Special Session 2025 A/B

January 27-29, 2025

The Florida Legislature concluded its Special Session on Wednesday, January 29, resulting in the passage of an immigration bill that now awaits approval from Governor Ron DeSantis. Below is a brief recap of the session and key provisions of the bill relevant to Florida’s municipalities.

Governor DeSantis originally called for a Special Session to address multiple issues, including immigration, condominium regulations, disaster relief for agriculture, and the My Safe Florida Home program. However, in a surprising move, legislative leaders opted to convene their own Special Session, focusing exclusively on immigration policy. The Governor has indicated he will veto the bill. The only question that remains is, will he call another special session? 

Immigration Bill Summary: Municipal Government Impacts

SB 2B (Gruters) creates the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (TRUMP) Act, expanding the state’s role in immigration enforcement. Key local government impacts of the bill include:



• Designation of a Chief Immigration Officer: The bill designates the Commissioner of Agriculture to serve as Florida’s chief immigration officer, overseeing coordination between local governments, state agencies, and federal immigration authorities. The chief immigration officer may recommend the Governor act against local officials deemed noncompliant with immigration laws.



• Mandatory Local Government Cooperation: The bill requires cities, counties, and private entities acting on behalf of a government agency to fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

• State Immigration Enforcement Council: The legislation creates a new council, led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and will include sheriffs and police chiefs appointed by the chief immigration officer. The council will enhance information sharing and recommend strategies for local law enforcement training and detention bed capacity.

• Local Law Enforcement Immigration Grant Program: The bill allocates $100 million to reimburse local law enforcement agencies for hiring and retaining officers, as well as for costs associated with federal immigration enforcement coordination.

• Federal Task Force Participation Incentives: The bill allocates $25 million to provide bonuses of up to $1,000 for law enforcement officers participating in certain Department of Homeland Security operations.

• Mandatory Compliance with Immigration Detainers: The bill requires local governments to comply with federal immigration detainers. If a local government refuses to comply, the chief immigration officer must initiate legal action against the elected or appointed local government official who directed the noncompliance with a federal immigration detainer. Additionally, elected or appointed local officials who knowingly violate these provisions may face fines of up to $5,000. The bill prohibits the use of public funds from being used for their legal defense.

The Florida League of Cities will continue to monitor developments, including the Governor’s action on the bill. In his comments to the press, the Governor has vowed to veto the bill. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach Sam Wagoner at swagoner@flcities.com.

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