Legislative Update - March 14, 2025

Week two of the Florida Legislative Session is finishing up today. The only meeting on the calendar today is the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee where there will be a panel discussion about the insurance crisis in Florida.

The Senate this week voted out its first bill of the regular session, a leadership priority measure, SB 112 by Harrell, to provide additional intervention services to some children with autism. Another priority bill of Senate President Ben Albritton, SB 110 by Simon, was unanimously approved by the Fiscal Policy Committee yesterday. The bill outlines a variety of initiatives to support struggling rural communities.

On Thursday, the Senate honored the late Senator Geraldine Thompson who died on February 13 unexpectedly.

House Speaker Daniel Perez emphasized fiscal responsibility during his Opening Day remarks and now the House is scrutinizing the DeSantis administration's spending and hiring practices.

Florida lawmakers in both Chambers moved forward with legislation that would officially rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" in state laws and educational materials.

Legislative …

Senate Honors Geraldine Thompson - The Senate on Thursday honored long-time lawmaker, educator, civil rights leader and advocate for the poor and disenfranchised Geraldine Thompson, remembering her as a sharer of knowledge and a conscience of the Senate. Thompson died in office on Feb. 13 unexpectedly, following complications from knee surgery. She was 76. The African-American Democrat was legendary in her Orlando-area community, and known as a calm and reasoned, but principled voice in the midst of often harsher political rhetoric. Senate President Ben Albritton called Thompson the "perfect blend of grace and strength." The public school teacher, community college administrator and historian also founded the Wells' Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando and headed a task force charged with building a state museum of African American history. "I'm reminded of the African proverb that says, 'when an elder dies, a library is burned to the ground,'" said Sen. Darryl Rouson. "We've lost one of our premier and prestigious libraries with the passing of Senator Thompson." Thompson's husband and family members sat at her desk on the Senate floor during Thursday's remembrance, her desk covered with black cloth and white roses. Associated Press / Florida Phoenix / News Service Florida / ABC News

“Jose Alvarez claims he’s no longer welcome in Democratic office for supporting GOP bill” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Rep. Alvarez surprised many in attendance at a March 6 Subcommittee hearing when he backed petition-gathering restrictions. That included House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, who showed up at the hearing to discuss the lawmaker’s vote. One lawmaker present said Driskell “berated” Alvarez. But other witnesses say it was Alvarez who raised his voice. Both Driskell and Alvarez said the other party turned the conversation into a confrontation. … the two left, and the argument continued until Alvarez reached an elevator. That was when Driskell told Alvarez he had been kicked out of the caucus by his account. Driskell, however, said Alvarez hadn’t been booted from the caucus. “I was told he didn’t want to step foot in the caucus again, but he is not banned,” she said. He remains on email lists and is still listed on the Florida House website as a Democrat.

"Florida Republicans probe travel costs, other spending by DOGE-friendly Ron DeSantis administration" via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Despite DeSantis' praise for Elon Musk's waste-cutting efforts, key Florida House Republicans are scrutinizing the DeSantis administration's spending and hiring practices. Concerns include agency secretaries working remotely, an agency's inability to track state-owned vehicles, and significant travel expenses for out-of-state employees. Legislators are also questioning vacant positions and potential job eliminations. These inquiries signal growing tension between DeSantis and the GOP-led Legislature. House Speaker Daniel Perez emphasized fiscal responsibility. A House budget panel grilled a Department of Management Services (DMS) deputy secretary about spending issues, while another questioned the Lottery Secretary's trip to Paris. A bill is advancing to restrict agency heads from living outside their agency's home county, potentially affecting top DeSantis appointees.

Autism Care, First Bill Through Senate, Heads to House - The Senate this week voted out its first bill of the regular session, a leadership priority measure (SB 112) to provide additional intervention services to some children with autism. The bill, which passed the full Senate on Wednesday with a unanimous vote, directs the state Department of Health to request federal approval under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to provide Florida families of children with autism with more early intervention therapies and services. The measure now goes to the House. "What we're doing today is we're sending a message to those parents," said Senate President Ben Albritton. "We hear you, and we see you and we're running to your fight." The bill's sponsor, Republican Sen. Gayle Harrell, said services for autistic children have come up short. "Is it enough? Are we really doing what the state of Florida needs to do to diagnose, treat and provide services to individuals with autism?" asked Harrell. "This bill is the next step." Florida Phoenix / Florida Politics / Politico Pro / Florida's Voice

'Rural Renaissance' Bill Ready for Senate Floor with Boost in Hospital Funding A sweeping proposal aimed at revitalizing rural Florida is headed to the full Senate after receiving unanimous approval Thursday from the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee. The bill (SB 110), a top priority of Senate President Ben Albritton, outlines a variety of initiatives to support struggling rural communities. Sponsored by Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, the measure includes incentives to attract doctors and teachers, funding for transportation projects, and the creation of an Office of Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce. The bill also allocates $1 million block grants to eight counties experiencing population declines. Lawmakers added several provisions Thursday via an amendment, including $6.5 million in increased funding for critical access hospitals and expanded reimbursement assistance for medical education programs, specifically for emergency room doctors in rural hospitals. The proposal also tasks Visit Florida with providing marketing support to small rural and agritourism businesses. A companion bill (HB 1427) has been filed in the House by Republican Reps. Griff Griffitts and Shane Abbott. News Service Florida / Florida Politics

House Panel to Begin Discussion on Property Insurance Industry Profits - One House committee is scheduled to meet today, but no bills are on the agenda. The House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee is expected to have a discussion on insurance with Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky and Immediate Past Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier. The meeting comes after House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, said during his opening day speech for the 2025 regular legislative session that the panel could conduct hearings into property insurance companies' profits in a bid to find out whether the industry is holding out on Florida customers and unfairly keeping rates high. Members will be able to issue subpoenas, put witnesses under oath, and hire outside experts in taking on the companies. "A couple of years ago, the insurance industry came to the Legislature and said without sweeping reforms companies could not compete in Florida," Perez explained. "We have since learned of reports — in existence at that time but not disclosed to the Legislature — that may suggest some insurance companies were using accounting tricks to hide substantial profits while telling us they were in a crisis." News Service Florida / LobbyTools Calendar

Bill Requiring Regular Review, Transparency in Agency Rules Ready for Senate Floor - A proposal aimed at revamping Florida's rulemaking process to add oversight and transparency is ready to be considered by the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday. Sponsored by Vero Beach Republican Sen. Erin Grall and co-sponsored by Zephyrhills Republican Sen. Danny Burgess, the legislation (SB 108) updates Floida's Administrative Procedures Act, or the APA, to require all state agencies to conduct regular reviews of their existing rules. Under the bill, state agencies would have to coordinate with the Legislature's Joint Administrative Procedures Committee to evaluate whether their rules align with current laws and need updating. Each agency would be required to review about 20% of its rules annually and submit a five-year review schedule as part of its annual regulatory plan. The measure also sets a 90-day deadline for agencies to publish proposed rules after new laws take effect. Any changes to rules would have to be published electronically, clearly marking additions and deletions, in an effort to make it easier for the public to track updates. "This new process improves oversight and accountability for everyone involved, including the Legislature," said Grall in a press release. "It is our responsibility to make sure the bills we pass are being implemented properly, so we can make changes if needed. Creating consistent mechanisms for review, updates, and changes allows the Legislature to more meaningfully monitor the rulemaking process." The initiative is supported by Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula. "Improved oversight of administrative rules will go a long way towards keeping government more accountable to Floridians," Albritton said in a statement. "One of the reasons DOGE has become so popular at the federal level is that Americans have a problem with the idea that unelected federal bureaucrats have so much unchecked authority. We are a state and nation of laws created by elected officials accountable to the people, not an administrative state controlled by appointed professional staff. Florida government is not, and should not, be immune to this kind of scrutiny. This legislation modernizes Florida's rulemaking process to better serve our state." A House counterpart (HB 433) sponsored by Palm City Republican Rep. Toby Overdorf has yet to be introduced in committee. Senate Press Release / LobbyTools Rules Notices / LobbyTools Rules Open for Comment

Senate Seeks to Block State Spending on Efforts to Change Constitution - State government would be barred from spending public money to support or block proposed changes to the constitution under a measure added Monday to a Senate bill (SB 7016) dealing with several parts of the constitutional amendment process. The addition by GOP Sen. Jennifer Bradley to the Republican-backed proposal that was approved by the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee on Monday would prohibit spending like that undertaken last year by the DeSantis administration, which worked to defeat a proposed constitutional amendment that would have enshrined abortion rights in the constitution. "Taxpayer dollars being used for political purposes makes me very uncomfortable ... as a conservative," Bradley said. "This amendment makes sure that taxpayers don't get the bill for political issue campaigns." The amendment would ban the use of public funds to advocate for or against any proposed change to the constitution, regardless of how it got on the ballot, whether it be by a citizen initiative as was the case with the abortion amendment, or put on the ballot by lawmakers, or the Constitution Revision Commission. The amendment would ban "the use of state funds to publish, broadcast, or disseminate public service messages concerning an amendment or a revision on the ballot, regardless of whether the public service messages are limited to factual information." Last year, DeSantis defended spending on disseminating information about the abortion amendment, by saying the government was simply putting out factual information. Bradley noted that local governments are already barred by state law from using public funds for political advertisements on referendum issues. The amendment was one of several added to a broader bill seeking to make changes to the process for getting proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot, an effort Republican backers of the legislation say is needed because of fraud in the initiative petition process. After adding the spending restriction, the Ethics and Elections Committee approved the bill on a 6-3 vote. It was the only assigned committee stop for the closely-watched measure, which could now go to the full Senate for a floor vote. A proposed bill in the House (HB 1205) dealing with the amendment petition process doesn't currently include the ban on state spending on amendment advocacy. Tampa Bay Times / USA Today Network / Florida Politics

“Jonathan Martin’s minimum wage bill advances Committee” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — The Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism advanced a measure Monday that focuses on minimum wage requirements for certain employees in Florida. Sen. Martin filed the bill (SB 676). While making its way through Committee, Martin introduced an amendment that clarifies that an employee must knowingly and voluntarily give up their right to receive minimum wages. If that individual is under 18, the individual’s parent or legal guardian must sign off on their choice. “The Florida Constitution requires that employers pay a certain amount, currently $13 an hour for employees,” Martin said. “But it does not require employees to accept that amount if they waive that right. This bill would allow employees, through a framework, to waive that right if they so choose. We need this bill to ensure that there is a framework to ensure that employees are knowingly and voluntarily giving up that right.”

'Gulf of America' Designation Moves Forward: Florida lawmakers on Tuesday moved forward with legislation that would officially rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" in state laws and educational materials. Three Republican-led House and Senate committees gave initial approval to the proposal, which follows President Donald Trump's push to rebrand the historic body of water. The Gulf has been known as the Gulf of Mexico since it first appeared on Spanish maps in the 1500s. The House Government Operations Subcommittee advanced Rep. Tyler Sirois' legislation (HB 575), while the Senate Community Affairs Committee passed identical legislation from Sen. Nick DiCeglie (SB 608). Meanwhile, the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee took on a pared-down version of Sen. Joe Gruters' bill (SB 1058), which initially also included renaming a portion of U.S. 41, which stretches from Miami-Dade to Hillsborough County, from "Tamiami Trail" to "Gulf of America Trail." That provision was removed via an amendment but the measure proposes requiring school boards to "adopt and acquire" materials using the Gulf of America name and to "update geographical materials for Floridians." Several Democrats voiced opposition to the legislation. Another similar House bill (HB 549) by Rep. Juan Carlos Porras is expected to be taken up later this week. News Service Florida / Florida Politics

Senate Moves Hands-Free Driving Bill Forward - A bill (SB 1318) that expands Florida's texting-while-driving ban began moving in the Senate this week, getting through its first committee stop. The bill would prohibit using any wireless communication device "in a handheld manner" except to turn it on or off or start to run an app on the device. The bill says "sustained use" of any wireless device has to be done through a hands-free function. Distracted driving kills too many people, said the bill's sponsor, Republican Sen. Erin Grall. "We know this can be as bad as drunk driving if not worse, and more pervasive," Grall said. "And we know that we are losing lives." In the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday, members of the public shared stories of losing loved ones to crashes involving distracted drivers. Demetrius Branca of Tallahassee, whose son Anthony was killed in such a crash in 2014, noted that it's not just victims — but people all over the state who drive and worry about being a victim who wants stricter laws. "The people of our state are begging for this," Branca said. And Sen. Tracie Davis told Grall that she appreciated the measure and wanted to help pass it after her sister was killed by a distracted driver several years ago. Florida made texting and driving a primary offense for which drivers can be pulled over and ticketed back in 2019. Grall's expansion bill was approved by the Transportation Committee on Wednesday and has two more committee stops before the floor. The House version of the measure (HB 501) has yet to be heard in committee. WKMG

Lower Rifle Buying Age Moving in House: Legislation (HB 759) that would lower the age limit to buy rifles and long guns from 21 to 18 advanced this week in the House, clearing the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on a 13-5 vote on Wednesday. The measure, which reverses a change made following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, now heads to the House Judiciary Committee. "House Bill 759 rectifies an inconsistency in our legal framework by ensuring that all adult citizens in Florida are afforded their full Second Amendment rights by lowering the minimum age for firearm purchases to 18," said the bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Michelle Salzman. "We acknowledge the responsibilities and rights that come with adulthood." Florida Politics

Fla Efforts to Boost E-Verify Come Amid National Push: Efforts by Democratic Sen. Jason Pizzo and Republican Rep. Berny Jacques to expand use of the E-Verify employment system to check to make sure applicants can legally work in the United States are among similar moves in about a dozen states to expand use of the federal system. Pizzo has filed a Senate bill (SB 782) to expand state's law to require all employers to use E-Verify instead of just businesses with more than 25 employees, as is now the case. Jacques has filed a measure (HB 955) in the House to do the same thing. Neither measure has had a committee hearing. Pluribus News reported this week that 11 states have measures to require or expand use of E-Verify. Pluribus News

Business Issues …

Gas Prices Remain Steady - Gasoline prices in Florida showed little change last week, while the AAA auto club warned some price fluctuations could be coming because of the “bearish sentiment” in the market. “Economic uncertainty and the potential for increased production from OPEC helped push oil prices to lows not seen since November. It's unclear if this will have an effect on gas prices,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a prepared statement. “Interestingly enough, the price of gasoline futures increased last week, likely because refineries are beginning to produce summer blend gasoline and spring break travel is causing higher demand for fuel." The annual conversion to the summer-grade gasoline increases pump prices, as it contains additives needed to reduce evaporation and is more expensive to produce than the winter mix, which is designed to help engines start in cold weather. AAA said Florida motorists Monday paid an average of $3.07 a gallon for regular unleaded, up a penny from a week earlier. Averages ranged from $2.76 a gallon in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach area to $3.22 a gallon in the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area.

Campaigns & Elections …

Donald Trump Jr. endorses Byron Donalds for Governor of Florida” via Eric Daugherty of Florida’s Voice — Trump Jr. this week announced his formal endorsement of Republican Rep. Donalds for Governor of Florida. The move comes off the heels of Trump Jr.’s father – President Trump – endorsing Donalds before the Congressman announced his candidacy formally. “My friend Byron Donalds is a great patriot and has my full endorsement for Florida Governor,” Trump Jr. said. “Byron is a fighter and a true champion for our America First movement.” “He will be a great leader for Florida, and he’ll fight alongside my father to make America greater than ever before!” he said. Also, this week, the conservative organization Club for Growth PAC endorsed Donalds. Club for Growth also endorsed DeSantis’ 2022 and 2018 gubernatorial candidacies.

Pizzo 'Closer and Closer' to Running for Gov: South Florida Democratic Sen. Jason Pizzo said he's "getting closer and closer" to announcing a run for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2026. The Senate Democratic Leader said if he did run, it would be on basic economic issues and education, and that he doesn't think voters are that interested in socially divisive issues that have dominated politics at both the state and national levels the last few years. "My constituents want us to deal with property insurance and auto insurance," Pizzo said on Fox News. "And why are their kids' SAT scores plummeting? They don't want socially divisive issues anymore, regardless of what side they're on." Pizzo also staked out a middle ground position, criticizing the "loud fringes of both sides" that have been prominent in politics recently. The Floridian / Fox News

“Uthmeier to officially kick off AG campaign” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Uthmeier, the former Chief of Staff to DeSantis appointed as Attorney General after former AG Ashley Moody was appointed to the U.S. Senate, will officially kick off his 2026 campaign for the job next week on Tuesday, March 11. The event will be held at The Governor’s Inn, 209 S. Adams St., Tallahassee, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Uthmeier was sworn in as Attorney General earlier this month, replacing Moody, who replaced former U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio after he was tapped to serve as Trump’s Secretary of State. His appointment will fill the remaining portion of Moody’s term through 2026, meaning Uthmeier will have to seek election to the seat in 2026 for a full term. Uthmeier filed for that race last week. His appointment to the remainder of the current term will not count toward term limits, meaning that if he is elected, he will have the opportunity to serve nearly 10 years as Attorney General, not just eight.

Senate Republican leaders back Lauren Melo’s bid in SD 28” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Republican leadership in the Senate has picked a favorite in the race to succeed former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. The Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee (FRSCC) announced that Senate President Ben Albritton, Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd, and Senate Health Appropriations Chair Jay Trumbull endorsed Rep. Melo for the Senate District 28 post. “The challenges and opportunities ahead will require the next generation of Senate leaders to be proven fighters for the hard-working people of Florida,” reads a joint statement from Albritton, Boyd, and Trumbull. “From building her own businesses to raising three children and battling breast cancer while sending her son overseas to Afghanistan on his first combat deployment in the Army, Lauren Melo represents the best of Florida’s hunger for freedom and prosperity.”

Health Care Related Articles

Measure Giving Psych Nurses Autonomous Practice Clears First House Hurdle - The House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee advanced a measure on Thursday that would expand the scope of practice for advanced nurse practitioners in Florida. The bill (HB 883), filed by Port St. Joe Republican Rep. Jason Shoaf, would add psychiatric nurses to the list authorized to practice autonomously and establish their own practices so long as they meet the requirements for autonomous practice. Currently, only advanced practice registered nurses, or APRNs, are permitted to practice independently, or without physician supervision, within primary care, family medicine, general pediatrics and general internal medicine under certain circumstances in Florida. Supporters argue the legislation could help alleviate the health care worker shortage and lead to a potential reduction in health care costs, noting that 27 other states already allow for it. Opponents worry that it could impact quality of care and dissuade students from going to medical school to become a psychiatrist. The initiative passed on a 15-3 vote, with Jacksonville Republican Rep. Jessica Baker and Democratic Reps. Wallace Aristide and Mitch Rosenwald voting in opposition. The bill heads next to its second and final committee of reference, while a similar Senate companion (SB 758) by Tallahassee Republican Sen. Corey Simon has yet to be introduced in committee.

Bills Requiring Fertility Preservation Coverage for State Workers with Cancer Advance - Committees in both chambers on Tuesday advanced legislation that would expand health care benefits for state employees, ensuring fertility preservation services are covered for those undergoing cancer treatments that may lead to infertility. The measures (SB 924 and HB 677), sponsored by Miami Republican Sen. Alexis Calatayud and Fort Pierce Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy, would require the state group health insurance plan to cover the costs of storing eggs, sperm, or embryos for up to three years for employees of reproductive age diagnosed with cancer whose treatment could impact their fertility. While the House bill received unanimous support from the House Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee, Calatayud's proposal received some pushback, passing the Senate Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability on a 6-1 vote, with Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, voting in opposition and Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, voicing concern during debate. "There are commercial providers that don't provide this and so we need to be real careful with state group health insurance that we're not making people who are struggling to make ends meet pay for a Cadillac plan," said Brodeur, who ultimately voted in favor of the bill. Calatayud pointed out, however, that only 5,671 Floridians of reproductive age were diagnosed with cancer last year. The initiative has gained support from The Chick Mission, a nonprofit founded by cancer survivor Amanda Rice, which advocates for fertility preservation coverage nationwide. Currently, 19 states offer some form of coverage for fertility preservation, according to the National Infertility Association. Florida's health plan includes reproductive services like birth control but does not mandate coverage for fertility treatments such as IVF or artificial insemination. The proposed legislation stops short of requiring coverage for fertility treatments aimed at achieving pregnancy. If passed, new policies issued after Jan. 1, 2026, would be required to cover "medically necessary" fertility preservation services. While preauthorization would not be needed, coverage could still be subject to deductibles or copayments. Roughly 1.36% of the 300,000 individuals covered by Florida's state health insurance program could benefit, at an estimated annual cost of $800,000. Both bills have two more committee stops. Orlando Sentinel

'Home Away From Home' Tax Credit Measure Advances: The Senate Health Policy Committee unanimously advanced a bill (SB 182) filed by Miami Republican Sen. Alexis Calatayud that would create the "Home Away From Home" Tax Credit program. The initiative, backed by Senate President Ben Albritton, offers up to $2.5 million annually in tax credits to businesses that donate to Florida-based nonprofits providing low- or no-cost housing for families of hospitalized children. To qualify, charitable organizations must be headquartered in Florida, hold 501(c)(3) status, and use 100% of donated funds to expand facilities, support families, and offset accommodation costs. The nonprofits must also conduct criminal background checks on staff and volunteers working directly with children and submit annual reports to the state Department of Health. The proposal aims to ease the financial and emotional burdens on families facing significant medical expenses by ensuring they have safe, affordable housing during their child's treatment. The proposal has two more committees to clear. No House companion is filed. Florida Politics

Florida-based hospital operator Landmark Holdings files for bankruptcy

https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/florida-based-hospital-operator-landmark-holdings-bankruptcy/742265/

“Ron DeSantis administration missed self-imposed deadline for hospital immigration data” via Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix — A March 1 deadline for the DeSantis administration to submit to the Legislature a report on the immigration status of hospital patients came and went without the report being delivered. According to legislative aides, neither the Senate nor the House had received the statutorily required report by the deadline. The report was mandated by a 2023 immigration law passed by the Legislature before DeSantis’ failed presidential bid.