Get Your Vote in for Florida Bar President Elect!

Did you know that only a small percentage of Florida Bar members participate in the election of the next Florida Bar President? Read the candidate platforms here. Voting begins February 27 and ballots must be received prior to midnight (EST), March 15.

Legislation Committee

Last week, the legislature completed week six of the nine-week legislative session. Many substantive committees wrapped up their work, the number of bills “in play” narrowed, and budget discussions shifted into the forefront. Both the House and Senate debated and passed their budget proposals for FY 2026-2027 in committee and on the floor. The House budget totals $113.5 billion and the Senate budget totals $115 billion. Both are less than the current $115.1 billion budget and below Governor DeSantis’ $117.4 billion budget proposal released in December. The budgets are now in proper position to begin negotiations, and both chambers have announced their Budget Conference Committees and committee assignments. However, negotiations cannot commence until the top-line allocation numbers are agreed on by the House and Senate leaders. (Senate Budget SB 2500/ House Budget HB 5001)

In addition to passing their budget, the House passed HJR 203 - Elimination of Non-school Property for Homesteads, sponsored by Representative Monique Miller (R-Palm Bay), by an 80-30 vote. The proposed constitutional amendment would exempt homestead property from all ad valorem taxes other than school district levies beginning January 2027, and would prohibit local governments from reducing total funding for law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders below their 2025-26 or 2026-27 funding level, whichever is higher. Of the proposals advanced by the House Select Committee on Property Taxes, this was the measure ultimately brought to the floor for a full vote. The Senate has not yet released its own property tax proposal. For the proposed constitutional amendment to appear on the 2026 ballot, the House and Senate must pass the same joint resolution. If placed on the ballot, the amendment requires at least 60 percent voter approval to take effect.

For the 2026 Legislative Session, the Business Law Section is actively working with legislators on three proactive pieces of legislation.

• HB 797 / SB 554 – Nonprofit Corporations by Representative Kaylee Tuck (R-Sebring) and Senator Mack Bernard (D-West Palm Beach)
• HB 679 / SB 696 – Registration of Trademarks by Representative Sam Greco (R-Palm Coast) and Senator Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers)
• HB 965 / SB 1424 – Voluntary Trial Resolution by Representative Bill Partington (R-Daytona Beach) and Senator Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach)

The nonprofit corporations and the registration of trademarks legislation will be heard this week on the House floor. If the measures pass the House, the bills will then go to the Senate for consideration. 

Here are links to the House and Senate websites to easily track legislation, view committee agendas, and find live or recorded links to watch committee meetings.

Meet and Confer Failures Have Consequences in Florida: What Recent Cases Teach About Rule 1.202, Local Practice, and Sanctions

By Samantha Medina

Discovery disputes are won or lost before the motion is filed. Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.202 requires good faith conferral(s) before filing most non-dispositive motions and demands a substantive certificate of compliance identifying dates, methods of communication, positions, and any failure to respond. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure have similar requirements, coupled with specific requirements in each Florida district court. Some practitioners may treat conferral requirements as a checklist item rather than as a meaningful tool to advance the client’s advocacy, strengthen the merits of the case, and demonstrate to the court the parties’ ability to reach effective resolutions. Courts are enforcing these obligations and sanctioning noncompliance, including shifting fees to counsel personally. The following cases map the contours of what “good faith” means, what isn’t enough, and who pays when lawyers cut corners.

Read on

Legal PR Resource

As a follow up to the discussion around reputation risk and how it intersects with legal strategy, Evan Nierman has shared this resource with 10 Positive PR Steps for BLS members. We thank Evan for his interesting and informative keynote discussion at the Winter Meetings in Port Charlotte.

Common Security Gaps in Organizations & SMBs

March 31, 2026

Register here.



Most breaches are not the result of bad luck. They happen because attackers understand where companies cut corners. This executive-focused CLE highlights the most common and costly security gaps in identity management, patching, monitoring, and user practices that lead to ransomware, data theft, and regulatory exposure. Learn how small oversights escalate into major incidents and what leadership can do now to reduce risk.

Business Law Section Fellows Program

The Fellows application for the 2026–2028 term is now available. We encourage all Business Law Section members to share this opportunity with individuals who meet the qualifications and are seeking active involvement in a bar section.

BLS Email Lists

Are you getting the committee emails you want? You can check your subscriptions here.

Updated Reimbursement Forms

If you are entitled to travel reimbursement from The Bar, please note that the forms have been updated for 2026.

CLE on Demand

Need CLE? Miss a program? Many of our past programs are available on demand.

Planning a CLE

Do you have an idea for a great CLE? Learn more here.

Florida isn’t just a state—it’s a global economic powerhouse. If it were an independent nation, Florida would rank among the top 15 largest economies in the world, boasting a GDP that rivals many major countries. The Business Law Section of The Florida Bar plays a critical role in shaping the commercial legal landscape of this economic titan. Our members are not only top-tier business lawyers—they’re the very individuals Florida legislators turn to when drafting or revising key commercial statutes. Sponsoring Business Law Section events like the Labor Day Retreat puts your organization directly in front of the thought leaders, power brokers, and policy shapers who influence business law and practice statewide—and often nationally.

This is more than a networking opportunity. It’s your chance to engage with the legal professionals guiding Florida’s economic future. In addition to the Labor Day Retreat, there are plenty of other sponsorship opportunities that provide year-round exposure through our Section’s ongoing programming, communications, and events. If your brand wants to be seen, respected, and remembered by the attorneys who help write the laws that govern business in one of the world’s most dynamic markets, this is where you need to be.

Please reach out to Will Blair and Bob Charbonneau for sponsorship opportunities.