Legislative Update - February 21, 2025

James Uthmeier was sworn in as Attorney General in Florida on Monday. Uthmeier was chosen by Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace Ashley Moody, who was named to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by now Secretary of State Marco Rubio. AG Uthmeier’s first action was to sue Target.

On Tuesday, the Governor held a last-minute Cabinet meeting in the Panhandle to discuss the new immigration board. And this was the last week of interim committee meetings for the Florida Legislature. Next week they will be holding county legislative delegation meetings in some areas of the state to hear from constituents about issues important to their communities.

Governor …

“Surprise Cabinet meeting to appoint new immigration chief raises questions” via Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel — DeSantis sent out an email Monday morning announcing a surprise meeting of the Cabinet in a remote Panhandle city two and a half hours west of where such meetings are typically held, at the State Capitol. The emailed notice went out about four hours before the meeting started without an agenda. No notice or agenda was posted on the Cabinet’s website. For decades, Florida’s Sunshine Law has required that the public be notified at least seven days before Cabinet meetings and given a chance to see the agenda and make plans to attend. The law allows for exceptions if there is an emergency that poses a threat to public health, safety and welfare.

Keefe to Head State Immigration Board - Larry Keefe, a former federal prosecutor who coordinated Florida's 2022 move to pay to send migrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard, Mass., was named Monday as the executive director for the State Board of Immigration Enforcement as Florida seeks to further bolster its efforts against illegal immigration. Keefe's appointment was approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet at a special meeting in Niceville. The new board was created by immigration legislation passed last week by the Legislature in a special session and immediately signed into law by DeSantis. Keefe was the top federal prosecutor in North Florida and formerly served as the state's public safety czar. The immigration board members are the governor and the members of the independently-elected Cabinet, with Keefe serving as the board's appointed staff chief. "This is the perfect thing for me. This is a perfect job," Keefe said. "It blends federal, state, and local, getting people to work together with a great sense of urgency, tearing down barriers." During Monday's meeting, DeSantis touted the state's increased "get tough" on immigration approach, and vowed Florida will be involved in removing unauthorized immigrants. "Last time it was Martha's Vineyard, this time, maybe Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I don't know how it's going to shake out, I just know we're going to be there," DeSantis said. USA Today Network / Tampa Bay Times / Florida Politics / News Service Florida / Get the Coast

“DeSantis appointed to the National Council of Governors by Trump” via Eric Daugherty of Florida’s Voice — Trump selected new U.S. Council of Governors members this week. DeSantis was on the list of new names. Trump’s appointments are: Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, co-Chair; Josh Stein of North Carolina, co-Chair; DeSantis; Brian Kemp of Georgia; Jeff Landry of Louisiana; Wes Moore of Maryland; Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan; Kathy Hochul of New York; Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania; and Henry McMaster of South Carolina. Whitmer is the only reappointment by Trump. The other members are new.

“DeSantis expects Canadians will keep coming to Florida, despite political tensions” via Skyler Swisher of the Orlando Sentinel — DeSantis isn’t worried that political tensions between Canada and the United States will hurt tourism in Florida. “I am seeing a lot of Canadian license plates,” he said, shrugging off reports that some Canadians are rethinking U.S. travel plans in response to Trump’s tariff threats. Canada is Florida’s top source of international tourists, with 3.3 million making the trip in 2024, representing about 2% of Florida’s total visitors. Earlier this month, Trump delayed imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian goods for 30 days, but relations between the countries are frayed.

“‘He could have been the king’: Ron DeSantis praises George Washington’s restraint while unveiling statue” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — DeSantis unveiled a new bronze Washington statue in the state Capitol Rotunda as he praised the country’s first President for not overstepping his power and becoming a king. DeSantis’ comments come after Trump posted a picture on social media, calling himself a king this week. “He could have been the king of the United States of America if he wanted to do it,” DeSantis said of Washington at a news conference detailing Florida’s festivities to honor America’s 250th anniversary. “He could have just ceremonially been elected as long as he wanted to, but he set the precedent of a two-term limit.”

Attorney General …

Former DeSantis Chief of Staff Sworn-In as Attorney General - James Uthmeier, a longtime ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, was sworn in as Florida's 39th Attorney General on Monday during a ceremony at the Old Capitol in Tallahassee. Uthmeier, who previously served as DeSantis' Chief of Staff since 2021 and General Counsel before that, succeeds Ashley Moody, who was named by DeSantis to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by now Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Uthmeier played a key role in the governor's presidential campaign in 2023 and worked to block ballot measures aimed at expanding abortion access and legalizing recreational marijuana in Florida. A Destin native, Uthmeier holds degrees from the University of Florida and a law degree from Georgetown University. Before joining the DeSantis administration, he worked as a senior adviser at the U.S. Department of Commerce and as an attorney at Jones Day. Uthmeier is widely expected to run for a full term in 2026, with his "Friends of James Uthmeier" political committee already established. DeSantis noted at the event that Uthmeier could serve for up to 10 years if elected for two additional terms. Florida Politics / Politico / USA Today Network / Spectrum News

"Florida sues Target for ‘leftist agenda that sexualized children,’ harm to retirement fund" via Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel — Florida Attorney General Uthmeier sued Target, claiming its 2023 Pride Month campaign, which he alleges "sexualized children" and promoted a "leftist agenda," harmed the state's retirement fund due to plummeting stock prices. Uthmeier asserts Target misled investors by downplaying the risks of its DEI practices. The lawsuit, assisted by lawyers from the conservative America First Legal Foundation, alleges stock fraud by Target for allegedly making false statements in financial reports and proxy statements. Target warned shareholders of potential backlash. After conservative criticism in 2023, Target reduced LGBTQ+ marketing, which led to share price drops. Uthmeier argues this endangers public servants' retirement security due to "leftist virtue signaling."

Legislature …

Companion Measure Proposing Stricter Term Limits for Lawmakers Filed in House - Apollo Beach Republican Rep. Michael Owen filed the House companion (HJR 637) to a proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 536) by Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, that would tighten the state's term limits law. The measure would limit lawmakers to only serving eight years in the House and eight years in the Senate before facing true term limits, rather than being able to bounce back and forth between chambers or sit out for a period before resetting their term limits clock. While currently limited to eight consecutive years in either chamber, some lawmakers serve more than 16 years total, sometimes with short breaks in between, or by serving in one chamber then the other, then returning to the first chamber. The legislation comes as Melbourne Republican Rep. Debbie Mayfield is trying to return to the Senate, after having recently ended an eight-year stint in that chamber. Mayfield served in the House from 2008 to 2016, then served in the Senate from 2016 to 2024. Then, when that Senate term was up late last year, Mayfield ran for and was elected to the House again this past November. Now, just a couple months into her new House term, Mayfield has moved to resign from the House to run for her previous state Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Randy Fine, who is running for Congress. Late last week, the Florida Supreme Court ruled in favor of Mayfield and against Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration and Secretary of State Cord Byrd, which initially disqualified her from the race, arguing that Mayfield's prior eight years in the Senate made her ineligible to run again. The joint resolution, which provides an exception for senators whose terms were shortened due to appointments by allowing them one additional term, would need to be ratified by Florida voters to take effect. Florida Politics

New DEI Bill Targets State Agencies, Examining and Licensing Boards: Following a series of bills aimed at prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Florida's public colleges and universities over the last few years, a new measure (HB 731) filed Wednesday would restrict such initiatives in university medical institutions, state agencies, and on health care-related licensing boards. The bill, by Naples Republican Rep. Lauren Melo prohibits health care professional licensing boards and other licensure-granting organizations from requiring, adopting, or promoting DEI material and training and would mandate that providers and medical institutions certify annually that they don't require DEI training. The bill also would allow people to report state agencies that fund DEI offices or officers to the state attorney general.

“Florida’s immigration fight: Jason Pizzo bill demands all employers use E-Verify” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Senate Democratic Leader Pizzo is critical of Republicans for not doing enough to stop illegal immigration by cracking down on employers hiring undocumented workers. Now, the Democrat from Sunny Isles Beach is sponsoring a new bill to require all employers, no matter how many employees they have, to use E-Verify to confirm new hires can legally be employed. “Florida Republicans have insisted that we are in an immigration crisis. We are,” Pizzo said in a statement. “However, declaring a state of emergency, passing a few messaging bills, creating transport programs, and blowing millions of taxpayer dollars do not make us the ‘toughest in the nation’ on illegal immigration.”

"Corey Simon files legislation to foster 'rural renaissance' in Florida" via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — Sen. Simon filed SB 110, aiming for a "modern-day renaissance" in Florida's rural communities through infrastructure, education and health care enhancements. The bill targets 31 of 67 counties, expanding educational opportunities, increasing health care access and modernizing commerce. It updates support for fiscally constrained counties, allocating at least $50 million annually for public safety and infrastructure, redirecting sales tax revenue and creating the Office of Rural Prosperity to provide technical assistance. The counties that experienced population loss over the last 10 years would receive $1 million each, and economic development organizations may apply for grants. It would increase funding for the Small Business Development Center and SHIP. There's also new funding for stroke and cardiac care, rural hospitals, and education. The bill would come into effect July 1.

“Jonathan Martin files bill to study the elimination of property taxes statewide” via Amber Jo Cooper of Florida’s Voice — If Republican Sen. Martin’s bill (SB 852) is passed, the Office of Economic and Demographic Research “shall conduct a study to establish a framework to eliminate property taxes” and to “replace property tax revenues through budget reductions, sales-based consumption taxes, and locally determined consumption taxes authorized by the Legislature,” the bill text said. DeSantis recently voiced his support for the abolition of property taxes in the state. “We should put the boldest amendment on the ballot that has a chance of getting that 60% […] I agree that taxing land/property is the more oppressive and ineffective form of taxation,” DeSantis said.

Senate Republicans Renew Push to Loosen Teen Work Rules - Legislative Republicans will again try to eliminate limits on how many hours some kids can work in Florida, hoping to further loosen restrictions in the child labor laws that they started to pare back last year. Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, filed legislation (SB 918) this week that would do away with a state ban on 16- and 17-year-olds working early in the mornings, or after 11 p.m. on school nights, and would also change the law to let them work more than 8 hours on a school day and more than 30 hours in a school week without parental approval. The bill, filed Wednesday, also would end the current restriction on 16- and 17-year-olds working more than four hours without a meal break when they work a full 8-hour day. The proposal would build on changes made last year when lawmakers set out to make a major expansion of when teens could work as restaurants and other service businesses complained to lawmakers that they were having serious trouble finding employees. Last year's bill was pared back in the final days of the legislative session, and left in place a restriction for 16- and 17-year-olds that says they can't work no more than 8 hours during the school year on all days except Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a limit that would be abolished by Collins' bill. The law passed last year also only lets kids that age work more than 30 hours a week if they have their parents' permission, or a waiver from a school official, another restriction that would end under Collins' legislation. So far, the measure doesn't have a House companion.

Business issues …

Florida Gas Prices Drop to Lowest Level Since December: Florida gas prices fell 14 cents last week, bringing the statewide average to $3.03 per gallon as of Sunday, according to the latest data from AAA — the Auto Club Group. This marks the lowest daily average since December and is two cents below the previous 2025 low recorded in early January. "Oil prices are trading on the lower end of the range they've been in for the past few months," said AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins. "This has enabled gas prices to also slip to the lower end of the range they've recently been priced at. However, Florida gas prices have been erratic and it wouldn't be a surprise to see an uptick this week." The West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area, along with Naples, remains the most expensive for refueling at $3.18 per gallon, while Panama City offers the current cheapest gas prices in the state at $2.87 a gallon. AAA Press Release

Why is car insurance so expensive in Florida? Insurance expert weighs in on high rates” via Lianna Norman of the USA Today Network-Florida — Insurance is expensive in Florida. And it doesn’t only affect the hurricane-prone state’s high prices for home insurance policies. Florida has long been one of the most expensive states when it comes to the cost of car insurance policies, too. According to BankRate’s January 2025 data, Florida has the third-most expensive annual costs for minimum coverage in the U.S. and the most-expensive overall when it comes to the average cost for full coverage policies. And a recent study from online insurance marketplace Insurify reported this month that car insurance prices are likely to increase another 5% in 2025, after increasing by a whopping 42% since 2022, ranking as the fifth-most expensive state in the U.S. for car insurance.

2 years after reforms, lawmakers share insurance horror stories” via Ron Hurtibise of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Florida’s Insurance Commissioner might not want the Legislature to pursue any major new reforms during the upcoming Session, but lawmakers on House and Senate committees that determine which bills advance might not be so patient. Two years after voting to enact reform bills aimed at reducing rates of claims abuses and litigation against insurers, lawmakers arrived at two meetings in Tallahassee prior to the March start of the 2025 Legislative Session loaded with complaints from constituents and questions about the state of Florida’s insurance industry. What remains to be seen is whether the concerns expressed will result in actual bills intended to reduce costs and improve how fast insurers pay claims and respond to homeowners’ claims.

Elections and campaigns …

Breaking overnight — President Donald Trump all but endorses Rep. Byron Donalds for Governor, praising him as a "TOTAL WINNER!" on social media. Trump added that Donalds "would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor," urging him to "RUN, BYRON, RUN!" While Donalds has yet to confirm his candidacy, Trump's enthusiastic support could significantly influence the Republican field. Trump's endorsement carries considerable weight, potentially deterring other Republicans from challenging Donalds in a Primary. This early show of support underscores Trump's influence within the Florida GOP and could shape the future gubernatorial race.

“Carlos Guillermo Smith wants to make it easier to pass ballot initiatives in Florida” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics

Senate GOP unites behind ‘reliable’ Debbie Mayfield in SD 19 Special Election" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Following a Florida Supreme Court ruling affirming Mayfield's eligibility, Republican leaders rallied behind her bid for Senate District 19. Senate President Ben Albritton and Sens. Jim Boyd and Jay Trumbull praised her experience and commitment to key Republican priorities like parental rights, law and order and lowering costs. After vacating the seat, Randy Fine endorsed Mayfield, calling her a "tireless fighter" for Trump's agenda. His support referred to Mayfield's belief that DeSantis' administration attempted to disqualify her through a "weaponized" Department of State. The Supreme Court unanimously rejected the state's argument that term limits barred her candidacy. Mayfield now faces Tim Thomas, Marcie Adkins, and Mark Lightner III in the Special Election Primary.

“Kathleen Passidomo endorses Lauren Melo as preferred successor in SD 28” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Passidomo knows who she wants to succeed her in the Senate. The Naples Republican endorsed Rep. Melo less than 24 hours after Melo filed to run in Senate District 28. “During her time in the Florida House, Lauren Melo has been an outstanding partner to advance the priorities of Southwest Florida in the Legislature,” Passidomo said. “She cares genuinely about the communities we represent, especially the most vulnerable. Her deep-rooted conservative values and hard work ethic make Lauren Melo the best candidate for Florida Senate District 28, and I am proud to endorse her campaign.” Melo first won election to the House in 2020 and just won election in November for a third term.