The Mayfield Minute - March 30, 2025_Legislative Session Week 5 | | |
We have completed approximately 50% of the regular legislative session which began on March 4th and will end on May 2nd. In the House of Representatives update below, I have included the new House budget proposal for the State of Florida which includes an unprecedented sales tax reduction.
The House's budget proposal is $6 billion less than the current year's budget, and $2.7 billion less than Governor DeSantis’ proposed budget.
Your input is greatly appreciated. Please contact my office regarding budget or policy issues as they are currently moving through the process.
If you will be visiting the State Capitol during the session and need assistance or an appointment, please contact my Tallahassee office.
I consider it a great honor to represent House District 32. Please share this link with your friends and family so they too, can subscribe to the Mayfield Minute.
If you or someone you know needs my assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Will Gooden in my Tallahassee office at 850-717-5032 or Kelli Lane in the district office at 321-497-8200.
My staff and I are here to serve you!
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Governor DeSantis Announces Over $389 Million to Protect the Quality and Supply of Florida's Water Resources
Last week, Governor DeSantis held a press conference at the Marine Resource Council in Palm Bay where he announced more than $389 million in grants to improve water quality and quantity. Funding in the amount of $100 million will be awarded to the newly established Indian River Lagoon Protection program.
Additionally, $25 million will be invested in the Caloosahatchee Watershed Grant Program and $20 million will be provided to the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program to further support targeted restoration efforts in these essential ecosystems.
“Florida’s waterways are a vital part of our environment, economy, and way of life, and protecting these resources continues to be a top priority,” said Governor DeSantis. “These investments will help safeguard water quality statewide and accelerate restoration efforts in key ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon, Caloosahatchee River and Estuary, and Biscayne Bay.”
To ensure continued progress, Governor DeSantis has included $550 million in his budget proposal to protect Florida’s water quality and $60 million to further alternative water supplies.
The My Safe Florida Home Program Adds Millions in New Funding
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis, recently announced that the My Safe Florida Home program will award approximately $103 million in existing funds by reallocating previously obligated funding from homeowners who have not followed through with the grant process after being eligible for the award.
The Florida Senate has been working with CFO Patronis and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to reopen the grant portal to homeowners who had an initial inspection, but did not receive a grant.
There are over 30,000 inspected properties where the homeowner has not completed the questionnaire. The My Safe Florida Home Application Portal will reopen until April 30 for homeowners who have already had an inspection to complete their application.
Eligible homeowners should receive a communication from DFS alerting them that the portal is reopening.
In recent years the Legislature has taken several steps to stabilize Florida’s property insurance market, and passed pro-consumer reforms to increase transparency, ensuring claims are paid quickly and fairly.
In total, the Legislature has appropriated $576 million in funding for grants and over $28.5 million for 178,184 homes to be inspected. To date, 58,796 grants have been obligated. Over 32,000 homeowners have been paid a total of $310,719,000 million and many more grants have been awarded where work is currently in progress,
For more information about the My Safe Florida Home program, click here.
“Go Slow and Look out Below”
FWC Reminds Boaters to Be on the Lookout for Manatees “On the Move” from their Winter Habitats
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds boaters to go slow and keep an eye out for manatees as they naturally disperse from their winter habitats.
During winter months, manatees congregate in Florida springs, power plant discharges, and other warm-water sites relying on water that is warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
As temperatures rise during Spring, manatees begin traveling from their winter habitats and are more likely to be present in rivers, canals, and nearshore waters.
FWC reminds boaters that identifying manatees in the water can be difficult but “going slow and looking out below” is key to preventing an unwanted encounter for the sea animal and your boat.
FWC offers the following tips as the weather continues to become more optimal for boaters:
- Wear polarized glasses while on the water
- Follow all manatee protection zones signs
- Keep an eye out for visible manatee sightings on the surface
- Look out for large circles on the water’s surface (ripples); this is key indicator that manatees are just below the surface
From April 1st through November 15th, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being injured or killed.
Manatees are a protected species. It is illegal to feed, harass, or harm them. Physically handling a distressed or stranded manatee can cause additional harm to the manatee and may put you at risk of serious injury.
Report injured, distressed, orphaned, sick or deceased manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) so trained responders can assist.
Florida Leads the Nation for Business Relocations, Generating Four Times the Business Relocations than Texas
The Florida Chamber Foundation (FCF) recently released an analysis that proves Florida continues to lead the nation as a premier destination for business relocations.
According to the Chamber’s Florida Score Card, “With more than 47,000 new business start-ups in January 2025 alone, Florida continues to lead the nation in new business start-ups month after month.”
Unlike Florida’s increase in business growth, California, Illinois, New Jersey and New York, experienced net losses in business relocations.
In 2025, Florida continues to be a beacon for local business relocation and growth, building on a strong foundation that includes tax advantages, lawsuit reform, and state policies that foster a thriving economy.
“The partnership between FloridaCommerce and the Florida Chamber Foundation in advancing the Florida 2030 Blueprint mission is instrumental in Florida remaining the #1 state to not only start or move a business, but to call home,” said J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce.
| | House of Representatives Update | | |
Florida House of Representatives Proposes Largest Tax Cut in State History
Last week, the Florida House of Representatives proposed the largest tax cut in state history. If successful, Florida will become the only state in the nation to permanently reduce its sales tax, from 6% to 5.25% resulting in nearly $5 billion in annual savings to Florida residents.
Highlights from Speaker Daniel Perez's statement on the floor included:
- In the past, the Florida House has justifiably called out local governments for misspending and mismanagement.
- We have taken special districts to task for misusing public money and have railed against the excesses of the Federal government.
- State government has a spending and recurring spending problem.
- We have forgotten a fundamental truth – this money isn’t ours. Tax dollars don’t belong to the government, they belong to the people.
- Several weeks ago, I challenged our budget subcommittees to dive into their spreadsheets, to ask the hard questions, and find real savings.
- This will not be a temporary measure; a stunt or a tax holiday. This will be a permanent, recurring tax reduction.
To review the Speaker's full proposal in the news release, click here.
Florida House of Representatives Releases Budget Proposal
For the first time since the Great Recession, the budget proposal from the Florida House spends less this year, than last year. The budget proposal also shrinks government, gives power back to the people, and reduces tax burdens on Floridians.
Specifically, the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget proposal by the Florda House is $6 billion less than the current fiscal year's budget and is $2.7 billion less than Governor DeSantis’ budget proposal.
Statement from Speaker of the House, Danny Perez: “So often when politicians talk about improving affordability, our strategies involve spending money on more government programs. We have forgotten a fundamental truth; tax dollars don’t belong to the government, they belong to the people. This year, we’re flipping the script by giving the people of Florida their own money back to them. This budget reflects our chamber’s values of conservative fiscal stewardship and accountability. This budget also reflects decisive action to rein in recurring spending and refocus on the true needs of everyday Floridians. By reducing unnecessary expenditures and cutting wasteful spending, we are ensuring that taxpayers see more of their dollars at work for them -- and back in their pockets, too.”
The budget proposal will be taken up by the House Budget Committee on Wednesday, April 2nd.
To review the Speaker's press release, click here.
Lucy's Law Boating Safety Bill Passes House Unanimously
CS/CS/CS/HB 289, the boating safety bill also referred to as “Lucy’s Law,” passed on the House floor with unanimous support.
The bill revises and provides penalties for vessel collisions, accidents, casualties, reckless operation, and providing false information to law enforcement officers. In addition, the bill revises requirements for operating certain vessels and requires persons convicted of certain noncriminal infractions to pay a fine.
The legislation is named after 17-year-old Luciana Fernandez who died during a September 2022 boat crash in the Florida Keys that left other passengers injured, including one who is permanently disabled.
The CS/CS/CS/HB 289 was transmitted in messages for consideration by the Senate.
Bill Addressing Minimum Age for Firearm Purchases Passes the Florida House
HB 759 reduces the minimum age requirement to purchase a firearm from 21 to 18 for both the retail purchase of a firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) and the purchase of a firearm in a private sale. The bill also reduces the minimum age by which the retail sale of a firearm may be made or facilitated by an FFL from 21 to 18.
HB 759 was transmitted in messages for consideration by the Senate.
Bill to Exempt Tolls for Purple Heart Medal Recipients Advances
HB 313 exempts Purple Heart recipients with a (Purple Heart specialty license plate) from paying tolls on Florida roadways. The bill honors the sacrifice and service of Veterans who have earned the Purple Heart designation and is aligned with Florida's distinction as one of the most pro-Veteran states in the nation.
The next stop for HB 313 is the House floor.
Legislation to Prohibit Increases in Property Tax for Weather Resistance Improvements Progresses
CS/HB 1339 provides that the increase in just value attributable to improvements made to a residential property to increase the property’s resistance to wind damage may not be considered when determining the property’s assessed value for ad valorem purposes.
Floridians across the state are more likely, than not, to experience an extreme weather event. Often when improvements are made on a home, the property’s ad valorem tax increases. All of society benefits when Floridians invest in storm proofing their homes. Residential property owners should not be financially punished in the form of higher taxes for doing so.
The next stop for CS/HB 1339 is the Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee.
| | Tribute to Commander Junny | | |
Sheriff Wayne Ivey’s Best Sidekick, K-9 Law Enforcement Partner, and Community Ambassador Junny, Passed Away March 25th After a Courageous Cancer Battle
From the time they met, Sheriff Wayne Ivey knew the bloodhound that the community named "Junny" was special. K-9 Commander Junny was originally gifted to the Sheriff’s Office in 2014 by the Jimmy Ryce Center for the purpose of searching and rescuing abducted and lost children.
Upon Junny's arrival as a ten-week-old puppy on May 6, 2014, he was proven to be one of a kind. Sheriff Ivey said, “Junny is a very special dog who I think truly knows that he was put here to bring a smile to everyone’s face, and to carry on the name of a very special young boy, Junny Rios-Martinez of Cocoa, who will never be forgotten in our community.”
Tragically, Junny Rios-Martinez was kidnapped, brutally raped, and killed by a sexual predator in 1991. The heinous perpetrator was sentenced to death and executed in 2014.
K-9 Commander Junny’s name honors the memory of Junny Rios-Martinez and other Florida children and families who have suffered the devastation inflicted by sexual and violent criminals against children. Horrific crimes against innocent children will never be tolerated in Brevard County or the state of Florida.
The Sheriff's Office has since been gifted with an additional nine K-9 partners from the Jimmy Ryce Center over the last several years.
Sheriff Ivey went on to say, "My heart is broken but I know how blessed I am to have (had) Junny in my life and to have received so much joy and love as a result of having him as my partner."
May Junny rest in peace and may our community continue to extend our gratitude and sympathy to Sheriff Ivey and the entire BCSO K-9 team during the difficult loss of a member of their family.
A memorial service for Junny will be announced in the near future. For additional information or to share your condolences, please reach out to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer, Tod Goodyear, at 321-501-7594.
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Jim Gallagher, U.S. Army Reserve
Our Constituent of the week is Jim Gallagher, U.S. Army Reservist. He is a dedicated Veteran and community leader who resides in Indialantic. His life reflects a deep commitment to military service, Veterans' advocacy, and community support.
U.S. Army Reservist Gallagher began his military career in the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) in 1981 while still in high school. After completing his master’s degree, he transitioned to active duty, serving in various logistics roles, including as a Brigade S-4 Maintenance Officer for the 157th Separate Infantry Brigade (Heavy), Personnel Proponency Officer at the Army Reserve Personnel Command, and Logistics Operations Branch Chief at the U.S. Army Reserve Command.
Army Reservist Gallagher didn’t simply end his career upon retirement, he became actively involved in non-profit organizations including the Brevard Zoo Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Patrick Space Force Base Volunteer Tax Office, and the St. Mark's Methodist Church.
He also serves on the Board of Directors for the North Florida Chapter of Better Investing which supports Veterans and provides them with investment education and mentorship initiatives. Additionally, he serves as a Homeowners Association President in Brevard County.
As Treasurer for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 32 in Melbourne, Army Reservist Gallagher oversees financial operations to support nearly 1,300 local Veterans annually. He leads fundraising efforts for facility improvements and operational needs. As a Certified Service Officer, he assists Veterans with claims for disability compensation, pensions, education benefits, and healthcare services.
Army Reservist Gallagher exemplifies service and leadership through his dedication to Veterans and community initiatives. His work ensures that our local heroes receive crucial support while fostering education and empowerment within his community.
House District 32 is grateful for U.S. Army Reservist Jim Gallagher for his steadfast commitment to serving Veterans in our community, for his service in assisting members of the DAV Chapter 32, and his leadership throughout his military and professional careers.
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Brevard County Student Awarded Prestigious Ray Aviation Scholarship
The National Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) selected Ava Hernandez of Brevard County as a recipient of the 2025 Ray Aviation Scholarship, an honor that propels her to the next step of earning a private pilot’s license.
Ms. Hernandez will be presented with the $12,000 scholarship on Tuesday, April 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the Valkaria Airport, during the monthly meeting of the local EAA chapter, named after Tuskegee Airman General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr.
Ms. Hernandez was duly recognized for her dedication to aviation, her volunteer work at chapter events, commitment to flight training, and outstanding academic performance.
The General Chappie James Chapter plays a vital role in Valkaria Airport’s aviation community introducing youth, ages 8-17, to flying through the “Young Eagles” program.
Ms. Hernandez first became involved in aviation through the 99th Squadron which has exposed youth to opportunities in the aviation industry. Established in 2020, the 99th Squadron provides a comprehensive introduction to aviation through a five-week program covering aerodynamics, air traffic control, meteorology, and navigation. The program extends beyond the classroom with hands-on experiences including flights, air shows, aerospace facility visits, flight simulations, and drone operations.
For more information, please visit the Valkaria Airport website, the General Chappie James EAA Chapter website, or The 99th Squadron website.
Local Legend, Caroline Marks, Wins Again and Advances to Third Place in the Women’s World Surfing Rankings
Perfection for surfers is officially measured by 10's but sometimes in rough waters, you can win with 4.90 and 3.00 scores. Former Melbourne Beach resident, Caroline Marks, was able to defeat Gabriela Bryan of Hawaii at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal in Peniche in rough, foamy whitewater.
Reuters reported that in the women's finals, Gabriela Bryan got off to a decent start, scoring a 4.17 with her powerful forehand taken down her competitor in the semi-final.
Reuters added, “It was American (Caroline) Marks who took the lead with two back-to-back mid-range scores before conditions deteriorated, leaving both surfers struggling to find the right wave.”
"It wasn't the prettiest final, but we'll take it," Marks said after her two-wave total of 7.90 out of 20 was enough to top Bryan's 6.97.
"It was really challenging, but winning feels so good, I’m so pumped," the 2023 world champion Marks added.
The victory advanced Caroline Marks to number three in the world-wide rankings. The next competition for Ms. Marks is in El Salvador for the fourth event in the 11-stop tour.
After the world-wide tour is completed, the ranking top five surfers will compete in the championships in Fiji this August.
We wish Caroline great success; she has already proven to be a legend in women's surfing.
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The Republican Primary Election is Tuesday, April 1st
The two Republican primary elections for Florida Senate District 19 and Florida House District 32 will take place on Tuesday, April 1st. Early voting ended on Saturday, March 29th for this Special Election called by Governor DeSantis.
On Tuesday, April 1st you must vote at your assigned precinct which you can locate here.
Hours for voting on Tuesday are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Eau Gallie Arts District Celebrates First Friday
The Eau Gallie Arts District will celebrate First Friday on Friday, April 4th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This special event is a tribute to the Indian River Lagoon which has been deemed critical to our quality of life and the economic impact of our region. Local art galleries have lagoon-focused surprises planned for the event.
Additionally, the Eau Gallie Square will be filled with exhibitors, voices speaking for the Lagoon, and a variety of musicians.
The schedule of activities includes:
5:30 p.m. -- The Lagoon Is A Work of Art: Opening remarks
5:40 p.m. -- Music: Char Good
6:30 p.m. -- The Lagoon Is A Work of Art: Guest Speaker
6:40 p.m. -- Music: Gary Lazer Eyes
5:30 p.m. -- 8:00 pm – Visit exhibitors in the Square
The Save Our Indian River Lagoon program recently celebrated the completion of 100 projects on a long list of lagoon-positive, science-based efforts.
To learn more about the Save Our Indian River Lagoon programs, click here.
Second Annual Pickleball After Dark in Merritt Island
On Friday, April 11th from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the Second Annual Pickleball After Dark event will take place at Wood Simpson Park Community Center (1590 Schoolhouse Street) in Merritt Island.
The event will be held inside the gymnasium. Food, drinks, and music will be provided. Volunteers are needed for the round robin and open play scoring duties.
The event aims to provide Easter baskets for local youth in need. The entry fee is an Easter basket valued at approximately $10.00 per person. Cash is not accepted. Last year the event raised over 50 Easter baskets for children and this year they look to exceed that number.
For more information, call 321-455-1379.
Horses and Bunny Hops Easter Egg Hunt at the Relentless Equestrian Foundation Center
On Saturday, April 12th, Relentless Equestrian Foundation will hold their Horses and Bunny Hops Easter Egg Hunt at 9:30 a.m. at their location on 4150 Lake Washington Road in Melbourne.
Activities include Easter egg hunts, Easter Bunny Photos, Hay Wagon Rides, Petting Zoo feedings, a Bounce House, arts and crafts, and much more.
Tickets are $20 each and children under the age of two are free of charge. Each child should bring their own Easter basket. The first Easter Egg Hunt begins at 9:30 a.m.
There are a few remaining sponsorship opportunities for local vendors.
For more information about this special event, click here.
Grant BBQ Festival
The Grant BBQ Space Coast Festival will take place on Friday, April 11th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, April 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 4580 1st Street in Grant.
Admission and parking for the event are free.
If you are planning to attend the event, note that coolers and pets are prohibited. Organizers advise attendees to bring your own chair to enjoy the three days of live music and local food and drinks.
Other activities include a marketplace showcasing arts and crafts highlighting local artists and vendors. There will be a classic car and motorcycle show on Saturday.
For more information, click here.
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Contact Information
Melbourne Office
900 East Strawbridge Avenue,
Suite 408,
Melbourne, FL 32901
Tallahassee Office
400 South Monroe Street,
1401 The Capitol,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
Staff
Yvette Campbell
William Gooden
Kelli Lane
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