Legislative Update - September 5, 2025

• Victory for DeSantis: An appeals court Thursday set aside a federal judge’s order that would have forced the shutdown of the Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention camp.
• Democrats score wins: LaVon Bracy Davis secures Senate District 15, while RaShon Young takes House District 40.
• Policy shake-up: Surgeon General Ladapo and Gov. DeSantis announce plans to end vaccine mandates and launch a new parental rights commission.
• Campaign trail heats up: CFO Blaise Ingoglia formally kicks off his re-election bid; former House Speaker Paul Renner enters the 2026 Governor’s race — without DeSantis’ backing.
• Pocketbook politics: Florida’s back-to-school tax holiday wraps, with the Hunting, Fishing & Camping tax holiday set to run Sept. 8 through year’s end.

Governor …

Alligator Alcatraz revival: appeals court pauses order shuttering detention camp" via Churchill Ndonwie of the Miami Herald — An appeals court Thursday set aside a federal judge’s order that would have forced the shutdown of the Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention camp. The ruling is a victory for the DeSantis and Trump administrations, allowing them to continue operating the controversial Everglades facility and send new detainees there.

“Ron DeSantis and Joe Ladapo to ‘end all vaccine mandates in Florida law’” via Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida is set to eliminate all state-level vaccine mandates, a bombshell policy shift announced Wednesday by state Surgeon General Ladapo. The move signals a significant escalation in the DeSantis administration’s conflict with established public health guidance and would dismantle long-standing requirements for schoolchildren.

For decades, Florida has required students to be vaccinated against numerous diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio and chickenpox. These mandates have been credited with preventing outbreaks of once common and devastating childhood illnesses within the school system.

"Facing Ron DeSantis, Joseph Ladapo vaccine proposal, Florida lawmakers are lukewarm" via Romy Ellenbogen, Alexandra Glorioso and Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald — Surgeon General Ladapo announced a push to end "every last one" of the state's vaccine mandates for schoolchildren, a proposal he discussed with DeSantis just the night before. DeSantis encouraged him to "shoot for the moon," potentially making Florida the first state to eliminate such requirements. The move, however, has been met with a tepid response from Republican legislative leaders, including House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton, who have declined to endorse the idea. While U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody showed support, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott appeared hesitant. With no draft bill released, many lawmakers are reserving judgment, questioning what changes, if any, are needed to a system that already allows for medical and religious exemptions.

Medical experts 'profoundly concerned' as DeSantis looks to end vaccine requirements" via Ana Goñi-Lessan of The Florida Times-Union — Florida's plan to repeal all vaccine mandates drew immediate and widespread condemnation from the medical and public health communities. Major organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, along with UF Health and former state officials, slammed the move as reckless and dangerous, warning of a resurgence in preventable diseases like measles and polio. Dr. Scott Rivkees, the state's former Surgeon General, called the decision "head wagging," while pediatricians expressed profound concern for the "severe and potentially deadly repercussions." In contrast, conservative voices and anti-restriction groups praised the announcement as a victory for "medical freedom." Democrats uniformly decried the policy as "anti-science," with some calling for Ladapo's termination.

“Ron DeSantis promises feds will cover Alligator Alcatraz expenses, even as facility’s future is in doubt” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis is confident the federal government will reimburse Florida for the hundreds of millions spent on the controversial Alligator Alcatraz tent prison, even as his administration confirms it will soon hold zero inmates. A court ruling, which DeSantis is appealing, has stopped the Department of Homeland Security from sending migrants to the facility. Critics note that over $350 million in contracts have been signed for the largely unused project. Despite the setback, DeSantis insists the mission is a net benefit for taxpayers and will continue at other locations, including a “Deportation Depot” in Baker County.

DeSantis: State May Open Panhandle Detention Center: The state is in talks with law enforcement officials in Panama City about the possibility of opening another immigration detention center, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday. The governor didn't give any details, other than to say that the state was "in the process of figuring out how" it might be able to open a third center to house immigrants detained by state and federal officials. State officials opened a facility in the Everglades, but it has been shut down by a federal court order over environmental rule violations. A second facility is in the process of opening in northeast Florida's Baker County. WFSU / WPTV / Florida Phoenix

DeSantis stands behind his signing of controversial land-use law” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — Manatee County Commissioners have voted to join a lawsuit challenging a new state law (SB 180) that restricts local governments from regulating developments. On Tuesday, they joined 10 other local governments in the state, including Orange County and the cities of Alachua and Stuart, which have joined a prospective lawsuit contending that the law is an unconstitutional infringement on home rule. They want to see it repealed. During his news conference in eastern Hillsborough County on Wednesday, the Phoenix asked the Governor what he makes of local governments that say that the measure precludes them from managing growth in their communities. “I have vetoed bills that have tried to pre-empt local [control] in the past,” DeSantis said at the end of a lengthy news conference centered on his plan to end vaccine mandates in Florida.

“DeSantis defends Pulse crosswalk arrests” via Skyler Swisher of the Orlando Sentinel — DeSantis defended the arrest of protesters accused of using chalk to color a crosswalk near the Pulse memorial in defiance of the state’s crackdown on street art. “You don’t have a First Amendment right to commandeer someone else’s property,” DeSantis said. “You have a First Amendment right to paint your own property. Knock yourself out if that’s what you want to do. But when you have a state crosswalk or a state road, the law in the state of Florida is now that there’s not markings.” Tensions have reached a boiling point over the state’s decision to remove a pro-LGBTQ rainbow crosswalk near the former gay nightclub where 49 people were shot and killed in 2016. Four people were arrested over the Labor Day weekend and accused of interfering with a traffic control device. The Florida Highway Patrol has been stationed near the crosswalk for days. Troopers were sent there after protesters used colored chalk to return the crosswalk to its rainbow pattern.

"Governor’s Office promotes Molly Best, brings back Casey Smith" via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — DeSantis is reorganizing his staff as he enters his final year in office, promoting Best to Press Secretary and rehiring Smith as External Affairs Director. Best, formerly the Deputy Press Secretary, steps into the role previously held by Jeremy Redfern, who moved to the Attorney General's office. Smith returns to the Governor's team after serving as Communications Director at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and he will now manage DeSantis' public schedule and community initiatives. These moves come amid a broader staff changeover, with key aides like former Communications Director Bryan Griffin also departing for other high-profile state positions as DeSantis prepares to conclude his term as Governor.

Lt. Governor …

“Nonprofit tied to Lt. Gov. Jay Collins won state contracts during his Senate stint” via Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel — Questions are emerging around Florida’s new Lieutenant Governor, Collins, whose former nonprofit employer, Operation BBQ Relief, received $16 million in state disaster relief contracts while he was a sitting state Senator, a review of state records shows. Collins, a decorated U.S. Army veteran, held a six-figure executive position at the organization during his rapid political ascent.

The Missouri-based charity began receiving state funds shortly after Collins won his pivotal Tampa-area Senate race in 2022. The first contract was awarded just two weeks after his victory, which was endorsed by DeSantis and helped give Republicans a legislative supermajority.

Attorney General …

“Florida’s gun-buying age restriction could go to U.S. Supreme Court” via the News Service of Florida — The U.S. Supreme Court could decide late this month whether to take up a battle about the constitutionality of a 2018 Florida law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns. Justices are scheduled to discuss the case during a closed-door conference on Sept. 29, according to information posted in an online docket. The court uses such conferences to determine which cases it will hear. The National Rifle Association appealed to the Supreme Court this year after the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law. In an unusual twist, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is refusing to defend the law at the Supreme Court, saying he thinks it violates the Second Amendment.

“James Uthmeier leads investigation charging several people in a fuel-theft ring” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Attorney General Uthmeier announced charges busting up what prosecutors say is an illegal theft ring run by migrants. Uthmeier held a joint news conference with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to announce the results of a multiagency law enforcement operation. Several migrants are charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of diesel fuel across Florida. Uthmeier said those crimes occurred in at least a dozen Florida counties.

“Uthmeier taps Greg Slemp to serve as General Counsel” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Florida’s top lawyer has a new top lawyer. Uthmeier just named seasoned lawyer Slemp, who previously worked as Special Counsel on antitrust and consumer protection litigation at his office, to serve as his General Counsel. It’s the highest position yet for Slemp, a 17-year veteran of the State Attorney’s Office, where he led Florida’s opioid litigation that resulted in historic settlements for the state. Slemp has also served as Director of the Office of Public Records. His career also includes working in complex litigation in private practice and clerking for Judge Steven Merryday of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

D.C.

“Ashley Moody introduces measure to tighten commercial driver regulations after fatal Florida accident” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — In the wake of a serious accident in Florida that left three people dead, U.S. Sen. Moody is proposing the “Safer Truckers Act” to require proof of U.S. residency before a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is issued. Her measure would also require drivers to be proficient in English before a CDL is approved, so that they can read road traffic signs and warning messages. States that don’t follow the proposed guidelines “would result in the loss of federal funding,” a Moody press release said. The proposed legislation comes after prosecutors charged Harjinder Singh with vehicular homicide. Investigators say Singh made a U-turn on the Florida Turnpike while driving a commercial truck and collided with a minivan near Fort Pierce. All three occupants in the van were killed.

Legislature …

House Panel to Revisit DeSantis' Property Tax Cut Proposal this Month

Florida lawmakers are preparing to revisit Gov. Ron DeSantis' push to reduce property taxes, with the House Select Committee on Property Taxes scheduled to meet the afternoon of Sept. 22 and the morning of Sept. 23. No agenda has been released yet. House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, created the committee towards the end of the 2025 regular session earlier this year, and it previously met twice in May. DeSantis has called for lawmakers to put a proposed constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot that would cut property taxes, with the Legislature expected to take up the issue during the 2026 session starting in January. The governor, alongside state Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, has also launched audits of some local governments under the state's Department of Government Efficiency, or "DOGE." The audits and several subsequent subpoenas are part of efforts to bolster support for tax cuts. The governor issued an executive order earlier this year creating the state agency charged with cutting "unnecessary" spending, and the governor's office was allowed by the Legislature to issue $1,000 daily fines to local governments that don't comply with requests, as part of a provision included in a budget-related bill (SB 2502). Property taxes serve as a key revenue source for counties and municipalities, funding services such as public safety, infrastructure, and schools. News Service Florida / CBS News / LobbyTools 2026 Interim Schedules

Bracy Davis, Young Elected to Orange Co. Senate, House Seats - Democrat LaVon Bracy Davis was elected Tuesday in a special election to fill the Orlando-area state Senate District 15 seat left vacant by the unexpected death of her mentor, Sen. Geraldine Thompson, earlier this year. Bracy Davis, of Apopka, moves to the Senate from the House where she had served since 2022. To fill Bracy Davis' now vacant House District 40 seat, Orlando area voters on Tuesday elected her former legislative chief of staff, Democrat RaShon Young. Bracy Davis garnered over 72% of the vote in defeating perennial Republican candidate Willie Montague in the Senate District 15 race."My office is your office, and together, we will keep fighting for affordable housing, a growing job market, safe schools and a Florida that reflects our shared values of fairness, freedom, and dignity," Bracy Davis said Tuesday evening after the results were clear. Young also won the House seat easily, collecting over 75% of the vote in defeating Republican engineer and businessman Tuan Le. LobbyTools / Orlando Sentinel / Central Florida Public Media / Florida Politics Bracy Davis / Florida Politics Young / News Service Florida

Business …

Florida Gas Prices Hit Lowest Labor Day Level Since 2021: Florida drivers paid an average of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded gas earlier this week, marking the lowest Labor Day weekend prices since 2021, according to AAA. Prices dipped two cents from the previous week and have held steady between $2.90 and $3.15 since May. A year ago, the state average was $3.30. Nationally, gas prices averaged $3.19, unchanged from the week before. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, predicted national prices could drop below $3 this fall. "We've seen a remarkably affordable summer to hit the road with incomes up and gas prices down, but there are some challenges that remain: hurricane season and uncertainty over trade, tariffs and Russia's war on Ukraine," De Haan said in a recent blog post. News Service Florida

“UF survey shows steep drop in Florida consumer sentiment in August” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A University of Florida survey assessing consumer confidence in the state’s economy measured a notable decline in August. UF researchers found that consumer sentiment fell 3.5 points to 80.6, down from July’s revised figure of 83.7. The survey is overseen by Hector H. Sandoval, Director of the Economic Analysis Program at UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research. He said the latest decline in consumer sentiment is one of the most dramatic drops this year. “This marks the second-largest monthly decline in sentiment this year, surpassed only by the 5.9-point drop recorded in March. Moreover, the July figure was revised slightly downward from 83.9 to 83.7, now resulting in a monthly decline in sentiment,” Sandoval said.

Florida Chamber cheers on additional homeowner insurance companies coming to state” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics

“Workers comp rates in Florida expected to decrease in 2026” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix — Workers’ compensation insurance rates in Florida should decrease by an average of 6.9% in 2026 under a proposal by the National Council on Compensation Insurance. Submitted last month, the NCCI’s proposed reduction is a recommendation only. Rates are set by the Florida Commissioner of Insurance, usually after a public hearing. The recommended filing is based on experience data for policy years 2022 and 2023 as of year‐end 2024. Declines in lost time claim frequency are driving the proposed reduction. “The workers’ compensation system remains healthy. For the last decade, the system has broadly benefited from a steady drop in claim frequency, rising wages and moderate severity. The changing workforce and evolving economy also continue to impact workers’ compensation,” the summary notes.

Florida Jobless Claims Decline for Seventh Straight Week: Florida's unemployment picture continued to improve at the end of August, with first-time jobless claims falling for the seventh consecutive week. The U.S. Department of Labor reported 5,576 initial claims for the week ending Aug. 30, down from a revised 6,177 the previous week and the sharpest drop the state has seen all month. Over the past four weeks, Florida has averaged about 6,086 claims. The decline runs counter to national trends. Across the U.S., jobless claims rose to 237,000 last week, up from 229,000 the week before — a 3% increase that also exceeded economists' expectations. Florida's broader labor market remains stable, with the state's unemployment rate holding at 3.7% for four straight months, below the national rate of 4.2% as of July. The Sunshine State has now maintained a lower unemployment rate than the U.S. average for 57 consecutive months. Florida's August unemployment figures are expected to be released later this month. DOL Press Release / News Service Florida / Florida Politics

Hunting, Fishing, Camping Sales Tax Holiday Begins Monday - Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to take advantage of a hunting, fishing, and camping sales tax holiday beginning Sept. 8 and running through Dec. 31. Florida consumers can purchase qualifying items such as bows and crossbows, camp stoves, sleeping bags, rods and reels, firearms and ammunition. Price and statutory limits apply to certain items. The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items or to the sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport, according to the Florida Department of Revenue. Last month, Floridians enjoyed an expanded month-long back-to-school sales tax holiday. Moreover, restocking a hurricane kit now costs a little less as permanent tax exemptions apply to certain hurricane and emergency supplies, replacing the two-week disaster preparedness holiday of years past. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, but the busiest period is usually from mid-August through mid-October. Florida lawmakers in June settled on a series of tax holidays and made some tax exemptions permanent, amid legislative wrangling over a potential statewide sales tax cut that ultimately was rejected. The sales tax exemption deals were part of the 2025-26 budget, approved by legislators and signed by the governor on June 30. Bay News 9 / USA Today Network / Department of Revenue Tax Information Publication / DOR FAQ

Immigration …

Florida Signals Plan to Reopen Detention Center If Court Grants Stay: Florida officials said in a new court filing this week that they plan to resume housing immigrants at a state-run detention center in the Everglades if an appeals court blocks a judge's order requiring the facility to shut down. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed last week it had stopped sending detainees to the center, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," after U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a preliminary injunction. Williams ruled that the state and federal government failed to conduct a required environmental review before building the site. The case is now before the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where Florida and federal officials are seeking a stay that would allow operations to continue while litigation unfolds. News Service Florida

Campaigns & Elections …

"Florida TaxWatch reports Sunshine State could add 1 or 2 House seats under potential reapportionment" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A new analysis by Florida TaxWatch concludes the state was shorted at least one and possibly two, U.S. House seats following the 2020 Census. The fiscal watchdog’s report examines three scenarios for revisiting the count, all of which would increase Florida’s political influence. Any federal correction, however, would trigger a reapportionment impacting the representation of up to 13 other states, depending on whether noncitizens are included in the population count.

Ingoglia to Seek Election to CFO Post: Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is launching a campaign for a full term in the office. The Republican former lawmaker was appointed to the Cabinet post by Gov. Ron DeSantis in July to fill the vacancy created when former CFO Jimmy Patronis ran for Congress and won. "I'm officially launching my campaign for Florida's Chief Financial Officer because families and taxpayers deserve a trusted, conservative fighter to make Florida more affordable," Ingoglia said in a statement. Ingoglia, from Spring Hill, released a campaign video Tuesday where he advocated for eliminating property tax in Florida and promised to continue ferreting out waste at all levels of government. Two other Republicans, Frank Collige and Benjamin Horbowy, have also filed to run for the seat in the 2026 election. Florida Politics / Politico

“DeSantis says he won’t support Paul Renner’s bid for Governor: ‘Ill-advised decision’” via Amber Jo Cooper of Florida’s Voice — The comment came during an unrelated news conference, where a reporter asked DeSantis for his reaction to the announcement and whether he would be making an endorsement in the 2026 Governor’s race. When asked for his response to Renner entering the Governor’s race, DeSantis feigned ignorance by asking, “Governor of what?” before stating that he would not support Renner and considered the decision “ill-advised.”

“Scott Franklin, Anna Paulina Luna, Brian Mast lead veterans coalition backing Byron Donalds for Governor” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Republican gubernatorial candidate Donalds’ campaign just launched a veterans coalition led by three congressional peers. U.S. Reps. Franklin, Luna and Mast serve as co-Chairs of the Veterans for Byron Coalition, along with state Sen. Bryan Ávila and state Reps. Jon Albert, Yvette Benarroch, Mike Giallombardo and Sam Greco. All of those Republican lawmakers previously served in the military. “Having served more than 12 years in the U.S. Army, including under the Joint Special Operations Command, I know an America First fighter when I see one,” said Mast. “Byron Donalds is tough, smart and relentless — he will never stop fighting for everything America First stands for. I stand 100% with President Trump: Byron Donalds is the fighter we need to lead Florida’s next chapter.”

“Daniel Perez political committees give $1M boost to Donalds’ campaign for Governor” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — In a significant political move, Florida House Speaker Perez has directed $1 million from his political committees to support Donalds’ gubernatorial campaign, marking the largest single-candidate contribution from Perez’s camp. This substantial backing underscores the deep rift between Perez and DeSantis, which intensified during the last Legislative Session over issues like immigration and budget disputes. Perez’s support for Donalds, considered a front-runner with backing from figures like Trump, signals a continued effort to assert the Legislature’s independence from the executive branch.

Aaron Bean becomes 15th member of Florida’s congressional delegation to back Byron Donalds” via Matt Vespa of Townhall — Before Labor Day, the Republican Congressman clinched another endorsement from the Sunshine State: U.S. Rep. Bean. Donalds and Bean worked together trying to get some of the Department of Government Efficiency cuts codified on the Hill. He’s also on board with Donalds’ plan to bring the headquarters for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to Florida. Bean is the 15th member of Florida’s delegation to back Donalds, who already has over $20 million in the war chest. “Byron Donalds is a rock-solid conservative who will lead Florida boldly into the future. His unwavering commitment to strengthening our economy and making Florida more affordable is the kind of leadership voters want in their next Governor,” Bean said in a statement.