Week 3 of the 2026 Session 



Welcome to week 3 of the 2025 legislative session! With 42 days to go until Sine Die, stay on top of county priorities with this weekly legislative bulletin and our comprehensive Bill Tracker. 

The Florida Division of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released its report reviewing local government spending this week—approximately two weeks after the statutory deadline of January 13th established in the FY 2025–26 Implementing Bill. The report reviews financial information and identifies areas the state characterizes as wasteful or “excessive” in a range of Florida counties and municipalities, including 8 counties and 5 cities. The report relies on selective snapshots and one-size-fits-all formulas that do not reflect the full and correct range of services local governments are required to deliver. 

To view the report, click here: Florida DOGE Report Jan 2026.pdf 

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) is seeking input regarding the current map of state super regions for the Rural Health Transformation Program. 

During recent town hall meetings, AHCA leadership heard concerns that the existing regional divisions do not directly align with how providers within rural counties currently collaborate to deliver meaningful and impactful health care services to rural residents. AHCA values this feedback and is committed to making revisions to better reflect these partnerships. 

To ensure all perspectives are considered, please review the linked map and provide feedback no later than 5:00 PM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Your input will help guide adjustments to the regional splits based on Florida’s Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest areas. 

Thank you for your collaboration and support in shaping a more effective approach to rural health care. Feedback can be sent via email to: RHTP@ahca.myflorida.com. 

On Tuesday, 1/27, the House Ways and Means Committee passed HB 213 Modification of Limitations on Property Assessment favorably by Representative Griffitts Jr. This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would significantly modify property tax assessment limitations and impose new fiscal constraints on counties and municipalities. HJR 213 changes how assessed values increase for both homestead and non-homestead property by shifting from annual assessment increases to increases that occur only once every three years for levies other than school district taxes. For homestead property, the existing “Save Our Homes” cap would still apply, but increases would be calculated over a three-year period rather than annually at the same 3% cap. For non-homestead residential and other non-homestead property, the assessment cap would be reduced from 15 percent to 10 percent over a three-year period.  

Like other House Property Tax proposals, the bill creates a new constitutional prohibition preventing counties and municipalities from reducing total law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders, as provided by general law, funding below the higher of their FY 2025-26 or FY 2026-27 budgeted levels, beginning in FY 2027-28, regardless of any reduction in ad valorem revenues resulting from the assessment changes. 

Three House proposals are now ready for consideration on the House floor:  

• HB 203 Phased Out Elimination of Non-School Property Tax for Homesteads  
• HB 209 Property Insurance Relief Homestead Exemption of Non-school Property Tax  
• HB 213 Modification of Limitations on Property Assessment 



To watch the committee hearing, click here. 

On Tuesday, 1/27, the House Commerce Committee passed HB 405 Commercial Construction Projects unanimously by Representative Griffitts Jr. The bill revises Florida law governing public procurement for a public works project. Specifically, the bill provides that, unless otherwise required by federal or state law, a governmental entity may not enforce a contract provision that purports to eliminate or limit the rights of a contractor. These rights include recovering costs, damages, or obtain a time extension for delays in performance of the contract to the extent the delays are caused in whole or in part by the governmental entity or its agents, employees or persons working on its behalf. They can also receive time extensions due to concurrent delays if at least one of the delays was caused in whole or in part by the governmental entity. 

However, the bill specifically does not void a provision that requires notice of a delay by the party claiming the delay; provisions for liquidated damages for a delay caused by the contractor or its subcontractors, agents or employees; or provisions related to arbitration or other procedures designed to settle contract disputes.  

The bill also directs the Florida Building Commission to create a uniform commercial building permit application to be used statewide, available online, and to local enforcement agencies by July 1, 2027. In addition, the Commission must develop standardized supplemental trade forms (e.g., electrical, HVAC, plumbing, water/sewer) and other standardized forms, but may also require additional documentation or plans reasonably necessary to demonstrate compliance with the Florida Building Code or local zoning ordinances. 

The bill directs local enforcement agencies to reduce permit fees for plans review or building inspection services for a commercial construction contract when an owner or contractor retains a private provider for those purposes. The local enforcement agency must reduce the fees for those services by at least 25 percent if part of the work is contracted to a private provider, and by at least 50 percent if the private provider is retained for all of that work. 

To watch the committee hearing, click here.  

The Senate companion, SB 526 by Senator Grall, passed its first committee hearing on 1/13.  

On Tuesday, 1/27, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 332 Public Meetings favorably by Senator Bradley. The bill expands county authority to hold closed attorney-client sessions by expressly allowing private meetings during the 90-day notice period for Bert Harris Act property rights claims, in addition to pending litigation. This change helps counties protect legal strategy and settlement discussions during sensitive pre-litigation stages without public disclosure.  FAC supported the proposal as part of the Legislative Action Plan.  



The bill preserves Sunshine Law safeguards, requiring public notice, open meeting commencement and conclusion, and full recording and transcription by a certified court reporter. Transcripts become public upon claim or litigation resolution or expiration of limitations. Counties may incur modest administrative and transcription costs, but requirements largely mirror existing attorney-client session procedures.   

To watch the committee hearing, click here.  

The House companion, HB 655 by Rep Duggan passed  its second committee hearing on 1/29.  

On Tuesday, 1/27, the Senate Community Affairs Committee passed SB 1434 Infill Redevelopment unanimously by Senator Calatayud.  This bill creates the “Infill Redevelopment Act,” which limits local government authority over land development rules for certain qualifying parcels. These parcels must be at least 5 acres in Orange, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami–Dade, and must be environmentally impacted, such as being designated as a brownfield or included in a dry cleaner site cleanup program. 

The bill requires local governments to approve qualifying developments through an administrative process, allowing the parcel to be developed under the standards of an adjacent residential zoning district. If no such district is adjacent, the local government must allow single-family homes or townhomes at specified minimum densities with non-restrictive standards. 



This bill also includes provisions for parcels containing recreational facilities, such as golf courses, or land reserved for recreation surrounded by single-family homes, establishing rules for continued recreational use and potential sale of the property. The bill applies retroactively to any local law, ordinance, or regulation contrary, and provides express preemption against local law applying a more restrictive or burdensome requirement or procedure to the development of a qualifying parcel. 

The House companion, HB 979 by Borrero, has not been heard this session.  

To watch the committee hearing, click here. 

On Tuesday, 1/27, the Senate Community Affairs Committee passed SB 948 Local Government Land Development Regulations and Orders favorably by Senator McClain.  This bill makes significant changes to how Florida local governments regulate residential land development and process development applications. Under the bill, a local government may not adopt land development regulations that govern lots on residential real property unless such adoption is the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling governmental interest. If a lot on residential real property is connected to a public water and sewer system, or will be connected as part of a lot split plan (up to 8 lots) or subdivision plan, a local government may not: 

• Require a minimum lot size greater than 1,200 square feet; 
• Prevent the lot from being developed as a townhouse, duplex, triplex, or quadruplex; 
• Require greater setbacks than 0 feet side, 10 rear, or 20 front; 
• Require minimum dimensions of a lot to exceed 20 feet; 
• Require more than 30 percent of the lot area to be reserved for open space or permeable surface; 
• Require a maximum building height less than three stories or 35 feet above grade; 
• Require a maximum floor area ratio of less than 3; 
• Require the property owner to occupy the property; 
• Require a minimum size greater than the requirements of the Florida Building Code; or 
• Require a more restrictive residential density. 

The bill introduces a new framework for the application for and approval of development applications, including development permits, orders, and plats. The framework includes strict timelines and penalties, and results in administrative approval on all residential development without input. 

The bill offers specific legal guidelines for adjudication of a suit against a local government in violation of the new framework and entitles a prevailing plaintiff to attorney fees and costs. The bill also waives sovereign immunity for any local government to the extent liability is created by the bill. 

The bill also provides for the placement of manufactured housing on any lot in a recreational vehicle park, and provides for parity in regulations for off-site constructed residential dwellings (compared to on-site construction) in local government zoning, land use, and development regulations. 

The House companion, HB 1143 by Rep. Nix Jr. has not been heard this session.  



To watch the committee hearing, click here.  

On Tuesday, 1/27, the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee passed SB 558 Standards for Storm Water Systems favorably by Senator Burgess. The bill mandates that any new storm pipe or stormwater structure installed by a local government must comply with the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) annual Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, specifically the sections governing pipe culverts and pipe liners. 

The bill also requires that final inspections be performed by a NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP)–certified technician employed by an independent, third-party engineering firm with no controlling interest in the installing contractor. These inspections may utilize closed-circuit television or other approved technologies. SB 558 expressly preempts all existing local stormwater installation and inspection standards and replaces them with the statewide framework beginning July 1, 2026. 

FAC opposed the bill in committee, noting that while counties support strong, practical stormwater standards, a statewide, one-size-fits-all approach may not reflect local conditions or needs. Many counties already follow FDOT material specifications where appropriate.  In fact, some counties already use standards more stringent than FDOT’s to address local conditions, while in other communities the FDOT approach may be unnecessarily costly or technically inappropriate. FAC also raised concerns that mandatory third-party inspections would duplicate existing local inspection programs, increase costs, and slow down projects, especially in smaller counties with limited resources. 

To watch the committee hearing, click here.  

The House companion, HB 239 by Rep. Grow has not been heard this session.  

On Tuesday, 1/27, the Senate Community Affairs Committee by SB 984 Firefighter Cancer Benefits and Prevention unanimously by Senator DiCeglie.  This bill updates Florida law on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention by expanding the responsibilities of both current and former employers. Under existing statute, firefighters diagnosed with cancer may receive benefits instead of pursuing workers’ compensation, if they meet eligibility requirements such as at least five continuous years of service, no tobacco use for five years, and no other recent high-risk employment. The bill clarifies that these benefits—cancer treatment coverage and reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical costs, along with a one-time $25,000 cash payment—must remain available from a former employer for up to 10 years after the firefighter leaves employment, provided the firefighter is not later employed again as a firefighter. 



SB 984 also extends death benefit obligations to former employers in limited circumstances. If a firefighter dies because of cancer or complications from treatment, the death is treated as line-of-duty under Florida law, making survivor benefits available. This bill requires that these death benefits be provided by the former employer for one year after termination, assuming the firefighter met eligibility conditions at separation. Finally, the bill removes the requirement for the Division of State Fire Marshal to adopt rules establishing employer cancer prevention best practices. The legislation is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026. 

To watch the committee hearing, click here. 

The next committee stop is Governmental Oversight and Accountability. The House companion, HB 813 by Rep. Busatta passed its first committee hearing.   

On Wednesday, 1/28, the Senate Finance and Tax Committee passed SB 856 Disclosure of Estimated Ad Valorem Taxes unanimously Senator DiCeglie. This bill provides transparency for prospective homebuyers regarding estimated property taxes. Specifically, the bill requires online real estate listing platforms to display estimated ad valorem property taxes for residential properties in Florida. Listings may not rely on the current owner’s tax bill when estimating taxes for prospective buyers. Instead, platforms must calculate estimates using either (1) the listing price multiplied by current millage rates under a formula developed by the Department of Revenue (DOR), or (2) a countywide aggregate average millage rate published annually by DOR. Listings must also include disclaimers noting that estimates may vary and do not reflect exemptions, non-ad valorem assessments, or portability benefits. FAC supported the bill to improve citizen awareness regarding the nature of Florida’s property tax system due to the impacts of the Save Our Homes assessment limitations.  

The House companion, HB 827 by Rep Anderson passed its first committee stop.  



To watch the committee hearing, click here. 

On Tuesday, 1/27, the Senate Community Affairs Committee passed SB 1444 Preemption to the State favorably by Senator Martin.  The bill bundles a series of unrelated land use, permitting, and business preemptions that collectively strip local governments of regulatory discretion—without a clear problem statement or unifying policy goal.  



Although SB 170 (2023), also known as “the preemption to end all preemptions”, established a uniform framework requiring business impact statements and allowing ordinances to be challenged as preempted, arbitrary, or unreasonable. SB 1444 upends the work of the Legislature and local governments working together to provide a framework for local review and state implementation of ordinance challenges.  

The bill creates new statutory sections prohibiting local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances or policies that substantially burden the free exercise of religion. Religious services and gatherings must be allowed in any area zoned for residential or commercial use, including private homes, community centers, or businesses, regardless of local zoning or land-use restrictions. The bill further requires that temporary parking associated with attendance at religious services be permitted, subject only to public safety and access standards. Any conflicting local ordinances are declared void and unenforceable. 

SB 1444 also amends Florida’s building code enforcement provisions to restrict local agencies from denying certificates of occupancy based on noncompliance with Florida-friendly landscaping ordinances when a structure was permitted within one year of a declared emergency. The bill prevents denial of permits for certain disaster-related repairs to single-family homes that meet specified cost and scope thresholds. Additionally, it exempts playground equipment, fences, irrigation systems, and smaller projects valued under $7,500 from local building permit requirements, while preserving local authority over electrical, plumbing, or structural work. 

The measure further creates section 559.954, Florida Statutes, preempting regulation of mutual benefit corporations—such as golf clubs, yacht clubs, country clubs, fraternal organizations, and similar private membership entities—to the state. Local governments may not impose licensing requirements or operational restrictions on these organizations that differ from other businesses, including limits on events involving nonmembers or interference with internal governance. The bill provides a civil cause of action for affected parties, allows recovery of attorney fees, and waives sovereign immunity to the extent necessary for enforcement. 

This bill revises provisions governing local regulation of parking for home-based businesses, including limiting local authority over the parking of vehicles, trailers, and heavy equipment on larger residential parcels. The act takes effect upon becoming law. 

The House companion, HB 1227 by Rep. Oliver has not been heard this session.  

To watch the committee hearing, click here. 

On Wednesday, 1/28, the House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee passed HB 105 Local Government Enforcement Actions unanimously by Representative Brackett. The bill creates a new process that allows people or businesses to challenge a county, city, or special district if they believe local rules are being enforced in an unfair or unreasonable way. The bill would stop local governments from starting or threatening enforcement actions that a court later says are unfair, unreasonable, or not allowed by local law. It also sets up a formal review process with specific steps and deadlines and allows court challenges in certain situations. This bill would be the main way to challenge unfair enforcement, replacing other legal options. It also cancels any local rules that prevent the government from following the bill. 

HB 105 could limit how much flexibility local governments have in enforcing codes and regulations. It may also create more paperwork, stricter timelines, and added costs for counties, including possible legal expenses. The bill also extends Whistle-blower’s Act protections to certain people involved in these cases. If passed, the bill would take effect October 1, 2026. 

The Senate companion, SB 588 by Senator Stan McClain has not been heard in committee this session. 

To watch the committee hearing, click here.  

On Wednesday, 1/28, the House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee passed HB 691 Agricultural Enclaves unanimously by Representative Botana. The bill provides a substantially new public hearing process for development on agricultural enclaves. An agricultural enclave, generally, is agricultural land mostly surrounded by existing development which statutes provide certain benefits to assist development to match its environs. Under the bill, the owner of an agricultural enclave may apply for certification of land as an agricultural enclave, subject to public hearing and approval. Upon certification, property owners may submit development plans for single-family residential housing consistent with land use requirements of adjacent parcels. A local government may not enact or enforce a law or regulation for an agricultural enclave which is more burdensome than for other types of applications for comparable uses or densities. The bill otherwise removes the existing process related to agricultural enclaves. The bill also expands the definition of “agricultural enclave” to include that an agricultural enclave may include multiple parcels, and amends the requirements related to surrounding parcels that make land eligible for development benefits. Agricultural enclaves are also limited to those lands within a county with a population of 1.75 million or less. The bill also provides that the bill’s provisions relating to agricultural enclaves shall expire January 1, 2028, and the text of those subsections shall revert to that in existence on June 30, 2026. 

The Senate companion, SB 686 by Rep. Martin passed its first committee hearing on 1/20. 

To watch the committee hearing, click here. 

On Wednesday, 1/28, the House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee passed HB 1139 Impact Fees unanimously by Representative Gentry. The bill implements new requirements for local governments seeking to increase impact fee rate beyond the base phase-in limitations due to extraordinary circumstances based on a demonstrated-need study. The demonstrated-need study must utilize a plan-based methodology.  

In order to demonstrate “extraordinary circumstances” under the bill, the demonstrated need study must specify the capacity standards used to support the existence of such extraordinary circumstances and be accompanied by a declaration of the method and timeframe by which the impact fee increase will increase capacity.   

The bill further prohibits local governments, including school districts and special districts, from utilizing data that is older than 4 years, including in the impact fee increase any deduction authorized by a previous or existing impact fee. Lastly, a local government cannot increase an impact fee rate utilizing the extraordinary circumstances provisions by more than 100 percent in a 4-year period.   

The bill provides for refunds and reasonable attorney fees and costs to a petitioner in an action challenging an impact fee imposed in violation of the statute. The bill also provides that an interlocal agreement between a county and municipality regarding the coordination of development and redevelopment fees for transportation capacity impacts that were entered into before October 1, 2024, may not extend beyond October 1, 2031. 

The Senate companion, SB 548 by Senator McClain, passed its first committee hearing on 1/20. 



To watch the committee hearing, click here. 

On Wednesday, 1/28, the House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee passed HB 399 Land Use and Development Regulations favorably by Representative Borrero. Originally, the bill made several changes to land use and development regulation procedures. The bill requires that application fees for development permits and development orders be reasonably related to the direct and indirect costs of reviewing and processing an application, and prohibits fees calculated as a percentage of project or construction costs. The bill provides that land development regulations must incorporate objective design standards or other measures for mitigating or minimizing potential incompatibility. Local government staff may recommend mitigation measures to the applicant. If an applicant 

proposes mitigation measures, the bill prohibits a local government from denying an application on compatibility grounds unless the denial contains written findings stating that the proposed mitigation measures are inadequate and no feasible mitigation measures exist. 

Before the bill was heard in committee there was a late file addition and the bill became a Proposed Committee Substitute. This new provision provided that the exclusive method of the future land use element of a comprehensive plan may be transmitted and adopted only by a majority vote of the governing body members present at the hearing, overriding any conflicting county charter provisions. 

The bill further directs the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) to study the impacts of removing the Urban Development Boundary or similar growth boundaries in Miami-Dade County and other counties. The study must address specified elements and report findings by October 1, 2026. The bill may have an indeterminate negative fiscal impact on state and local governments. 

The Senate companion, SB 208 by Senator McClain passed its second committee hearing.   



To watch the committee hearing, click here. 

On Wednesday, 1/28, the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee passed HB 1049 Building Permit Requirements unanimously by Representative Esposito. The bill provides that a local government may not require a single-family dwelling owner or the owner’s contractor to pull a building permit for work that is valued at less than $7,500 on the lot containing the single-family dwelling; however: 

• A local government may require a building permit for electrical, plumbing, or structural work, not including the repair or replacement of exterior doors or windows, regardless of the value of such work. 
• A contractor who performs work that is exempt from needing a building permit must keep a record in writing of the work he or she performed, the property address where the work was performed, and the value of such work. 

During the committee, an amendment was adopted stating that construction projects cannot be split into smaller projects to meet the $7500 exemption.  

The bill exempts backup power systems from building permit requirements when they serve one- or two-family homes or townhouses. Backup power systems are defined as equipment and related components that provide on-site electrical power for purposes such as utility outages, load management, or resiliency. 

While permits are not required, local enforcement agencies may still inspect these systems—either in person or virtually—to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC). However, local governments may not require a building permit, a permit-like review process, or a plans review as a condition of inspection. 

The Senate companion, SB 968 by Senator McClain, has not been heard this session. 



To watch the committee hearing, click here.  

On Monday, 1/26, the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee passed SB 692 Cybersecurity Standards and Liability favorably by Senator Leek. As originally filed, the bill would have limited counties and other local governments to adopting only the cybersecurity standards and processes established by the Florida Digital Service (FLDS) within the Department of Management Services and expressly prohibited the state from delegating authority to set cybersecurity standards to local governments. 

As amended, the bill removes those mandates and retains the bills original liability protections for counties and other local governments arising from cybersecurity incidents, shielding them from lawsuits if they substantially comply with recognized cybersecurity standards or frameworks, maintain disaster recovery plans, and implement multi-factor authentication. However, the bill still limits county contracting authority by prohibiting local governments, for contracts entered into or amended on or after July 1, 2026, from imposing cybersecurity standards or processes on vendors that exceed those established by the Florida Digital Service, unless required by other state or federal laws or industry-specific regulations. FAC supported the bill as amended. FAC supported the bill as amended.

The House companion, SB 635 by Rep. Giallombardo, passed its first committee hearing on 1/20.   



To watch the committee hearing, click here.  

On Tuesday, 1/27, the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee passed SB 1682 Local Administration of Vessel Restrictions unanimously by Senator Trumbull. This bill authorizes counties and municipalities to adopt and implement ordinances relating to derelict vessels as well as vessels at risk of becoming derelict, and enforcing long-term anchoring permit requirements within their jurisdictions.  

Local governments that adopt such ordinances may designate code enforcement officers to: 



• Determine whether a vessel meets one or more statutory at-risk conditions; 
• Investigate, document, and cite violations of long-term anchoring permit requirements; and 
• Determine whether a vessel meets the definition of a derelict vessel for administrative purposes. 

SB 1682 authorizes FWC to adopt rules to implement these local administration authorizations and ensure statewide consistency. FAC supported the bill in committee.  

To watch the committee hearing, click here. 

The House companion, HB 1103 by Rep. Andrade is identical, and passed its first committee stop the following day on 1/28, with FAC supporting the bill in committee. 

HB 693, also known as the “Big Beautiful Healthcare Frontier Act,” by Rep. Redondo is a health and human services bill that makes significant changes across multiple health-related areas in Florida. It enacts interstate licensure compacts for both emergency medical services (EMS) personnel and physician assistants, allowing qualified EMTs, paramedics, and PAs from other states to practice in Florida under compact rules and simplifying cross-state practice. The bill also repeals the Health Facility and Services Development Act, which includes certificate-of-need requirements for facilities such as nursing homes. Additionally, it revises eligibility and administrative procedures for Medicaid and the Florida KidCare programs, requires the Department of Children and Families to implement a food assistance payment accuracy plan, updates reporting requirements for the Department of Health, expands practice authority for certain health professionals (e.g., advanced practice nurses, dental hygienists), and changes how health insurers apply payments to deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. 

For local governments, the bill has several potential impacts. Removing certificate-of-need requirements could affect how local health facilities plan expansions or new services, potentially increasing competition but reducing localized review and oversight that counties sometimes participate in, especially through local health councils that previously engaged in certificate-of-need processes. Changes to Medicaid and KidCare eligibility and administration may increase administrative workload for county health and social services partners, and tighter eligibility documentation or reporting requirements could influence county-administered assistance programs. The interstate licensure compacts may help expand local EMS workforce capacity, especially in rural or workforce-challenged counties, by facilitating cross-border practice.  

The bill passed (12-4) and is heading to its second committee stop, Health and Human Services. 



To view the committee hearing, click here. 

On Wednesday, 1/28, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee passed SB 1286 First Responders unanimously by Senator Wright. This bill renames the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program within FDLE as the Florida Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recruitment Bonus Payment Program, expanding the incentive to include newly employed firefighters. Recruitment and retention of firefighters remains an ongoing challenge, and the bill creates a new statewide bonus program to help attract qualified firefighters to Florida. Due to the expansion, the Department of Commerce will consult the Division of State Fire Marshal to verify firefighter eligibility, similar to its current consultation with FDLE for newly employed officers. 

The amended program provides one-time bonus payments of up to $5,000 for newly employed law enforcement officers and firefighters. Minimum eligibility requirements include: 

• Obtaining certification for employment or appointment as a law enforcement officer or firefighter. 
• Gaining full-time employment with a Florida criminal justice agency or Florida fire service provider. 
• Maintaining full-time employment for at least two years after certification, with no break in service longer than 180 calendar days. 

SB 1286 also establishes a grant review panel within the Department of Financial Services (DFS) Division of the State Fire Marshal. The Chief Financial Officer is authorized to appoint review panel members to assist in evaluating applicants for general support grants and specific fire program grants. Beginning January 1, 2027, the CFO will include approved fire service grant projects in DFS’s legislative budget request. 

In addition, the bill creates the Institute for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder within DFS to serve as a statewide center for research, training, outreach, and program development supporting first responder behavioral health, subject to legislative appropriation. The institute is intended to strengthen mental resilience and well-being across Florida’s public safety workforce and is charged with the following duties: 

• Coordinate statewide research efforts on behavioral health issues, including suicide prevention, burnout reduction, and resilience-building. 
• Develop and disseminate evidence-informed best practices and policy recommendations. 
• Facilitate training programs and technical assistance for public safety agencies. 
• Serve as a central hub for public outreach and awareness campaigns aimed at improving first responder mental health outcomes. 
• Evaluate behavioral health programs and initiatives to measure effectiveness and impact. 
  

The bill takes effect upon becoming law. 



To watch the committee hearing, click here.  

On Tuesday, 1/27, the Senate Rules Committee postponed SB 290 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by Senator Truenow at the sponsor’s request. Chair Passidomo allowed public testimony for those who had traveled to Tallahassee on Agriculture Day at the Capitol, noting that the bill would not be taken up until a later date and emphasizing that stakeholder discussions were ongoing.  

The DACS package prohibits counties from adopting or enforcing any ordinance, resolution, rule, or policy that restricts or prohibits the use of gasoline-powered farm or landscape equipment. While counties may encourage the use of alternative technologies, they may not limit or regulate the use of gasoline-powered equipment within their jurisdictions. Second, Section 3 of SB 290 revises how state and local governments may surplus lands with agricultural potential. The Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) must review any locally surplused lands and determine whether the property is suitable for bona fide agricultural purposes. If ARC finds that a parcel is suitable for commercial agriculture, the local government may not transfer future development rights for that land. A committee amendment clarified that these requirements apply only to lands surplused or acquired on or after January 1, 2024, removing retroactive application. 

Finally, the bill amends s. 403.0855, F.S., to require that any biosolids land application site permitted after July 1, 2020, may apply only Class AA biosolids, eliminating the current ability to land-apply Class A or Class B biosolids. A committee amendment extended the compliance date to July 1, 2028, and also expands the existing preemption related to agritourism by preventing local governments from requiring an agricultural property owner to obtain a rural event venue permit or license. 

The House companion, HB 433 by Rep. Alvarez, passed its first committee stop last week. This week, the bill had a committee reference removed, signaling the House’s intent to accelerate its path to the floor. 

To watch the committee, click here.

On Wednesday, 1/28, the House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee passed HB 1461 Advanced Nuclear Reactors unanimously by Representative Miller. This bill establishes a state-level regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors, granting the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) exclusive authority over permitting, certification, and regulation. The bill also requires the PSC, the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection to jointly adopt implementing rules and laboratory certification standards. 

The bill authorizes the possession and use of nuclear materials for research, testing, construction, and operation of advanced nuclear reactors, subject to PSC permitting and safety requirements. It requires PSC certification for the construction or significant design modification of advanced nuclear reactors and outlines safety, environmental, and resource-use criteria the commission must consider before approval. 

HB 1461 also updates state energy statutes to classify advanced nuclear reactors as “clean energy,” incorporates nuclear energy planning into electric utility ten-year site plans, and encourages the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026. 



The Senate version, SB 1696, by Senator McClain has not yet been heard this session. 

On Wednesday, 1/28, the House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee passed HB 1093 Advanced Air Mobility unanimously by Representative Spencer. This bill advances Florida’s role in the advanced air mobility industry by supporting the development and operation of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and related infrastructure. Key provisions include sales tax exemptions for eVTOL aircraft, batteries, and electricity used in training operations; authorization for FDOT to fund vertiport development. The bill also preempts certain vertiport regulations at the state level, directs FDOT to adopt a model vertiport siting code, and establishes vertiport demonstration corridors.  Local land use 

and zoning authority, and reasonable noise compatibility ordinances, that do not effectively prohibit the operation of advanced mobility aircraft authorized by the FAA are exempt from this preemption.  

The bill further preempts the regulation of aircraft charging stations and associated infrastructure to the state. The bill states that local governments may not enact or enforce any ordinance or regulation related to charging stations, and that local enforcement agencies must issue building permits for these charging stations based solely on compliance with DOT standards. If the local enforcement agency does not issue the permit in 15 days, it is deemed approved.  

During the committee, an amendment was adopted that provided that vertiports that are collocated with a public airport are entitled to sovereign immunity to the same extent as a public airport operator. The bill further provides for future legislative review and repeal of its liability-immunity provisions. 

The Senate companion, SB 1362 by Senator Harrell has not been heard this session.  

To watch the committee hearing, click here. 

On Wednesday, 1/28, the House Natural Resources and Disasters Subcommittee passed HB 673 Release of Conservation of Easements favorably by Representative Duggan.  The bill requires water management districts to release a conservation easement when requested by a fee-simple property owner if the parcel meets several conditions: the land must be under 15 acres, bordered on three or more sides by impervious surfaces, contain no historic or cultural resources, and the owner must secure one-time mitigation credits from a mitigation bank to fully offset the loss of impacted wetlands. Once released, the property may be developed consistent with adjacent zoning, and its ad valorem taxes must be assessed at just value rather than at a restricted conservation value. 

A key amendment adopted in committee that if a released parcel is later developed, the property owner must assume responsibility for all applicable requirements, comply with all local ordinances, and obtain water management district approval for any permit modification, not just stormwater-related permits.  

The Senate companion, SB 938 has not yet been heard this session. 

To watch the committee hearing, click here.  

On Wednesday, 1/28, the House Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee passed HB 1035 Nature-Based Coastal Resiliency unanimously by Representative Mooney. The bill directs DEP to develop a statewide permitting framework and design standards for nature-based and hybrid coastal protection projects—such as living shorelines, mangrove restoration, dune and wetland enhancements, and wave-attenuation systems—benefiting coastal counties seeking cost-effective resiliency tools. 

HB 1035 also authorizes additional nature-based stabilization activities within aquatic preserves, including Biscayne Bay, supporting long-term shoreline protection and mitigation planning. FAC supported the bill in committee. 

To watch the committee hearing, click here. 



 The Senate companion, SB 302 by Senator Garcia has not yet been heard this session. 

  On Wednesday, 1/28, the House Natural Resources and Disasters Subcommittee passed  HB 1019 Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances unanimously by Representative Conerly. This bill establishes a statewide phase-out of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing PFAS chemicals and creates new PFAS monitoring requirements for wastewater utilities. Beginning July 1, 2026, AFFF may no longer be used for nonemergency training or testing, and all entities possessing AFFF must report existing inventories to DEP. Effective July 1, 2027, the sale, purchase, or distribution of AFFF is prohibited, and any remaining inventories must be accompanied by a DEP-approved disposal plan. By July 1, 2028, both possession and use of AFFF are fully banned, except for federal aviation facilities, military applications lacking alternatives, and emergency firefighting incidents where PFAS-free foam is unavailable.  

The bill directs DEP to adopt disposal and containment rules, maintain a registry of PFAS-free foam alternatives, and administer grants or cost-share assistance to help local fire departments and airports transition to safer products. 

A committee amendment adopted during the hearing made several important changes. It added a requirement that public entities with domestic wastewater facilities not only test biosolids, but also treated effluent for PFAS. The amendment further increased the required PFAS sampling frequency from once annually to once every quarter, significantly expanding the bill’s monitoring scope. These facilities must report quarterly PFAS results to DEP in accordance with existing biosolids management rules. 

The Senate companion, SB 1230 by Senator Harrell passed its first committee stop last week.  

To watch the committee hearing, click here. 

On Tuesday, 1/27, the House State Affairs Committee passed HB 967 Electronic Payments Made to Units of Local Government unanimously by Representative Buchanan. This bill revises s. 215.322, F.S., to require units of local government—including counties, constitutional officers, municipalities, and special districts—to accept electronic payments and to make such payments available online. While current law authorizes local governments to accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic funds transfers, the bill changes legislative intent to mandate acceptance “to the maximum extent practicable” and expressly requires online payment options for financial obligations owed to local governments. Covered payments include taxes, fees, fines, court costs, and other statutorily prescribed revenues. Counties may face fiscal and administrative impacts associated with upgrading or expanding online payment systems, ensuring cybersecurity, maintaining compliance across multiple departments and constitutional offices, and managing vendor contracts. The bill was amended to push the implementation date back to January 1st, 2027. 

To watch the committee hearing, click here. 

The Senate companion, SB 1612 by Senator DiCeglie passed its first committee hearing on 1/27.  



To watch the committee hearing, click here.