Palm Beach County State Legislative Update

Week of January 13

Governor DeSantis Calls Special Session to Address Immigration, Housing, and Other Issues

Governor Ron DeSantis issued the call for a special legislative session beginning January 27, 2025, to tackle urgent state matters, including immigration reform, condominium affordability, the My Safe Florida Home Program, agricultural disaster relief, and changes to Florida’s citizen initiative process. The Governor argues that these issues demand immediate attention and cannot wait for the regular legislative session in March.

The centerpiece of DeSantis’s agenda is immigration reform, which he claims is critical in preparation for the incoming Trump administration’s aggressive deportation policies. At a news conference in Polk County, DeSantis outlined specific proposals, including creating a state immigration officer position, empowering local officials to detain and deport undocumented immigrants, and requiring full cooperation with federal deportation efforts. He also called for the repeal of a 2014 law allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at Florida colleges and proposed making illegal entry into the country a state crime. Additionally, DeSantis wants to expand the definition of “gang-related activities” under Florida law to include undocumented immigrants.

Other priorities for the session include addressing rising costs for condominium repairs and assessments, which have become burdensome for many residents. Additionally, DeSantis seeks to replenish the "My Safe Florida Home" program to provide financial incentives for homeowners to make hurricane-resistant upgrades, enhancing the state's resilience against natural disasters. The session will also consider relief measures for Florida's agricultural industry, which suffered significant damage from natural disasters in 2024. Lastly, the Governor has called for reforms to the citizen initiative process, citing concerns about fraud in the previous election cycle.

Despite the urgency expressed by the Governor, legislative leaders have voiced skepticism about the need for a special session so close to the regular session. Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez criticized the timing and initially questioned the lack of specific proposals. They argue that acting without clear federal guidance, especially on immigration, could be irresponsible and potentially hinder the success of forthcoming federal policies. In response, DeSantis accused lawmakers of neglecting campaign promises and downplaying what he described as a crisis in illegal immigration. “This is the time to act,” DeSantis stated, emphasizing that delay could undermine both state and federal efforts. President-elect Donald Trump has publicly expressed support for Governor DeSantis's decision to convene a special legislative session focused on immigration reform via a post on social media.

As January 27 approaches, the stage is set for debates between the Governor and legislative leaders over the scope and necessity of the proposed measures. The outcome will determine how Florida addresses these pressing issues in the coming months.

DeSantis Appoints AG Ashley Moody to Fill Rubio’s Senate Seat

Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Attorney General Ashley Moody to the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Marco Rubio, who is leaving to serve as President-elect Donald Trump’s secretary of state. Moody will hold the position until a 2026 special election determines who will complete Rubio’s term.

Moody, the only Florida Cabinet member to endorse DeSantis over Trump during the 2024 Republican primary, pledged her full support for Trump’s agenda in Washington. As Florida's attorney general, Moody has been a staunch opponent of the Biden administration, pursuing legal challenges on issues including immigration, COVID-19 policies, and student loan forgiveness.



Moody’s move to the Senate leaves DeSantis responsible for appointing a new attorney general. The Governor is also tasked with selecting a chief financial officer to replace Jimmy Patronis, who is stepping down on March 31 to pursue a congressional bid following Rep. Matt Gaetz’s resignation from Florida's 1st Congressional District.

DeSantis Signals Chief of Staff James Uthmeier as Likely Successor to AG Moody

Governor Ron DeSantis has indicated that his chief of staff, James Uthmeier, is his preferred choice to replace Attorney General Ashley Moody, who was recently appointed to the U.S. Senate. DeSantis stated the appointment would not be official until Moody’s position becomes vacant.



If Uthmeier steps into the role of attorney general, the Governor will need to name a new chief of staff. Possible replacements include Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly, Health Care Administration Secretary Jason Weida, Communications Director Taryn Fenske, Deputy Chief of Staff Anastasios Kamoutsas, and conservative lawyer David Dewhirst, according to reports from Florida Politics.

DeSantis Signals Possible Update to Florida’s Public Sleeping Ban

Governor Ron DeSantis suggested potential revisions to Florida’s ban on public sleeping, following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that may allow stricter enforcement. The Court’s 6-3 decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson upheld local restrictions on public sleeping and encampments, prompting DeSantis to consider strengthening Florida’s existing law, HB 1365.

Passed last year, HB 1365 prohibits sleeping in public spaces such as parks and sidewalks but permits local governments to establish regulated campsites with essential services, including restrooms, running water, and security. Municipalities failing to enforce the ban could face civil lawsuits.

DeSantis hinted that the Legislature could now tighten the law, stating, “The Supreme Court ruling has probably cleared the way for us to be a little stronger.” Legislative action may be on the horizon if state leaders decide to revisit the issue this session.

Florida Legislature Hosts Committee Meetings

This week, the Florida Legislature convened for a series of committee meetings, focusing on presentations from cabinet members, state agency leaders, staff, and professional associations. While no legislation was debated, lawmakers gathered valuable insights on a variety of pressing issues. Below is a summary of the key topics discussed.

Affordable Housing

Florida’s push for affordable housing, bolstered by 2023’s Live Local Act (SB 102), has made strides but continues to grapple with supply and demand issues, according to state officials who spoke to the Senate Community Affairs Committee this week. Marisa Button, Director of Multifamily Programs at the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, highlighted initiatives like the $150 million State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) program and the Hometown Heroes program, which have expanded housing options for working-class families.

However, affordability remains a pressing concern for 1.4 million Floridians spending half their income on housing. A report by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) revealed that housing cost burdens are especially high in counties like Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Osceola, and others, with many residents spending over 40% of their income on rent or mortgages.

Programs like the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and the Sadowski Fund have been praised for their positive impact, but lawmakers acknowledged that addressing regional housing disparities and increasing supply will be essential to meeting the state’s long-term affordability goals.

Property Insurance

Florida's property insurance market is showing signs of stabilization, according to top insurance officials, but many consumers are still frustrated by high costs and industry practices. During a House Insurance and Banking subcommittee meeting, Michael Yaworsky, head of the state Office of Insurance Regulation, and Tim Cerio, CEO of Citizens Property Insurance, shared positive developments, including the entry of nine new insurance companies into the market and a significant reduction in rate increases. Average rate hikes have dropped from nearly 30% two years ago to under 1% now.

Cerio also credited recent regulatory changes with helping Florida avoid a broad assessment on insurance policies that can be charged when there's not enough to cover damages after Hurricane Milton, which could have impacted policyholders. However, lawmakers voiced concerns that many residents are still struggling with insurance costs and practices. 

Preemption

The House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met this week to hold a panel discussion on home rule powers and the preemption of local governments by the state. The panel highlighted the ongoing debate over the balance between local home rule authority and state-level preemption, especially regarding the impact on businesses, communities, and worker protections. Panelists included representatives from various organizations including the League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Association of Builders and Contractors of Florida.

Ginger Delegal of the Florida Association of Counties highlighted that local taxes should remain in control of elected officials at the local level and emphasized that Florida's diverse counties are all impacted differently by "one-size-fits-all" governance. She noted that nearly 375 pre-emption bills have been proposed over the last decade, with a significant increase in recent years.

Representing the business perspective, Carolyn Johnson from the Florida Chamber of Commerce discussed how businesses, especially those operating across multiple counties, require consistency in local governance. She argued that preemption can streamline processes but should not undermine local control.

Palm Beach County Day 2025

Save the date for Palm Beach County Day 2025! Join us in Tallahassee on Tuesday, March 4 and Wednesday, March 5 to advocate for our community.