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Extension of Session
Yesterday was the 60th day of the Legislative session. Usually, this would be the last day the legislature meets during its annual session and the day on which the chambers would sine die. However, with budget negotiations still in flux, the Legislature must continue its function until a budget can be agreed upon and sent to the Governor.
The chambers released a concurrent resolution that extended session until June 6th. The plan is for both chambers of the Legislature to return to Tallahassee and continue session on May 12th. During the extension, only the bills specifically mentioned in the concurrent resolution will be heard. All other bills not heard, voted for, passed, and enrolled have been withdrawn from consideration. The bills of note to municipalities that can still be considered during the extension are the following:
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CS/SB 110 (Simon) – Rural Communities. This bill contains language relating to the proposed rural renaissance program; and
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CS/HB 7033 (Ways & Means) – Taxation. This bill contains a repeal of the ability for cities to opt out of the “Missing Middle” property tax exemption created by the Live Local Act.
Keep in mind that other bills being considered during the extension may be amended to introduce policies pertaining to cities. The League will keep you informed if/when this occurs.
House Select Committee on Property Taxes
On Tuesday, Speaker of the House Daniel Perez delivered remarks on the House floor that led to the announcement of the creation of a select committee on property taxes. The Speaker shared his concerns about property taxes and his desire to have the select committee produce one or more joint resolutions reforming the very nature of property taxes as we know them.
Speaker Perez introduced five proposals for the select committee to discuss throughout the summer, fall, and into the start of the 2026 Legislative session next January. A list of the members appointed to serve on the select committee may be found here.
Members, we are going to need your help. Please stay attentive to the select committee’s meetings and proposals throughout the summer and fall. The proposals offered by the committee have the potential to severely handicap cities’ funding sources, forcing cities to completely alter municipal operations and infrastructure. Please bring the same strong awareness and engagement you’ve shown throughout session to this issue as well.
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