Your Voice, Your Future
Advocacy Newsletter - April 11, 2025
| | What's Happening in Advocacy | |
Stay informed with our advocacy newsletter! Get updates on key local, state, and federal issues, upcoming events, valuable resources, and ways to take action. Learn about policy changes, and discover opportunities to engage with your community. Stay connected, stay empowered, and make a difference.
Together, we’re building a stronger voice for the business community!
| | Daytona Regional Chamber's January Eggs & Issues Series, "Meet Our New School Board Members." | | FL Dept. of Commerce's Secretary J Alex Kelly addressing our Volusa Days at the Capitol attendees. | | Mayor Derrick Henry's "State of the City" during the Daytona Regional Chamber's March Eggs & Issues Series. | | Inside The Issues - Local | |
Linkage Fees
It is important for the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce to share its position on linkage fees to advocate for a business-friendly environment that fosters economic growth. Businesses and developers are key drivers of the local economy, and policies that impose additional financial burdens, like linkage fees, can deter investment and hinder development. By publicly opposing linkage fees and supporting alternative solutions for affordable housing, the Chamber ensures that decision-makers understand the potential economic impact and can work toward policies that balance community needs while maintaining a strong, thriving business climate. Click Here to read Our Official Position
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Local Advocacy Victory
Congratulations to our member, Daytona Dog Beach, Inc., on the unanimous approval of the Ormond Beach Dog Beach by the Volusia County Council! The Daytona Chamber was proud to support this effort by submitting a letter of endorsement, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and commitment to enhancing our community. This new addition will not only provide a wonderful space for residents and visitors but also help drive tourism and boost local businesses. Click Here to Read Support Letter
| | | | Inside The Issues - State | |
HB 451 - Proposes revisions to the calculation of interest rates on court judgments and mandates enhanced reporting practices for insurance entities.Specifically, the bill requires the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) to compile detailed reports on insurance-related entities and the compensation of executive officers for insurers, licensees, and registrants.Additionally, it obligates property insurers to provide policyholders with written estimates of loss amounts and mandates participation in mediation for certain property insurance disputes.The bill also stipulates that property insurers must disclose to policyholders the dollar amount of any premium discount associated with mandatory binding arbitration endorsements.
Click Here to learn More
HB 541 - Proposes exemptions to Florida's minimum wage requirements for certain employees, particularly those engaged in work-based learning programs such as internships and apprenticeships.The bill allows these employees to opt out of standard minimum wage provisions, granting both employers and employees greater flexibility in determining compensation based on skill and experience.
Click Here to learn More
HB 817 - Proposes the repeal of the tax imposed on rental or license fees for the use of real property. Specifically, the bill seeks to eliminate Section 212.031 of the Florida Statutes, which currently mandates this tax. The bill also includes amendments to other statutes to align with the proposed repeal, ensuring consistency across related legislative provisions. If enacted, this legislation would remove the existing tax obligations on the rental or licensing of real property in Florida, potentially impacting both revenue streams for the state and cost structures for businesses engaged in such rental agreements.
Click Here to learn More
HB 859 - Proposes revisions to Florida's School Readiness Program to enhance access for economically disadvantaged families.The bill aims to establish a priority system favoring children from working families with household incomes below 50% of the state median income, ensuring these families have improved access to early education resources.
Click Here to learn More
HB 947 - Aims to standardize the evidence required to substantiate medical expenses in personal injury and wrongful death cases in Florida.The bill proposes specific guidelines for presenting evidence of both past and future medical expenses, seeking to ensure that damages awarded accurately reflect the actual costs incurred.
Click Here to learn More
HB 1221 - Proposes significant changes to the procedures governing certain local taxes.Specifically, the bill mandates that specified local option taxes must be renewed through ordinances enacted in a particular manner, outlines conditions under which existing ordinances would expire, and authorizes the adoption of new ordinances to impose such taxes.
Click Here to learn More
Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grant Program
As a leading voice for economic development and regional prosperity, the Daytona Regional Chamber urges the Florida Legislature to preserve the full funding of the EASE Grant. This investment in our future workforce ensures we remain competitive, both as a region and as a state.This program provides vital tuition assistance to thousands of Florida students attending independent, nonprofit colleges and universities. Students from Keiser University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Bethune-Cookman University stand to lose substantial funding if this grant is reduced or eliminated as part of the budget process.
Cutting or restricting access to this grant would jeopardize the pipeline of skilled, career-ready graduates our local industries rely on, from aerospace and engineering to healthcare and business.
Click Here to learn More
| | | | Inside The Issues - Federal | |
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 introduced several tax provisions that are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025.Key expiring provisions include reduced individual income tax rates, an increased standard deduction, expanded child tax credits, and modifications to estate tax exemptions.Without legislative intervention, these provisions will revert to pre-2017 parameters starting January 1, 2026.
Click Here to learn More
H.R. 1109, the Litigation Transparency Act - The bill seeks to address the growing practice of third-party litigation funding, where investors finance lawsuits in exchange for a portion of any potential settlement or award.Proponents argue that such arrangements can lead to conflicts of interest and may influence litigation strategies.By mandating the disclosure of these financial interests, the legislation aims to promote transparency and integrity within the civil justice system.
Click Here to learn More
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Volusia Days 2025 – Tallahassee, Florida Recap
March 31 – April 1, 2025
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Volusia Days 2025 brought together local leaders, elected officials, and key stakeholders for two days of impactful dialogue, relationship-building, and advocacy in the heart of Florida’s capital. With a thoughtfully curated agenda, the event provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to engage with decision-makers and explore the issues shaping the future of Volusia County and the state.
Held in the historic Knott Building, the day kicked off with a warm welcome from David Robinson, Director of Advocacy and 2025 Chairperson Michael Sznapstajler. Kicking off the meetings Rep. Chase Tramont (District 30) provided opening comments and an outline of his priorities for the session.
The group heard timely insights into key policy areas from:
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Commissioner Michael Yarwosky, Florida Insurance Commissioner, provided an update on current insurance market trends and regulatory priorities.
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Secretary J. Alex Kelly, Florida Department of Commerce, highlighted economic development strategies and business growth opportunities across the state.
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Deputy Secretary Adam Blalock, Department of Environmental Protection, discussed environmental initiatives and conservation efforts.
The group then gathered for a reception where Senator Tom Wright (District 8) and Representative Richard Gentry (District 27) dropped by to meet with constituents.
Day two morning sessions featured the following speakers:
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Rep. Tyler Sirois (District 31), Florida House Majority Leader, offering insights into legislative priorities for the upcoming session.
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Andrew Wiggins, Florida Chamber of Commerce, who discussed the business community’s outlook and key advocacy efforts.
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Secretary Melanie Griffin, Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, who shared agency initiatives and regulatory updates impacting businesses statewide.
The formal program concluded at 11:00 AM, leaving the remainder of the day open for attendees to continue their Capitol visits and individual appointments.
Volusia Days 2025 successfully amplified our region’s voice in Tallahassee, strengthened relationships with key policymakers, and reaffirmed our commitment to shaping a prosperous future for Volusia County. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to this powerful event!
Here's what some of our attendees had to say:
"Our time in Tallahassee for Volusia Day was nothing short of inspiring! Attendees were both delighted and impressed by the incredible lineup of speakers arranged by the Chamber, which made for an informative and impactful experience." - Dave Kolodzik, Expert Reserve Services, Inc.
"I was shocked to learn that Florida is the only state in the union with a business rent tax. I’m glad to hear there are efforts underway to eliminate it." - Erick Palacios, 2025 Chair, Ormond Beach Chamber Board of Directors
A Special Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: Adventhealth and Sponsored by: AT&T, Brown & Brown Insurance, Cobb Cole, Daytona International Speedway, Florida Power & Light, Ghyabi Consulting & Management, Halifax Health, NASCAR, TECO Peoples Gas.
| | | We actively represented the interests of the business community through a range of advocacy efforts, including presenting comments before the Volusia County Council in opposition to a proposed countywide moratorium and advocating at a Daytona Beach City stakeholder meeting on linkage fees. I also participated in the Florida Chamber Legislative Fly-in, further engaging in statewide policy discussions. In addition, we signed on in support of two coalition letters: one urging Congress to permanently extend pro-growth tax reforms and another backing the Third-Party Litigation Coalition. Our support extends to local initiatives as well, including endorsing the Pearl Beach Development Project. | | David Robinson, Director of Advocacy for the Daytona Regional Chamber, delivers remarks before the Volusia County Council, advocating on behalf of the regional business community. | | | Our Cornerstone Committee convenes monthly to collaborate on strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening advocacy efforts for the business community. | | | Upcoming Advocacy Events | | | | |