|
Dear Friends,
The fourth week of the 2025 Legislative Session was both productive and inspiring as we continue to address important issues that will shape Florida's future. This week was filled with meaningful engagements, from presenting impactful legislation to connecting with community leaders and organizations.
I had the honor of presenting HB 973: Special Districts, a bill that will streamline the management of certain special districts and improve their efficiency. I also attended events like the Florida Holocaust Memorial Unveiling and Israel Day at the Capitol, which emphasized the importance of history, education, and support for our global allies. Additionally, I had the opportunity to meet with Fire Chief Jeff Lee and the St. Lucie County Fire Department and joined local small businesses at Hillsborough County’s Small Business Day to discuss how we can continue to support their growth.
As we move forward, I remain focused on advocating for policies that benefit our state and ensuring that Florida remains a leader in progress and prosperity. Thank you for your continued support!
| | Follow Toby on Social Media | | Speaking at the Capital Young Republicans Reception was a truly enjoyable experience! It was a privilege to join Senator Jay Collins, RPOF Chair Evan Power, and Florida YR Chair Brandon Ludwig in discussing the future of conservative leadership in Florida. Connecting with young professionals eager to make an impact on our state's future is always inspiring! | | It was a pleasure to meet with Florida Youth SHINE, a youth-led group dedicated to amplifying the voices of current and former foster youth. Hearing their stories and discussing ways to improve the foster care system left a lasting impact. Their commitment to driving positive change and ensuring every child in Florida receives the support they need to succeed is truly admirable! | | I had the privilege of meeting with the Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities to discuss key issues impacting our communities. Collaboration between state and local leaders is crucial for addressing challenges and advancing policies that foster economic growth, improve infrastructure, and strengthen local governance. Looking forward to continuing these important conversations! | | Meeting with Dr. Wilhelmina Lewis, CEO of Florida Community Health Centers, was a valuable opportunity to discuss the vital role community health providers play in delivering accessible, quality care to Floridians. Her dedication to enhancing healthcare services across the state is truly inspiring, and there is great enthusiasm for supporting initiatives that will further improve our healthcare system! | | The Treasure Coast Builders Association visited this week, and I had the privilege of meeting with them and receiving an award of appreciation for our efforts in supporting the building and construction sector. Their dedication to responsible development, workforce expansion, and maintaining industry standards is crucial for Florida's future. I'm excited to continue collaborating with such a committed organization! | | Attending the Florida Holocaust Memorial Unveiling at the State Capitol was an honor, where Governor DeSantis spoke about the importance of remembering history and standing against hatred. This memorial stands as a powerful tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to promote tolerance, education, and human rights. | | It was great to attend the Open Press Conference for Israel Day at the Capitol. Standing alongside so many dedicated individuals in support of Israel and its enduring relationship with Florida was truly meaningful. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended this important event. | | I recently had the opportunity to meet with Fire Chief Jeff Lee and the St. Lucie County Fire Department. It was wonderful to talk about key issues and the ongoing dedication of our first responders to keeping our community safe and healthy. I truly appreciate their hard work and commitment! | | County days are always a favorite of mine, and this week, we had Hillsborough County's Small Business Day. It was great to connect with local business owners and check out the different tents and displays that highlighted the amazing talent and creativity in the community. Supporting small businesses is essential for our economy, and I'm proud to support these dedicated entrepreneurs! | | I was proud to present HB 973: Special Districts, a bill aimed at enhancing the management of special districts in our state. This legislation eliminates specific soil and water conservation districts, shifting their assets and responsibilities to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). It also offers liability protections for independent special districts that provide public access to recreational lands or water areas, safeguarding both property owners and the districts. Furthermore, the bill revises the qualifications for district supervisors and improves the oversight of soil and water conservation districts. This is a significant move towards more effective and responsible management of our state's resources! | | |
This week, I had the privilege of presenting HB 921 - Required Instruction in Cursive Writing on the House floor. After an in-depth discussion, the bill passed successfully, guaranteeing that cursive writing will continue to be an important aspect of Florida's education system. This is a significant achievement in maintaining a vital skill for students throughout the state.
It is rewarding to see this legislation progress, and I appreciate the backing it has garnered from my fellow lawmakers. Now, we are ready to move on to the next phases of the legislative process!
| | The Workforce Day Press Conference was very enjoyable! It was a privilege to listen to leaders as they discussed significant initiatives focused on enhancing workforce development within our community. Prioritizing the enhancement of job opportunities for local residents remains a key objective. | |
This week, I also introduced HB 1339 - Assessment of Property Used for Residential Purposes, a bill designed to assist homeowners by ensuring that enhancements made to boost a property's wind resistance are excluded from its value assessment. This legislation seeks to offer financial relief to homeowners who enhance their properties to withstand hurricanes and severe weather. By shielding homeowners from increased property taxes resulting from these vital improvements, we are promoting long-term safety and stability for families in Florida.
| | Attending STEM Day at the Capitol was a wonderful experience! The future of Florida looks promising with the upcoming generation of STEM leaders. | | We are one step closer to making Florida DOGE a reality with my bill HB 433: Administrative Procedures. The Budget Committee advanced this legislation that would require agencies to review all existing rules within five years and issue a report to the legislature. With this bill we are seizing a once in a generation chance to slash the bloated administration state. This isn't just an update, it's a wake up call. As we applaud federal DOGE efforts to rein in decades long government waste, we're forcing agencies to ditch obsolete rules and run smarter, faster, cheaper, and stronger. Follow this bill as it now is headed to the State Affairs Committee, its final stop before the House floor! | | My Legislation for the 2025 Legislative Session: | | |
Curious about what bills I’m running this legislative session? Click here to follow along!
HB 433 - Administrative Procedures (Now in State Affairs Committee)
- Government Operations Subcommittee
- Budget Committee
- State Affairs Committee
- Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee
- Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee
- Commerce Committee
- Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee
- Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee
- Budget Committee
- Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
- Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee
- Judiciary Committee
HB 919 - Nursing Education Programs (Now in Health & Human Services Committee)
- Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee
- Careers & Workforce Subcommittee
- Health & Human Services Committee
HB 921 - Required Instruction in Cursive Writing (03/27/25 S In Messages)
- Student Academic Success Subcommittee
- Education & Employment Committee
HB 973 - Special Districts (Now in Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee)
- Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee
- Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee
- State Affairs Committee
HB 1237 - Human Trafficking Awareness (Now in Education Administration Subcommittee)
- Education Administration Subcommittee
- Education & Employment Committee
- Ways & Means Committee
- Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee
- State Affairs Committee
- Criminal Justice Subcommittee
- Judiciary Committee
| | |
The next several weeks will be very busy for me and my team as the legislative session progresses, but we are excited about all that we will accomplish for our state and district. Thank you for your continued support and faith in my leadership in Tallahassee! I look forward to sharing with you again soon.
Sincerely,
Rep. Toby Overdorf
| | Follow Toby on Social Media | | | | |
