 | | Florida’s 2026 Regular Legislative Session began last week on January 13, with the House and Senate presiding officers sharing their priorities for the next 60 days and a joint session to receive Governor Ron DeSantis’s final “State of the State” address. Governor DeSantis used the occasion to highlight his administration’s accomplishments over the past seven years. Governor DeSantis also outlined a proactive agenda for 2026 focused on eliminating property taxes for homestead residences, establishing an AI Bill of Rights to regulate the use of artificial intelligence, and continuing educational reform efforts. Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) in his opening remarks announced a renewed commitment to his “Rural Renaissance” package and a focus on affordability. In his opening comments, House Speaker Danny Perez (R-Miami) said his goals remain unchanged from last session. Speaker Perez listed affordability and insurance, taxes and the economy, prescription drug prices, and the rising cost of public benefits as areas the Chamber will address.
Legislators began at a rapid pace, immediately taking up high profile issues. Early in the week, both chambers prepared to advance major bills, including the Senate’s “Rural Renaissance” initiative and a comprehensive bill to address school voucher funding. Meanwhile, the House moved forward on proposals to lower the rifle purchase age to 18, raise sovereign immunity caps, and expand E-Verify requirements for businesses. With next week’s agendas already full, the rapid pace shows no signs of slowing.
In addition to advancing policy priorities, legislators will begin work on the state budget. On December 10, Governor DeSantis released details of his Floridians First FY 2026–27 Budget proposal, a $117.4 billion proposal emphasizing fiscal discipline, tax relief, and priorities that are important to Florida. This budget proposal will be the last budget Governor DeSantis submits prior to leaving office in early January 2027. The Legislature often uses the Governor’s budget recommendations as a starting point for its own budget deliberations that will begin in late January.
For the 2026 Legislative Session, the Business Law Section is actively working with legislators on three proactive pieces of legislation.
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HB 797 / SB 554 – Nonprofit Corporations by Representative Kaylee Tuck (R-Sebring) and Senator Mack Bernard (D-West Palm Beach)
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HB 679 / SB 696 – Registration of Trademarks by Representative Sam Greco (R-Palm Coast) and Senator Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers)
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HB 965 / SB 1424 – Voluntary Trial Resolution by Representative Bill Partington (R-Daytona Beach) and Senator Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach)
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.
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