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Kathleen O. Berkey Appointed as Management Committee Chair of ULI Southwest Florida

06.24.2026
Kathleen “Katie” O. Berkey, AICP

June 24, 2026 – Ft. Myers, FL – Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals, is pleased to announce that shareholder Kathleen O. Berkey has been appointed to Chair of the Southwest Florida’s Urban Land Institute’s (ULI SWFL) District Council, effective July 1, 2026. Katie will serve […]

Areas of Focus: Government Law & Lobbying, Land Use & Zoning

Florida Senate Bill 506 (2026): Code Enforcement Body Camera Recordings and Public Records Law

06.02.2026
Kathleen “Katie” O. Berkey, AICP

Florida Senate Bill 506 (SB 506), enacted during the 2026 legislative session, addresses public access to body camera recordings created by local government code inspectors. Signed into law on April 23, 2026 (Chapter No. 2026‑49), the bill takes effect July 1, 2026. SB 506 was introduced to balance two competing […]

Areas of Focus: Government Law & Lobbying, Florida Legislative Lobbying

Senate Bill 7026 (2026): Protecting Trade Secrets in Florida’s Public Records Framework

06.01.2026
Kathleen “Katie” O. Berkey, AICP

Senate Bill 7026, enacted during Florida’s 2026 legislative session and signed into law on April 23, 2026 (Chapter 2026‑52), represents a significant update to the state’s public records laws. The bill focuses on the treatment of trade secrets held by government agencies and reflects the Legislature’s ongoing balancing of transparency […]

Areas of Focus: Government Law & Lobbying, Florida Legislative Lobbying

Florida House Bill 399 Becomes Law: What It Means for Local Governments and Development

04.27.2026
Kathleen “Katie” O. Berkey, AICP

On March 27, 2026, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida HB 399 into law (Chapter 2026‑7, Laws of Florida, with various provisions taking effect on different dates), enacting some of the most consequential changes to Florida’s land use and development framework in recent years. The Bill narrows local government discretion over […]

Areas of Focus: Government Law & Lobbying, Florida Legislative Lobbying

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Florida CS/CS/SB 1134

04.24.2026
Kathleen “Katie” O. Berkey, AICP

On April 23, 2026, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida CS/CS/SB 1134 (Chapter 2026-43) into law effective January 1, 2027, addressing official actions of local governments, primarily concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Key provisions include: Prohibiting counties and municipalities from Funding or promoting DEI programs or initiatives; and Taking any official action...

Areas of Focus: Government Law & Lobbying, Florida Legislative Lobbying