Rotunda Report Week 1

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Dear Colleagues and Friends,

The 2023 Florida Legislative session commenced on Tuesday, March 7. Over 1,700 pieces of legislation will be considered during the 60-day session and it can be difficult to makes sense of which laws could impact your business. As Director of Government Affairs for Stearns Weaver Miller, I am monitoring issues of importance on behalf of firm clients and will update you with the “Rotunda Report” – a high-level summary of five important bills or issues from session each week. Below are five key issues from this week, March 6-10.

Opening Day of Session

Governor Ron DeSantis delivered his first State of the State address of his second term. He outlined some of his past policy priorities such as his administration’s response to Hurricane Ian, tax relief, law enforcement recruitment bonus program, workforce education and environmental spending. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo delivered remarks outlining her priorities this session, including affordable housing. House Speaker Paul Renner’s opening remarks outlined an extensive agenda indicating support for the Governor’s and Senate President’s priorities.

Tort Reform

HB 837 and SB 236 were both reported favorably in their respective committees with HB 837 ready for consideration by the full House. The comprehensive tort reform packages are a mass overhaul of Florida’s tort system with the goal of reducing the cost of litigation on businesses.

Affordable Housing

SB 102 was passed unanimously by the full Senate this week. The bill, known as the Live Local Act, is a comprehensive, statewide workforce housing strategy that seeks to increase the workforce housing options. It is a top priority of Senate President Passidomo. The House companion bill, HB 627, was reported favorably by the State Affairs Committee, its first committee of reference.

Local Preemption

The full Senate passed SB 170 related to local ordinances. The bill will make it easier to challenge local ordinances in court and would allow courts to award up to $50,000 in attorney fees to a plaintiff after determining a local ordinance is “arbitrary or unreasonable.” The bill contains exemptions, including for emergency ordinances. The House companion bill, HB 1515, was filed and has been referred to three committees.

Permitless Carry

The Senate Fiscal Policy committee approved SB 150 on Thursday which would remove the need for a license to carry a concealed weapon in Florida. The bill is now ready for consideration by the full Senate. The House companion, HB 543, is awaiting consideration by the full House.

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.