Rotunda Report Week 3

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Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Below is a high-level update on the five most significant bills and issues that occurred during the 2023 Florida Legislative session’s third week, March 20-24.

Tort Reform Signed by Governor

HB 837 was passed by the Senate and was presented and signed by Governor DeSantis today. The bill will limit lawsuits against insurance companies and businesses by changing the comparative negligence standards for jury verdicts, cutting the statute of limitations for injury cases in half, and eliminating one-way attorney fees and fee multipliers for all lines of insurance. The bill is effective upon becoming law.

Budget Begins to Take Shape

The Senate released SB 2500, its proposed budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The budget totals $113.7 billion and is scheduled to be considered next week in the Senate Appropriations Committee. The House has also released its proposed budget, APC 23-01, totaling $113 billion. It has not yet been placed on the House Appropriations Committee agenda.

Live Local Act

SB 102 was passed by the full House today and will head to the Governor's desk for his signature. The bill aims to boost current and new affordable workforce housing projects in the state through increased state funding and new property tax incentives. The bill would also prevent local governments from enacting rent controls.

Permitless Carry Ready for Full House

The House is expected to debate and vote on HB 543 today. The bill would allow people to carry concealed weapons in Florida without a permit. The bill also includes measures meant to improve school safety by requiring local law enforcement to develop assailant response plans and for schools to form threat assessment teams. The Senate companion, SB 150, is awaiting consideration by the full Senate.

House Condo Bill Moving

HB 1395, the House’s bill that amends last year’s Surfside legislation, was reported favorably by the House Regulatory Reform and Economic Development Subcommittee. The bill makes changes to the "milestone" inspection process created last year for condominium buildings three floors or higher. It would also allow certain building code inspectors, administrators and general contractors to do the initial visual inspections on buildings if an architect or engineer is not available. The bill also requires milestone inspections on all condominiums that are at least 25 years old unless a local government requires one to be done sooner or grants an extension. SB 154, the Senate companion, is ready for consideration by the full Senate.

I would be happy to speak with you regarding issues this session that could impact your business. For more information, please contact me.

Warmly,

Our Government Affairs practice group closely monitors both the legislative and executive branches to keep our clients well-informed of emerging legislative and regulatory developments. By regularly analyzing and tracking the progress of significant legislation and agency actions that will impact our clients, we are able to protect their interests and provide them with critical insights into avoiding regulatory obstacles. Additionally, we proactively advocate for clients’ positions, enabling them to take advantage of new opportunities. Our representation is ongoing, advising clients before, during and after changes occur. We are committed to relentlessly championing for our clients to ensure they are well-represented before the Florida legislature, executive agencies, and local governments year-round. For more information on our Government Affairs group, please visit our website.