms has been crucial.

Fiscal Responsibility:

Florida has reduced spending, tripled its rainy day fund, and paid off 41% of its debt since 2019. The state maintains a low-tax environment, with no income tax and billions in tax relief enacted over the past six years.

Tax Relief Proposals:

Proposed new tax holidays for marine fuel and Second Amendment purchases. The governor supports eliminating the tax on business rent and providing constitutional protections for homeowners against rising property taxes.



Education

School Choice:

• Florida is ranked number one in America for school choice.
• Harli McCullough, whose son, Thorne, is a recipient of Florida’s family empowerment scholarship for unique abilities, were recognized in attendance.
• The program allows students like Thorne to attend schools that cater to their unique needs, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
• The program has raised the academic bar across Florida, benefiting families and students.

Teacher Recruitment and Retention:

• Enactment of a Teachers Bill of Rights and protection against coerced union dues.
• Investment of $4.6 billion towards raising teacher salaries.
• Recognition of Jamie Suarez, Florida Teacher of the Year 2024, for her contributions as a high-impact teacher and mentor.
• Recommendation for increased funding for teacher salaries and continuation of the civics bonus program.



Higher Education

University Rankings and Reforms:

• Four state universities ranked in the top 50 public universities in the U.S.
• Elimination of DEI from higher education and maintaining low tuition rates.
• Commitment to providing education that is accessible and free from indoctrination.



Social Services

Hope Florida Initiative:

• Designed by First Lady Casey DeSantis to connect individuals to faith-based communities and private sector partners.
• Success story of Ginger Falk, who became a physical therapy assistant through the program.
• By the end of 2024, nearly 30,000 participants reduced or eliminated reliance on government assistance, saving taxpayers over $108 million annually.



Environmental Conservation

Florida Wildlife Corridor and Everglades Restoration:

• The corridor spans 18 million acres, with 10 million acres protected.
• Over $129 million approved for wildlife crossings since 2019.
• Record support for Everglades restoration, water quality improvements, and beach renourishment.
• Collaboration with the Trump administration to expedite Everglades projects.



Disaster, Response, and Recovery

Hurricane Response:

• Strong emergency response to hurricanes, with pre-staged utility linemen and debris removal.
• Rescue efforts, including the rescue of a dog by Trooper Orlando Morales.
• Support for businesses like Pelican Oyster Company in rebuilding efforts.



Legislative and Constitutional Reforms

Petition Fraud and Amendment Process:

• Need to address petition fraud and clean up the constitutional amendment process.
• Condominium reform efforts following the Surfside tragedy.

Second Amendment Rights:

Call to strengthen Second Amendment rights and address past legislative shifts.



State Leadership and Achievements

Florida's Leadership:

Governor DeSantis emphasized Florida's leadership in tackling challenges with purpose and conviction, guided by American principles such as rights from God, constitutional limitations, and government by consent.

Leadership Acknowledgments:

• Recognition of Speaker Perez and President Albritton for their leadership.
• Acknowledgment of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Commissioner Wilton Simpson for their contributions.
• Introduction of new Attorney General James Uthmeier.

Key Accomplishments:

• Banning of land purchases by China, digital rights protection, and elimination of central bank digital currency.
• Death penalty for pedophiles, parental rights in education, and law enforcement bonuses.
• Divestment from Chinese banks and ESG initiatives, transparency in pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure projects.



Related Documents

Governor Ron DeSantis Delivers State of the State Address

State of the State Democratic Response by Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo

State of the State Democratic Response by House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell

The Everglades Foundation Statement on Governor DeSantis’ State of the State

Americans for Prosperity-Florida Reacts to the Governor DeSantis’ State of the State Address

Teacher Pay, School Start Times, and Help for Kids with Disabilities

State lawmakers this year are taking a small step back from the flood of parental rights and school choice legislation of previous years. Those issues are still of importance to legislators, but they’re also considering administrative changes, student health and safety, and hoping to boost benefits and assistance to families and students with special needs.



Administration

As lawmakers take on the annual task of writing the budget, a starting point on teacher pay comes from Governor DeSantis, who proposed $1.5 billion in funding specifically for salary increases for eligible teachers and instructors, in his budget recommendation. That would be an increase of nearly $250 million – though the state’s teachers union has said it isn’t enough to keep up with the rising cost of living. The Legislature will consider its own proposal that the teachers union says could help boost wages that had been stagnant until recently, particularly for experienced teachers. SB 136 by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Miami, and HB 439 by Representative Karen Gonzalez Pittman, R-Tampa, would allow local school districts to opt out of a controversial performance-based pay requirement that has been in place for more than a decade. Teachers union officials say the change, if passed, would allow the union more flexibility in trying to negotiate pay raises for a broader group of teachers. Other legislation, (SB 670) being pushed by Senate Democrats, would go further by mandating a minimum full-time teacher salary of $65,000. Florida’s average teacher pay is currently about $54,000 ranking the state 50th in the nation, according to the NEA, the national teachers union. But with Republicans holding a supermajority in the Legislature, and the same bill having failed last year, the $65,000 measure looks to have a difficult path to passage.

Lawmakers are also looking into changes to Florida’s statewide assessments. Recent rankings show Florida’s education performance at the top of the nation, reigning in the No. 1 spot overall for the seventh consecutive year. However, that rating is mostly attributed to the state's higher education system. Florida’s K-12 system was in the middle-back of the pack in the same rankings, unable to crack the top 20 for math and reading scores. A pair of bills filed this year, SB 260 by Senator Kristen Arrington, D-Kissimmee and HB 159 by Representative Rita Harris, D-Orlando, is intended to improve some of those outcomes through improved accessibility by requiring assessments be available to students in multiple languages. The legislation directs the Florida Department of Education to determine the three most prevalent languages among K-12 English learners, and develop the multilingual assessments for the 2027-2028 school year.

A number of other K-12 administrative bills have been filed impacting student life. Senator Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton, and Representative Tae Edmonds, D-West Palm Beach, have filed SB 74 and HB 119, to get Florida to join the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs and establish a universal free breakfast and lunch program for all K-12 public school students. 

The Legislature may also turn back on its previous move to regulate school start times. Facing pushback from local school districts, Senator Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island and Representative Chuck Brannan III, R-Macclenny, introduced SB 296 and HB 261 to give control back to the local districts. 

High school athletics are also gaining some attention this year in Tallahassee. Legislation (SB 248, HB 151) filed in an attempt to allow more private school students to join and participate in public school team sports would eliminate prior restrictions that limited eligibility to private schools with 200 or fewer students. The Legislature also seems poised to back the FHSAA and Florida Board of Education through legislation codifying name, image, and likeness compensation eligibility for high school seniors. Representative Yvette Benarroch, R-Marco Island, proposed HB 981, which enshrines high school seniors’ rights and limitations in making NIL deals, requires parental consent for those under 18, and caps compensation for student athlete agents.

School Choice

With lawmakers interested in continuing the state’s emphasis on expanding school choice, charter schools look to benefit once again this year. Bills by Senator Don Gaetz, R-Crestview and Representative Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, would allow public schools to apply for charter status after 2 years of operation as a traditional public school. SB 140 and HB 123 would also allow municipalities to establish their own charter schools under certain situations. The measures face some public pushback, with the Florida Education Association identifying it as a serious concern for students, parents and teachers. Under the current language, teachers would have no say in a school converting to a charter and could see salary reduction, while students wouldn’t be guaranteed continued enrollment if a school changes to charter status. Two other bills appear aimed at boosting charter school size and incentivizing new charters. SB 822 and HB 443 encourage charter schools to increase enrollment capacity and provide for property tax exemptions for charter school property. They also change background screening requirements for charter school employees, modify the enrollment process, and allow charters to adopt their own codes of conduct. The combination of these bills, should they become law, position the charter school industry for growth, boosting incentives for supply while increasing the market for higher demand, especially in the wake of changes to the state’s school voucher program.

Virtual education is also receiving attention. SB 1122 by Senator Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland, and its House version, HB 885 by Representative David Smith, R-Winter Springs, seek to grow the Florida Virtual School. The bills expand student eligibility, authorize fundraising and revenue collecting initiatives, grant the school’s board broader powers, and expand state employee benefits to additional school personnel. Meanwhile, another Republican measure (HB 871) seeks to allow use of the Family Empowerment Scholarship and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship to let students enroll in virtual programming offered through private schools and charter schools.



Students with Disabilities

Several bills have the intent of providing better and safer opportunities for students with developmental disabilities. Senator Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart and Representative Randy Maggard, R-Dade City, have proposed the broadest of these bills with the goal of increasing early detection and support for children with autism and their families. SB 112 and HB 591 would expand free screening and referral services and seek to extend the Early Steps program to cover young children with developmental delays until age 4. The bills also target expanded programming and educational options, creating grant programs for summer programming and specialized charter schools. 

The Legislature is hoping to further assist families of children with developmental disabilities by expanding access to state funds. SB 1102 by Senator Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami and HB 877 by Representative Robin Bartleman, D-Weston, would extend eligibility and priority for the Florida School Readiness Program to families of children with special needs. With all of this newly proposed programming, other bills would ensure that parents of children in private schools are informed of the tools and options at their disposal. SB 508 and HB 423 would mandate an array of information sharing from the schools to parents regarding general academic programs and policies, but also specify requirements for sharing information about available accommodations and therapies for special needs students on IEPs or 504 Plans.



School Safety

Other bills seek to address student safety. SB 204 and HB 37 would add requirements for educator training and certification for mass casualty incidents. Senator Alexis Calatayud is joining Representative Kevin Chambliss, D-Homestead and Representative Chase Tramont, R-Port Orange, to propose mandatory video surveillance in all public and charter school classrooms through SB 1006 and HB 257. The bills provide for informed parental consent, and the ability for parents to request video cameras be installed.



Other Pre-K - 12 Bills

Among other Pre-K-12 bills that lawmakers will consider are: 

• SB 476 and HB 387, known as the CROWN Act, establishing “protected” hairstyles commonly associated with race, and prohibiting discrimination against such hairstyles schools.
• SB 1014 and HB 171 seeking to implement a state-funded Youth Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation Pilot Program. 
• SB 102 and HB 127, which would mandate development and implementation of a workforce credentialing program in collaboration with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities, to give students with autism workplace skills. 
• SB 484 and HB 239, requiring school districts to train teachers and staff on mental health issues and put mental health assistance programs in place. 
• SB 1310 and HB 969, mandating increased documentation and reporting on student mental health. 
• SB 370 and HB 219, seeking to expand parental rights and involvement in students’ mental and physical health screenings. 
• SB 1070 and HB 1135 to require students in most cases to pass a medical evaluation before participating in athletic programs, and all students in grades 6-12 participating in sports for the first time to get an electrocardiogram screening. 
• SB 1514 and HB 1197, requiring schools to come up with a planned response for emergency allergy attacks.



Additional Bills to Watch

• SB 136, HB 439 related to teacher pay calculations and local merit-based pay rules.
• SB 670 related to minimum teacher pay.
• SB 260, HB 159 dealing with standardized testing.
• SB 74, HB 119, requiring a universal free school breakfast and lunch program.
• SB 296, HB 261 dealing with school start times.
• HB 981 related to high school NIL deals.
• SB 140, HB 123,  SB 822,  HB 443, SB 140 and HB 123 dealing with charter schools.
• SB 1122, HB 885 and HB 871 related to virtual schools.  
• SB 112, HB 591, SB 1102, HB 877, SB 508 and HB 423 related to services for students with developmental disabilities.
• SB 204 , HB 37 on mass casualty training.
• SB 1006, HB 257 requiring mandatory video surveillance in public and charter school classrooms.

2025 Proposed Bills Most Relative to BCPS

• List of Proposed Bills Relative to BCPS
• Report of Proposed Bills Relative to BCPS