Legislators returned to Tallahassee for two weeks in October for interim committee meetings in preparation for the 2026 Legislative Session. The meetings were used to update legislators on policy and funding issues approved during the 2025 Legislative Session and to workshop potential policy matters that may be addressed in the upcoming session. Legislators will reconvene for four more interim committee weeks before the Regular Session begins on January 13, 2026:

• November 3-7, 2025
• November 17-21, 2025
• December 1-5, 2025
• December 8-12, 2025

Click here for additional details on property tax proposals, budget update, and legislation deadlines.

To wrap up Pro Bono Month, we bring you this perspective from Judge Brown, former BLS Chair and Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida

With almost four years on the federal bankruptcy bench, I have now seen hundreds of pro se parties in bankruptcy and observed how much Court time and resources are needed to address issues in their proceedings.

When I was in private practice, I had a different lens and, when I saw someone who needed help and I could help, the answer was easy – I helped. That could be by taking their case on or by giving limited advice through a clinic or legal aid. That could also be by asking another lawyer if they would help if I was not in a position to do so. I would hear the part of the oath I swore to that “I will never reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of the defenseless or oppressed” and know that was just as important as making a buck practicing law or taking on a big case. The personal satisfaction in helping someone who could not pay for a lawyer was often better than helping a paying client navigate a difficult situation.

So now when I see lawyers taking on pro bono matters, I am truly grateful. Those lawyers are to be commended for sharing their time and talents with those in need. They not only help their pro bono clients, but they help the entire legal system. They allow courts to save time and resources and to operate more efficiently.

Read on

Send us you Pro Bono WHY

Opportunity for Speakers

Stetson Business Law Review announces the upcoming Real Estate Law Symposium 2026, scheduled for February 2026, and invites distinguished professionals, scholars, and industry thought leaders to contribute as speakers and writers for this premier event. 

Learn more

Do you have an idea for an article? Submit Business Law Section blog articles here. Submit Florida Bar Journal articles here.

Ms. Damian served as Chair of the Business Law Section in 2017-2018

Melanie E. Damian is a business and securities litigator with extensive experience serving as a court-appointed Receiver, Monitor, and Distribution Agent in federal and state matters. She also advises companies on governance issues and represents corporate officers and directors in litigation and investigations. In addition to her legal work, she is a dedicated advocate for youth and education as co-founder of Educate Tomorrow and founding Chair of the SEED School of Miami.

Learn more about her here.

Judges fill an integral role on our Executive Council. Meet one of them, Judge Robson.

Grace Robson is a United States Bankruptcy Judge and sits in the Orlando Division of the Middle District of Florida. Prior to taking the bench, she practiced for over 25 years in the area of corporate reorganization and bankruptcy. Judge Robson is Board-Certified in Business Bankruptcy, an active member of ABA, currently serving as a co-chair of the Secured Creditors Subcommittee of the Business Law Section, Business Bankruptcy Committee. Prior to relocating to the Middle District of Florida, she served on the board of directors of the Bankruptcy Bar Association for the Southern District of Florida, was the Broward Chair of the Pro Bono Committee, the Broward Chair of the CARE Program Committee, and Chair of the Wellness Committee.

Learn more about her here.

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.

Business Litigation and Real Property Case Law Updates

September 2025

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.