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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS NEWS UPDATE
December 19, 2025
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The House has also filed a number of resolutions to reduce or eliminate non-school ad valorem taxes on homesteaded properties without reducing funding for law enforcement, including:
While Joint Resolutions are not subject to the Governor’s veto power, any such measure passed by the Legislature would require approval by 60 percent of voters during the 2026 general election.
Governor DeSantis has also been a strong proponent for the elimination of certain ad valorem taxes, especially on homesteaded properties, but so far has not offered specific language. However, in his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, he does set aside $300 million in nonrecurring funds for 32 small, fiscally constrained counties should any potential revenue losses occur.
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OTHER IMPORTANT LEGISLATION
In addition to leadership priorities, other bills that may generate considerable discussion this session include:
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SB 208 filed by Sen. McClain, which amends the Community Planning Act to redefine the concept of compatibility and provides for the administrative approval of residential infill under certain circumstances.
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HB 479 filed by Rep. Maggard, preempting cities and counties from adopting laws, regulations, rules, or policies relating to water quality, water quantity, pollution control, pollutant discharge prevention or removal, and wetlands.
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SB 48 filed by Sen. Gaetz, requiring cities and counties to enact ordinances to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in all single-family residential areas.
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SB 840 filed by Sen. DiCeglie, limiting the scope of SB 180 (2025) as it relates to the preemption of land use actions by local governments.
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HB 145 filed by Rep. McFarland, which provides for a graduated increase to the sovereign immunity limits currently in place for state and local governments.
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HB 299 filed by Rep. Melo creates a framework for a new type of planned community known as a “blue ribbon project.” To qualify, a project must include 10,000 acres of contiguous land, of which no less than 60 percent must be set aside in reserve for environmental conservation, parks and recreation, productive agriculture, and other similar uses. Projects must follow a long-term development plan and incorporate new urbanism concepts, affordable housing minimums, and many other land use requirements.
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HB 6003 filed by Rep. Trabulsy to remove a prohibition on the recovery of noneconomic wrongful death damages in medical negligence cases when the victim is 25 or older.
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ADDITIONAL TOPICS OF INTEREST
Redistricting
- The House created a Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting. Speaker Perez stated that he would prefer to act while members are already convened for regular session and that any efforts would be limited to Congressional maps.
- The Governor, on the other hand, prefers to tackle redistricting during a special session at some point after the conclusion of regular session next spring.
- The Senate, meanwhile, seems to be in no hurry to act and prefers to be “methodical and measured” on the issue.
Artificial Intelligence
Governor’s Budget Recommendations
- Governor DeSantis announced the Floridians First 2026-2027 Budget last week, which includes:
- $170.8 million for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program;
- $72.9 million for the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) program;
- $50 million for the Hometown Heroes Housing program;
- $30 million for the Rural Infrastructure Fund to support local infrastructure projects that help attract jobs;
- $81.9 million for the Small County Outreach Program to assist small county governments in repairing infrastructure;
- $150 million for the expanded Water Quality Improvement Grant Program for projects to construct, upgrade or expand wastewater facilities, including septic to sewer conversions, stormwater management projects, and agricultural nutrient reduction projects; and
- $60 million for the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program to help communities plan for and implement vital conservation, reuse and other alternative water supply projects.
Throughout Session, the weekly Stearns Weaver Miller Rotunda Report will provide a high level summary of what occurred in the prior week. A practicing attorney in the related industry will also do a deeper analysis of a single piece of legislation.
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