Palm Beach County State Legislative Update

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Week of February 16th

UPDATES FROM THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Florida Reaches #1 in Workforce Education

On Tuesday, February 17th, in recognition of Career and Technical Education (CTE) month, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s achievement as the number one state in the nation for workforce education fulfilling Executive Order 19-31 five years ahead of the 2030 goal. This milestone reflects Governor DeSantis’ more than $12 billion commitment to workforce education and builds on Florida’s broader record of excellence, including top rankings in higher education, talent attraction, and education freedom. These accomplishments position Florida as the national leader in preparing a skilled, future-ready workforce through historic investments and industry-driven programs.

Read the full CTE Month Proclamation here.

UPDATES FROM THE LEGISLATURE

Property Tax and Budget Update

This week the House passed HJR 203, sponsored by Rep Miller, which was amended on the floor to eliminate homesteaded property taxes.

Speaker Daniel Perez anticipates that budget conferencing may begin on Week 8 of Session but also stated the House will not be pushed by artificial deadlines. He also said that the "days ahead will decide if we will be here another three weeks or another three months". See Speaker Perez's full remarks here.

The day before Speaker Perez's remarks, Senate Budget Chair Hooper stated in a press availability that the Senate will come out with a property tax proposal soon that includes either a dollar increase in the exemption or a percentage increase. The topic could be addressed either in Regular Session or in an extended Special Session. Chair Hooper also said that the Senate budget includes funds to backfill revenue for fiscally constrained counties and expressed that a complete elimination of property taxes was off the table.

Budget Conference Committee Assignments

Senate
House

MONDAY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

House Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee

HB 5501: Documentary Stamp Tax Distribution - This proposed committee bill conforms Florida Statutes to the House of Representatives’ proposed General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Specifically, the bill changes the distribution of documentary stamp tax collections currently deposited in the General Revenue Fund. The bill amends current statute, redirecting a portion of documentary stamp tax proceeds from the General Revenue Fund and deposits those revenues in the State Transportation Trust Fund for the Florida Rail Enterprise.

HB 5503: Trust Funds/Re-creation/Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund/EOG - This proposed committee bill conforms law to the House of Representatives’ proposed General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Specifically, the bill re-creates the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund within the Executive Office of the Governor. Currently, the fund is to be terminated on February 17, 2026.

House Justice Budget

HB 0277: Domestic Violence and Protective Injunctions - This amended bill by Representative Tendrich has passed its second committee. The bill strengthens Florida’s domestic violence laws by increasing penalties and expanding court authority in both criminal cases and protective injunctions. It authorizes enhanced penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders and allows courts to impose electronic monitoring on defendants convicted of domestic violence, requiring such monitoring when certain findings are made. Courts may also order electronic monitoring for respondents who violate injunctions related to domestic, repeat, dating, or sexual violence, and must do so in specified circumstances.

In addition, the bill broadens the factors judges may consider when issuing domestic violence injunctions, including threats to kill or harm a family pet and the existence of a military protective order. It requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to enter dating and sexual violence injunctions into a statewide database, mandates that law enforcement report violations of military protective orders to the issuing agency, and increases available relocation assistance for victims of domestic violence. Members questioned the logistics, including electronic monitoring costs and oversight, while broadly supporting the bill’s enhanced protections and increased relocation assistance for victims of domestic violence. With no opposition voiced, the bill was reported favorably.

House Budget

HB 657: Community Associations - This amended bill by Representative Porras has passed its third committee stop. The bill updates Florida law governing homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and condominium associations (COAs). It requires new associations to include “Kaufman” language in their governing documents, making them subject to current and future community association laws, and requires existing associations to vote on whether to adopt such language. The bill also establishes a process for terminating HOAs under a compliant plan of termination and clarifies that a dissolved HOA’s governing documents become void and unenforceable.

Additionally, the bill imposes a duty of loyalty on HOA directors, officers, and committee members and defines conflicts of interest. It eliminates presuit mediation requirements for community association disputes, authorizes circuit courts to create specialized community association court programs funded through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and defines “financial statements” under the HOA Act. Members inquired whether new judgeships could be created and limited to HOA disputes, and the sponsor clarified that specialty courts are permissible with judges able to hear other cases as well. Debate strongly supported increasing HOA oversight to address misuse of power, and no members voiced opposition.

HB 5001: Appropriations - The House Budget Committee passed the House General Appropriations Act which provides moneys for the annual period beginning July 1, 2026, & ending June 30, 2027, & supplemental appropriations for period ending June 30, 2026, to pay salaries & other expenses, capital outlay—buildings & other improvements, & for other specified purposes of various agencies of state government.

TUESDAY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Senate Rules

SB 110: Homestead Exemptions - This amended bill by Senator Arrington has passed its final committee. It amends current statute to provide that lessees owning the leasehold interest in a bona fide lease of 98 years or more in a homesteaded residential parcel or a condominium parcel have legal or beneficial and equitable title to said property for homestead exemption purposes, even if the lease contains a provision that terminates the leasehold interest upon the death of the lessees. No members asked questions or voiced opposition; the sponsor described the bill as a clarifying measure for 98-year or longer residential leases, and the committee voted in favor with no further debate.

SB 260: Removal, Storage, and Cleanup of Electric Vehicles - This amended bill by Senator Burgess has p[assed its final committee. It requires counties, and authorizes municipalities, to establish a daily administration fee for the proper storage of electric vehicles which have been involved in a crash that results in visible damage to the batteries or battery compartment, or when the batteries or battery compartment have been submerged, for any length of time, in salt water, and until the appropriate local agency has inspected and verifies that the damaged battery is safe and not in danger of starting a fire. The daily administration fee for the storage of electric vehicles may be up to three times the maximum standard storage rates already established by counties and municipalities.

SB 422: Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcasts - This amended bill by Senator Wright has passed its final committee. It prohibits airports from using data obtained from automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) systems to calculate, generate, or collect fees from certain aircraft owners or operators. The restriction applies to fees based on departures or landings which includes touch-and-go landings or on an aircraft’s entry into an airport’s airspace. The prohibition is limited to aircraft weighing 12,499 pounds or less that operate under the Federal Aviation Administration’s general operating and flight rules. No members asked questions; commentary was limited to the sponsor’s introduction of the bill. Without any debate in favor or in opposition, the bill was reported favorably.

SB 434: Assessment of Property Used for Residential Purposes - This bill by Senator Leek has passed its final committee. The bill prohibits increasing the assessed value of residential property based on improvements made to enhance wind resistance. It defines qualifying improvements and excludes any resulting increase in just value from being considered in property tax assessments. The changes apply to wind-resistance improvements made on or after January 1, 2027. No members posed questions, and no debate in opposition occurred.

SB 484: Data Centers - This amended bill by Senator Avila has passed its final committee. SB 484 updates Florida law governing large-scale data centers and other large electricity users. It prohibits government agencies from entering into nondisclosure agreements that prevent public disclosure of information about proposed data center developments and preserves local governments’ authority over comprehensive planning and land development regulation for large load customers. The bill also clarifies that large load customers are not considered electric substations under state law and provides definitions for key terms, including “large load customer,” “data center,” “large-scale data center,” and “foreign country of concern.”

The bill directs the Public Service Commission to establish minimum tariff requirements to ensure large load customers pay their full cost of service, reduce the risk of nonpayment, and prevent utilities from serving certain foreign entities. It prohibits public utilities from knowingly serving large load facilities owned or controlled by foreign countries of concern. Additionally, the bill creates specific consumptive use permitting requirements for large-scale data centers, allows regulators to require partial use of reclaimed water, and treats permit modifications for such facilities as new applications. Members asked how local governments can control data center siting, whether ratepayers would be shielded from cost hikes, and if nondisclosure agreements harm transparency. In debate, senators emphasized that the bill reaffirms local zoning authority and protects the public from bearing construction or utility costs.

SB 546: Conservation Lands - This amended bill by Senator Mayfield has passed its final committee. It requires the Division of State Lands (division) within the Department of Environmental Protection and water management districts to provide 30 days’ notice before any meeting to review the proposed sale or exchange of conservation lands. The bill requires the notice to contain certain information, such as the parcels proposed for sale or exchange, the portions of lands which will be preserved in a permanent conservation easement, a statement explaining why the lands are no longer needed for conservation purposes or how the exchange will result in a conservation benefit to the state, and any applicable recommendations. The bill also provides that, for exchanges involving state-owned lands, each parcel proposed for exchange must have at least one appraisal that follows board-approved appraisal criteria, techniques, and methods. No questions were asked, and Senator Harrell praised the bill for enhancing transparency on conservation land disposals before final decisions are made.

SB 706: Commercial Service Airports - This amended bill by Senator Mayfield has cleared its final committee. The bill preempts to the state the naming of major commercial service airports, which are defined as commercial service airports classified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as large or medium hub airports. The bill codifies in law the names of Florida’s seven major commercial service airports. The only name being changed from its current name is “Palm Beach International Airport,” which the bill renames as the “Donald J. Trump International Airport.” Senators Berman and Osgood raised concerns about naming an airport after a sitting president, referencing potential trademark and royalty issues and divisive rhetoric, while Senator Jones criticized a recent offensive post and introduced a failed amendment to prevent royalties. Sponsor Senator Mayfield emphasized no licensing costs would be imposed and highlighted the president’s achievements, ultimately securing enough votes for the bill’s passage.

SB 840: Land Use Regulations for Local Governments Affected by Natural Disasters - This bill by Senator DiCeglie has passed its final committee. It revises provisions enacted in SB 180 (2025) that limit local governments’ ability to change land use regulations following hurricanes. While SB 180 broadly prohibited certain counties and municipalities near a hurricane’s track from adopting development moratoriums or more restrictive land use regulations for one year after landfall, SB 840 narrows the geographic scope of those restrictions and clarifies when such measures may or may not be enforced. For example, it allows moratoriums addressing stormwater or flood management, potable water supply, or sanitary sewer systems, but prohibits procedural changes designed to delay development review after a storm.

The bill also clarifies that the restrictions do not apply to regulations adopted for areas of critical state concern or to comply with state or federal law. As revised, the restrictions related to federally declared disasters for Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton will expire on June 30, 2026, rather than June 30, 2028.

SB 848: Stormwater Treatment - This amended bill by Senator Truenow has passed its final committee. It revises Florida’s stormwater and water quality mitigation framework. It provides that when a water quality enhancement area (WQEA) credit is used, legal responsibility for meeting regulatory water quality treatment requirements shifts from the purchaser to the credit generator. The bill also allows environmental resource permit (ERP) applicants to use compensating stormwater treatment when existing ambient water quality prevents compliance, and requires applicants for regional stormwater management systems to demonstrate financial responsibility and include drainage area maps. Applicants within such systems may purchase pollution reduction allocations to meet performance standards, though the term “credits” is reserved for WQEA enhancement credits.

The bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt WQEA rules by October 1, 2026, and in the interim to issue provisional permits if applicants provide reasonable assurance of compliance. Credits issued under provisional permits remain valid even after rule adoption. Finally, the bill restricts certain non-local governmental regional stormwater systems and WQEAs from providing treatment, net water quality improvements, or enhancement credits for specified port activities that contribute to stormwater pollution at certain seaports.

SB 856: Disclosure of Estimated Ad Valorem Taxes - This amended bill by Senator DiCeglie has passed its final committee. It requires online residential real estate listing platforms—excluding certain social media platforms—to display estimated property taxes for listed properties. The estimate may not rely on the current owner’s tax information and must be calculated using one of two methods: the property’s listing price and current millage rates under a Department of Revenue (DOR) formula, or the listing price and countywide average millage rates developed by the DOR. The bill provides that no liability or cause of action arises from an inaccurate tax estimate displayed on a platform.

The bill directs the DOR to develop the required calculation formula and countywide average millage rates. County property appraisers must supply the DOR with the data necessary to create and maintain these estimates. Members questioned potential inaccuracies and were assured by Senator DiCeglie that the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act provides consumer protection, then expressed overall support for increased transparency in tax disclosures, with no opposition voiced.

SB 962: Affordable Housing - This amended bill by Senator Bradley provides that for the purposes of the Live Local Act, passed during the 2023 Regular Session, farms or farm operations, including the packaging and sale of those products raised on the premises, are excluded from the definitions of commercial, industrial, or mixed use zoning which would require the local government to approve certain affordable housing developments. Members had no questions, and no one spoke in opposition.

SB 1014: Provision of Municipal Utility Service to Owners Outside the Municipality - This amended bill by Senator Mayfield has passed its final committee. It prohibits municipal water and wastewater utilities from declining to extend water or wastewater service to a property outside of the corresponding municipality’s corporate limits solely based on the owner of such property’s refusal to allow the property to be annexed by the municipality. In addition, the bill creates a procedure and requirements to determine when such utilities must extend service to a customer outside the municipality’s corporate limits. Members asked whether the amendments resolved Florida League of Cities’ concerns, if municipalities at water capacity could decline service, and how surcharges and prior annexation contracts would be handled. The sponsor noted some issues remain unresolved but emphasized that allowing connections where capacity exists will reduce future septic-to-sewer conversions.

SB 1134: Official Actions of Local Governments - This amended bill by Senator Yarborough prohibits counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), including creating or staffing DEI offices. Officials who violate these prohibitions may be charged with misfeasance or malfeasance, and residents may bring actions against local governments that fail to comply. The bill does not restrict actions required to comply with general or federal law and includes specific exceptions.

The bill also requires recipients of county or municipal contracts or grants to certify that they will not use local funds to mandate DEI-related training or materials for employees, contractors, or volunteers. Its provisions apply to DEI officer contracts existing as of January 1, 2027, and to all other relevant contracts executed or renewed after that date. Members questioned whether the bill would undermine local autonomy, restrict events like Pride festivals, and disrupt equity programs, while supporters argued it promotes fairness and merit-based decisions by barring divisive taxpayer-funded initiatives. Some senators criticized the measure’s vagueness, potential legal conflicts, and overreach, while others focused on ensuring neutral standards for local government actions.

SB 1682: Local Administration of Vessel Restrictions - This amended bill by Senator Trumbull has passed its final committee. It allows counties and municipalities to administer laws related to vessels at risk of becoming derelict, long-term anchoring permits, and derelict vessels within their jurisdictions. Local governments choosing to participate must adopt ordinances and coordinate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Designated code enforcement officers may determine at-risk or derelict vessel status and cite long-term anchoring permit violations, though their findings are administrative, not criminal, and they may not perform actions reserved for law enforcement. Local governments must follow state law and FWC rules before issuing citations or taking corrective action.

The bill clarifies that local enforcement does not prevent law enforcement from conducting parallel investigations or prosecutions. It also authorizes the FWC to adopt rules to implement these provisions and revises Monroe County’s anchoring exemption for vessels used as domiciles, reducing the threshold for public mooring availability from 100 to 60 new moorings within one mile of the Key West Bight City Dock. No members asked any questions on the measure. The sponsor, Senator Jay Trumbull, described how it provides local governments with tools to manage derelict and long-term anchored vessels, and with no debate or opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably.

SB 1724: Utility Services - This amended bill by Senator Martin updates requirements for municipal utilities that provide water, wastewater, natural gas, or electric services outside their corporate boundaries. The bill requires new service agreements to be in writing and subject to public input through meetings in both the municipalities and unincorporated areas served, with annual customer meetings thereafter.

The bill also eliminates the previously authorized 25% surcharge for served areas, reduces the allowable rate differential from 50% to 25% above municipal rates, and requires rate parity for certain water and wastewater services. Additionally, municipal utilities providing services outside their boundaries must report results to the Public Service Commission, which will compile the data for the Governor and legislative leaders. Senator Davis asked about the Florida League of Cities’ opposition, and Senator Martin explained it stemmed from restricting higher out-of-city utility charges. Senator Berman questioned potential conflicts with a similar bill, prompting Martin to confirm collaboration with Senator Mayfield to avoid inconsistencies.

House Session

HB 0441: Conservation Lands - This amended bill by Representative Kendall has officially passed unanimously on the House Floor. It increases notice and transparency when the state or water management districts are considering selling or exchanging state or district-owned conservation lands by creating specific statutory notice requirements when such actions are being formally considered. The bill requires at least 30 days’ notice before formal consideration and requires publication of certain information related to the proposed sale and exchange, including the parcels involved and why such lands are no longer needed for conservation purposes or how the proposed land exchange will result in a conservation benefit, as applicable. The bill also requires that when state-owned land is being considered in a land exchange, at least one appraisal must occur.

HB 0919: Commercial Service Airports - This amended bill by Representative Weinberger has officially passed 81-30 on the House Floor. The bill preempts to the state the naming of major commercial service airports, which are defined as commercial service airports classified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as large or medium hub airports. The bill codifies in law the names of Florida’s seven major commercial service airports. The only name being changed from its current name is “Palm Beach International Airport,” which the bill renames as the “Donald J. Trump International Airport.”

HB 243: Electric Bicycles - This amended bill by Representative Benarroch has officially passed on the House Floor. The bill creates a nine-member Electric Bicycle (e-bike) Safety Task Force, adjunct to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), that is required to submit a report by October 1, 2026, to the Legislature and the Governor that recommends improvements to state law and the regulatory framework governing e-bikes. Additionally, the bill creates an e-bike crash data collection and reporting process that requires local law enforcement agencies and Florida Highway Patrol to collect and submit specified information related to crashes involving e-bikes to DHSMV, from which DHSMV is required to create a summary report. Lastly, the bill specifies requirements for the operation of e-bikes on certain areas or pathways and provides that those who violate such requirements commit a noncriminal traffic infraction.

HB 39: Assessments Levied on Recreational Vehicle Parks - This bill by Representative Nix was Temporarily Postponed on the Floor but has been placed on the calendar again and is currently on Second Reading. The bill changes the way special assessments may be levied on recreational vehicle parks by specifying that the assessment cannot be levied against the portion of the campsite or space that exceeds the specified square footage of a recreational vehicle-type unit and requires local governments to consider occupancy rates when determining the assessment to ensure fair and equitable apportionment.

HB 103: Local Business Taxes - This amended bill by Representative Botana has officially passed 82-26 on the House Floor. The bill repeals current statute, removing the authority for local governments to levy a local business tax; however, certain local business taxes may continue to be levied notwithstanding the repeal of Chapter 205. The bill allows for the continued levy of a tax on merchants measured by the gross receipts from the sale of merchandise, services, or both that is collected by certain municipalities. The bill also allows for the continued levy of an additional business tax up to 50 percent of the county business tax rate collected. The bill provides that a county may continue to levy the additional business tax only if it levied the tax under current law on January 1, 2026. Proceeds from the additional business tax must continue to be placed in a separate account and distributed to the entity designated by the governing body of the county, as of January 1, 2026, to oversee and implement a comprehensive economic development strategy. A county authorized to levy this additional business tax may choose to repeal the tax by ordinance at any time; however, the authority to levy the additional business tax expires once the tax is repealed.

House State Affairs

HB 253: Veterans Dental Care Grant Program - This amended bill by Representative Edmonds has passed its final committee. The bill expands eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program within the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) by providing expressed statutory authorization for the program to provide services to veterans with incomes of up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Current law does not establish an explicit income limitation for the program; however, FDVA has limited eligibility to veterans with incomes of up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level by rule.

HB 691: Agricultural Enclaves - This amended bill by Representative Botana has passed its final committee. The bill repeals the existing procedure allowing the owner of an agricultural enclave to apply for an amendment to a local government’s comprehensive plan and replaces it with a new public hearing and review process that allows for development of the parcel without a comprehensive plan amendment. The revised process generally applies to development plans for single-family residential housing on the parcel that are consistent with the land use requirements, or future land use designations, including uses, density, and intensity, of one or more adjacent parcels or an adjacent development. No substantive member questions arose, and debate centered on supporters’ desire to streamline local approvals and expand landowner rights, while opponents worried about preempting local authority and increasing urban sprawl.

HB 1019: Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - This amended bill by Representative Conerly has passed its final committee. The bill, designated the Joe Casello Act, phases out the use of PFAS-based firefighting foam, known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), while establishing reporting and disposal requirements. It bans nonemergency use and sale of AFFF, requires entities to submit disposal plans and inventories to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and allows limited exceptions for airports, military needs, mutual-aid emergencies, and certain retrofit projects. The DEP is directed to adopt rules for containment, collection, and disposal, maintain a registry of foam alternatives, and provide technical assistance and grants to support the transition away from PFAS-based foams. Civil penalties and injunctive relief are authorized for violations.

The bill also amends existing law to require certain public entities disposing of wastewater biosolids and treated effluent to conduct quarterly PFAS sampling. Until formal standards are adopted, the sampling results are for informational purposes only, helping monitor PFAS levels and guide future regulatory actions.

HB 1035: Nature-based Coastal Resiliency - This amended bill by Representative Mooney has passed its final committee. The bill promotes the use of nature-based methods to enhance coastal resiliency. It directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop design guidelines and standards for green or hybrid green-gray infrastructure and requires DEP and local governments to raise public awareness about the benefits of nature-based solutions. It also authorizes the construction of structures for these solutions in all state preserves and permits dredging, filling, and placement of living shorelines and seawalls in the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve for coastal resiliency purposes. No members asked questions. The sponsor described the bill’s goal to strengthen coastal resiliency through nature-based solutions, and the committee reported it favorably with no voiced opposition.

WEDNESDAY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Senate Appropriations

SB 2500: Appropriations - The Senate Appropriations Committee passed their General Appropriations Act which provides moneys for the annual period beginning July 1, 2026, & ending June 30, 2027, & supplemental appropriations for period ending June 30, 2026, to pay salaries & other expenses, capital outlay—buildings & other improvements, & for other specified purposes of various agencies of state government.

SB 482: Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights - This amended bill by Senator Leek has passed its final committee. The bill creates the “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” to provide that Floridians are entitled to certain rights with respect to the use of artificial intelligence. The bill provides definitions and defines “artificial intelligence” to mean an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from the input it receives how to generate outputs that influence physical or virtual environments. Members questioned how the amended bill’s AI disclosure rules would affect small businesses, raised feasibility concerns over age verification measures, and urged ongoing legislative review given AI’s rapid evolution. Supporters praised the bill’s guardrails to protect children but called for stronger parental oversight and potential age limits in classrooms.

SB 984: Firefighter Cancer Benefits and Prevention - This amended bill by Senator DiCeglie has passed its final committee. amends eligibility requirements for disability and death benefits available to current and former firefighters after a cancer diagnosis. Current law provides, as a disability benefit resulting from a cancer diagnosis, a $25,000 one-time payout. The bill expands the eligibility for this payout to include a former firefighter for up to 10 years after terminating employment, regardless of whether the firefighter elects to continue coverage in an employer-sponsored health plan or group health insurance trust fund. Additionally, the payout will no longer expressly be limited to a current or former firefighter’s “initial” diagnosis.

The bill also requires that the payment of the $75,000 firefighter cancer death benefit to a firefighter’s beneficiary be made available for one year after employment, provided the former firefighter otherwise met the criteria at the time of termination of employment and was not subsequently employed as a firefighter. Members questioned the one-year limit on the firefighter death benefit and asked about cost implications, with the sponsor remaining open to extending that timeframe once data is available. Several senators and firefighters voiced concerns about cancer extending well beyond one year, emphasizing the need for additional consideration of long-term coverage

SB 1706: My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program - This amended bill by Senator Pizzo has passed its final committee. 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 primarily asked whether the 80% owner-occupied threshold would exclude snowbirds, as well as how funding shortfalls and income limits might affect eligibility. While concerns were raised about excluding some condominiums, the bill moved forward with support for prioritizing lower-income residents who most need assistance.

Senate Fiscal Policy

SB 1230: Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - This amended bill by Senator Harrell has passed its final committee. The bill, designated the Joe Casello Act, phases out the use of PFAS-based firefighting foam, known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), while establishing reporting and disposal requirements. It bans nonemergency use and sale of AFFF, requires entities to submit disposal plans and inventories to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and allows limited exceptions for airports, military needs, mutual-aid emergencies, and certain retrofit projects. The DEP is directed to adopt rules for containment, collection, and disposal, maintain a registry of foam alternatives, and provide technical assistance and grants to support the transition away from PFAS-based foams. Civil penalties and injunctive relief are authorized for violations.

Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriation

SB 682: Violent Criminal Offenses - This amended bill by Senator Calatayud has passed its second committee. SB 682, cited as the “Domestic Emergency and Batterers Reform and Accountability Act,” amends and creates several sections of law to address domestic violence. It strengthens current domestic violence laws by defining key terms and expanding protections for victims. It clarifies the meaning of “electronic monitoring” and “military protective order” and creates enhanced penalties for individuals convicted of domestic violence a second time or more. It authorizes or in some cases requires that courts to impose electronic monitoring on offenders under specified conditions and increases relocation assistance for victims, raising the amounts from $1,500 to $2,500 and from $3,000 to $5,000 to better support those affected by domestic violence. Members had no questions about the substitute delete-all amendment, and the sponsor briefly explained its stricter penalties, electronic monitoring requirements, and additional protections for domestic violence victims. No opposition was raised by committee members and the bill was reported favorably.

SB 1072: Antisemitism Task Force - This bill by Senator Calatayud has passed its second committee. The bill creates the Antisemitism Task Force (Task Force) for the express purpose of combating antisemitism in Florida. To this end, the Task Force has a range of responsibilities, including providing assistance, conducting studies and assessments, and engaging with local Jewish communities. The Task Force must annually “submit a report and policy recommendations” to the Governor and legislative leaders. The Task Force is composed of 18 members serving two-year terms and is adjunct to the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Legal Affairs. The Department of Legal Affairs will provide administrative and staff support to the Task Force. It will be automatically repealed on October 2, 2029, unless reviewed and saved by the Legislature. Members questioned whether the bill’s definition of antisemitism could limit criticism of Israel, with the sponsor affirming only threats or intimidation would be penalized. Debate largely supported addressing antisemitism and promoting broader conversations on combating hate, while acknowledging the importance of preserving free speech.

Senate Appropriations on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

SB 1614: Florida Building Code - This amended bill by Senator Leek has passed its second committee. The bill provides that a local government is not eligible to receive state funds through a local funding initiative request if the local government has been subject to a legislative committee’s audit within one year after such request, or if the local government does not submit an affirmation with its local funding initiative request to its legislative delegation stating that it is no longer the subject of a state audit. Each appropriate legislative committee must report a list of all local governments that have been subject to an audit or which have not submitted an affirmation to the presiding officers of both chambers and the chairs of the legislative appropriations committees.

The bill also removes a current provision of law that authorizes a local government to use excess funds received from enforcing the Florida Building Code for the construction of a building or structure that houses a local government’s building code enforcement agency. Vice Chair Berman asked if the amendment addressed constitutional concerns about binding future legislatures and defining LFIR, and Senator Leek responded that he was not overly concerned about constitutionality, while acknowledging LFIR currently lacks a statutory definition. He emphasized that the bill gives the Legislative Auditing Committee more power to ensure local governments come into compliance.

Senate Appropriations on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

SB 1342: Transportation Infrastructure Land Development Regulations - This amended bill by Senator Rouson has passed its second committee. creates the “Transit-Oriented Development Act,” a framework for preempting how local governments approach zoning in the vicinity of transit stops. Under the bill, a local government must adopt new zoning for all lots partly within one-half mile of a permanent transportation stop, authorizing mixed use residential and commercial development. For affected lots, a local government may not impose any limitation, restriction, or prohibition regarding any type of single-family or multifamily use, including maximum density or minimum dwelling unit size, and the bill provides limits on local land use regulations such as height, setbacks, and parking. The bill contemplates standards for judicial proceedings under the bill, and entitles a prevailing plaintiff to attorney fees and costs. The bill also provides legislative intent and a framework for public investment in transit-oriented development zones.

SB 1362: Advanced Air Mobility -This amended bill by Senator Harrell has passed its second committee. Known as the Advanced Air Mobility Competitiveness and Infrastructure Act, the bill establishes a framework for vertiports and related infrastructure in Florida. The bill defines “vertiport,” includes vertiports and charging stations as qualifying projects for public-private partnerships, and provides sovereign immunity for vertiports located at public airports. It also incorporates vertiport infrastructure into commercial airport preservation programs and authorizes the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to fund vertiport projects.

The bill requires FDOT to create a model vertiport siting code, establish demonstration corridors, adopt coordination rules, and expedite approval of vertiports following the model code. It preempts the state to regulate vertiport design, aeronautical operations, aviation safety, and electric aircraft charging stations, while local governments retain a limited role in reviewing permits for charging stations, with applications deemed approved if no action is taken within 15 days. Members had no questions on the bill or amendment and voiced full support, emphasizing Florida’s emerging leadership in advanced air mobility; Senator Arrington expressed gratitude for Senator Harrell’s flexibility on revisions. No opposition was raised, and the measure advanced.

House Commerce

HB 299: Blue Ribbon Projects - This amended bill by Representative Melo has passed its second committee. It establishes a framework for a new type of planned community called a “blue ribbon project” (BRP), designed to balance environmental protection with future development needs. It sets requirements for a development to qualify as a BRP, specifies the types of development allowed within each project, and mandates that each BRP follow a long-term blue ribbon plan that exceeds the timeframe of standard local comprehensive plans.

Applications for BRPs are submitted to local governments, which may only review them for compliance with the bill’s requirements and must complete their review within a set timeframe. BRPs can be located in any future land use or zoning designation without requiring plan amendments or rezoning. The bill also provides an appeal process for applicants denied approval or for parties affected by a BRP’s approval. Members did not pose any substantive questions, but in debate they emphasized affordability, environmental safeguards, and local control. Some expressed support for the bill’s balance of reserving 60% for conservation while offering affordable housing, while others voiced concerns about its potential impact on smaller counties and local planning processes.

HB 803: Building Permits and Inspections - This amended bill by Representative Trabulsy updates Florida’s building permit and inspection framework, revising the roles and authority of local building officials and private providers, including fee structures and responsibilities. It also mandates the adoption of a uniform permitting system across jurisdictions. Additionally, the bill establishes specific requirements for issuing permits and installing residential distributed energy generation systems and backup power systems, ensuring consistency and oversight in these installations. Members had no substantive questions, and debate focused on support for streamlining permit processes while maintaining inspection standards.

HB 837: Affordable Housing - This amended bill by Representative Busatta has passed its final committee. The bill exempts certain areas from the Live Local Act, including farms and farm operations, lands with preexisting development regulations aimed at preserving open space (before July 1, 2026), areas of critical state concern, and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. No members posed questions, and in debate, the Chair thanked the sponsor for clarifying definitions so farmland would not be mislabeled as commercial or industrial; there was no opposition.

HB 927: Local Land Planning and Development - This amended bill by Representative Sapp has passed its second committee. It requires certain counties and municipalities to create a program to conduct pre-application reviews of plans, permits, or plats submitted as part of compliance with a local government’s land development regulations. After completing a pre-application review on work in their respective field, a qualified contractor completes an affidavit that the work is in compliance with the local government’s requirements, which is then reviewed by the local government. The bill requires each local government to establish a registry of qualified contractors and provides requirements for those contractors.

The bill also revises the process for the expedited approval of residential building permits prior to plat approval by expanding its applicability to one or more phases of a community or subdivision and establishing procedures for when a local government has failed to establish an expedited permitting process. Members had no direct questions but strongly debated whether the bill fairly streamlines local permitting or shifts too much authority to private contractors. Supporters emphasized reducing costly delays and promoting efficiency, while opponents cautioned against weakening local oversight.

HB 979: Infill Redevelopment - This amended bill by Representative Borrero has passed its second committee. The bill creates the “Infill Redevelopment Act," which preempts certain local land development regulations and requires the administrative approval of certain proposed infill developments on environmentally impacted land in certain counties. The bill allows qualifying parcels to be developed for residential uses up to the average density allowed in any adjacent residential zoning district within the same jurisdiction. The bill requires a development that is adjacent to single-family homes and townhouses to include an open space buffer between existing residences and the new development.

The bill also requires development projects that meet the requirements of the bill to be approved administratively and preempts local laws, ordinance, or regulations that apply, or have the effect of applying, a more restrictive or burdensome requirement or procedure for the development of a qualifying parcel. Local governments can continue to apply local architectural design regulations if those regulations are generally applicable to comparable residential development. The bill requires developers to comply with concurrency requirements before the issuance of any building permit for any project authorized under the bill. Members did not pose any questions, and the sponsor briefly explained that the bill would allow administrative rezoning of environmentally damaged parcels to increase housing supply.

HB 1323: Railroad Crossing Safety - This amended bill by Representative Tuck has passed its final committee. The bill directs the Department of Transportation to conduct a statewide study on advanced detection and monitoring systems to enhance safety at railroad crossings. It establishes legislative intent, defines key terms related to these technologies, and directs the department to evaluate their effectiveness, feasibility, costs, and interoperability with existing safety measures.

The study must be conducted in consultation with railroad owners, local governments, transportation safety experts, and federal agencies. A report summarizing the findings and potential policy options is required to be submitted to the Governor and Legislature by December 1, 2026, without recommending mandatory installation of the systems.

House Health & Human Services

HB 923: Recovery Residences - This amended bill by Representative Owen has passed its final committee. The bill makes changes to the regulation and licensure requirements of substance abuse service providers and recovery residences. Specifically, the bill limits Level 2 background screening to certain officers, directors, managing members and individuals exercising operational control over a licensed substance abuse service provider when more than five percent of a controlling interest of a licensed provider is transferred to another person or entity.

The bill prohibits the Department of Children and Families from requiring existing licensed service providers seeking to add additional levels of care, to admit individuals for services during the probationary license period, if the provider has no outstanding violations for the prior 12 months. The bill also removes the prohibition against a certified recovery residence denying an individual housing solely on the basis that the individual receives medication-assisted treatment. Members questioned whether removing the state’s acceptance requirement for residents on medication-assisted treatment would limit access to care or preserve faith-based autonomy, with the sponsor emphasizing that federal law would ultimately resolve the issue and that the bill would create more recovery beds statewide. Some members opposed eliminating the MAT provision due to concerns it would deny services to those needing help, while others agreed the federal courts should make the final decision.

House Intergovernmental Affairs

HB 1389: Affordable Housing - This amended bill by Representative Redondo has passed its second committee. It 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. Members questioned the sponsor on the sovereign immunity waiver for housing discrimination suits, requirements for school district participation, and limiting local authority over setbacks. Rep. Gantt expressed confusion, while Rep. Kendall highlighted creative ideas for school-owned property.

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.

THURSDAY COMMITTTEE MEETINGS

House Floor

HB 0203: Phased Out Elimination of Non-school Property for Homesteads - This joint resolution by Representative Miller has officially passed 80-30 on the House Floor. The bill fully exempts homestead property from non-school property taxes, replacing most of the existing partial exemptions. It also removes annual inflation adjustments and optional local exemptions previously available to certain senior homeowners. Additionally, the bill prohibits counties and municipalities from reducing total funding for law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders below the highest amount budgeted in either the 2025–2026 or 2026–2027 fiscal year, ensuring stable support for public safety services.

HB 5001: General Appropriations Act - The House has officially passed the House General Appropriations Act on the House Floor which provides moneys for the annual period beginning July 1, 2026, & ending June 30, 2027, & supplemental appropriations for period ending June 30, 2026, to pay salaries & other expenses, capital outlay—buildings & other improvements, & for other specified purposes of various agencies of state government.

HB 5501: Documentary Stamp Tax Distributions - This proposed committee bill has passed on the Hosue floor. It conforms Florida Statutes to the House of Representatives’ proposed General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Specifically, the bill changes the distribution of documentary stamp tax collections currently deposited in the General Revenue Fund. The bill amends current statute, redirecting a portion of documentary stamp tax proceeds from the General Revenue Fund and deposits those revenues in the State Transportation Trust Fund for the Florida Rail Enterprise.

HB 5503: Trust Funds/Re-creation/Emergency Preparedness and Response - This proposed committee bill has passed on the House Floor. It conforms law to the House of Representatives’ proposed General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Specifically, the bill re-creates the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund within the Executive Office of the Governor. Currently, the fund is to be terminated on February 17, 2026.

Senate Floor

SB 32: Injunctions for Protection - This amended bill by Senator Sharief has passed on the Senate Floor. The bill amends current statute to create a cause of action for a protective injunction for serious violence by a known person. A person who is the victim of serious violence by a known person, or the parent or legal guardian of a minor who is a victim, has standing to file a verified petition for an injunction for protection if such violence has been reported to law enforcement and the person is cooperating with criminal proceedings.

SB 302: Nature-based Coastal Resiliency - This amended bill by Senator Garcia has passed on the Senate Floor. The bill promotes the use of nature-based methods to enhance coastal resiliency. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a statewide permitting process, develop design guidelines for green or hybrid green-gray infrastructure, and work with local governments to raise public awareness. The bill also authorizes structures for nature-based solutions in state preserves and permits dredging, filling, and placement of living shorelines and seawalls in the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve to support coastal resiliency.

SB 1682: Local Administration of Vessel Restrictions - This amended bill by Senator Trumbull has passed on the Senate Floor. It allows counties and municipalities to administer laws related to vessels at risk of becoming derelict, long-term anchoring permits, and derelict vessels within their jurisdictions. Local governments choosing to participate must adopt ordinances and coordinate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Designated code enforcement officers may determine at-risk or derelict vessel status and cite long-term anchoring permit violations, though their findings are administrative, not criminal, and they may not perform actions reserved for law enforcement. Local governments must follow state law and FWC rules before issuing citations or taking corrective action.

SB 290: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - This amended bill by Senator Truenow has passed on the Senate Floor. The bill strengthens agricultural and consumer protections while preempting certain local regulations. It prohibits local governments from restricting gasoline-powered farm and landscape equipment, revises land development rules for ecologically significant parcels, and protects agricultural lands by limiting the transfer of future development rights and allowing surpluses under retained rural-lands easements. The bill also updates permitting for Class AA biosolids, increases insurance and penalties for pest control businesses, and clarifies payment obligations for contractors to subcontractors and suppliers.

Additionally, the bill creates new agricultural programs, including seed research, veterinary loan repayment, and food assistance initiatives. It merges and renames citrus research entities, updates rules for county fair associations, and imposes restrictions on unauthorized commercial solicitation and possession of signal-jamming devices, while making broader statutory updates related to consumer services, pest control, and fairs.

SB 110: Homestead Exemptions - This amended bill by Senator Arrington has passed on the Senate Floor. It amends current statute to provide that lessees owning the leasehold interest in a bona fide lease of 98 years or more in a homesteaded residential parcel or a condominium parcel have legal or beneficial and equitable title to said property for homestead exemption purposes, even if the lease contains a provision that terminates the leasehold interest upon the death of the lessees. No members asked questions or voiced opposition; the sponsor described the bill as a clarifying measure for 98-year or longer residential leases, and the committee voted in favor with no further debate.

SB 330: Disability Provisions for Firefighters and Law Enforcement - This amended bill by Senator Bradley has passed on the Senate Floor. The bill amends the disability in the line of duty presumption of eligibility for workers’ compensation or disability retirement benefits for firefighters, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, or correctional probation officers. The bill reorganizes existing definitions and adds definitions for the terms “employing agency” and “heart disease.” The bill also amends provisions related to requirements for law enforcement officers, correctional officers, or correctional probation officers to complete and pass physical examinations to satisfy the presumption.

SB 422: Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcasts - This amended bill by Senator Wright has passed on the Senate Floor. It prohibits airports from using data obtained from automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) systems to calculate, generate, or collect fees from certain aircraft owners or operators. The restriction applies to fees based on departures or landings which includes touch-and-go landings or on an aircraft’s entry into an airport’s airspace. The prohibition is limited to aircraft weighing 12,499 pounds or less that operate under the Federal Aviation Administration’s general operating and flight rules.

SB 962: Affordable Housing - This amended bill by Senator Bradley has passed on the Senate Floor. It provides that for the purposes of the Live Local Act, passed during the 2023 Regular Session, farms or farm operations, including the packaging and sale of those products raised on the premises, are excluded from the definitions of commercial, industrial, or mixed use zoning which would require the local government to approve certain affordable housing developments.

SB 936: Temporary Door Locking Devices - This bill by Senator McClain has passed on the Senate Floor. It allows temporary door locking devices to be installed at any height in a building and establishes specific criteria for their use. These devices are intended for temporary use during emergencies, can be engaged or removed without opening the door, do not alter fire or panic hardware, and must comply with fire rating standards. They may include some permanently mounted parts that do not impede normal egress and must be removable with a single operation.

The bill requires the Florida Building Commission to incorporate standards for these devices into the Florida Building Code. It also mandates that their use be included in building safety plans, drills, and staff training programs to ensure proper in-service training for employees in buildings where the devices are installed.

SB 434: Assessment of Property Used for Residential Purposes - This bill by Senator Leek has passed on the Senate Floor. The bill prohibits increasing the assessed value of residential property based on improvements made to enhance wind resistance. It defines qualifying improvements and excludes any resulting increase in just value from being considered in property tax assessments. The changes apply to wind-resistance improvements made on or after January 1, 2027.

SB 840: Land Use Regulations for Local Governments Affected by Natural Disasters - This bill by Senator DiCeglie has passed on the Senate Floor. It revises provisions enacted in SB 180 (2025) that limit local governments’ ability to change land use regulations following hurricanes. While SB 180 broadly prohibited certain counties and municipalities near a hurricane’s track from adopting development moratoriums or more restrictive land use regulations for one year after landfall, SB 840 narrows the geographic scope of those restrictions and clarifies when such measures may or may not be enforced. For example, it allows moratoriums addressing stormwater or flood management, potable water supply, or sanitary sewer systems, but prohibits procedural changes designed to delay development review after a storm.

SB 706 / HB 919: Commercial Service Airports - This amended bill by Senator Mayfield has officially passed on the Senate Floor. The bill preempts to the state the naming of major commercial service airports, which are defined as commercial service airports classified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as large or medium hub airports. The bill codifies in law the names of Florida’s seven major commercial service airports. The only name being changed from its current name is “Palm Beach International Airport,” which the bill renames as the “Donald J. Trump International Airport.”

SB 1120: Water Management Districts - This bill by Senator Brodeur has passed on the Senate Floor. The bill strengthens oversight and governance of Florida’s water management districts and lobbyist expenditures. It defines prohibited lobbyist “expenditures,” requires ethics investigations, and bars certain officials from making or accepting such expenditures. It also revises district governance by removing legislative approval for subdistricts in the St. Johns River Water Management District, updating quorum and voting rules, and allowing remote attendance.

The bill enhances transparency and planning for capital projects and resilience efforts. It requires detailed reporting on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, mandates inclusion of capital improvement plans in preliminary district budgets, and sets limits on the use of state funds for local matches. It directs districts to prioritize bids that meet bonding and warranty requirements, allows separate ad valorem taxes for approved projects, and establishes minimum funding and separate ranking for projects in the Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience Plan.