Dear Friends,

Week 6 of the 2025 Legislative Session has been a powerful reminder of why I’m here: to lead, to serve, and to deliver real results for our community.

This week, I proudly presented several key pieces of legislation — including HB 1339: Assessment of Property Used for Residential Purposes, which I’m championing to bring greater fairness and transparency to residential property tax assessments, and HB 973: Special Districts, which focuses on enhancing the accountability and efficiency of Florida’s special districts. By streamlining reporting requirements and strengthening oversight, this bill will ensure these entities serve the public more effectively and transparently.

I also had the opportunity to connect with Miami-Dade County leaders during their annual Day at the Capitol, and to celebrate the remarkable legacy and future of Florida A&M University at FAMU Day. These moments continue to inspire my work and fuel my commitment to representing the full strength, diversity, and resilience of our state.

I’m proud of the progress we’re making, and I’m more determined than ever to keep pushing forward on behalf of all Floridians.

Thank you for your continued support — we’re just getting started.

Follow Toby on Social Media

It's always exciting to be mentioned in an edition of Sunburn: The Morning Read of What’s Hot in Florida Politics, featuring key highlights and updates from across the state. My work has already been recognized for passing HM 517: Foreign Polluters last year, which urges Congress to hold foreign polluters accountable. I'm a founding member of the Florida First Resilience and Energy Alliance and we highlighted a new report published by the Climate Leadership Council, confirming that the United States is the global leader in carbon-efficient manufacturing. I remain committed to carbon-efficient manufacturing and all available solutions that will keep us as the leader in clean energy, clean water, and a long-term future for our state and nation.

Read the article here:

https://floridapolitics.com/archives/730731-sunburn-the-morning-read-of-whats-hot-in-florida-politics-4-9-25/

Please watch as I engage in an important discussion on child care legislation during a recent committee meeting. I applaud Rep. Fiona McFarland's efforts to first identify barriers and then find ways to create access for children, while maintaining safety.

These conversations are critical to shaping policies that support Florida’s families and ensure access to quality child care services.

This week on the floor, we discussed two crucial pieces of legislation: HB 5001: the General Appropriations Act, and SB 2500: the Appropriations Bill. These bills outline the state’s budget and prioritize funding for essential services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety. As we work through these discussions, my focus remains on ensuring that our budget supports Florida’s growth and addresses the needs of every community. I’m committed to advocating for a budget that invests in a strong, thriving future for all Floridians.

I had the privilege of presenting CS/HB: 1339 Assessment of Property Used for Residential Purposes. This bill is designed to clarify the property tax assessment process for residential properties. Unfortunately, sometimes homeowners are penalized if they strengthen their homes against risk of wind damage. By making improvements, they get hit with a higher assessment and a bigger tax bill. We shouldn't be doing anything that will disincentivize Florida homeowners from making our state more resilient.

Ultimately, this legislation ensures fairness and consistency in how residential properties are evaluated, helping both homeowners and local governments maintain transparency and accountability.

It was a pleasure to welcome local leaders, advocates, and constituents from Miami-Dade County during their annual Day at the Capitol. Events like this highlight the diversity and vibrancy of our state, and I appreciated the opportunity to discuss important issues and priorities impacting their communities.

Every week we are spending some time in full session, which is always an opportunity to debate, amend, and vote on legislation that shapes the future of our great state. I remain committed to advancing policies that serve our communities and reflect the voices of the constituents we represent. It is truly an honor to play this role for District 85.

This week, I had the privilege of presenting HB 973: Special Districts which aims to enhance the accountability and efficiency of Florida’s special districts. By streamlining reporting requirements and strengthening oversight, this legislation will ensure these entities better serve the public. We must require all public entities in Florida to function with transparency and efficiency.

I had a great time at FAMU Day at the Capitol, celebrating the incredible work and achievements of Florida A&M University. It was inspiring to connect with students, faculty, and alumni who are making a real difference in our community. Supporting higher education and creating opportunities for students is always a top priority, and I’m excited to continue advocating for our universities and the bright futures they help create!

With Will Armstead (Chief Executive Officer) and Sean Mitchell (Vice President of Government and Community Affairs) of the Boys & Girls Club of Saint Lucie County

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

HB 843 - Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Trust Funds

(Added to Second Reading Calendar)

• Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee
• Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee
• Budget Committee

HB 893 - Construction Liens and Bonds

(First Reading)

• 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

(04/02/25 S Received)

• Student Academic Success Subcommittee
• Education & Employment Committee

HB 973 - Special Districts

(Now in State Affairs Committee)

• Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee
• Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee
• State Affairs Committee

HB 1237 - Human Trafficking Awareness

(Added to Second Reading Calendar)

• Education Administration Subcommittee
• Education & Employment Committee

HB 1339 - Assessment of Property Used for Residential Purposes

(Now in State Affairs Committee)

• Ways & Means Committee
• Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee
• State Affairs Committee

HB 6013 - Bump-fire Stocks

(First Reading)

• Criminal Justice Subcommittee
• Judiciary Committee

Thank you for believing in the work we’re doing together. Your support means the world — and it’s what makes all of this possible. I’m honored to serve, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Sincerely,

Rep. Toby Overdorf

Follow Toby on Social Media