Legislative Update - April 18, 2025

In the shadow of the Capitol, two victims were killed and six other people injured after a lone shooter opened fire on the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee on Thursday. The shooter identified as an FSU student and the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy was also shot and hospitalized, according to law enforcement.

The tension between the Governor and Speaker Perez is escalating. The Governor is flying across the state using press conferences to bash the Florida House for what he believes are attacks on Hope Florida, a charity supported by the First Lady, Casey DeSantis. Speaker Perez has decided to fight back and during recent press conferences said he was tired of the Governor’s lies and gave his side of the story.

No legislative meetings today. On Monday at 2 pm, Senate Rules Committee will meet. Tuesday is the 50th Day and according to the Senate Rules, it is the last day for regularly scheduled committee meetings unless approved by the President, except the Rules Committee. The House will begin their committee meetings on Tuesday. 

As we have previously reported, the only duty the legislature must do is to pass a balance budget. Conference committee should begin next week if they plan to adjourn on time. However, to begin with the conferences, allocations need to be made to determine how much can be spent for different areas. We are still waiting on the allocation amounts.

Governor …

DeSantis Signs Gulf of America Bills - Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed legislation to carry out President Donald Trump's order to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The governor signed one measure (HB 575) that requires that all official state documents and maps use the Gulf of America name. DeSantis said in a press release that the measure is aimed at "reinforcing Florida's leadership along the Gulf Coast and setting a precedent for neighboring states to follow." DeSantis also signed a second bill (HB 549) that would require school boards to make the name change for the gulf when they next update their instructional materials. "American exceptionalism isn't an abstract idea," said Republican Sen. Nick DiCeglie, the Senate sponsor of one of the measures. "It is an absolute fact that we must recognize and celebrate. In Florida, we will always put America first." Governor's Press Release / USA Today Network / Florida Politics / The Floridian / CBS Miami / Track Bills Signed by the Governor with LobbyTools Governor's Activity

"Donors gave big to Ron DeSantis’ marijuana campaign after getting $10M from Hope Florida" via Lawrence Mower and Alexandra Glorioso of the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau — Weeks after the DeSantis administration directed $10 million from a Medicaid legal settlement to First Lady Casey DeSantis' Hope Florida Foundation, the charity swiftly granted $5 million each to two organizations that heavily funded a political committee battling marijuana legalization – a cause championed by the Governor.

This rapid sequence, detailed in campaign finance records and foundation documents, raises serious questions about whether public settlement dollars were funneled through the First Lady's initiative to fuel a political fight.

“Where’s the acting CFO? Governor takes his time replacing Jimmy Patronis” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The press shops of the Chief Financial Officer and the Governor did not respond to Florida Politics’ inquiry about naming an acting or interim CFO. Our backup plan was inelegant but useful given the lack of official comment. We simply called the CFO’s office and asked who the interim was. The person who answered the phone said that DeSantis hadn’t picked anyone yet, nearly two weeks after former CFO Patronis was elected to fill Matt Gaetz’s unexpired term in Florida’s 1st Congressional District. Asked about the vacancy on April 1, DeSantis suggested the opening would be filled expeditiously.

Legislative …

"Bad blood: Daniel Perez rips Ron DeSantis’ ‘temper tantrums’ and ‘lies’" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — House Speaker Perez is having his say after days of attacks from Gov. DeSantis.

After Wednesday’s floor Session, Perez responded to “lies and stories that never happened” and “temper tantrums” from the Chief Executive, which was the latest indication that the bad blood flowed both ways.

Jones Undergoes Emergency Appendectomy: State Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, suffered a ruptured appendix last week and had to undergo emergency surgery, according to Florida Politics. He is currently recovering. "Just so no misinformation isn't spread ... yes, I had to have emergency surgery yesterday, and yes, I'm getting better," Jones said Friday morning. "I will probably miss next week of Session, but I'll survive."

When Will House, Senate Reach Budget Agreement? Hard to Say Exactly - When are lawmakers likely to reach an agreement on a proposed budget for the coming fiscal year, and will it be in time to end the session on time? If other recent years are a guide, it could be tight. Lawmakers recently have typically taken about three weeks to a month from the time of passing their respective chamber budgets until final passage. But at least for this year, there's plenty of money for lawmakers to appropriate and conventional wisdom has usually been that that surplus makes it a bit easier to find agreement. LobbyTools 2025 Session Budget Materials

Senate Unveils Sweeping Tax Holiday Plan to Ease Costs for Floridians - As part of the Senate's tax relief package, which was filed as SB 7034 as a placeholder late last week, Senate President Ben Albritton is proposing a slate of sales tax holidays aimed at easing financial burdens for Floridians throughout the year — similar to tax packages filed in previous years. The plan includes five targeted tax-free periods that seek to benefit families, workers, students, and those preparing for hurricane season. "Over the last decade, sales tax holidays, particularly for hurricane season and back-to-school, have become something Floridians have come to expect and plan for," Albritton wrote in a memo last week. "Our goal was to avoid overlapping holidays, which can be confusing for consumers and retailers alike." The proposed Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday that would be June 2-15 would exempt items like flashlights and lanterns under $40, reusable ice under $20, radios under $50, tarps and tie-down kits under $100, coolers and power banks under $60, batteries and fuel tanks under $50, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors under $70, and generators up to $3,000 from Florida's current 6% sales tax. July would be designated "Freedom Month," waiving sales tax on event admissions, state park passes, fitness memberships, and a variety of summer gear like camping equipment and pool supplies. Any memberships or passes purchased in July for use through December would also qualify. A Back-to-School Tax Holiday in August would remove taxes on school supplies under $50, backpacks under $100, learning aids under $30, and personal computers or related accessories worth up to $1,500. The Skilled Worker Tax Holiday, running from Aug. 29 to Sept. 7, would apply to items like hand tools under $50, power tools under $300, work boots under $175, and various shop, plumbing, electrical, and safety equipment. Additionally, a new Hunting Season Tax Holiday, which would take place Sept. 15 through Oct. 19, would provide tax exemptions for firearms, ammunition, bows, crossbows, and related gear. The Senate tax package also includes a permanent sales tax exemption on most shoes and clothing. Albritton's plan contrasts with House Speaker Daniel Perez's push to lower the overall state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and Gov. Ron DeSantis' focus on reducing property taxes. In addition to lowering the state sales tax rate by 0.75%, the House's tax package (HB 7031) would also reduce the commercial lease tax from 2% to 1.25%, the sales tax on electricity from 4.35% to 3.6%, the tax on new mobile home sales from 3% to 2.25%, and the rate on coin-operated amusement machines from 4% to 3.25%. A House analysis estimates the cuts would reduce state revenue by nearly $4.9 billion and local government revenue by about $540 million in the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year, which is slated to begin on July 1. The full House passed its proposal last week, and the Senate Finance and Tax Committee is scheduled to consider its proposal on Tuesday. Florida Politics / Axios / Tampa Bay Times / Senate One-Pager

Senate Offers Tax Cut Proposal Details - The Senate on Monday released a proposed tax package that includes, as expected, a call to study the potential elimination or reduction of property taxes, aligning with Gov. Ron DeSantis' call to ease the tax burden on homeowners and a proposal to end sales tax on clothing up to $75. The measure (SB 7034) would direct the Legislature's Office of Economic & Demographic Research to examine the state's property-tax system, assess the fiscal impact of reducing taxes on homestead properties, and outline options for minimizing any resulting harm to essential local services. The study, which would be due by Nov. 1, would offer possible legal and constitutional changes to help mitigate lost revenue, with a goal to allow voters to weigh in on the issue during the 2026 election. The Senate's plan would also offer a one-time credit on vehicle registration tag fees for renewals due after Sept. 30. Drivers who renewed earlier would see the credit applied during their next renewal cycle. The upper chamber's tax proposal would also push to extend the current freeze on local communications services tax rates through 2031 — five years beyond the scheduled 2026 expiration. Additionally, the Senate measure provides for permanently eliminating sales taxes on clothes and shoes priced at $75 or less and offers five sales tax holidays: a Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday, a Back-to-School Tax Holiday, a Skilled Worker Tax Holiday, the "Freedom Month" sales tax holiday, and a new Hunting Season Tax Holiday. Overall, the measure would reduce revenue by $1.83 billion next fiscal year. On the other side of the rotunda, the House is advancing a competing plan to lower the state's overall sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25%. In addition to lowering the state sales tax rate by 0.75%, the House's tax package (HB 7031) would also reduce the commercial lease tax from 2% to 1.25%, the sales tax on electricity from 4.35% to 3.6%, the tax on new mobile home sales from 3% to 2.25%, and the rate on coin-operated amusement machines from 4% to 3.25%. A House analysis estimates the cuts would reduce state revenue by nearly $4.9 billion and local government revenue by about $540 million in the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year, which is slated to begin on July 1. Lawmakers will need to reconcile the two approaches during budget negotiations. The full House passed its proposal last week, and the Senate Finance and Tax Committee is scheduled to consider its tax plan on Tuesday. A separate tax-related House committee bill filed Monday as PCB WMC 25-02, which would repeal the aviation fuel tax, remove the ability of local governments to opt out of an affordable housing exemption, and allow certain tourist development tax revenue to be used for public facilities, among other things, is the only proposal on the agenda for the House Ways & Means Committee on Wednesday. News Service Florida / Florida Phoenix / LobbyTools Budget Materials Page

House Panel Advances Second Tax Package - A tax package (WMC2) approved in the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday features changes to affordable housing initiatives and new exemptions on certain flight simulation training devices and preschools. WMC1, released earlier this month, would reduce Florida's statewide sales tax from 6% to 5.25%. Jacksonville Republican Rep. Wyman Duggan, Ways and Means chairman, reviewed Wednesday's second revenue package by tax type followed by questions and debate. The measure would grant a complete statewide sales tax exemption on gold, silver, platinum sold in a single transaction below $500. Tourist development taxes have been hotly discussed in multiple committee meetings this session and the measure would revise approved uses of original, additional, and high tourism impact TDTs in 2 ways. First, coastal counties would be allowed to use TDT funds for certified beach lifeguards and second, fiscally constrained counties would be able to use revenues from a TDT for certain capital improvements. The proposal also revises certain Value Adjustment Board procedures regarding evidence exchange and filing fees and allows VAB hearings to be held electronically. To boost affordable housing, the legislation revises two provisions created by the Live Local Act in 2023: the Nonprofit Land Lease Exemption and the Missing Middle Exemption. WMC2 revises an exemption for charitable use of property for affordable housing and repeals the opt-out provision for local governments from the affordable housing "missing middle" exemption. The bill also creates a new property tax exemption for affordable housing projects located on state-owned land and operated by private parties. WMC2 would also add public and private preschools to the list of educational institutions that municipalities may exempt from special assessment. WMC2 would also revise two fuel taxes; it aims to repeal the motor fuel tax on aviation fuel and delay the scheduled imposition of reduced natural gas fuel taxes to January 1, 2030. The measure also aims to reduce the pari-mutuel cardroom tax rate on monthly gross receipts from 10% to 8%, despite concerns that the tax break incentivizes gambling.

Senate Advances $1.8B Tax Cut Plan, Despite Differences with House: A top Senate Republican expressed confidence Tuesday that lawmakers can reach a compromise on tax cuts before the end of the legislative session, despite major differences between the House and Senate approaches. The Senate Finance and Tax Committee voted 3-1 to advance a sweeping tax package (SB 7034) that would slash state and local tax revenues by an estimated $1.83 billion in the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year slated to start on July 1. The proposal includes a range of cuts and credits, though the overall structure contrasts sharply with the House's tax priorities. News Service Florida / LobbyTools Budget Materials Page

House Votes to Eliminate Lt Gov, Create New 'COGE' Role: The GOP-controlled House on Wednesday successfully amended and approved a proposal to abolish the office of the lieutenant governor and replace it with an elected "commissioner of government efficiency," a new constitutional officer within the Florida Cabinet that would be tasked with combating fraud, waste, and abuse. The measure (HJR 1325), which passed on an 82-32 vote, is sponsored by Merritt Island Republican Rep. Tyler Sirois and Stuart Republican Rep. John Snyder. Initially, the bill called for the Legislature to appoint the first Commissioner of Government Efficiency (COGE) into the new Cabinet position, and then the COGE would be subsequently elected. But a key amendment adopted on the floor stipulates that the individual picked by the incoming governor as their running mate and elected as lieutenant governor in 2026 would instead assume the new commissioner role, serving a four-year term that would count toward term limits – provided the constitutional amendment is approved by voters. The joint resolution also revises state auditing responsibilities and includes a sunset clause that would repeal the new position in 2046 if voters decided to do so in the 2044 general election. Critics, including Democrats and Rep. Mike Caruso, R-Delray Beach, called the bill "reckless" and "useless" and voiced concern about whether the incoming Lt. Governor didn't possess the right skills as COGE to replace the Auditor General. "There is nothing reckless about pursuing value and good customer service for the taxpayers of our state," said Sirois. The DOGE-like initiative, however, faces a setback in the Senate, where its similar companion measure (SJR 1756) was withdrawn from further consideration after passing one committee. That bill was filed by Melbourne Beach Republican Rep. Randy Fine, who left the Senate during session to run successfully for a congressional seat. Florida Politics / Compare HJR 1325 and SJR 1756

Florida House Launches Spending Probe into DeSantis Administration - In a sign of deepening tensions between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-led Florida House, the chamber's budget chief on Friday launched a sweeping investigation into state spending under the governor's administration. Acting on orders from House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, Dover Republican Rep. Lawrence McClure, chair of the House Budget Committee, sent letters to six state agencies, including the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Education, the Division of Emergency Management, the Department of Management Services and the Florida State Guard. In his letter, McClure requested a wide range of documents, giving the agencies until May 16 to respond. The probe raises concerns about alleged mismanagement, including reports of missing state-owned vehicles, high-level agency officials collecting six-figure salaries while living out of state, and millions in interest payments tied to an as-yet-unbuilt prison facility. The inquiry marks a notable rift within GOP leadership over fiscal oversight and comes as representatives criticize the diversion of $10 million from a state settlement with a Medicaid vendor to First Lady Casey DeSantis' Hope Florida initiative. Meanwhile, Perez recently addressed reports that the $10 million was ultimately funneled into political advocacy ads through a political committee connected to DeSantis and hinted at issuing subpoenas to get answers. "There were $10 million that should have gone back to the state treasury in a settlement agreement between Centene and AHCA, which is an agency of the state of Florida, and instead it went to Hope Florida, and it did so in the dark of night," Perez told Matt Gaetz on OANN on Friday. Perez acknowledged the possibility that $8.5 million was routed to a political committee opposing proposed constitutional amendments during the 2024 election cycle, raising concerns over transparency and accountability. The funds allegedly flowed through the Florida Chamber of Commerce's "Secure Florida's Future" account to "Keep Florida Clean," a committee previously led by now-Attorney General and former DeSantis Chief of Staff James Uthmeier. Perez said there were "breadcrumbs" linking the chamber to the transfer and expressed hope that upcoming meetings of the House Budget panel would clarify the money trail. "All options are on the table, including subpoenas," Perez said when asked how far the House would go to get answers. "I think all of this can be put to bed if the answers were actually given," said Perez. "The problem is we're not getting any answers." News Service Florida / Florida Politics / Politico

"‘Frustration’: Daniel Perez wants ‘answers’ from DeSantis about $10M steered to Hope Florida" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — “There were $10 million that should have gone back to the State Treasury in a settlement agreement between Centene and AHCA, which is an agency of the state of Florida, and instead it went to Hope Florida and it did so in the dark of night. And that’s really where the frustration comes from,” Perez said Friday. “How much of this money should have gone to the federal government? This is a Medicaid program. These are Medicaid dollars and how is that question is going to be answered by the Governor’s Office. I don’t have that answer, and all we’re asking for here is transparency and accountability, and it’s shocking to me that DeSantis, who I’ve considered a friend and who I’ve endorsed for President in years past, is trying to shy away from transparency and accountability. All we’re asking for is the answers that have been asked by members of the Florida House, in their right, and we haven’t gotten those answers,” Perez said.

Andrade Subpoenas AG's Texts in Hope Florida Probe - Pensacola Republican Rep. Alex Andrade, the chairman of the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee, told the Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald he is planning to issue subpoenas for now-Attorney General and former Gov. Ron DeSantis Chief of Staff James Uthmeier in an effort to obtain text messages and call logs as part of a growing investigation into whether millions in charitable grants were funneled into political advocacy ads via a political committee to oppose a constitutional amendment relating to the use of recreational marijuana last year. Andrade claimed he has "confirmed definitively that James Uthmeier reached out to these 501(c)(4)s personally and directed them to submit $5 million requests to Hope Florida." Hope Florida, launched by First Lady Casey DeSantis in 2021, works outside the government to connect people to community resources in an effort to reduce reliance on public welfare programs. The state House is accusing the foundation of taking $10 million of a $67 million settlement reached in 2024 by the Agency for Health Care Administration with Centene, Florida's largest Medicaid managed care provider and parent company of Sunshine Health. The funds then allegedly flowed through "Save Our Society from Drugs" and the Florida Chamber of Commerce's "Secure Florida's Future" account to "Keep Florida Clean," a committee previously led by Uthmeier that opposed a proposed ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana during the 2024 election cycle. Andrade said Save Our Society executive director Amy Ronshausen told him Uthmeier personally instructed her to seek the $5 million grant and later acknowledged using the funds to support the anti-marijuana campaign. "The day after she got the wire, she turned around and gave the first $1.6 million," Andrade said. "I asked her if that was (from) the $5 million (grant). She said, 'yes.'" Uthmeier has not publicly addressed the allegations and Chamber of Commerce CEO Mark Wilson stated that Secure Florida's Future is not a political committee and that its board controls the group's resources. Andrade said he also wants to subpoena records from Wilson and Jeff Aaron, the attorney for the Hope Florida Foundation, though Aaron said he is willing to comply without a subpoena. Additionally, Andrade's subcommittee on Tuesday questioned key figures from Hope Florida, including Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch, Executive Director Erik Dellenback, and Foundation Chairperson Joshua Hay — the recipient of the $5 million grant applications (see below). Tampa Bay Times-Miami Herald / Florida Politics

Hope Florida Foundation Chair Admits to Record-Keeping 'Mistakes' Amid Legislative Probe: The chairman of a nonprofit tied to First Lady Casey DeSantis' Hope Florida initiative acknowledged Tuesday that "mistakes were made" in the group's financial record-keeping, as House lawmakers intensified scrutiny of the foundation's handling of $10 million in state-directed funds. Joshua Hay, chair of the Hope Florida Foundation Inc., testified under oath before the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee. His appearance came amid a growing investigation into how the nonprofit received a $10 million grant from a $67 million Medicaid settlement with Centene, a managed-care company that had overbilled the state. The funds — and the foundation's subsequent financial activity — are now at the center of questions from lawmakers about potential political misuse and transparency. The committee's chair, Pensacola Republican Rep. Alex Andrade, said he is inviting more people to testify at his committee next week as well, with plans to question Hope Florida Foundation's attorney Jeff Aaron. News Service Florida

Hope Florida Bills Temporarily Postponed in Senate Committee: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services temporarily postponed two bills relating to First Lady Casey DeSantis' Hope Florida initiative on Tuesday. "Given the questions raised by the Florida House, the President felt it appropriate to take a pause at this point," Senate President Ben Albritton's spokesperson, Katie Betta, said in response to a question about the delay. The bills (SB 1144 and SB 1146), sponsored by Zephyrhills Republican Sen. Danny Burgess, would codify Hope Florida in state law, placing it within the governor's office while providing public records exemptions for participants in the Hope Florida program. "We chose to pause that bill to allow this process to work," Albritton said during a press availability with reporters following a floor session. "We're watching what's going on in the House. They clearly are looking very very deeply into this, so … we'll see what it yields." Florida Politics

With Just a Few Weeks Left in Session, Bills Are Dying - A measure (SB 1318) that would prohibit people from holding their phones or other devices while in a vehicle, requiring them to use hands-free devices instead, is among several measures that appear to have a slim chance of final approval as the legislative session moves toward its end. The bill has passed in the Senate, but its House companion measure (HB 501) is among the more than 800 bills that have yet to have a committee hearing, signalling lack of interest in passing the measure in one chamber or another. "At least it's going to be with (the House) now, and we'll see if any other solutions are proposed," said Republican Sen. Erin Grall, the measure's Senate sponsor. Longtime observers of legislative action would note that no idea is truly dead until lawmakers adjourn the session, but time appears to be running out of many of those 800-some-odd ideas. Other high profile measures that are on watch for possible failure include a bill (HB 759) that would lower the age in Florida to purchase shotguns and rifles from 21 to 18. Three Senate measures including the change have yet to have a hearing. Another bill that's moved through one chamber but not the other is a measure (SB 166) that would eliminate the need for high school students to pass algebra or English final exams to graduate. There is no House companion for the proposal. Florida Phoenix / LobbyTools Bills Not Yet Seen in Committee / LobbyTools 40-Day Drill Down

Business …

Florida Gas Prices Drop - The average price of a gallon of gasoline in Florida dropped 9 cents during the past week, amid an increase in supply and concerns about the effects of tariffs. The AAA auto club said Florida motorists were paying an average of $3.09 a gallon Monday for regular unleaded gas, down from $3.18 a week earlier. “After OPEC+ announced it’s increasing oil production next month by more than 400,000 barrels a day --- much more than expected --- the price of crude oil has been falling,” AAA said in a news release. “Oversupply coupled with tepid gasoline demand is resulting in lower pump prices.” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, pointed, in part, to the effect of tariffs. “Any abrupt change in the current tariff situation could eventually bring the decline to a halt,” De Haan said in a statement. “For now, the good news is that gas prices typically reach their yearly peak around April 10, so we may have already witnessed ‘peak pain’ at the pump for 2025.” Nationally, the average price Monday was $3.18 a gallon. The Crestview-Fort Walton Beach area had the state’s lowest average price Monday at $2.81 a gallon, according to AAA. The West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area, by contrast, had a $3.23 average.

Silver and Gold a Step Closer to Fla Legal Tender: The House Commerce Committee Tuesday advanced legislation (HB 999) that would designate gold and silver as legal tender. The bill by Apopka Republican Rep. Douglas Bankson and Rep. Chip LaMarca, R-Lighthouse Point, also prohibits government-issued specie legal tender from being characterized as personal property for taxation and regulatory purposes under state law but authorizes its use for paying legal debts in Florida. The measure creates a new statute recognizing this tender in the form of gold coins of at least 99.5% and silver coins of at least 99.9% purity. Members voiced broad support for declaring gold and silver as legal tender, while some cautioned that their support should not be construed as investment advice. The committee was the bill's last stop before consideration by the full House. A companion measure (SB 132) by Miami Republican Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee awaiting its last hearing before consideration by the full Senate. Alabama recently recognized gold and silver as legal tender; several other states have approved similar legislation in recent years. Compare HB 999 and SB 132

Campaigns & Elections …

HD 40 Special Election Set: Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on Wednesday scheduling a special primary election for House District 40 on June 24, with the special election expected for Sept. 2. Ocoee Democrat Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, already issued her intent to resign from her Florida House seat on Sept. 1 to run for Senate District 15 in the Central Florida area to replace the late Sen. Geraldine Thompson, D-Orlando. The special election for Bracy Davis' House seat coincides with the special election dates for SD 15. DeSantis Executive Order

Senate candidates faced a deadline last week to file reports showing campaign finance activity through March 31. Here are 2026 and 2028 Senate candidates who raised the most money for their campaign accounts during the first three months of this year:

— Rep. James Buchanan, R-Sarasota, Senate District 22: $182,870

— Former Sen. Lauren Book, D-Davie, District 37: $69,500

— Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, District 10: $67,590

— Port Orange Republican Jake Johansson, District 8: $65,190

— Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, District 18: $39,150

— Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, District 3: $34,500

— Rep. Lauren Melo, R-Naples, Senate District 28: $33,270

— Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami, District 38: $32,300

— Sen. Kristen Arrington, D-Kissimmee, District 25: $26,350

— Rep. Michele Rayner, D-St. Petersburg, Senate District 16: $25,735

Notes: The totals include contributions to campaign accounts and do not include contributions to political committees linked to candidates. Also, the totals do not include candidates in a special election in Senate District 19.

Source: Florida Division of Elections

House candidates faced a deadline last week to file reports showing campaign finance activity through March 31. Here are 2026 House candidates who raised the most money for their campaign accounts during the first three months of this year:

— Miami Republican Ashley Perez-Biliskov, District 116: $144,982

— Republican Erin Huntley, District 45: $81,286

— Hollywood Democrat Todd Delmay, District 101: $74,688

— Hampton Republican Marshall Rawson, District 10: $52,095

— Rep. Hillary Cassel, R-Dania Beach, District 101: $50,820

— Rep. Kim Berfield, R-Clearwater, District 58: $50,170

— Republican Chase Brannan, District 10: $50,030

— Republican Nick Pachota, District 74: $48,535

— Rep. Danny Nix, R-Placida, District 75: $44,000

— Rep. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole, District 59: $42,117

Notes: The totals include contributions to campaign accounts and do not include contributions to political committees linked to candidates. Also, the totals do not include candidates in special elections in House District 3 and House District 32.

Source: Florida Division of Elections

Health Care Related News Articles

Dems Decry Fluoride Ban, Proposal Ready for Vote Today: Democrats tried in vain on Tuesday to remove a ban on local governments putting fluoride in the water supply that's included in a wide-ranging Department of Agriculture bill (SB 700) that's now ready for a floor vote in the chamber. "This has been proven science for the last 50 years, this is why we have healthy teeth," said an exasperated Democratic Sen. Tina Polsky. "This is not medicine being put into the water system. This is a naturally occurring chemical. This is safe. There is no reason to change." Sen. Keith Truenow, R-Tavares, the sponsor of the broader "Florida Farm Bill," that includes the fluoride ban, said people who want fluoride can get it other ways. "We don't want to medicate through our water supply," Truenow said.

'Sunshine Genetics Act' Passes House: The House chamber on Wednesday unanimously advanced legislation (HB 907) aimed at establishing a newborn genetic screening program at Florida State University's pediatric rare diseases unit. The bill, titled the "Sunshine Genetics Act" and sponsored by Rep. Adam Anderson, R-Palm Harbor, would create a statewide research network to improve the diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disorders. It establishes the Sunshine Genetics Pilot program, which would offer genetic screening for newborns over a five-year period. Anderson has been an advocate for rare disease research since his son died from the rare fatal genetic condition Tay-Sachs disease at four years old. "The Sunshine Genetics Act represents hope — for families, for the future, and for what's possible when science and compassion come together," Anderson said on the House floor. The proposal received bipartisan support, with members voicing strong support for the bill's focus on early detection, research, and collaboration. The Senate version of the legislation (SB 1356), by Lakeland Republican Sen. Colleen Burton, is pending consideration on the Senate floor. There are over 7,000 known rare diseases affecting 350 million people worldwide. Florida Politics / Compare HB 907 and SB 1356

Insurance-Provided Fertility Preservation, Hospice Nurse Scope Expansion Move Forward: Two health care-related bills by Fort Pierce Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy are on their way to the Senate after both unanimously cleared the House floor on Wednesday. One measure (HB 677) 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 other proposal (HB 647) would allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) in hospice care to sign death certificates under a physician's protocol. Both Senate companions are being carried by Miami Republican Sen. Alexis Calatayud, with the former bill's Senate version (SB 924) scheduled to be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, and the other one (SB 998) already pending consideration by the full Senate. Compare HB 677 and SB 924 / Compare HB 647 and SB 998

House Panel Votes to End Out-of-Pocket Breast Cancer Exam Costs: A measure (HB 141) seeking to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer exams for those with state insurance coverage unanimously passed the House Budget Committee on Wednesday, setting it up for consideration in its final hurdle in the House before the floor. Sponsored by Hollywood Democrat Rep. Marie Paule Woodson, the proposed changes would apply to approximately 25% of health insurance policies in Florida but would not create new coverage mandates or affect federal insurance plans. At least 20 other states have enacted similar laws. A Senate companion (SB 158), brought by Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton, who is a cancer survivor, has already advanced off the Senate floor. A similar proposal (SB 932) by Berman passed the full Senate last year but stalled in the House. The legislation has garnered support from organizations such as the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Compare HB 141 and SB 158

State Launches Free Dental Care Program for Eligible Veterans: The Florida Veterans Foundation has rolled out a new statewide initiative to provide free dental care to qualified veterans. The Veterans Dental Program was created through 2023 legislation (HB 635), sponsored by Republicans Rep. Patt Maney and Sen. Danny Burgess, and funded with a $1 million appropriation from the state Legislature. The program aims to close a critical gap for veterans who are not fully covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Services — including exams, cleanings, fillings, and other essential dental procedures — will be delivered through a network of approved nonprofit organizations. The program is targeted at Florida veterans who meet income and service eligibility requirements. "Just 15% of Veterans are eligible for dental services through the federal VA. I was honored to sponsor the legislation that created this vital program, which will help meet a critical need beyond the local resources that are available to our state's Veterans," stated Maney in a press release. "Florida is a leader in being the most Veteran-friendly state in our country, and our goal is to continue addressing ways to improve their quality of life," Burgess said in a prepared statement. "This program is designed to provide greater services and more benefits to Veterans within their local communities by engaging the organizations who best know their needs." FDVA Press Release