Becker’s End of Session Spotlight

Welcome to Becker’s End of Session Spotlight! As your trusted lobbyists we are proud to provide you with the latest developments in politics and policy in Tallahassee. As the 2024 Legislative Session comes to a close, here is what happened in Tallahassee during Week 9 (March 4 – March 8).

Headliners

Sine Die

Congratulations!!  We’ve made it to the end of the 2024 Legislative Session where both Chambers adjourned sine die at 2:25 p.m. on Friday, March 8^th.  This year, the following business was conducted:

• 1,957 Bills and Proposed Committee Bills (PCBs)filed
• 2,196 Amendments filed
• 3,051 Votes taken
• 43 Floor Sessions
• 324 Bills passed both chambers

“Hot Topics” from 2024 Legislative Session

Budget

The 2024 Budget process began early this year with the House and Senate presenting their proposed budgets within the 3^rd week of the legislative session.  The House proposed a $115.5 billion budget and the Senate proposed a $115.9 billion budget.  Each chamber’s budget is more than the proposed $114.4 billion presented by Governor DeSantis.  On February 26, the House and Senate $40,015.8 billion in General Revenue that was distributed in various program areas such as $15 million for PreK-12 Education, $6 million for Higher Education, $16 million for Health Care/ Health and Human Services, $6 million for Criminal and Civil Justice, $744 million for Infrastructure, Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development, $1.3 million for Agriculture and Natural Resources, $662.8 million for State Administration and Technology, and $942.4 million for statewide issues.  Budget conference began on February 26 and continued through the week and weekend, concluding on Monday, March 4^th.  On March 5^th, the agreed upon $117.4 billion spending plan was filed, kicking off the 72-hour “cooling off” period countdown before a vote can take place.  Members were able to vote on the budget on the last day of the legislative session, Friday, March 8^th.

The budget sets out $500 million for state debt, $500 million for a state Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund, increased salaries for state employees by 3% as well as increasing K-12 spending by 2.75% per student.  In addition, the budget includes more than $245 million for Medicaid provider rate increases and $100 million for upgrades to prisons.  The budget is now headed to Governor DeSantis desk where he has line-item veto power.  It is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Culture

HB 187 – Antisemitism by Representative(s) Gottlieb and Fine
SB 148 – Antisemitism by Senator Berman

HB 187 by Representative(s) Gottlieb and Fine establishes a new state statute to define ‘antisemitism’ in wake of the October 7 attack in Israel. The definition will emulate that of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) which has developed a working definition of antisemitism to assist governments, organizations, and individuals in their efforts to identify anti-Semitic attacks and discrimination. HB 187 defines antisemitism as a “certain perception of Jewish individuals which may be expressed as hatred towards such individuals”. The bill also lists examples of antisemitism which include, but are not limited to, justifying the killing, or harming of Jewish individuals in the name of a radical ideology, accusing Jewish people of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust, and more. HB 187 passed the House with a vote of 113 Yeas and 3 Nays. The Senate companion, SB 148 by Senator Berman, was substituted for the House version before favorably passing the Senate with a vote of 40 Yeas and 0 Nays. The bill favorably passed in the House with a vote of 115 Yeas and 0 Nays. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

Technology

HB 1 – Online Platform for Minors
HB 3 – Online Protections for Minors

HB 1 would have prohibited kids under 16 from having social media accounts and added age verification requirements to make it harder for kids to view online pornography.  Governor DeSantis vetoed the bill on March 1, 2024.

HB 3 enforces online protections for minors by regulating social media platforms and online content.  The bill defines terms related to social media platforms and account holders, focusing on minors and their online activities.  It requires social media platforms to prevent minors under 14 from creating accounts and mandates the termination of existing accounts for those minors. It also imposes parental consent requirements for minors aged 14 and 15 to have social media accounts.  This bill also mandates the permanent deletion of personal information once a minor’s account is terminated and establishes civil penalties for platforms that knowingly or recklessly violate the act. HB 3 was heard in the Senate where an amendment was adopted on second reading.  On third reading, the bill favorably passed with a vote of 30 Yeas and 5 Nays. The House concurred with the Senate’s amendment and passed the bill favorably with a vote of 109 Yeas and 4 Nays. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

Education

HB 1291 – Educator Preparation Programs by Representative Snyder
SB 1372 – Educator Preparation Programs by Senator Ingoglia

HB 1291 by Representative Snyder prohibits educator and school leader preparation programs from including curriculum that distorts historical events or teaches identity politics, violates the Florida Educational Equity Act, or is based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities.  This bill requires teacher preparation courses to provide opportunities for candidates to think critically, achieve mastery of academic content, learn instructional strategies, and demonstrate competence.  These prohibitions and requirements extend to postsecondary educator preparation institutes, professional learning certification programs, and school leader preparation programs. HB 1291 successfully passed in the House with a vote of 81 Yeas and 31 Nays.  An amendment was filed in the Senate by Senator Jones that failed on second reading.  The bill favorably passed on third reading with a vote of 28 Yeas and 12 Nays. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.  Its Senate companion, SB 1372, passed all committees of reference and was placed on the calendar for second reading where it was substituted for HB 1291.
Status: PASSED

HB 931 – School Chaplains by Representative (s) McClain and Daniels
SB 1044 – School Chaplains by Senator Grall

HB 931 by Representative(s) McClain and Daniels authorizes each school district school board or charter school governing board to adopt a policy to authorize volunteer school chaplains to provide supports, services, and programs for students.  This bill requires policies to define the possible supports, services, or programs provided by chaplains.  The bill mandates that principals of schools with a volunteer school chaplain inform all parents of the available chaplain services and requires written consent before a student can participate in or receive these services. Also, the bill allows parents to choose a chaplain for their child from a list indicating each chaplain’s religious affiliation.  Volunteer chaplains must meet the background screening requirements detailed in Fla. Sta. 1012.465.  After much debate, HB 931 successfully passed in the House with a vote of 89 Yeas and 25 Nays and in the Senate with a vote of 28 Yeas and 12 Nays. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024. Its Senate companion, SB 1044, passed all committees of reference and was placed on the calendar for second reading where it was substituted for HB 931.
Status: PASSED

“Deregulation Package”

SB 7000 – Deregulation of Public Schools/Instructional, Administrative, and Support Personnel by Senator (s) Calatayud and Osgood.

SB 7000 by Senator(s) Calatayud and Osgood builds on the deregulation of public schools provisions in House Bill 1 (Ch. 2023-16, Laws of Fla.) and provides district schools additional authority related to teacher certification and training, instructor contracts and salary schedules, personnel evaluations, and collective bargaining.  This bill allows district school boards to determine policy based on Department of Education guidelines and updates the frequency of required information submissions to the department. It also directs the State Board of Education to develop strategies to tackle critical teacher shortages. The bill updates requirements for performing evaluations of district school superintendents and includes provisions for student performance in evaluation criteria. It adjusts qualifications for teachers without degrees of career programs and revises requirements for school bus drivers, including mandatory training in CPR and first aid. It also eliminates a provision related to adjunct teaching certificates. Lastly, the bill requires the Commissioner of Education to recommend strategies to the Governor and Legislature regarding exceptional student education instructional personnel. SB 7000 unanimously passed the Senate floor and was immediately certified; however, the bill was never heard on the House floor as it died in Messages.
Status: FAILED

SB 7002 – Deregulation of Public Schools by Senator(s) Calatayud, Hutson, and Osgood

SB 7002 by Senator (s) Calatayud, Hutson, and Osgood builds on the deregulation of public schools provisions in House Bill 1 (Ch. 2023-16 Laws of Fla.) and removes unnecessary and burdensome regulation on school districts to advance efficient administrative processes, enhance facilities management, and simplify financial requirements.  The bill introduces changes in advertising requirements for school district budgets, emergency management responsibilities, signage on school buses, and public notice for district school board meetings.  It revises superintendent toles, parental notification for student placement and suspension, and training timelines for prekindergarten instructors.  The bill also permits school boards to develop parental notification policies, adjusts financial reporting for school districts, exempting them from certain electronic fund transfer requirements, and mandates website publication of tentative budgets. Lastly, the bill revises requirements for participating in the Teacher Apprenticeship Program and the validity of adjunct teaching certificates.  SB 7002 unanimously passed on third reading in the Senate with a vote of 39 Yeas.  In the House, an amendment was adopted on second reading and the bill unanimously passed in the House with a vote of 115 Yeas.  The bill returned to the Senate with the newly adopted amendment and unanimously passed with a vote of 38 Yeas. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

SB 7004 – Deregulation of Public Schools/Assessment and Accountability, Instruction, and Education Choice by Senator (s) Osgood and Simon

SB 7004 by Senator (s) Osgood and Simon amends and repeals various sections of Florida statutes related to education, making significant changes to tuition fees, performance evaluation, virtual instruction, early learning, assessment procedures, and instructional materials.  This bill removes the requirement for the state board to identify metrics and develop plans relating to the Florida College System.  It modifies virtual instruction program requirements, including deleting the nonsectarian requirement for virtual instruction program providers.  The bill also removes the requirement for academically high-performing school districts to submit an annual report to the state board.  SB 7004 unanimously passed the Senate with a vote of 39 Yeas and was immediately certified.  In the house, an amendment was adopted on second reading and the bill unanimously passed on third reading with a vote of 117 Yeas. The bill returned to the Senate with the newly adopted amendment and unanimously passed with a vote of 38 Yeas.  The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

HB 1473 – School Safety by Representative Trabulsy
SB 1356 – School Safety by Senator by Senator Calatayud

HB 1473 by Representative Trabulsy addresses school safety through various measures, revisions, and new provisions related to school guardian programs, school safety reporting, drone operation restrictions over schools, and requirements for emergency procedures and school safety instruction. The bill assigns private schools the responsibility for covering costs linked to school guardian programs while allowing sheriffs to waive these costs. The bill establishes penalties for drone operation over public and private schools, including potential criminal charges for unauthorized video recording. The bill also mandates district school boards and charter schools to provide instruction on the use of a mobile suspicious activity reporting tool to students each school year. An amendment was filed by the Senate to add an exemption to the bill that requires school campus gates to be locked and closed. Its Senate companion, SB 1356 by Senator Calatayud, was substituted by HB 1473 which favorably passed in the Senate and the House with a vote of 39 Yeas and 0 Nays and 112 Yeas and 0 Nays. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

HB 1403 – School Choice by Representative Tomkow
SB 7049 – Education by Senate Education PreK-12 Committee

HB 1403 by Representative Tomkow is seeking to implement new limits on how voucher money can be spent by establishing firm deadlines for Scholarship Funding Organizations and implementing purchasing guidelines for recipients who received a Family Empowerment Scholarship for students with disabilities. The bill also calls for restricting the purchase of materials to only expenses associated with English, Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Math. An amendment filed by the Senate which broadens the usage of scholarship funds and clarifies the terms for scholarships and the responsibilities of relevant entities. The bill passed in the Senate with a vote of 40 Yeas and 0 Nays. The House concurred with the amendment and the bill favorably passed with a vote of 89 Yeas and 18 Nays. Its Senate companion, SB 7049, was read a second time and substituted for HB 1403. HB 1403 has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

Healthcare

“Live Healthy”
SB 7016 – Health Care by Health Policy by Senator Burton
SB 7018 – Health Care Innovation by Health Policy by Senator Harrell

SB 7016 and SB 7018, collectively known as “Live Healthy, were a top priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. The initiative aims to revise and support healthcare innovation, health care workforce, healthcare services, health care education, and Medicaid.  SB 7016 led by Senator Burton allocates $737 million to various programs such as increasing positions for graduate medical students and providing incentives for health care professionals to work in rural areas.  Through a favorable amendment, roughly $96 million of Medicaid spending was cut and requirements for hospitals to have nonemergent care access plans were modified.  The health care screening grant program was renamed in honor of President Passidomo’s parents and provides grants to support nonprofit entities in providing screenings and services for the public.  Also, SB 7016, expands the number of medical residency slots by 500 to increase the number of physicians in the state. It also establishes the Training, Education, and Clinicals in Health (TEACH) Funding Program to increase clinical opportunities.  The House companion, HB 1549 by Representative Grant, was substituted for SB 7016. SB 7018 by Senator Harrell focuses on renovating Florida’s healthcare system by creating a healthcare innovation Department will fund a loan program that allocates $50 million for applicants in the state to achieve revolutionary healthcare discoveries that will change the system. Both SB 7016 and SB 7018 unanimously passed in the Senate with a vote of 39 Yeas and 0 Nays. The bills favorably passed in the House with a vote of 117 Yeas and 1 Nays. On March 12^th, SB 7016 and SB 7018 were signed by Officers and present to the Governor who must act on this bill by March 27, 2024.
Status: PASSED

HB 201 – Emergency Refills of Insulin and Insulin-related Supplies or Equipment by Representative Bell
SB 516 – Emergency Refills of Insulin and Insulin-related Supplies or Equipment by Senator Rodriguez

HB 201 introduced by Representative Bell expands the current law on emergency insulin refills. In the event that a pharmacist is unable to readily obtain refill authorization from a prescriber, the pharmacist is allowed to dispense an emergency refill of insulin and insulin-related supplies or equipment to treat diabetes up to three nonconsecutive times per calendar year. This bill also makes conforming changes to the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. HB 201 favorably passed in the House with a vote of 118 Yeas and 0 Nays. Its Senate companion, SB 516 by Senator Rodriguez, was substituted for HB 201, and then favorably passed in the Senate with a vote of 40 Yeas and 0 Nays. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

Agriculture

HB 1613 – Hemp by Representative Gregory
SB 1698 – Food and Hemp Products by Senator Burton

HB 1613 by Representative Gregory modifies the definition of “hemp” and clarifies that it excludes both naturally and synthetically occurring versions of controlled substances, such as delta-8 THC. This measure aims to prevent the marketing of hemp products to children and prohibits the use of packaging featuring animals, toys, unique shapes, animations, or promotional characters. The bill also tightens the regulations for the sale or manufacturing of hemp extract by prohibiting event organizers from promoting non-compliant products. Additionally, the bill appropriates $2 million in non-recurring funds to buy testing equipment. HB 1613 passed favorably in all three committees of reference and was substituted by the Senate companion, SB 1698 by Senator Burton. An amendment filed by the House modified the definition of “attractive to children” to remove the addition of any flavoring for hemp extract intended for inhalation. It increased the limit for delta-9 hemp extract to 5 milligrams per serving and 50 milligrams per container. The Senate concurred with the amendment and the bill favorably passed with a vote of 39 Yeas and 0 Nays. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on October 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

Insurance

HB 1213 – Windstorm Coverage by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation by Representative(s) Roach and Cassel

HB 1213 by Representative(s) Roach and Cassell aims to revise windstorm coverage policies and procedures through a new act focusing on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.  This bill removes provisions relating to windstorm risk apportionment plans among property insurers.  It requires Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to make windstorm coverage available to homeowners for any residential structures.  The bill specifies requirements for windstorm coverage, including availability for commercial residential structures and construction requirements.  The bill also authorizes homeowners to obtain windstorm coverage from specific insurance agents, provided underwriting and administering requirements are met. The bill was referred to three committees of reference and was never heard in any. This bill will most likely be revisited during the upcoming legislative session.  No Senate companion was filed.
Status: FAILED

Real Estate and Housing

SB 278 – Estoppel Certificates by Senator Martin
HB 979 – Estoppel Certificates by Representative Persons-Mulicka

SB 278 by Senator Martin repeals the statutory authority of a condominium, cooperative, or homeowners’ association to charge a fee for the preparation and delivery of an estoppel certificate. This bill would prohibit community associations from charging a fee for the production and delivery of estoppel certificates and requires an association to furnish the estoppel certificate within ten business days after a request is made. An estoppel certificate is loosely defined as a legal document that prohibits someone, usually a tenant, from later claiming different facts or terms regarding an agreement such as a lease. An amendment was proposed by the House, and it failed. The House companion, HB 979 by Representative Persons-Mulicka was substituted by SB 278 before favorably passing the House with a vote of 115 Yeas and 0 Nays and died in returning messages. With the legislature adjourning sine die, both versions of the bill have died.
Status: FAILED

Civil and Criminal Justice

HB 21 – Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee School Victim Compensation Program by Representative(s) Salzman and Michael
SB 24 – Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee School Victim Compensation Program by Senator Rouson

HB 21 by Representative(s) Salzman and Michel establishes the Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee School Victim Compensation Program for victims of abuse between 1940 and 1975.  The bill requires the Department of Legal affairs to accept, process, and decide on compensation claims.  It stipulates application procedures including provision of personal details, evidence of confinement, and abuse during confinement.  A deadline for applications to be submitted is set for no later than December 31, 2024.  The bill also authorizes a one-time payment to approved applicants, subject to appropriation, with each receiving an equal share of the appropriated funds. It allows the commissioner of Education to award a standard high school diploma to compensated persons who haven’t met graduation requirements.  Lastly, the bill allocates $20 million from the General Revenue Fund for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to support the program. HB 21 unanimously passed the House with a vote of 116 Yeas. It also passed the Senate with a vote of 36 Yeas. Its Senate companion, SB 24, was read a second time and substituted for HB 21. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

HB 1181 – Juvenile Justice by Representative Jacques
SB 1274 – Juvenile Justice by Senator Martin

HB 1181 by Representative Jacques amends several statutes relating to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), the juvenile justice system, and juvenile firearm possession and use. The bill revises penalties for minors making a first illegal firearm charge for a juvenile a felony instead of a misdemeanor. The bill also establishes conditions for holding a child in secure detention before an adjudicatory hearing for specified offenses, presuming the child poses a risk to public safety. The bill was amended to authorize DJJ staff to utilize canine units on the grounds of a juvenile detention facility or commitment program to locate and seize contraband and ensure security within such a facility or program. Its Senate Companion, SB 1274 by Senator Martin, was substituted for HB 1181. An amendment was filed by the Senate to revise the penalties for minors committing specified firearms violations and mandate fingerprinting for minors involved in certain offenses. The bill favorably passed with a vote of 39 Yeas and 0 Nays. The House concurred with the amendment and favorably passed with a vote of 84 Yeas and 25 Nays. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

Local Administration

HB 1365 – Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping by Representative Garrison
SB 1530 – Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping by Senator Martin

HB 1365 by Representative Garrison that creates s. 125.0231, F.S., to prohibit homeless people from camping and sleeping on public property.  The bill defines “public camping or sleeping” and exempts certain situations like sleeping on legally parked motor vehicles or recreational camping on designated property.  It also prohibits counties and municipalities from authorizing public camping or sleeping on public property without Department of Children and Families certification.  Under this bill, counties and municipalities could only allow the homeless to camp out in specifically designated areas for up to a year, allowing them to stay in those areas rather than other parts of the community.  Counties are required to establish and maintain standards for safety, sanitation, access to behavioral health services, and prohibition of illegal substance and alcohol use on designated properties. Lastly, this bill declares the regulation of public camping and sleeping serves an important state interest.  On second reading, an amendment was adopted that indicates that this act shall take effect January 1, 2025.  The bill was read a third time and favorably passed the House with a vote of 82 Yeas and 26 Nays. The bill successfully passed in the Senate with a vote of 27 Yeas and 12 Nays. These provisions will take effect on October 1, 2024 unless otherwise stated in this bill.  The Senate companion, SB 1530, was read a second time and substituted for HB 1365. On March 12^th, HB 1365 was signed by Officers and present to the Governor who must act on this bill by March 27, 2024.
Status: PASSED

HB 433 – Employment Regulations by Representative Esposito
SB 1492 – Employment Regulations by Senator Trumbull 

HB 433 by Representative Espositio prohibits political subdivisions from enacting wage or employment benefit requirements beyond state or federal mandates.  This bill removes the ability of local governments to require a minimum wage for certain employees under the terms of a contract and provides that the bill’s revisions to Florida’s wage and employment benefits law do not impair any contract entered into before September 30, 2026.  This bill prevents political subdivisions from favoring businesses based on their wage structures or employment benefits in competitive solicitation processes.  It also bars local governments from imposing regulations on private employer scheduling practices unless federally required or authorized.  Both chambers amended the bill several times. The bill passed favorably in the Senate with a vote of 24 Yeas and 15 Nays.  In the House, the bill passed favorably with a vote of 74 Yeas and 36 Nays. Its Senate companion, SB 1492, was substituted for HB 433 on second reading. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.

SB 438 – Term Limits by Senator Ingoglia
HB 57 – County Commissioner Term Limits by Representative Salzman

SB 438 by Senator Ingoglia will require county commissioners to only serve a term limit of 8 years. After that term has expired, it will be another two years till a candidate can run for a different district seat or at-large county commission seat. This bill affects term limits of offices that began on and after November 8, 2022.  Future referendums related to term limits of country commissioners will be prohibited unless a county rejected the referendum at the 2024 general election and seeks to have voters choose whether they want term limits for country commissioners in the future. SB 438 favorably passed each committee of reference but was not scheduled for its second reading. Its House companion, HB 57 by Representative Salzman, was not scheduled for its second reading. With the legislature adjourning sine die, both versions of the bill have died.
Status: FAILED

SB 104 – Municipal Water and Sewer Utility Rates by Senator Jones
HB 47 – Municipal Water and Sewer Utility Rates by Representative Robinson

SB 104 by Senator Jones revises how municipalities can charge their customers based on location within and outside the municipality’s boundaries. Any municipality operating a water or sewer utility may charge the same rate, fees, and charges as consumers inside the municipal boundaries. The municipality may add a surcharge of no more than 25 percent to the consumers outside the boundaries. All rates, fees, or charges may not exceed 50 percent more than the total amount the municipality charges customers served within the municipality for the corresponding service. These rates may not be fixed until a public hearing allows consumers, tenants, and others interested to be heard concerning the rates. SB 104 received unanimous support from the Regulated Industries and Community Affairs Committees. The bill died in its final committee of reference, Rules. Its House companion, HB 47 by Representative Robinson, was not scheduled for its second reading. With the legislature adjourning sine die, both versions of the bill have died.
Status: FAILED

HB 479 – Alternative Mobility Funding Systems by Robinson (W)
SB 688 – Alternative Mobility Funding Systems by Senator Martin

HB 479 by Representative W. Robinson revises provisions concerning impact fees and concurrency and provides additional guidance concerning mobility fees. The bill defines “mobility fee” and “mobility plan” to be used within the Community Planning Act. The bill also provides that local governments adopting and collecting impact fees by ordinance or resolution must use localized data available within the previous 12 months of adoption for the local government’s calculation of impact fees. HB 479 favorably passed in the House with a vote of 115 Yeas and 0 Nays. The bill was substituted for its Senate Companion, SB 688 by Senator Martin, which favorably passed in the Senate with a vote of 39 Yeas and 1 Nay. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

HB 481 – Building Construction Regulations and System Warranties by Representative Maggard
SB 612 – Building Construction Regulations and System Warranties by Senator Hooper

HB 481 by Representative Maggard restructures regulations by expanding the extent of work that HVAC contractors do to include specified line-side repairs or replacements and the repair of specified components for dedicated HVAC circuits under certain conditions. This bill will bar the conditioning of an HVAC system warranty on product registration and designates the entire length of such a warranty’s coverage term to begin on the data a licensed contractor installs the system. HB 481 favorably passed in the House with a vote of 117 Yeas and 0 Nays. The bill was then substituted for the Senate companion, SB 612 by Senator Hooper, before favorably passing the Senate with a vote of 40 Yeas and 0 Nays. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

SB 812 – Expedited Approval of Residential Building Permits by Senator Ingoglia
HB 665 – Expedited Approval of Residential Building Permits by Representative McClain

SB 812 by Senator Ingoglia requires counties with more than 75,000 residents and municipalities with 30,000 residents or more to create a program to expedite the issuing of residential building permits based on an introductory plat and to issue the number of building permits by October 1, 2024. Local governments must update their expedited building permit program with the increased number by December 31, 2027. This requirement must conform to the Florida Building Code and require a local building official and a local governing body to mail a signed, certified letter with specific information to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Department of Commerce. The bill passed favorably with a vote of 40 Yeas and 0 Nays. The House companion, HB 665 by Representative McClain, was substituted for SB 812 which favorably passed in the House with a vote of 89 Yeas and 25 Nays. SB 812 has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect upon becoming a law.
Status: PASSED

SB 280 – Vacation Rentals by Senator DiCeglie
HB 1537 – Vacation Rentals by Representative Griffits

SB 280 by Senator DiCeglie revises the regulation of short-term vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Current law does not allow local laws, ordinances, or regulations that prohibit vacation rentals or to regulate the duration or frequency of the rental of vacation rentals. The bill preempts the regulation of advertising platforms to the state and defines “advertising platform.” In addition, under this bill, a local government may require vacation rentals to be registered and they may charge a reasonable fee for registration. If there is an issue with that registration, the owner could be fined up to $500. The bill also states that the maximum overnight occupancy of a vacation rental cannot exceed two persons per bedroom, plus an additional two persons in one communal area. Its House companion, HB 1537 by Representative Griffits, was substituted for the Senate version. An amendment was filed by the House to revise several provisions listed in the bill such as providing for the payment of taxes by the operator listing a vacation rental with an advertising platform, and to “grandfather” any county law initially adopted before January 1, 2016, and several other alterations included within the amendment. The Senate concurred with the amendment and SB 280 favorably passed with a vote of 23 Yeas and 16 Nays. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

HB 1195 – Millage Rates by Representative Garrison
SB 1322 – Millage Rates by Senator Ingoglia

HB 1195 by Representative Garrison restricts specific increases in millage rates unless approved by a two-thirds vote of a governing body of a county, municipality, or independent special district unless circumstances allow for it. The bill passed favorably in each committee of reference. The bill was amended to clarify the language of a two-thirds majority vote required to increase the millage rate from the previous year’s millage rate. HB 1195 favorably passed with a vote of 85 Yeas and 21 Nays. It is currently in messages for the Senate. Its Senate Companion, SB 1322 by Senator Ingoglia had favorably passed two committees of reference and was never heard in its last committee of reference, Appropriations thus, it died in committee. With the legislature adjourning sine die, both versions of the bill have died.
Status: FAILED

SB 684 – Residential Building Permits by Senator DiCeglie
HB 267 – Building Regulations by Representative Esposito

SB 684 by Senator DiCeglie requires governing bodies with 30,000 or more residents to create a program that expedites issuing building permits for residential subdivisions before a final plat is registered with the circuit court clerk by August 15, 2024. Local jurisdictions must reduce their permit fee by 75 percent if a private provider is retained for plan review or building inspection services. The bill was substituted by its House Companion, HB 267 by Representative Esposito, which reduced the time frame that a local government must approve, approve with conditions, or deny a building permit application following the receipt of a completed and sufficient application unless the applicant waives such limitation in writing. In addition, this bill requires local governments to approve applications for multifamily projects within 60 business days and to review completed applications for sufficiency within 10 business days. The bill favorably passed in the Senate with a vote of 36 Yeas and 0 Nays. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on July 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

HB 95 – Yacht and Ship Brokers’ Act by Representative LaMarca
SB 92 – Yacht and Ship Brokers’ Act by Senator Hooper

HB 95 by Representative LaMarca requires the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, precisely the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes to regulate yacht and ship brokers and salespersons. If a person conducts business as a broker or salesperson in another state as their primary profession and carries out the purchase or sale of a yacht under this act, they are not required to obtain a license. However, this exemption only applies if the entire transaction is executed with a licensed broker or salesperson. A person can only qualify as a broker if they have obtained a salesperson license and other requirements. An amendment was filed by the House to amend licensing requirements for yacht brokers and salespersons. HB 95 was substituted by its Senate companion, SB 92 by Senator Hooper. SB 92 favorably passed in the House with a vote of 113 Yeas and 0 Nays. The bill has been enrolled and will soon be presented to the Governor who has 15 days to approve this legislation. If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions will take effect on October 1, 2024.
Status: PASSED

50th Day Rule and Budget Conferences

Tuesday, February 26, marked the 50th day of the 2024 Legislative Session.  With 1,954 bills filed, 30 bills have passed and are awaiting presentation to the Governor.  Currently, two bills have been presented to the Governor and six total bills have been signed into law.  Tuesday, February 26, also marked the day that the Budget Conference officially began.  Throughout the week, Chairs of budget committees and budget conferees, negotiated over $48 billion in general revenue spending, including $15.68 billion for PreK-12 education, $6.37 billion for higher education, $16.05 billion for healthcare, $6.19 billion for criminal justice, $744 million for tourism, transportation, and economic development, $1.37 billion for agriculture and natural resources, $663 million for general government and $942 million for administered funds and statewide issues.  The overall budget for fiscal year 2024-25, which is set to take effect July 1, is expected to reach around $115 billion, inclusive of trust fund money and federal funding.  A final budget agreement must be reached by Tuesday, March 5th, to adhere to the constitutionally mandated 72-hour “cooling off” period.

Tax Package

SB 7074 – Taxation by Finance and Tax Committee by Finance and Tax Committee
HB 7073 – Taxation by Ways & Means Committee by Representative McClain

SB 7074, the Senate’s annual tax package, was heard in the Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, February 27, where it favorably passed with a unanimous vote of 16 Yeas.  The proposal keeps the four sales tax holidays that seek to save consumers around $97.3 million, including a two-week-back-to-school sales tax holiday, a 30-day “Freedom Month” sales tax holiday, a one-week “Tool Time” sales tax holiday and two separate Disaster Preparedness tax holidays.  The bill also prohibits tourist development plans from allocating over 25% of tax revenue to convention centers unless approved by a supermajority vote.  The bill was discussed during the Office of EDR’s Revenue Estimating Impact Conference on Wednesday, February 28, as well as Friday, March 1. The bill has now been placed on the calendar for a second reading.  HB 7073 was read a third time on Friday, March 1, and passed favorably with a vote of 88 Yeas and 17 Nays.  It is now in Messages and has also been referred to Appropriations.

Healthcare

HB 1421 – Independent Hospital Districts by Representative Fine
SB 1700 – Independent Hospital Districts by Senator DiCeglie

HB 1421 by Representative Fine establishes a procedure for any of Florida’s 26 independent hospital districts to individually convert into a private non-profit entity, allowing the governing body of the district to vote, by a majority vote plus one, to evaluate the benefits of conversion for residents of the district by contracting with an independent entity meeting certain criteria to render a certified, independent evaluation. Suppose the district’s governing body deems that a conversion serves the district inhabitants’ paramount interests; under those circumstances, it is authorized to enter formal discussions with the respective governing bodies of each county that hares a part of the district’s perimeter. This bill has favorably passed each committee of reference and has been placed on the Special-Order Calendar on second reading for Friday, March 1st. Its Senate companion, SB 1700, by Senator DiCeglie, has been referred to three committees of reference and has yet to be heard.

HB 885 – Coverage for Biomarker Testing by Representative Gonzalez Pittman
SB 964 – Coverage for Biomarker Testing by Senator Calatayud

HB 885 by Representative Gonzalez Pittman is an accessibility bill that expands biomarker testing to be covered by Medicaid and Florida Blue. “Biomarker” is a characteristic measured as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or responses to an exposure or intervention, including therapeutic interventions. “Biomarker testing” is defined as an analysis of a patient’s tissue, blood, or other biospecimen for the presence of a biomarker. A recipient must have access to a transparent and convenient process to request authorization for biomarker testing through an accessible insurance company website. It has favorably passed all three committees of reference. The bill was amended on its second reading to require the Agency of Healthcare Administration (AHCA) to include a certain rate impact in specified Medicaid program rates. The bill was read a third time and passed with a vote of 114 Yeas and 0 Nays. It was received by the Senate and was referred to the Fiscal Policy Committee. Its Senate companion, SB 964, by Senator Calatayud, has favorably passed all three committees of references and has been placed on the Special-Order Calendar on second reading for Tuesday, March 5.

HB 241 – Coverage for Skin Cancer Screenings by Representative Massullo
SB 56 – Coverage for Skin Cancer Screenings by Senator Harrell

HB 241 by Representative Massullo requires contracted state group health insurance plans or health maintenance organizations to provide coverage and payment, without the imposition of a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance, an annual skin cancer screening by a licensed dermatologist, a physician assistant, or an advanced practiced registered nurse. This bill prohibits the Division of State Group Insurance (DSGI) contracted health plans from bundling payments for a skin cancer screening with any other procedure or service. The bill favorably passed all three committees of reference and was read a third time and passed with a vote of 114 Yeas and 0 Nays. Its Senate companion, SB 56, by Senator Harrell, was substituted for HB 241 and was read a second time.

Local Administration

HB 1195 – Millage Rates by Representative Garrison
SB 1322 – Millage Rates by Senator Ingoglia

HB 1195 by Representative Garrison restricts specific increases in millage rates unless approved by a two-thirds vote of a governing body of a county, municipality, or independent special district unless circumstances allow for it. The bill passed favorably in each committee of reference. The bill was amended with a title amendment. It was read a third time and passed favorably with a vote of 85 Yeas and 21 Nays. Its Senate Companion, SB 1322 has favorably passed two committees of reference and is waiting to be scheduled for its last committee of reference, Appropriations.

HB 7013 – Special Districts by Representative Persons-Mulicka
SB 1058 – Special Districts by Senator Hutson

HB 7013 by Representative Persons-Mulicka revises provisions relating to special districts which are units of local government created for a particular purpose, with jurisdiction to operate within a limited geographic boundary. The bill creates a 12-year term limit for elected members of governing bodies of most types of independent special districts unless the district’s charter provides for more restrictive terms of office.  The bill provides that the boundaries of an independent special district may only be changed by general law or a special act. Also, the bill adds additional criter.ia for declaring a special district inactive. The bill unanimously passed off the House floor with a vote of 114 Yeas. It has now been referred to Rules. Its Senate companion, SB 1058, unanimously passed its final committee, Rules, with a vote of 17 Yeas. It has now been placed on the Special-Order Calendar for Monday, March 4.

HB 479 – Alternative Mobility Funding Systems by Robinson (W)
SB 688 – Alternative Mobility Funding Systems by Senator Martin

HB 479 by Representative W. Robinson revises provisions concerning impact fees and concurrency and provides additional guidance concerning mobility fees. The bill defines “mobility fee” and “mobility plan” to be used within the Community Planning Act. The bill also provides that local governments adopting and collecting impact fees by ordinance or resolution must use localized data available within the previous 12 months of adoption for the local government’s calculation of impact fees. The bill passed favorably in all three committees of reference. It was read a third time and passed with a vote of 115 Yeas and 0 Nays. It has been received by the Senate and referred to the Rules Committee. Its Senate Companion, SB 688, passed all three committees of reference and was placed on the Special-Order Calendar on Monday, March 4.

SB 472 – Suits Against the Government by Senator Brodeur
HB 569 – Suits Against the Government by Representative McFarland

SB 472 by Senator Brodeur aims to increase the limit on the amount that can be paid as judgments against government entities. The current cap of $200,000 for each individual and $300,000 per instance will be increased to $300,000 and $500,000, respectively. The bill also allows for an annual adjustment of the cap to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, beginning on July 1, 2020, and recalculated every five years thereafter, not to exceed three percent for any adjustment. Local government entities can settle a claim for any amount without needing approval of a claim bill by the Legislature. Additionally, the bill reduces the statute of limitations for a negligence claim against the State, its agency, or a subdivision from four years to two years. It favorably passed all three committees of reference and was placed on the Special-Order Calendar for Friday, March 1. It was temporarily postponed on its second reading. Its House companion, HB 569, by Representative McFarland, favorably passed two committees of reference and was not considered by its last committee, Judiciary.