Palm Beach County State Legislative Update

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Week of February 9th

UPDATES FROM THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Palm Beach State College Awarded Nearly $5 Million

On Thursday, Farbruary 12th, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded more than $8 million through the Job Growth Grant Fund with nearly $5 million awarded to Palm Beach State College, $2.5 million awarded to Melbourne Orlando International Airport and more than $900,000 awarded to Broward College. These awards support the workforce and infrastructure needs of Florida’s aerospace and aviation, military and defense, cybersecurity, financial services, and more industries.

Palm Beach State College will receive:

$4,950,000 — to develop a new workforce program in computing and emerging quantum technologies—in support of critical national defense missions, cybersecurity, and financial services. Designed to provide rapid level modular training over 8-week terms, the program is set to enroll 970 students with 570 program completions over 10 years.

UPDATES FROM THE LEGISLATURE

BUDGET PROPOSALS

On Thursday afternoon, Senate Appropriations Chair Ed Hooper issued a memo indicating that the Senate’s objective remains to release its budget concurrently with the House. The memo stated that the next opportunity to release the budget is next week. However, later that evening, the House released its budget proposal which prompted the Senate to respond with another memo from President Ben Albritton regarding the updated budget timeline.

Budget Timeline

Friday, February 13 – 10:00 a.m.

The Senate Appropriations Committees will release budget spreadsheets.

Friday, February 13 – 3:00 p.m.

The Senate Appropriations Committee will release the General Appropriations Act (GAA), implementing and conforming bills.

Monday, February 16 – 1:00 p.m.

Amendment deadline for the GAA.

Tuesday, February 17 – 1:00 p.m.

Amendment to the Amendment deadline for the GAA.

Wednesday, February 18

Previously scheduled Appropriations Committee Meeting Blocks at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. for public hearings on budget spreadsheets.

Wednesday, February 18 – 1:30 p.m.

Previously scheduled Full Appropriations Committee Meeting to consider the GAA, implementing bill, conforming bills, and amendments.

Friday, February 20 – 10:00 a.m.

Previously scheduled Senate Sitting for consideration of the GAA, implementing bill, and conforming bills.

The House released their General Appropriations Act on Thursday evening at 5 pm and the Senate released their General Appropriations Act on Friday afternoon at 3 pm.

The Palm Beach County appropriations projects were funded as follows:

C-51 Reservoir
Request: $75,000,000
House: $0
Senate: $75,000,000
CR 880 Bridges Replacement
Request: $13,000,000
House: $6,500,000
Senate: $10,000,000
PBIA Airport Renaming
Request: $5,500,000
House: $0
Senate: $2,750,000
WPB Downtown Signalization Upgrades – Phase 3
Request: $3,000,000
House: $0
Senate: $800,000
Australian Ave Improvements
Request: $2,500,000
House: $0
Senate: $0
Central County Sports Field House
Request: $2,500,000
House: $0
Senate: $1,250,000
WTP No. 2 Membrane Expansion
Request: $2,000,000
House: $1,000,000
Senate: $0
WTP No. 8 Membrane Expansion
Request: $2,000,000
House: $0
Senate: $0
Lantana Airport Improvements
Request: $2,000,000
House: $1,000,000
Senate: $0
Morikami Museum Expansion
Request: $1,500,000
House: $0
Senate: $500,000
El Camino Fountain Improvements
Request: $1,200,000
House: $0
Senate: $0
Peanut Island Historic Restoration
Request: $1,200,000
House: $0
Senate: $0
Youth Shelter / Medical Respite Expansion
Request: $1,000,000
House: $0
Senate: $0
Burt Aaronson Park Improvements
Request: $850,000
House: $0
Senate: $850,000
RESTORE Reentry Program
Request: $500,000
House: $250,000
Senate: $350,000
Fire Rescue Water Vessels (Hazard Mitigation)
Request: $200,000
House: $100,000
Senate: $200,000
Ocean Inlet Park Pedestrian Safety Improvements
Request: $125,000
House: $125,000
Senate: $0

LAKE WORTH LAGOON INITIATIVE

LW Lagoon Bathymetry Survey – PBC
Request: $110,000
House: $0
Senate: $0
North Lake Way Living Shoreline – Palm Beach
Request: $262,500
House: $262,500
Senate: $0
Septic-to-Sewer Conversion – Greenacres
Request: $795,000
House: $397,500
Senate: $0
Peanut Island and LW Lagoon Habitat Restoration – PBC
Request: $660,000
House: $330,000
Senate: $0
Septic-to-Sewer Conversion – Lake Park
Request: $500,000
House: $250,000
Senate: $0
Septic-to-Sewer Conversion – Manalapan
Request: $3,366,000
House: $0
Senate: $0
Westgate Water System Improvements – PBC
Request: $399,000
House: $0
Senate: $0

LOXAHATCHEE RIVER PRESERVATION INITIATIVE

Seminole Basin Water Quality Improvements – Jupiter
Request: $241,794
House: $241,794
Senate: $0
Lox River Invasive Exotic Plant Removal – SIRWCD
Request: $113,000
House: $113,000
Senate: $0

TUESDAY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Senate Rules

SB 50: Veterans Affairs - This amended bill by Senator Gaetz has passed its final committee. The bill repeals the exclusive authority of a state attorney to approve or deny admission of a defendant or offender into a veterans treatment court program. The bill gives the authority to the court or to a multidisciplinary team. The bill also gives a sentencing court the authority to place an offender into a post-adjudicatory veterans treatment court program if he or she was convicted of a misdemeanor or a nonviolent felony and if the offender otherwise meets the program requirements. Members asked no questions on the bill. Senator Wright praised the measure for its positive impact on veterans.

SB 290: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - This amended bill by Senator Truenow has passed its final committee and makes numerous changes. It limits local government authority in several respects, including prohibiting counties and municipalities from banning gasoline-powered farm or landscape equipment and restricting local policies on certain surplus lands. The bill requires state-level review of certain public lands to determine whether they are suitable for bona fide agricultural use and, in some cases, mandates rural-lands-protection easements. It also repeals or eliminates certain existing programs and groups, such as the Babcock Ranch Advisory Group, the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, and Florida’s participation in the Southern States Energy Compact.

The legislation also creates and modifies a variety of regulatory and support programs. It increases penalties and insurance requirements for fumigation providers, adds criminal penalties related to CDL exam fraud and the misuse of concealed weapon permit terminology, and prohibits signal jamming devices. It tightens biosolids regulations by limiting land application to Class AA biosolids, adds enforcement tools such as obstruction violations during inspections, and prevents renewal of noncompliant aquaculture registrations. Additionally, the bill establishes new initiatives, including the Florida Native Seed Research and Marketing Program, the Food Animal Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, and the Farmers Feeding Florida Program, while revising rules related to fairs, contractor payments, commercial solicitation, and emergency recovery loans for agricultural producers. Members inquired about how the bill handles contractor payment obligations, the surplusing of conservation lands, local restrictions on gas-powered equipment, and its effect on food availability; the debate focused on clarifying these points, removing disputed disparagement language, and sending the amended bill forward without opposition.

SB 706: Commercial Airports - This bill by Senator Mayfield was temporarily postponed. It is back on the agenda next week in Senate Rules.

SB 962: Affordable Housing - This bill by Senator Bradley was temporarily postponed. It is back on the agenda next week in Senate Rules.

Senate Judiciary

SB 218: Land Use Regulations - This amended bill by Senator Gaetz has passed its second committee. The bill narrows the scope of land-use restrictions previously enacted, which limited local governments’ ability to adopt moratoriums or more restrictive land-use regulations for three years following Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. Because all 67 counties were included in at least one of the federal disaster declarations, the restrictions effectively applied statewide.

The bill limits those restrictions to “impacted local governments,” defined as counties and municipalities that were not only listed in the relevant federal disaster declarations but also designated as eligible for both individual and public assistance. This change reduces the number of local governments subject to the temporary land-use regulation limits. No members asked any questions, and there was no debate on SB 218, with the only discussion being Senator Don Gaetz’s explanation before a vote to move the bill forward. It now advances to its final committee in Senate Rules.

SB 686: Agricultural Enclaves - This amended bill by Senator McClain revises current statute by replacing the current public hearing process for development within agricultural enclaves with a new certification and approval process. Landowners may apply to have property certified as an agricultural enclave, after which they may submit plans for single-family residential development consistent with adjacent land uses. Local governments may not impose regulations on certified enclaves that are more burdensome than those applied to comparable uses or densities.

The bill updates the definition of “agricultural enclave” to clarify that it may include one or more parcels, adds qualification criteria, and limits eligibility to counties with populations of 1.75 million or less. These provisions expire January 1, 2028, when the statute reverts to its prior language. No committee members posed questions, though the sponsor emphasized protecting property rights. After the committee adopted an amendment that authorizes certain agricultural enclaves located near interstate highways to be developed without requiring comprehensive plan amendments, they reported the bill favorably without debate.

SB 1134: Official Actions of Local Government - This amended bill by Senator Yarborough has passed its second committee and moves onto Senate Rules. The bill prohibits counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or taking official action related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), including establishing or staffing DEI offices or positions. It provides that local officials who violate these prohibitions commit misfeasance or malfeasance in office and allows residents to bring legal action against noncompliant local governments. Exceptions are included for actions required by general or federal law.

The bill also requires recipients of county or municipal contracts or grants to certify that they will not use local government funds to require DEI-related training or materials for employees, contractors, volunteers, vendors, or agents. Members extensively questioned the bill’s clarity and possible legal effects on local events, minority affairs, and lawsuits, with several fearing it could hamper local autonomy. Supporters argued it prevents misuse of taxpayer funds on DEI programs, while opponents warned of chilling effects and confusion for local governments.

SB 1138: Qualified Contractors - This amended bill by Senator Massullo requires local governments that issue building permits or plat approvals to establish a system of pre-approved private contractors who can conduct plan reviews, permit processing, and plat reviews. Applicants may use these contractors for pre-application review and certification, allowing local governments to approve applications without duplicating the review.

The bill also prohibits additional local requirements for final plat approval and revises the expedited permit process for preliminary plats by expanding it to planned unit developments, clarifying state preemption of stricter local rules, and outlining procedures when local governments fail to comply. No member posed questions, and Senator Massullo emphasized that it streamlines preapplication reviews and preserves local authority. The bill now advances to its final committee in Senate Rules.

SB 1434: Infill Redevelopment - This amended bill by Senator Calatayud creates the Infill Redevelopment Act to accelerate residential development on certain environmentally impacted parcels in large counties. It allows residential projects at up to the average density of adjacent areas or 25 units per acre and requires administrative approval of subdivisions, prohibiting local governments from reducing permitted density. The bill also requires a 20-foot buffer next to existing single-family homes or townhouses.

For properties with recreational facilities, it doubles impact fees if such facilities are replaced and gives adjacent property owners the first option to purchase the property before development. The bill broadly preempts local ordinances that would restrict or limit qualifying development. No member asked questions on the bill or its strike-all amendment, and the sponsor’s explanation of the proposal was followed by no debate. The committee approved the measure and the bill advances to its final committee in Senate Rules.

Senate Regulated Industries

SB 1234: Building Permits and Inspections -This amended bill by Senator DeCiglie streamlines building permit processes, expands private provider options, and limits local government permit requirements and fees. Single-family dwelling permits now expire after one year or upon the next edition of the Florida Building Code, and minor or temporary structures (such as certain walls and hurricane/flood protection barriers) are exempt from permitting. The bill requires electronic, standardized permit applications with checklists, faster processing times, and caps inspection fees at actual costs. Homeowners’ associations cannot require local permits before approving improvements on a parcel.

The bill significantly expands the use of private providers and authorized inspection professionals. Local jurisdictions may now employ private provider firms, licensed building inspectors, or equally qualified individuals with equivalent licensure or certification to perform plan reviews and inspections. It reduces fees, limits local government oversight of private providers, establishes a statewide registry of qualified providers, and streamlines notifications, corrective actions, and approval timelines, including expedited processing for projects in areas recently under a state of emergency. No members asked questions, and no one spoke in opposition to the bill which now advances to its final committee in Senate Rules.

SB 1260: Building Inspections During an Emergency - This amended bill by Senator DiCeglie has passed its first committee. It authorizes the Governor to allow qualified out-of-state building inspection professionals to assist in emergencies after completing specified training. It expands the Division of Emergency Management’s training programs for state and local officials and requires local jurisdictions to provide additional training on local amendments to the Florida Building Code.

During emergencies, the Governor may grant authority to qualified individuals from states with mutual aid agreements to perform building, electrical, plumbing, and plans-examiner inspections. The bill also establishes training programs and resources focused on post-storm permitting, faster recovery, and efficient debris removal at the local level. No questions were posed by committee members, and Senator Boyd praised the sponsor's efforts to address post-storm inspection delays. In debate, Senator DiCeglie stressed the importance of ensuring quick recovery for communities by making inspectors readily available during emergencies.

SB 1706: My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program - This bill by Senator Pizzo has passed its second committee and advances to its final committee in Senate Appropriations. It expands the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program statewide by removing the 15-mile coastal proximity requirement, while limiting eligibility to condominiums built before January 1, 2008, where at least 80% of occupied units are owned by households earning at or below 80% of the area median income. Grant funds must be used for mitigation improvements to the common elements of the property, with associations required to complete 100% of recommended opening protection measures from the final hurricane mitigation inspection report.

The bill also allows grants for water intrusion mitigation devices, even though they typically do not generate mitigation credits, while repealing the prior requirement that improvements yield credits or insurance rate reductions. Members thanked Senator Pizzo for addressing condo associations with many elderly residents living on fixed incomes. No substantive questions were posed, and the changes to eligibility criteria were endorsed.

Senate Transportation

SB 828: Sovereign Immunity for Public Transit Contractors - This amended bill by Senator Leek provides sovereign immunity protections to contractors providing public transit services under a contract with a state agency or subdivision. These protections apply when the contractor is acting within the scope of and pursuant to the contract’s guidelines or by rule. These protections apply to any employee or agent of such contractor. Members did not pose formal questions to the sponsor, but in debate, supporters argued that extending sovereign immunity to private transit contractors would reduce litigation expenses and help rural communities, while opponents warned of expanding government protections and limiting accountability. The bill passed 6-2 and advances to its second committee in Senate Judiciary.

SB 1274: Transportation - This amended bill by Senator DiCeglie has passes its first committee. The bill makes several updates to Florida’s transportation laws and programs. The bill requires the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to increase the minimum perception-reaction time for yellow traffic signals at intersections with traffic infraction detectors by 0.4 seconds. It also revises the definition of “micromobility device,” clarifies that license plates are not obscured if frames do not cover numbers or validation stickers, and allows counties and municipalities to set residential speed limits below 25 mph. Additionally, it permits automated license plate recognition systems on private property, with access to motor vehicle registration data under certain conditions and penalties for misuse.

The bill includes provisions for seaports near spaceports, requiring annual reports on space-related activities and setting conditions for converting space-use infrastructure to other purposes. FDOT is authorized to fully fund certain airport projects in rural areas, make direct payments to first-tier subcontractors under specific rules, and establish takeover agreements that ensure replacement contractors meet requirements. CS/SB 1274 also creates the Next-generation Traffic Signal Modernization Grant program, with an annual appropriation of $20 million to support upgrades to traffic signal systems statewide. Members’ questions centered on standardizing yellow light timing for red light cameras and whether AI-based signal changes might affect pedestrian wait times. The sponsor explained revisions to lower residential speed limits and clarified license plate rules, and no one spoke in opposition.

SB 1310: Railroad Safety - This amended bill by Senator Rodriguez requires the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to conduct a statewide study on the use of advanced detection and monitoring systems at public railroad-highway grade crossings. The bill sets legislative intent, defines key terms, outlines study requirements, and allows FDOT to consult with specified entities. FDOT must submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by December 1, 2026, and may incur costs to carry out the study. Members did not ask any questions about the strike-all amendment, which directs FDOT to study advanced detection and monitoring systems at public railroad crossings. Discussion was supportive with no voiced opposition and the bill advances to its second committee.

Senate Community Affairs

SB 848: Stormwater Treatment - This amended bill by Senator Truenow updates Florida’s water quality regulations by clarifying the legal responsibilities associated with Water Quality Enhancement Area (WQEA) credits. Under the bill, when a WQEA credit is used, the generator of the credit assumes responsibility for meeting applicable water quality treatment requirements, relieving the purchaser and user of that obligation. The bill also allows environmental resource permit (ERP) applicants to use compensating stormwater treatment as a mitigation measure when existing water quality conditions prevent compliance with standards, provided certain ownership or treatment criteria are met. Mitigation measures and enhancement credits can be generated by third parties and sold to ERP applicants only as authorized under WQEA law.

The bill authorizes entities to apply for provisional WQEA permits while the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) develops permanent rules and requires DEP and water management districts to allow the use of credits generated under these provisional permits if statutory requirements are met. Beginning July 1, 2026, the bill also requires public landowners to halt stormwater management activities on public lands for offsite compensatory treatment if DEP or a water management district determines the activity is contrary to the public interest, with operations allowed to resume once the activity is deemed acceptable. No questions were asked by committee members, and Senator Truenow briefly clarified the bill’s focus on creating legal certainty for stormwater treatment credits. The committee advanced the proposal unanimously with no debate or opposition and the bill moves to its final committee in Senate Rules.

SB 1566: Local Government Spending - This amended bill by Senator DiCeglie has passed its first committee. Titled the “Local Government Financial Transparency and Accountability Act,” enhances transparency and accountability for counties and municipalities. The bill requires local governments to reinvest certain utility revenues into operational improvements and mandates that tentative and final budgets, as well as budget amendments, be posted online in a publicly accessible, user-friendly format. It extends the posting periods for budgets, from 2 to 7 days for tentative budgets and from 2 days to 5 years for final budgets, and requires budget officers to identify potential reductions outside essential services before adoption.

The bill also prohibits local governments from spending funds on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including private vendor contracts, and requires termination of existing DEI contracts. Local governments must annually report compliance to the Chief Financial Officer starting September 1, 2026, and the CFO may impose fines for violations reported by any person. Members questioned cost burdens on small municipalities, the feasibility of utility revenue reinvestment, and whether the state should demonstrate similar transparency. The sponsor and supporters agreed to refine cost and reporting requirements while aiming to enhance local government financial accountability. Ultimately the committee voted in favor of the bill as amended.

House Judiciary

HB 105: Local Government Enforcement Actions - This amended bill by Representative Brackett creates a new, exclusive process for challenging “enforcement actions” taken by counties and municipalities. The bill prohibits local governments from initiating or threatening enforcement actions deemed by a court to be arbitrary, unreasonable, or not authorized by ordinance. It allows individuals subject to such actions to request a review and, in certain cases, challenge the action in court, with specified procedures and timelines.

The bill also provides whistleblower protections for individuals who disclose information in connection with these proceedings. It establishes that the law’s provisions are the sole authority for challenging arbitrary or unreasonable enforcement actions and voids any local ordinance, rule, or policy that conflicts with the bill. Members offered no questions and the bill unanimously passed its final committee.

HB 655: Pub. Meetings/Attorney Meetings to Discuss Private Property - This amended bill by Representative Duggan creates a public meeting exemption authorizing a state or local agency, or the chief administrative or executive officer thereof, to meet in private with the agency’s attorney during the 90-day notice period specified in the Bert Harris Act to discuss Bert Harris claims submitted in accordance with the Act. In order for such a private meeting to occur, certain conditions must be met to advise the public of the meeting’s occurrence and to create and preserve a record thereof for eventual disclosure.

However, any transcripts, recordings, minutes, and records generated during an exempt portion of such a meeting are exempt from public record requirements until the claim is settled or until the statute of limitations has expired. The bill specifies that the public meeting and public record exemptions created by the bill are subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2031, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through Legislative reenactment. No members asked questions about the measure, and the sponsor briefly explained that it authorizes local governments to hold attorney-client shade meetings regarding Bert Harris pre-suit property rights claims. No opposition was voiced, and the bill passed this final committee.

House State Affairs

HB 4071: Palm Beach County - This county local bill being carried by Representative Snyder has cleared its final committee stop with unanimous support and is ready for the House Floor. The bill revises the impacts of annexation within Palm Beach County to avoid adverse health and safety impacts to the citizens and visitors of the county. It provides a method to allow the Palm Beach County Fire/Rescue Municipal Service Taxing Units ("PBFire MSTU") to avoid adverse financial impacts associated with annexations within its boundaries, while at the same time not restricting municipalities' ability to annex. Members primarily questioned how projected annexations would affect fire and emergency services and whether municipalities were actively engaged in resolving their concerns.

HB 509: Code Inspector Body Cameras - This amended bill by Representative Partington requires counties and municipalities that allow code inspectors to wear body cameras to establish policies and procedures for their use, maintenance, and storage, and for the storage, retention, and release of audio and video data recorded by body cameras. The bill also requires counties and municipalities that permit code inspectors to wear body cameras to ensure personnel are properly trained, to retain audio and video data recorded by body cameras in accordance with public records requirements, and to perform periodic compliance reviews. No members posed any questions, and debate centered on the bill’s voluntary framework for local governments to use body-worn cameras for code inspectors, with minimum standards for training and policies. The bill passed unanimously and heads to the House Floor.

HB 589: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System Permits - This amended bill by Representative Nix prohibits a municipality or political subdivision from requiring an owner or builder of a single-family residence that requires the use of an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system (OSTDS) to receive a construction permit for the OSTDS before issuing a building or plumbing permit, as long as proof is provided that the OSTDS construction permit has been applied for. No members asked questions about the legislation. The sponsor explained that the bill shortens waiting periods for septic tank permits, and the amendment to reduce the timeline from 120 days to 90 days passed with no opposition. The bill is now ready for the House Floor.

HB 1139: Impact Fees - This amended bill by Representative Gentry has passed its final committee. It revises how impact fees are calculated and collected, requiring transportation impact fees to use a plan-based methodology and localized data when determining extraordinary circumstances. It limits the extension of certain interlocal agreements for mitigating transportation impacts entered into on or before October 1, 2024, to no later than October 1, 2031.

The bill also restricts local governments, school boards, and special districts from raising impact fees beyond phased-in limits or by more than 100% over four years. It provides for the payment of interest and attorney fees to prevailing petitioners in cases involving overpayment of impact fees. No members asked questions, and the sponsor highlighted how the bill clarifies plan-based methodology and sets limits on extraordinary circumstances for increasing impact fees.

House Ways and Means

HB 185: Sales Tax Exemption for Home Hardening Products - This amended bill by Representative Dunkley has passed its final committee. It establishes a two-year sales and use tax exemption for the purchase of qualifying home hardening products. The exemption is administered through a refund of taxes paid. Qualifying products are defined as impact resistant doors, garage doors, and windows installed on eligible residential properties. To qualify, purchases must be made between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2028, and a refund application must be submitted no later than September 30, 2028. No members asked questions, and Representative Eskamani expressed gratitude for the financial relief the bill would provide. The committee voted favorably, with no opposition.

HB 311: Tax Credits for Contributions to Assist Homebuyers - This amended bill by Representative Edmonds creates a new Homebuyer Workforce Tax Credit which can be applied against Corporate Income Tax or Insurance Premium Tax liability for contributions made by taxpayers to their own employees with income below specified limits to assist with the purchase of a homestead property. The tax credit program is capped at $5 million per year for three years. The bill provides additional administrative guidance, provides permanent and emergency rulemaking authority to the Department of Revenue, and makes conforming changes. No substantive questions were asked; Representative Hart-Lowman praised the bill’s down payment assistance component and indicated strong support, with the committee ultimately voting favorably.

WEDNESDAY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Senate Session

SB 52: Security Services at Places of Worship - This bill by Senator Gaetz has passed the Senate 39-0. The bill expressly provides that chapter 494, F.S., which regulates private investigative services, private security services, and repossession services, does not apply to volunteers who provide armed security services on the premises of a church, mosque, synagogue, or other place of worship.

SB 504: Code Inspector Body Cameras - This bill by Senator Burgess has passed the Senate 39-0. The bill requires governmental entities that allow code inspectors to use body cameras to establish policies for their proper use, maintenance, and data storage. The bill mandates training for personnel on these policies, retention of recordings under certain circumstances, and periodic reviews to ensure compliance. The bill defines a body camera as a portable device worn by a code inspector to record audio and video of their activities and encounters. It also clarifies that Florida’s laws on interception of communications do not apply to recordings made by code inspectors using body cameras.

SB 594: Local Housing Assistance Plans - This bill by Senator Burton has passed the Senate 39-0. It provides that a county’s or municipality’s local housing assistance plan under the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program must include a strategy for providing program funds to mobile home owners, including lot rental assistance. The bill specifies that lot rental assistance is considered home ownership activity for purposes of allocating program funds, while rehabilitation and emergency repairs for mobile homes is considered construction, rehabilitation, or emergency repair of affordable, eligible housing. The bill allows local governments to expend funds from their local housing distribution on lot rental assistance for mobile home owners not to exceed 6 months’ rent.

Senate Government Oversight & Accountability

SB 332: Public Meetings/Private Property Rights - This amended bill by Senator Bradley has passed its second Senate committee. It creates a public meetings exemption allowing government boards to meet privately to review claims made under the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Property Rights Protection Act. Currently, such meetings must be public, but the bill aligns them with how meetings about lawsuits and settlements are handled—closed during deliberation and open once the claim is resolved or expired, with transcripts then made public.

The Bert Harris Act allows landowners to seek compensation when government actions reduce property value, requiring a claim before filing a lawsuit. This bill is expected to have an indeterminate impact on state and local expenditures and requires a two-thirds legislative vote for final passage under the State Constitution. Members asked how the bill impacts closed-door discussions under Florida’s sunshine law and discussed the scope of the pre-suit period in Bert Harris property rights claims.

SB 576: Local Government Cyber Security - This amended bill by Senator Harrell has passed its first committee. It creates the Local Government Cybersecurity Protection Program, which will be administered by the Florida Digital Service (FLDS), to provide information technology (IT) commodities and services to local government participants to develop and enhance their cybersecurity risk management programs consistent with current statute, and to assist local governments with mitigation and defense against cybersecurity threats, including ransomware incidents. The FLDS may use federal grants to further the program. The program will be administered based on objective eligibility and evaluation criteria and will prioritize fiscally constrained counties. The bill requires the FLDS to enter into data-sharing agreements with local governments as necessary to facilitate the collection, analysis, and exchange of security-related information to support the detection, prevention, and response to cybersecurity incidents.

SB 830: Public Records/County Administrators and City Managers - This bill by Senator Leek creates a public records exemption for certain personal identifying and location information of current county administrators, deputy and assistant county administrators, city managers, and their deputies and assistants. Specifically, it exempts their home addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth from public records inspection and copying. It also protects the personal information of their spouses and children, including names, home addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, photographs, places of employment, and the names and locations of schools or day care facilities attended by their children. This bill now advances to its final committee in Senate Rules.

SB 984: Firefighter Cancer Benefits and Prevention - This amended bill by Senator DiCeglie expands eligibility for disability and death benefits for current and former firefighters diagnosed with cancer. It allows former firefighters to receive the existing $25,000 disability benefit for up to 10 years after leaving employment, regardless of whether they continue participation in an employer-sponsored health plan or group health insurance trust fund. The bill also removes the limitation that the payout applies only to an “initial” cancer diagnosis.

In addition, the bill makes the $75,000 firefighter cancer death benefit available for up to one year after employment ends, provided the firefighter met eligibility requirements at the time of separation and did not later work as a firefighter. The bill also eliminates a duplicative grant of rulemaking authority to the Division of State Fire Marshal.

SB 1612: Electronic Payments to Local Governments - This amended bill by Senator DiCeglie was presented in committee with a delete all amendment that aligns it with the House bill. The bill amends current statute to require all units of local government, including their departments and divisions, to accept electronic payments and provide mandatory online payment options for financial obligations owed to them. Specifically, local governments must accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic funds transfers, removing prior statutory language that made acceptance of these payment methods optional. The bill provides an exception where a specific form of payment is required by law. It also authorizes local governments to impose surcharges to cover service fees associated with electronic payments. Implementation may require technological upgrades and website maintenance. The act takes effect January 1, 2027.

House Session

HB 4035: Palm Beach County - This county local bill sponsored by Representative Edmonds has passed on the House Floor. It revises the Palm Beach County Construction Industry Licensing Board’s (Board) process for issuing certificates of competency by requiring applicants to pass the required examination before their application is reviewed by the Board. The bill requires applicants to submit preliminary paperwork to ensure certain requirements are met before the examination is scheduled.

HB 4033: Palm Beach County - This county local bill sponsored by Representative Gerwig revises the definitions of the terms “family day care home” and “large family child care home” in Palm Beach County by removing explicit references to the number of children that may receive services in family day care or large family child care homes. Instead, the bill provides that the number of children who receive services in family day care homes and large family child care homes may not exceed the number of children allowed to receive services in such settings as provided by general law and administrative rules adopted by the Department of Children and Families. The Department of Health licenses and regulates childcare and family childcare homes in Palm Beach County. 63 of the 67 counties in the state put these under the Department of Children and Families. Therefore, this will bring Palm Beach County into alignment and allow for more appropriate oversight and regulation.

HB 21: Pub. Rec./ Agency Employees - This amended bill by Representative Kendall has passed on the House Floor. It creates a public records exemption for certain identifying and location information of current and former agency employees, as well as their spouses and children, when held by the employing agency. It exempts employees’ home addresses, personal telephone numbers and email addresses, and dates of birth from public disclosure. The exemption also covers the same information for spouses and children, along with their names, places of employment, and the names and locations of schools and daycare facilities attended by the children. The protections apply to records held before, on, or after the effective date and do not limit other applicable public records exemptions. The public records exemption would cover all state and local government employees, including our county administrators and the Victim Advocates in the Public Safety Department.

HB 405: Commercial Construction Phases - This amended bill by Representative Griffitts was temporarily postponed on the House Floor. It makes provisions in public construction contracts which waive, release, or extinguish certain rights of the contractor void if the delay is due to the acts or omissions of the awarding body; directs the Florida Building Commission, by December 31, 2027, to adopt a uniform commercial building permit application to be used throughout the state; directs local enforcement agencies to reduce permit fees for plans review or building inspection services when an owner or contractor retains a private provider for those purposes; specifies how permit fees must be limited to actual and reasonable costs; and limits local government requirements for glazing on new or restoration commercial projects.

HB 881: Part-Mutuel Wagering - This amended bill by Representative Anderson has passed on the House Floor 77-34. The bill removes the live racing requirement for thoroughbred permitholders. A permitholder that chooses not to conduct live racing may retain its permit and continue to qualify as a pari-mutuel facility. If the permitholder has a slot machine license, the facility remains eligible for and may continue holding that license, and is exempt from certain purse, award, and slot machine gaming area requirements tied to live racing. The permitholder also remains eligible for a cardroom license and may serve as a guest track, though it is not required to do so. Members posed no substantive questions, but some spoke in favor of aligning thoroughbred racing with free-market principles while others warned of decoupling’s economic risks and job losses, especially for Florida’s horse industry.

House Civil Justice & Claims

HB 641: Gender Identity Employment Practices - This amended bill by Representative Plakon prohibits public employers, their employees, and contractors from requiring the use of preferred pronouns that do not align with a person’s sex and limits public employment forms to male and female designations. It protects employees from adverse personnel actions( such as discharge, suspension, or demotion) based on deeply held beliefs opposing gender ideology, whether expressed on or off the job. The bill also bars state-funded employers from mandating training or instruction on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, with violations subject to existing remedies under the Florida Civil Rights Act.

HB 1001: Official Actions of Local Governments - This amended bill by Representative Black is the house companion bill to SB 1134 by Senator Yarborough. It has now passed its second stop in the House. The bill prohibits counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or otherwise engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This includes barring local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances, policies, programs, or rules related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as from spending any funds on diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or officers. Members questioned whether data supported the bill sponsor’s claim that DEI is harmful and criticized how it might affect local events, while supporters argued it stops divisive spending and ensures fairness. Opponents said the bill removes protections for marginalized groups and imposes vague legal standards on local governments.

House Housing, Agriculture, and Tourism

HB 1389: Affordable Housing - This amended bill by Representative Redondo expands affordable housing by requiring local governments to allow developments on public property and mandates that multifamily and mixed-use projects include at least 40% affordable units for 30 years. It prevents local governments from lowering building heights or imposing stricter setbacks, and clarifies that farms are excluded from commercial and industrial use definitions.The bill also strengthens protections against discrimination in land use decisions based on financing or affordable housing plans and waives state sovereign immunity for causes of action related to housing discrimination. Chair Salzman briefly asked about the bill’s length, and Representative Redondo clarified its scope, with Representative Cross supporting but requesting restoration of tax abatement for accessory dwelling units. No other substantive questions arose, and the bill ultimately moved forward without opposition. The bill now advances to its second committee in House Intergovernmental Affairs.

THURSDAY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Senate Appropriations

SB 1366: Claims Against the Government - This amended bill by Senator Brodeur revises the state’s limited waiver of sovereign immunity statute, which allows certain tort claims against the state and its agencies while capping recoverable damages absent a legislative claim bill. The bill increases the statutory caps on liability from $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident to $300,000 per person and $450,000 per incident. Beginning July 1, 2031, and every five years thereafter, the Department of Financial Services must adjust these caps based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.

The bill also provides that the Legislature has sole discretion to determine attorney fees and costs payable from claim bill proceeds, and it revises certain statutes of limitation and pre-suit requirements for specified claims against government entities, including negligence, medical malpractice, wrongful death, contribution, and sexual battery involving victims under age 16. The changes apply to causes of action accruing on or after October 1, 2026.

Senate Fiscal Policy

SB 302: Nature-based Coastal Resiliency - This amended bill by Senator Garcia has passes its final committee stop. It establishes several initiatives to promote the use of nature-based methods to improve coastal resiliency. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to initiate rulemaking to create a statewide permitting process for nature-based solutions and to develop design guidelines and standards for green and hybrid green-gray infrastructure. It also directs DEP and local governments to promote public awareness and education on the benefits of these approaches.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the construction of structures for nature-based resiliency projects in all state preserves and allows dredging, filling of submerged lands, and the placement of living shorelines and seawalls in the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve for resiliency purposes. While the required rulemaking may have a negative fiscal impact on DEP, the costs are expected to be absorbed within existing resources.

SB 636: Beach Management - This amended bill by Senator Leek has passed its final committee. It revises criteria related to the designation of critically eroded beaches. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to consider data on beaches that have been repeatedly and preemptively repaired using private, local, state, or federal funds to prevent complete erosion. The bill also mandates that a beach be designated as critically eroded if the local government has a financial plan supporting inclusion in the state’s strategic beach management plan, a perpetual easement to maintain shoreline parcels and protect high-value inland development, and geological features that cause repeated inland flooding or structural damage.

The bill authorizes DEP to require coastal local governments to develop local strategic beach management plans and outlines required plan components. It also expands the types of areas eligible for designation as an area of critical state concern to include certain low-lying inland areas near dunes and beaches that have been repeatedly breached by seawater or subject to prolonged local emergency declarations.

Senate Finance and Tax

SB 118: Assessments Levied on Recreational Vehicle Parks - This amended bill by Senator Truenow has passed its second committee. The bill limits special assessments on recreational vehicle parks by prohibiting local governments from assessing more than 400 square feet per RV space or campsite. It also requires consideration of occupancy rates to ensure assessments are fairly apportioned among spaces receiving the benefit. The bill may reduce local government revenue from such assessments, applies beginning with the 2026 property tax roll, and takes effect upon becoming law.

SB 450: Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans -This amended bill by Senator Polsky has passed its first committee stop. It amends current statute to remove the limit on property tax exemptions that surviving spouses of certain totally and permanently disabled veterans, veterans who died in service, and first responders who died in the line of duty can transfer to a new homestead. Under the bill, surviving spouses may continue to receive a full exemption even if the taxable value of the new home exceeds that of their previous property, provided the home is their primary residence and they do not remarry.

The bill also allows eligible disabled veterans and the surviving spouses of qualifying veterans or first responders to receive the exemption from the date they first became eligible. The Revenue Estimating Conference estimates the bill will reduce local government property tax revenue by $0.2 million in Fiscal Year 2026-2027.

SB 1520: Affordable Housing and Property Tax Exemption - This bill by Senator Calatayud has passed its first committee. It revises the “Missing Middle” property tax exemption by tightening the opt-out provision. Taxing authorities must now confirm, based on Shimberg’s annual reports for the previous three years, that the number of affordable units in the metropolitan area exceeds the number of renter households earning 0–120% of AMI. The bill also allows projects with final site plan approval within one year before a taxing authority opts out to continue receiving the exemption annually, as long as the owner applies and qualifies.

Senate Appropriations on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

SB 1474: Biosolids Management - This amended bill by Senator Gaetz has passed its second committee. This bill prohibits the Department of Environmental Protection from issuing or renewing permits for land application sites that dispose of septage as Class B biosolids if a permitted wastewater treatment facility capable of higher-level septage treatment exists within 50 miles, is publicly owned or operated, and is operational with available capacity.

Senate Appropriations on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

SB 354: Blue Ribbon Projects - This amended bill by Senator McClain has passed its second committee. The bill creates a framework for “Blue Ribbon Projects,” large scale development projects which trade state preemption over local governments’ comprehensive planning and land use regulations in exchange for a certain amount of “reserve area.” Such projects must include at least 10,000 acres of land, with at least 60 percent reserved for uses such as environmental protection, agriculture, recreation, and utilities sites, while the remainder may be developed over 50 years into towns and cities regardless of underlying comprehensive planning and land use allocations. The bill provides the requirements under which a plan for such a project must be crafted and administratively approved by a local government. The bill also provides for an appeal procedure for a denied applicant or an individual impacted by an approval.

SB 1220: Transportation - This amended bill by Senator DiCeglie has passed its second Committee. The bill makes broad changes to Florida transportation policy. It updates SUNTrail project prioritization and materials, strengthens planning requirements for seaports and airports, and directs FDOT to improve aviation efficiency, supply chain resilience, and maritime industry development. The bill expands FDOT’s authority over research, federal funding coordination, airport ownership, LiDAR mapping, advanced air mobility, and promotional activities.

It also increases the share of certain turnpike toll revenues reinvested in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. The bill authorizes personal delivery devices in certain areas, protects drone delivery services from local land use restrictions, repeals digital driver license provisions, and creates new criminal penalties for damaging or shooting into autonomous vehicles. It also requires FDOT to study the impact of alternative fuel vehicles on transportation revenues and appropriates $300,000 for the study. Members primarily questioned FDOT’s role in helping local governments secure federal funds, voicing concerns it might become a veto power rather than a collaborative tool. The sponsor clarified the intent was to streamline compliance, indicated willingness to refine the language.

House Criminal Justice

HB 269: Victims of Domestic Violence and Dating Violence - This amended bill by Representative Gossett-Seidman has passed its first committee. It requires the Division of Telecommunications within the Department of Management Services to study the feasibility of a web-based 911 alert system for victims of domestic and dating violence. The system would allow victims to use a discreet phone number and code phrase to request emergency assistance and transmit key information to law enforcement. The study results must be submitted to legislative leaders by January 31, 2027. The bill also expands the Attorney General’s Address Confidentiality Program to include victims of dating violence, allowing them to use a substitute address with government agencies and keep their personal information confidential from publicly accessible voter registration records. Members focused on whether the technology provided an immediate pass to 9-1-1 and how it would function, with Representative Gottlieb asking for details about the “pass through” process. Representative López, speaking as a survivor, strongly supported the measure as a means to enhance current 9-1-1 emergency responses for victims of domestic and dating violence.

House Industry & Professional Activities

HB 1109: Building Inspections During an Emergency - This amended bill by Representative Cross has passed its first committee. The bill authorizes the Department of Management Services to enter into and maintain state term contracts with multiple vendors for the purpose of performing building code inspection services and debris removal services for the purposes of recovery following a natural disaster that is subject to a state of emergency declared by the Governor. The bill authorizes a person that is qualified for work in any state that has entered into a state term contract or a mutual aid agreement, or who has held a valid license in any state for the five years immediately preceding the date of the declaration, to act in certain positions for up to one year after the declaration of a state of emergency for a natural emergency. Members asked no questions. Representative Ensign praised the bill as a “great asset” for expediting rebuilding after disasters, and Representative Overdorf said it would speed up inspections and insurance settlements; no opposition was voiced.

House Intergovernmental Affairs

HB 837: Affordable Housing - This amended bill by Representative Busatta has passed its second committee. The bill exempts farms and farm operations from the Live Local Act. The bill amends the Live Local Act to provide that farms or farm operations, as defined in the Florida Right to Farm Act, or uses associated with farming, including the packaging and sale of products raised on the premises, are not considered commercial, industrial, or mixed uses. Accordingly, counties and municipalities are not required to authorize multifamily and mixed-use residential uses for an area if the area is also a farm or farm operation, or utilized for uses associated therewith. The bill removes “meat packing facilities, citrus processing and packing facilities, and produce processing and packing facilities” as industrial uses under the Live Local Act. Members did not pose any questions and offered no formal debate regarding the bill.

HB 1089: Waste Facilities - This amended bill by Representative Bartleman has passed its second committee. The bill prohibits the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or a local government from issuing a construction permit for a new solid waste disposal facility that uses an ash-producing incinerator or for a waste-to energy facility if the proposed location is within one mile of certain impoundment areas authorized by Congress.1 Such impoundment areas are those with an effective interior storage of at least 100 acres for purposes of capturing, storing, and distributing surface water, improving hydroperiods and hydro patterns in any water conservation area, increasing spatial extent of wetlands, benefiting any federally listed threatened and endangered species, flood mitigation, or groundwater recharge.

The provisions of the bill do not apply to any canals and any construction, current operation, or modification to structures or operations that exist as of July 1, 2026. The bill’s provisions also do not apply to any parcel located in a county with a population of less than 1.7 million according to the United States 2020 decennial census. No members asked questions about HB 1089, but Representatives Daley, Gantt, and Harris spoke in strong support, citing the sponsor’s tenacity and the importance of protecting the Everglades. They applauded the bill’s environmental focus and urged unanimous approval, which it received.

HB 1103: Local Administration of Vessel Restrictions -This amended bill by Representative Andrade has passed its second committee. The bill authorizes counties and municipalities to administer, in coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and subject to certain requirements, provisions of law concerning vessels at-risk of becoming derelict, long-term anchoring permits, and derelict vessels. It expands local authority over vessel restrictions and adjusts anchoring and boating-restricted area rules and authorizes local ordinances empowering code enforcement officers to address derelict vessels, long-term anchoring permits, and related enforcement procedures, subject to Commission approval.

HB 1169: Enforcement of the Florida Building Code - This amended bill by Representative Tramont has passed its first committee. The bill provides that a local government is ineligible to receive state funds through a local funding initiative request if it has been subject to a legislative committee audit within the previous year regarding its use of excess funds for enforcing the Florida Building Code, or if it fails to submit an affirmation confirming that it is no longer subject to such a state audit. Members debated the bill’s narrower approach under the JLAC to deny new funding to local governments audited for building fund misuse. Representative Gantt questioned notice and timing, while Vice Chair Griffitts praised the accountability aspect and the bill sponsor stressed ensuring proper fund usage.

HB 1217: Prohibited Governmental Policies Regulated Greenhouse Gases - This amened bill by Representative has passed its second committee. provides a legislative finding that net zero policies, carbon taxes and assessments, and carbon emission trading programs are detrimental to the energy security and economic interest of the state; establishes certain prohibitions on a governmental entity adopting, implementing, using government funds to support, or imposing any tax or assessment to advance such policies; and defines terms related to such prohibitions. Members questioned whether preempting local net zero policies was premature without data, while supporters argued it preserves affordability and a uniform policy framework. Opponents countered that prohibiting local green measures stifles innovation and could deny communities potential cost-effective solutions.

HB 1251: Expenditure of Public Funds by Local Governments - This bill by Representative Shoaf has passed its first committee. The bill prohibits local governments from expending public funds to hire a lobbyist for representation before the legislative or executive branch. The bill also requires the Commission on Ethics (Commission) to investigate complaints related to the provisions in the bill and report its findings. Members questioned whether local governments could hire contract lobbyists using taxpayer dollars, and the sponsor clarified that the bill prohibits doing so while still allowing in-house lobbyists. Debate centered on limiting local governments’ ability to advocate for themselves versus reducing taxpayer-funded influence.

HB 1297: Beach Management - This amended bill by Representative Greco has passed its second committee. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to review certain information when designating critically eroded beaches and requires beaches meeting certain criteria to be designated as critically eroded. The bill authorizes DEP to require coastal local governments to develop local strategic beach management plans and specifies what must be included in such plans. The bill also authorizes these local strategic beach management plans to be incorporated into the state strategic beach management plan. The bill includes coastal inland areas meeting certain requirements to the areas that may be designated as an area of critical state concern. Members primarily asked whether the bill’s new pathway for designating critically eroded beaches would simplify or complicate the process of obtaining easements and participating in renourishment projects, and the sponsor emphasized that it provides an additional, clearer route for local governments.

HB 1143: Local Government Land Development Regulations and Orders - This amended bill by Representative Nix has passed its first committee. It creates the Florida Starter Homes Act, limiting local governments’ ability to restrict the development of residential properties with four or fewer units, particularly those connected to public water or sewer systems. It restricts certain local development regulations, caps parking requirements at one space per unit for smaller lots, prohibits parking mandates near public transit stops, and requires equal treatment of off-site constructed homes and site-built homes.

The bill also requires local governments to establish a lot-split process and provides expedited review timelines for development applications, permits, orders, and plats. Additionally, the bill revises provisions related to manufactured homes, specifying that homes placed on lots within recreational vehicle parks are not taxed as mobile homes and are not required to contribute to the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Fund. Members asked about off-site constructed dwellings, lot splits, and whether local governments can impose additional regulations, while also debating affordability, infrastructure, and local flexibility.

House State Administration Budget

HB 1221: Department of Financial Services - This amended bill by Representative LaMarca has passed its second committee. The bill makes comprehensive reforms to programs and statutes administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services. It revises eligibility, mitigation standards, and procedures for the My Florida Safe Home Program; authorizes DFS to procure insurance contracts, restructure council operations, and enter multiyear software agreements; extends certain claims and payment deadlines; and updates licensing requirements, disqualification standards, enforcement penalties, background checks, and license transfer processes.

The bill renames the Florida Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act as the “Abandoned Personal Property Act,” replaces all references to “unclaimed” with “abandoned” property, and requires funds to be deposited immediately into the trust fund. It retains the $15 million set-aside for claim payments and administrative expenses, with remaining funds continuing to be deposited into the State School Fund, and clarifies definitions, holder responsibilities, notice and reporting requirements, dormancy triggers, claimant procedures, and state transparency obligations.

Additionally, the bill revises financial processes, including renaming the Florida Accounting Information Resource Subsystem as the Financial Management Subsystem; requires lost or destroyed CFO warrants to be replaced rather than duplicated; eliminates the semimonthly salary payment option; mandates agencies pay overdue interest from available or alternate appropriations; removes outdated chart-of-accounts provisions; directs public records requests to agencies rather than subsystem owners; and updates references to object codes, voucher numbers, and removes trust fund “FLAIR” references. Representative Chaney asked how the bill streamlines the My Safe Florida Home program and whether financial guidelines were expanded or contracted, and the sponsor agreed to follow up on specifics. The measure was reported favorably as amended.

HB 1329: Local Government Spending - This amended bill by Representative Benarroch has passed its second committee. The bill enhances transparency and accountability in local government budgeting. It requires counties and municipalities to post their budgets online in a standardized, easily viewable format and to conduct an annual budget-cutting exercise, identifying specific reductions and publishing the results on their websites.

The bill also revises the duration that counties, municipalities, and special districts must maintain certain budget information online and requires counties to provide at least seven days’ public notice before holding a hearing on a proposed budget amendment. Members raised questions about a requirement for public notices, emphasized cost concerns – especially for smaller municipalities – and explored flexible solutions through existing state websites. Debate centered around support for extending budget posting timelines for transparency reasons, while some voiced concerns and reservations pending further refinements from the sponsor before the next committee stop. The bill was reported favorably.

House Transportation & Economic Development Budget

HB 1093: Advanced Air Mobility - This amended bill by Representatives Spencer and Alvarez has passed its third committee. The bill supports the growth of Florida’s advanced air mobility industry by promoting the development and regulation of vertiports, facilities designed for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It authorizes the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to provide funding for vertiports and directs the agency to adopt a model siting code to guide their development.

The bill also provides sovereign immunity protections for operators of vertiports located at public airports and establishes state preemption over certain aspects of vertiport regulation to ensure consistent statewide standards. Additionally, it requires FDOT to create demonstration corridors to support testing and implementation of advanced air mobility operations. Members posed no substantive questions, and discussion centered on the sponsor’s explanation of how the amended bill focuses on infrastructure and funding, with Representative LaMarca showing strong support. No opposition was voiced, and the committee voted in favor.

House Natural Resources and Disasters

HB 1173: Boating-restricted Areas - This amended bill by Representative Sirois has passed its first committee. The bill expands the authority of local governments to improve boating safety by allowing municipalities and counties to establish extended boating-restricted areas. Specifically, it permits local regulation of vessel speed and operation within 300 feet—and up to 1,000 feet when necessary—around waterway confluences that create blind corners or other hazardous conditions.

The measure requires uniform waterway markers to clearly identify these expanded restricted zones and updates existing statutory provisions to incorporate this new local ordinance option while preserving statewide oversight. Final approval of such regulations remains subject to review by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which must base its decisions on substantial evidence. Members raised questions about whether the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s approval would remain part of local changes and acknowledged the need for further refinement, while generally supporting the bill’s focus on boating safety and shoreline concerns.

HB 1457: Stormwater Treatment - This amended bill by Representatives Gozalez-Pittman and Overdorf has passed its first committee and moves to its final committee. The bill revises stormwater management laws as they apply to certain seaports and regional treatment systems. It prohibits seaports that are not specifically listed in statute from relying on regional stormwater systems or purchasing enhancement credits to meet “net improvement” requirements. The bill also defines new terms—such as “compensating stormwater treatment,” “enhancement credit,” and “pollutant reduction allocation”—to clarify how alternative compliance mechanisms may be used.

In addition, the measure requires documented financial assurances to ensure the long-term viability of regional stormwater management systems. It authorizes eligible applicants to purchase pollutant reduction allocations to satisfy permitting standards and establishes a provisional permitting process for water quality enhancement areas while final rules are being developed. Members focused on whether the bill’s references to regulatory definitions and the shift of stormwater responsibility from purchasers to credit generators were sufficiently clarified, along with concerns about excluding potential new seaports from off-site treatment options. Supporters viewed it as a practical way to address stricter water quality standards.

HB 669: Public Waters - This amended bill by Representative Gossett-Seidman has passed its first committee. The bill prohibits counties, municipalities, and special districts from applying to establish or maintain a mooring field outside of its territorial boundaries. The bill also prohibits counties from applying to establish or maintain mooring fields within an incorporated area. The bill provides its provisions do not apply to a mooring field that has been approved by all jurisdictional local governments or that has been issued a final, non-appealable permit by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Members asked about the impetus for mooring field restrictions, highlighting Southeastern Florida’s experiences with storms, environmental damage, and unsafe anchoring practices. The sponsor and supporters emphasized the need for consistent regulation, marine patrol oversight, and environmental protection, noting no explicit opposition yet acknowledging potential concerns from boating associations.

House Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget

HB 1417: Department of Environmental Protection - This amended bill by Representative LaMarca has passed its second committee. The bill makes broad revisions to laws governing the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). It repeals the Environmental Regulation Commission and updates provisions related to onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems. The bill also modifies requirements for basin management action plans (BMAPs), including adding a 60-day waiting period before an approved BMAP becomes effective, and extends the due date for annual operating permits for major sources of air pollution.

In addition, the measure requires DEP to develop Best Management Practices for the construction of solar facilities and grants the agency exclusive authority to carry out coastal resiliency projects through public-private partnerships. Finally, it ratifies certain DEP rules addressing minimum flows and levels and recovery strategies for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and Priority Springs. Members questioned recurring septic inspections, clarified disclosure requirements for property transfers, and asked about local government involvement in resiliency efforts. While some praised the streamlined approach and advanced on-site treatment systems, others worried about rolling back safeguards for springs and sought further review.