Legislative Reporter We see a Florida where our communities, economies, and environments all thrive.
Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 Despite a hectic week seven of the nine-week legislative session, the political and policy discussions increasingly point toward both a possible extension of the regular session and an almost certain special session later this spring. The week featured a flurry of legislative activity on hundreds of bills as the committee meeting process officially winds down and attention shifts to floor action in both chambers. Bill amendments were the tool as legislators and lobbyists alike searched for viable “vehicles” to keep priority bills alive, often adding new bill language or the content of other bills, thus making it essential to track and closely read every amendment. However, notably absent were public negotiations on the state budget. Perhaps behind-the-scenes negotiations will prompt a budget resolution, but with less than 11 days before a budget must be “on the desks” of legislators, the prospects of an on-time adjournment are quickly fading. Adding to the dynamics, Governor DeSantis signaled this week that his key priority, property tax reform, will likely be the subject of a future special session. This is on top of the already scheduled special session for Congressional Redistricting the week of April 20. House and Senate Pass Conservation Lands Transparency Bill On Thursday, the Senate passed HB 441, Conservation Lands, by Representative Kim Kendall (R–St. Johns). The bill is the companion to SB 546 by Senator Debbie Mayfield (R–Melbourne) and passed unanimously in both chambers. The bill requires at least 30 days’ notice before the state considers selling or exchanging state-owned conservation lands. The state must also provide an explanation of why these lands are no longer needed for conservation purposes. HB 441 now heads to Governor DeSantis for his consideration. Attention on Amendments As the legislative funnel continues to narrow, amendments tend to increase as members look for viable “vehicles” to keep their priority bills alive. Last week, several amendments were adopted onto the priority bills we are tracking. Please review the updates below carefully. Of note, on Tuesday, Senator Jonathan Martin (R-Ft. Myers) filed and withdrew in committee, an amendment to SB 208. The amendment addresses county rural boundaries and is based on the Florida Attorney General’s opinion from last November. In his letter, Attorney General Uthmeier argued that the rural boundaries in Seminole and Orange counties are “likely” unconstitutional and violate property owners’ rights. The proposed amendment allows landowners up to one mile from a rural boundary to apply to the county to have their property removed from the rural boundary designation. Upon removal, there is a conclusive presumption that the property shall receive a future land use designation and zoning classification permitting at least the adjacent density and intensity. The amendment does not eliminate rural boundaries outright but adds requirements for counties to maintain their rural boundaries. Lastly, the amendment creates a new statutory right allowing property owners to challenge a rural boundary designation, even if a court has previously upheld it or ruled against removing the property from the rural boundary designation. We expect this amendment to be filed again when the bill is taken up on the floor, likely Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday of next week. Because there will be no opportunity for public comment at that stage, we are coordinating with other associations to develop and deploy a targeted messaging strategy to legislators. Here is an update on the bills APA Florida is tracking this session. The full LobbyTools tracking list is here. (Table on pp. 9)