Legislative Update - October 27, 2023

Although Congressman Byron Donalds was unsuccessful in his run for Speaker of the House, he did receive a lot of positive press!

Governor …

State Spent $19M on Israel Evacuation Flights - Florida has so far approved paying $19 million to ARS Global Emergency Management, one of the companies involved in emergency flights out of Israel for American evacuees, which began the weekend of Oct. 13, a state official said Wednesday. An Orlando Sentinel article reported the state has authorized spending $50 million overall to charter the evacuation of nearly 700 Americans from Israel following the terrorist attack by Hamas, but an official with the Florida Division of Emergency Management said the larger amount, included in the state's financial services database, hasn't actually been spent on the program. The spokeswoman didn't give an explanation for the discrepancy in the figures. U.S. citizens were flown out of Israel on four flights coordinated by Project Dynamo, with ARS being one of the companies contracted to aid in the evacuations. The DeSantis administration also sent to Israel two cargo planes carrying 85 pallets of supplies, such as clothing and medical supplies. The flights from Israel have been publicly highlighted by Gov. Ron DeSantis as he runs for the Republican presidential nomination, and he has also fundraised off the efforts. USA Today Network

Florida Supplying Weapons, Ammunition to Israel - A spokesman for Gov. DeSantis said Florida has contracted cargo planes to deliver weapons and ammunition, as well as transport drones, body armor, helmets and healthcare supplies to Israel. Spokesman Jeremy Redfern said the items were sent at the request of the Israeli Consul General in Miami. Orlando Sentinel / Politico / The Hill

Open government advocates are pushing for more information about how Florida taxpayer money is being spent on charter flights to aid Americans trying to leave Israel since the terrorist attack by Hamas earlier this month, and whether any of the money may be being shifted to other uses, including flights to ferry migrants from U.S.-Mexico border states to other places. Orlando Sentinel

“Florida orders pro-Palestinian student group off its university campuses” via Divya Kumar of the Tampa Bay Times — The head of Florida’s university system has directed schools to disband campus chapters of a pro-Palestinian student group he alleges are in “support of terrorism.” In a letter to the state’s 12 university presidents, State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues said the Florida chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine “must be deactivated.” A spokesperson for DeSantis said the Governor directed that the University of Florida and the University of South Florida remove the groups immediately. He said that a “tool kit” released by the group described the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel as “the resistance” and “unequivocally states: ‘Palestinian students in exile are PART of this movement, not in solidarity with this movement.’”

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday amended and extended the Hurricane Idalia emergency declaration, removing Bay County from the list of affected regions and extending the executive order for an additional 60 days. Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 storm, made landfall on Florida's Big Bend Gulf coast near Keaton Beach in Taylor County on Aug. 30. The order frees up state funding sources and makes other resources and support available for the areas impacted by the storm as they continue to recover. The governor also recently extended a state of emergency declaration for 60 more days as recovery efforts continue for last year's Hurricane Nicole. The Category 1 storm made landfall in November of 2022 near Vero Beach and traveled across the state, passing over central Florida and making landfall again in the Panhandle. That order was also amended to remove Bay County from the list of affected counties.

Legislature …

Legislature to Hold Special Session on Israel, Insurance, Hurricane Idalia Relief - Lawmakers will hold a four-day special legislative session the week of Nov. 6 to address several issues, including taking state action against Iran and expressing support for Israel in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Other issues on the agenda include funding for protections against hate crimes and antisemitic violence, property insurance concerns, expanding the state-paid private school voucher system for students with disabilities, and providing relief for Hurricane Idalia, with a focus on assisting agriculture and aquaculture producers and extending assistance for local governments. No legislation is filed yet but Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, issued a joint proclamation on Friday, with support from Gov. Ron DeSantis. While spending measures are expected to be passed during the special session, lawmakers could also take up already filed resolutions (HR 125, SR 126) expressing support for Israel. The two resolutions, filed by Palm Beach County Democratic lawmakers Rep. Katherine Waldron and Sen. Lori Berman, aim to express Florida's support for Israel and condemn the attack by Hamas, calling for members of the state's congressional delegation to bring a copy of the approved resolution to Israel's ambassador. They were filed shortly after hostilities escalated in the Middle East. Previously, the 2024 regular legislative session would have been the earliest opportunity to address such resolutions. Special Session Proclamation / House Memorandum / Associated Press / Politico / Tampa Bay Times-Miami Herald / Tallahassee Democrat / Orlando Sentinel / Florida Politics / The Hill

As Gun Control Debate Flares After Mass Shooting, FL Lawmakers Could Consider Firearm Bills - With the ongoing national debate over gun laws flaring again as police continue a manhunt for a mass shooting suspect in Maine, Florida lawmakers could consider several measures related to firearms that have already been filed for the upcoming legislative session. One bill (HB 17), filed by Republican Rep. Joel Rudman, could help gun buyers get their firearms faster, allowing licenses to be issued as soon as a background check is completed rather than having to wait three days as is the case under the current waiting period law. Most of the bills related to guns that have been filed are, by far, measures filed by Democrats, however, and gun bills filed by the minority party haven't gotten much support in the overwhelmingly Republican Legislature in recent years. Among the Democratic bills related to firearms that have already been filed is legislation (SB 180, HB 145) that would require background checks for the sale or transfer of ammunition and bills (SB 130, HB 209) that would prohibit guns in "sensitive locations," such as hospitals and nursing homes, government buildings, public playgrounds and parks and libraries. Lawmakers also have already filed several bills dealing with mental health care, including bipartisan legislation (HB 147, SB 164) that would provide scholarships and help pay student debt for those who go into the mental health field. In the wake of the shooting in Maine, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said more people facing mental health struggles should be institutionalized as part of the effort to reduce gun violence. DeSantis said on X that the Maine shooting "could be another example of a failure of our nation's mental health system," and said on CNN that he couldn't think of any new gun restrictions he'd support if he were elected president. Politico Playbook

Proposed legislation (HB 49) by Republican Rep. Linda Chaney that would eliminate restrictions on working hours for older teenagers is drawing criticism for the measure's potential effect on children's safety. Florida Phoenix  

Public sector workers registered as medical marijuana patients would be protected from adverse employment action – with some exceptions – under recently filed legislation by Boca Raton Democrat Sen. Tina Polsky. The bill (SB 166) would also protect those applying for public employment. It would require a public employer, such as the state or a local government, to provide written notice of an employee's or a job applicant's right to explain or contest a positive marijuana test result within a specified timeframe.  

People who intentionally tamper with or damage critical infrastructure, such as utility grids, broadband systems and water treatment facilities, would face second-degree felony charges under a bill (HB 275) filed Wednesday by Lakeland Republican Rep. Jennifer Canady. The measure would also allow the service providers to seek civil damages against violators.

Business …

Actual general revenue tax collections came in just above $3.5 billion in August, up from $3.3 billion in July, nearly 9% over earlier projections, the Division of Bond Finance said. Division of Bond Finance 

As thousands of people have moved to Florida in recent years, making it the fastest growing state in 2022, some parts of the state have seen a rise in the cost of living that has some long-time residents looking to leave. Median listed home prices have risen nearly 70% in Miami and nearly 80% in West Palm Beach just this year, according to Redfin – although prices have come down in Miami-Dade for the last couple months.  And with those higher prices, selling in Florida is attractive. Real estate agents say they're seeing more residents sell to take advantage of the higher prices and move to cheaper nearby states. Business Insider

Florida continues to grow despite losing nearly 500,000 residents - The latest U.S. Census Bureau report shows that despite almost 500,000 residents leaving, the Sunshine State continues to grow. Florida lost about 490,000 people; but those who chose to move didn't go far, with Georgia being the top destination for relocation, with about 51,000 Floridians heading northward. However, Florida still experienced net positive migration. The state gained about 740,000 residents from out of state in 2022. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal and the Orlando Business Journal.

News that DeSantis can (and did) use — Step aside Silicon Valley, a recent report put Florida at the top of the list of states when it comes to entrepreneurship. That’s something that fits the message for DeSantis, who sent out a news release touting the ranking. “Florida’s pro-business, freedom first policies make Florida the best state in the nation to do business,” DeSantis said. “I appreciate those Floridians who have taken a risk to start their own ventures.” Part of what earned Florida the top spot is the high small business-to-people ratio. Currently there are more than 13,000 small businesses per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the next-best state ratio. New startup businesses in Florida also had the highest number of jobs created in the first year with 6.53 new jobs per 1,000 Floridians, according to the report. Expect this news to materialize in messaging on the campaign trail in the coming weeks.

Dual insurance crises hitting Florida customers with no end in sight - Everyone in the state of Florida is familiar with the ongoing property insurance crisis. But another type of insurance has started to see rates that are leaving Floridians in an unaffordable state. According to data from Kelley Blue Book, Florida has seen car insurance rates rise 30% over the last year. More from WFTS.

Fla Ranks No. 1 for Highest Auto Insurance Rates - Florida has the highest auto insurance rates in the country, with drivers paying an average of $2,560 per year, well above the national average of $1,682, according to data from car subscription service FINN. The expensive rates are primarily due to a high number of uninsured motorists, dangerous driving conditions, auto theft, insurance fraud, health care costs and adverse weather conditions, all of which contribute to elevated insurance premiums. If current trends persist, these costs are projected to reach an estimated $4,813 per year by 2033. Experts call for tougher enforcement against uninsured motorists and more consumer-friendly regulations to address the issue and reduce insurance premiums. Palm Beach Post

Gas prices in Florida dropped 10 cents a gallon on average last week to their lowest price since early March, auto club AAA said Sunday. The average pump price in Florida on Sunday was $3.23. The club said a seasonal drop in demand, along with high supply, were pushing fuel costs lower.AAA

The Florida Department of Commerce, formerly the Department of Economic Opportunity, announced that the state's unemployment rate increased slightly from 2.7% in August to 2.8% in September. The national unemployment rate remained the same at 3.8%. The agency noted in its Friday release that Florida has outpaced the nation in labor force growth for 28 consecutive months. FloridaCommerce September Figures / FloridaCommerce Press Release

Florida unemployment rate is lowest among nation's most populated states - According to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida has a seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate of 2.8% and ranks 14th overall, sharing a spot with Kansas and Hawaii. Of the five largest states by population — California, Texas, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania — Florida has the lowest unemployment rate. At the same time, New York, Texas and California all sit above the national average of 3.8%. More from the Center Square.

The U.S. economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter, with GDP up nearly 5% amid strong consumer sales despite ongoing inflation, the Commerce Department reported Thursday. Forecasters had expected 4.7% GDP growth, but it came in at 4.9% for the July-to-September quarter. The jump in GDP marked the fastest growth in the nation's economy since 2021. U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis / Bloomberg / Washington Post / CNBC

The industry group Florida Realtors last week released a report showing the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in September was $409,243. Here were median prices in the state’s metropolitan statistical areas:

— Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island: $820,000

— Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach: $600,000

— North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton: $499,945

— Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford: $435,000

— Port St. Lucie: $415,000

— Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: $415,000

— Cape Coral-Fort Myers: $400,000

— Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin: $399,950

— Jacksonville: $385,000

— The Villages: $375,750

— Sebastian-Vero Beach: $370,000

— Punta Gorda: $364,900

— Gainesville: $362,995

— Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville: $359,580

— Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach: $353,500

— Panama City: $350,000

— Lakeland-Winter Haven: $332,000

— Tallahassee: $326,213

— Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent: $322,300

— Ocala: $287,000

— Homosassa Springs: $279,999

— Sebring: $270,000

Source: Florida Realtors

Miami commuters are spending less time on the road. A new analysis of Census data finds the percentage of workers with commutes of an hour or longer is down, while the percentage who had a short commute of under 15 minutes was slightly higher last year than the year before. Axios Miami

Here’s why Floridians, more than other Americans, believe climate change is real - Florida is certainly prone to weather emergencies. According to data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida is home to 13 of the top 25 most natural disaster-prone counties in the U.S. between 2013 and 2023. Florida residents not only acknowledge climate change at a higher rate than the rest of the U.S., they also want both the state and federal government to do something about it. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Courts …

Moody Files Federal Lawsuit Against Meta, Claiming Child Exploitation - Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Facebook and Instagram's parent company Meta, alleging harmful features that are "addictive" to adolescents, including infinite scroll and near-constant alerts. Moody claims Meta's business practices violate Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.

Voting rights group says Florida redistricting ruling should stand - Readying for arguments next week in the high-stakes case, voting-rights groups have asked an appeals court to uphold a ruling that a congressional redistricting plan backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis violated the Florida Constitution.

Campaigns & Elections …

Happening Saturday — Early voting starts in the Special Primary Election in House District 35 in Orange and Osceola counties. Gov. DeSantis called for the Special Election after former Rep. Fred Hawkins was appointed South Florida State College president. The Special General Election is Jan. 16.

“Dem, GOP candidates in HD 118 Special Election post high 5-figure gains in Q3” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Two candidates in a Special Election for the open seat representing House District 118 amassed high five-figure sums in the third quarter of 2023. With Election Day a little more than a month away, it’s crunchtime for Democratic former Miami-Dade Community Council member Johnny Farias and Republican lawyer Mike Redondo. Both have the support of their respective state parties, but only one enjoyed help from his party in Q3. Redondo, a first-time candidate for public office, raised about $96,000 between July 1 and Sept. 30 between his campaign account and political committee, The Right Path for Florida. He also received about $63,000 worth of in-kind aid from the Florida GOP for research, political consulting, campaign staff, media production and polling.

—“Florida Jewish Republican tears into DeSantis, endorses Trump” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO

Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nuñez, who would become governor if Gov. Ron DeSantis were elected president, has recently focused heavily on military and veterans' issues. Nuñez is also seen as a potential candidate for governor regardless of what happens with the current presidential race and has been building support while backing the governor's agenda.Florida Politics

Swing State Florida? National Dems think so — The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) isn’t giving up on Florida just yet. There have been widespread reports of the DSCC’s “Republican accountability program” in the Sunshine State and others, including Texas. The news comes as GOP U.S. Sen. Scott gears up for re-election. According to DSCC Executive Director Christie Roberts, Scott and other Senators, namely Texas’ Ted Cruz, have exhibited “self-serving politics and … toxic policy agendas” such that their races are “prime offensive opportunities for Senate Democrats,” reports NBC. So, expect the junior Senator to catch some heat from the DSCC’s investment, reportedly in the seven-figure range across 10 states.