Legislative Reporter We see a Florida where our communities, economies, and environments all thrive. Dec. 16, 2025
Legislative Interim Committee Meetings concluded last week, marking the end of week six as the legislature prepares for the start of the 60-day Regular Session on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. While committee weeks began at a slower pace, activity accelerated significantly in the final weeks, with members hearing a wide range of presentations from state agencies and panel discussions with various stakeholders that will inform policy debates during session. On the Senate side, Senators advanced priority measures such as the “Rural Renaissance” package and an overhaul of Florida’s educational scholarship programs, both of which are ready to be heard on the Senate floor. On the House side, Representatives considered a range of issues including the minimum age to purchase a firearm, sovereign immunity caps, E-Verify, and multiple property tax proposals. The final committee week was designated “Artificial Intelligence Week” in the House, with committees examining the emerging technology’s impact on state agencies, K-12 and higher education, health care, agriculture, emergency management, infrastructure providers, and the legal profession. The House also convened two meetings of the Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting. While the House has started laying groundwork for a potential mid-decade redistricting, Senate President Albritton announced “there is no ongoing work regarding redistricting taking place in the Senate at this time.” Earlier this month, Governor DeSantis stated his intention to call a special session on congressional redistricting in the spring of 2026. Looking ahead, Governor DeSantis is expected to propose several policy initiatives for legislative consideration, including property tax reductions, limits on mandatory vaccines for children, puppy mill regulations, and congressional redistricting. The governor has also unveiled a proposed Citizen Bill of Rights for Artificial Intelligence. In addition to responding to these proposals, lawmakers will consider hundreds of member-filed bills during the upcoming session. Before the legislature returns to Tallahassee, members face looming bill-filing deadlines. All House bill requests must be filed and published electronically by 5 pm on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, while Senate bills must be filed by noon on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, the first day of session. To date, 882 bills have been filed, and that number is expected to more than double before session begins. Based on the actions of the Legislature during committee weeks, it will be a busy legislative session.
Governor’s Budget Recommendations Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis released the details of his Floridians First FY 2026–27 Budget, a $117.4 billion proposal emphasizing fiscal discipline, tax relief, and priorities that are important to Florida. This budget will be the last budget he submits prior to leaving office in early January 2027. The Legislature often uses the governor’s budget recommendations as a starting point for its own budget deliberations that will begin in late January. The governor’s budget includes $16.75 billion in reserves, $250 million in accelerated debt reduction to keep the state on track to reduce its debts by more than 50 percent, and $118 million to fully fund the Budget Stabilization Fund. Key provisions include expanded sales tax holidays and $300 million to support potential statewide property tax reforms. Majo r investments target K–12 and higher education, workforcetraining, law enforcement recruitment, transportation and infrastructure, rural development, workforce housing, and environmental priorities.