| Week of January 26th-30th, 2026 |
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If what happens in Tallahassee matters to your business, this is your best resource for weekly insight into the 2026 legislative session.
Today concludes Week Three of what is traditionally a nine-week legislative session, meaning the legislature is a third of the way through session if they end on time on March 13. Concerningly, earlier this week, Senate President Ben Albritton was hospitalized due to a blood clot in his lungs. Following what President Albritton described as “the absolute best care” at TMH in Tallahassee and then Shands in Gainesville, along with an outpouring of prayer from around the state, he has since been released from the hospital and is resting at home. The Florida Chamber team has been praying for his complete and speedy recovery.
This week highlighted the dichotomy between the House and Senate as the Senate Judiciary Committee heard legislation to further improve Florida’s legal climate and the House Civil Justice Subcommittee heard two bills that would backtrack on Florida’s 2023 lawsuit abuse reform package. More on these bills below. There were also several conversations this week on how the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act may impact state revenue and federal and state programs.
Continue reading below for further details on this week in Tallahassee.
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| Heard In and Around the Capitol |
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| Below is your weekly rundown of what happened Week 3 in Tallahassee. |
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Florida Chamber-backed Litigation Financing Bill Passes First Senate Committee
On Tuesday, SB 1396, by Senator Colleen Burton, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee 8-2. The bill addresses third-party litigation financing (TPLF), a growing industry where hedge funds and investors fund civil litigation in exchange for a percentage of the settlement or judgment, including foreign entities. The existing lack of regulation in TPLF agreements enables both foreign and domestic entities to invest in Florida’s legal system and steer litigation without protective measures in place.
Addressing this issue, SB 1396 provides notice when foreign entities are funding litigation and requires safeguards to ensure that our civil justice system is operating efficiently for the benefit of consumers and without unknown influence. The bill requires that foreign entities engaged in investing in litigation in Florida disclose their involvement to relevant parties. The bill also prohibits any litigation financier from directing or making any decisions in the civil action they are investing in to prevent them from influencing the outcome or seeking an increased return. Additionally, the bill includes consumer protections to ensure funders do not receive a larger percentage of the settlement than the plaintiff. SB 1396 has just one committee remaining, the Senate Rules Committee and is on the agenda for Tuesday, February 3. The House companion, HB 1157 by Representative Fabian Basabe, has been referred to three committees.
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For Second Year, House Advances Bills to Unwind the 2023 Lawsuit Abuse Reforms
Yesterday, the House Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee advanced two bills that backtrack on key components of the 2023 historic lawsuit abuse reform package around “Transparency in Damages” and premises liability.
The first bill, PCS for HB 1553 by Representative Robbie Brackett, shifts the burden of proof around “Transparency in Damages,” which allows juries to see the amount paid or generally accepted in certain cases for a medical procedure. The consideration of inflated charged amounts, which are subjective in nature, often misleads juries into awarding excessive verdicts for future medical damages and pain and suffering, which are typically awarded as a multiple of medical damages. PCS for HB 1553 shifts the burden of proof on who should enter into evidence the cost of medical damages to either the plaintiff or the defendant, when many courts have ruled this burden rests solely on the plaintiff. The Florida Chamber believes that if the plaintiff chooses to enter in a fake number into evidence, the plaintiff should also have to show the real amounts generally accepted for medical care. PCS for HB 1553 can increase the cost of litigation by allowing plaintiffs to continue to insert these inflated medical damages into evidence without providing any proof to the true cost of medical damages. Representatives Berfield, Black, Nix, and Rayner opposed this bill and should be applauded for standing with the business community to ensure the 2023 reforms are protected.
The second bill, HB 1423 by Representative Michelle Salzman, undoes the component of the 2023 reforms that addressed concerns from Florida’s affordable housing community around rising insurance costs due to litigation from claims largely outside their control. 2023’s HB 837 incentivized these multifamily residential units to adopt national and state safety and security standards, including a verification of safety standards by law enforcement every three years and staff training, in exchange for a presumption against liability. HB 1423 increases liability on multifamily residential communities by removing the presumption that if they invested in and met certain safety and security standards, they were protected. HB 1423 uses overly broad and vague terms to create additional liability, despite many of these instances being outside the community’s control. The Florida Chamber thanks Representatives Berfield, Black and Nix for opposing HB 1423.
Both bills head to the House Judiciary Committee next. The Senate measures have been referred to three committees and have not been heard. |
Comprehensive Behavioral Health Care Model Passes First Committee
Passed unanimously by the House Human Services Subcommittee, HB 783 incorporates several recommendations from the Florida Chamber Health Council’s 2024 Making Florida the National Leader for Mental Health and Well-Being report to increase access to behavioral health services. This legislation would establish a pilot program for Northeast Florida that will ensure collaboration between the state, contracting entities, the State University System, a network of behavioral health and social work providers, and community-based organizations, all with the goal of improving timely access to behavioral health and social services.
Modeled after Pinellas County’s Care About Me program, HB 783, by Representative Judson Sapp, will connect, through a single point of entry, individuals in need with assistance and resources through a coordinated care network that will coordinate access among multiple providers and social service entities. To ensure the model’s effectiveness, HB 783 requires the contracting entities utilize a standardized data collection tool that will capture outcomes and has the capability to integrate and share data as needed. Florida will monitor implementation status and provide annual reports on the model’s effectiveness for potential statewide adoption. HB 783 has two committee hearings remaining and the Senate companion, SB 1618 by Senator Tom Leek, is awaiting its first hearing. |
| This week, the Senate Rules Committee advanced HB 167, related to former phosphate mining lands, unanimously. HB 167 promotes the redevelopment of previously mined lands so they can be returned to a higher and better use by creating a process to formally notice in the local county records that the land is a former phosphate mine and have the Florida Department of Health (DOH) conduct a radiation survey on the property. Before a lawsuit can be brought, the bill further requires plaintiffs to conduct a standardized radiation survey regarding the conditions at a former phosphate mine site. This bill already passed the House and was HB 167’s last committee stop before heading to the Senate floor. |
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| HB 1407, related to the commencement of civil actions by Representative Wyman Duggan, passed the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee unanimously. The bill, led by the Florida Chamber, creates clarity on the statute of limitations to file a complaint under the Florida Civil Rights Act and brings certainty to Florida employers on when a civil action might be brought against them. This Benefits both the employer and employee by ensuring claims are resolved in a timely manner. The Senate Companion measure will be heard in its first committee on Tuesday. |
| The House Budget Committee passed HB 697 with minimal opposition. With back-to-back hearings in two weeks, HB 697 is quickly moving through the process as it heads to its final committee stop. HB 697, or the PRICE Act, will establish state-level policies for prescription drug pricing, direct insurers to use savings to reduce premiums and patient cost-sharing, and includes changes to Pharmacy Benefit Manager practices. |
| This week, the House Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee advanced Representative Redondo’s HB 693, or the Big Beautiful Healthcare Act, on a 12-4 vote. Per Representative Redondo’s comments to the Florida Chamber’s Healthcare Partnership call last month, HB 693 seeks to ensure state law is fully aligned with new federal standards for Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP, as well as containing a robust list of healthcare changes the House hopes will increase competition, expand capacity, and lower costs for Floridians. |
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| SB 692, related to cybersecurity standards and liability by Senator Tom Leek, passed the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee this week on a 5-4 vote. SB 692 encourages companies to adopt strong cybersecurity programs and standards by shielding these companies and third-party providers from liability in a cyber-attack when the entity complies with stringent measures to protect and secure electronic data containing personal information as required by Florida law. |
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| The House Commerce Committee passed HB 405, related to commercial construction projects, by Representative Griff Griffitts, by a 22-0 vote. HB 405 provides clarity and enhances predictability in the permitting process by establishing a statewide uniform permit application for commercial construction projects. HB 405 also provides contractors with options and potential savings by limiting a local enforcement agency's ability to charge the full amount for services they did not provide through uniform fee reductions. |
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| This week, the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee unanimously advanced SB 1512, related to Space Florida by Senator Danny Burgess, on a 4-0 vote. SB 1512 stimulates growth in space-related industries and attracts further investment into Florida by exempting defense and aerospace businesses partnering with Space Florida from property taxes, and sales and use taxes when leasing property from Space Florida. |
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| On Thursday, the House Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee advanced HB 483, related to manufacturing by Representative Nan Cobb, this week on a 15-0 vote. The bill creates the Statewide Office of Manufacturing led by a Chief Manufacturing Officer, as recommended in the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Trade & Logistics 2030 Study, to oversee Florida’s manufacturing strategy. The bill also introduces a promotional campaign aimed at increasing consumer awareness and market exposure for products made in Florida. |
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| On Thursday, the House Government Operations Subcommittee passed HB 995, related to the Public Employees Relations Commission, by a 12-5 vote. The bill provides for additional transparency and accountability of public sector unions through improved collective bargaining standards and by requiring at least 50% support from the entire bargaining unit. It also protects taxpayers by ensuring public dollars are not used to fund union or political activities. The Senate companion measure will be heard in its first committee on Monday. |
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| This week, the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee unanimously passed SB 1672, related to tax credits for contributions to assist homebuyers by Senator Stan McClain. SB 1672 is part of a larger solution to address the affordable housing crisis in Florida by incentivizing employers to assist employees in purchasing a home by creating an optional tax credit program for downpayment and closing costs assistance, making homeownership more attainable in some instances. |
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| Spotted: Congressman Byron Donalds, Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, Coral Springs Coconut Creek Chamber, Tampa Bay Chamber, Florida Parent Teacher Association, Florida Dentists Association, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Makes and manufacturing business leaders, Florida Hospital Association, Jewish and Israeli advocates and business owners, ag industry businesses, firefighters, Moffitt Cancer Center, Rocky – USF’s mascot and Knightro – UCF’s mascot, pirates, Children's Home Society of Florida, MAAPP at the Cap. |
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“1,000 Friends of Florida – Can you name the last project you guys were supportive of that actually resulted in an increase in inventory of housing in the state of Florida?...A specific project. A city? A county? Anywhere? No?...You can appreciate that some of us take positions on actually providing housing for our constituents and not just opposing every single thing that comes up that may result in the construction of a residential unit. Right?”
– SENATOR JASON PIZZO during public testimony on SB 948, related to the Florida Starter Homes Act.
“I’m not sure we fully understood the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on our budget and unrelated to what we’ve already talked about with the $3.5 billion, you can add on another billion dollars of extra Medicaid [expenses]… and we haven’t mentioned the word property tax relief yet… It’s real and it’s impacting every silo of our budget process in a way that some entities, that people, will feel some pain… At the end of the day, between now and June 30, we’re going to pass a balanced budget, and it will be less dollars than the current budget and that’s all I can assure you of.”
– SENATE APPROPRIATIONS CHAIR ED HOOPER answering a question in the Senate Finance and Tax Committee during a presentation on the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on state revenue.
"School choice isn’t about elevating one educational opportunity over the other, it is about ensuring every child is in an environment where they are able to best learn.”
– EDUCATION COMMISSIONER ANASTOSIOS KAMOUTSAS in a press conference with the Governor announcing Florida will participate in a federal tax credit program on school choice. |
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The Florida Chamber’s Florida Business Agenda is guided by our Florida 2030 Blueprint, which outlines our Six Pillars framework, with 39 goals, with the ultimate goal of catapulting Florida from 15th largest economy to 10th largest economy in the world by 2030.
Below is a comprehensive review of legislative activity from Week 3 of the 2026 Legislative Session.
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| Improving Florida’s Talent Pipeline for a Better Workforce |
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Resident Status for Tuition Purposes
Allows inmates to retain residency status for tuition purposes at a Florida postsecondary institution which expands educational opportunities for those that are incarcerated to promote second chances, reduce recidivism and create a pathway toward long-term economic self-sufficiency. |
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SB 720: Sen. Rosalind Osgood
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| No House companion measure filed. |
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Education
Provides additional data on various career pathways by requiring the Office of Reimagining Education and Career Help provide yearly net potential earnings information for a public high school graduate with an industry certification or a postsecondary graduate with an associate degree for up to 8 years after graduation. |
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SB 1170: Sen. Alexis Calatayud
On Committee agenda – Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee, 2/3/26, 3:30 pm. |
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Advanced Education Options
Expands dual enrollment opportunities for students with an emphasis on STEM courses. Additionally, the legislation provides detailed incentive funding to schools that provide advanced education options. |
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SB 1676: Sen. Stan McClain
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| No House companion measure filed. |
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Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund
Modifies the Linking Industry to Nursing Education funding to allow for other related health science professions, allowing higher education institutions greater flexibility to collaborate with their healthcare partners and seek grant funding to combat healthcare workforce shortages. |
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SB 1246: Sen. Tracie Davis
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 1325: Rep. Erika Booth
The House did not take action on the bill this week.
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Mathematics Education
Allows students to take an applied math course that is tailored to industry training and real-world applications for their algebra credit while still requiring students to take the end-of-course Algebra 1 exam. |
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SB 920: Sen. Don Gaetz
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| No House companion measure filed. |
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| Creating Quality Jobs by Diversifying Florida’s Economy |
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Manufacturing
Enhances Florida’s competitiveness in manufacturing by creating the Statewide Office of Manufacturing within the Department of Commerce, led by a Chief Manufacturing Officer, as recommended by the Florida Trade & Logistics 2030 Study, who is responsible for state manufacturing activities and strategy. |
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SB 528: Sen. Keith Truenow
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 483: Rep. Nan Cobb
Passed House Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee with CS (15-0). |
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Rural Communities
Seeks to advance the 2030 Blueprint goal of doubling the rural share of state GDP by establishing programs aimed at addressing the challenges rural communities face, such as economic development, transportation and broadband connectivity, healthcare access, education, workforce development, and more. The bill also creates the Office of Rural Prosperity with the purpose of supporting rural communities by helping rural stakeholders navigate available programs and resources and representing rural interests across state government. |
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SB 250: Sen. Corey Simon
Previously passed the Senate Floor (39-0); Now in House Messages. |
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Rural Communities
Seeks to advance the 2030 Blueprint goal of doubling the rural share of state GDP by establishing programs aimed at addressing the challenges rural communities face, such as transportation infrastructure, healthcare access, and workforce development. |
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HB 723: Rep. Shane Abbott
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Research and Development Tax Credit
Makes progress towards the 2030 Blueprint goal of being a top 3 state for research and development funding by increasing the R&D tax credit cap to attract and incentivize companies to perform R&D in Florida. |
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SB 1076: Sen. Alexis Calatayud
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 847: Rep. Doug Bankson
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Space Florida
Promotes Florida’s space industry by exempting defense and aerospace businesses partnering with Space Florida from property taxes, use taxes, and sales tax. |
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SB 1512: Sen. Danny Burgess
Passed Senate Military and Veteran Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee (4-0); Now in Senate Finance and Tax Committee. |
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HB 1177: Rep. Tyler Sirois
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| Improving Florida's Infrastructure for Smart Growth and Development |
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Tax Credits for Contributions to Assist Homebuyers
Incentivizes employers to assist employees in purchasing a home by creating an optional tax credit program for downpayment assistance. |
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SB 1672: Sen. Stan McClain
Passed Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee (9-0); Now in Senate Finance and Tax Committee. |
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HB 311: Rep. Tae Edmonds
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Housing
As part of an all-of-the-above strategy to addresses affordable workforce housing challenges, requires local governments to adopt ordinances that allow accessory dwelling units in single-family residential areas to create more housing options. |
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SB 48: Sen. Don Gaetz
Passed Senate Rules Committee (22-0); Now ready for Senate Floor. |
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HB 313: Rep. Danny Nix, Jr.
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Former Phosphate Mining Lands
Encourages economic development and smart growth by creating a process to put safe former phosphate mine sites to productive economic use. |
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| No Senate Companion measure filed. |
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HB 167: Rep. McClure
Passed Senate Rules Committee (22-0); Now ready for Senate Floor. |
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Land Use and Development Regulations
Streamlines the permitting application process by providing clarity in how “compatibility” is assessed.
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SB 208: Sen. Stan McClain
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 399: Rep. David Borrero
Passed House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee with CS (10-3); Now in House Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee. |
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Growth Management
Lowers costs on new development by preventing local governments from abusing the calculation of impact fees by defining “extraordinary circumstances” to justify increases. |
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SB 548: Sen. Stan McClain
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 1139: Rep. Richard Gentry
Passed House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee with CS (12-0); Now in House Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee. |
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Commercial Construction Projects
Enhances predictability in the permitting process by establishing a statewide uniform permit application and reduces costs through a uniform fee reduction when private provider services are used. |
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SB 526: Sen. Erin Grall
On Committee agenda – Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee, 2/2/26, 3:30 pm. |
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HB 405: Rep. Griff Griffitts
Passed House Commerce Committee with CS (22-0); Now ready for House Floor. |
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Cybersecurity Standards and Liabilities
Strengthens critical infrastructure by protecting local governments, companies, and third-party providers from liability in a cyber-attack when the entity has adopted a qualified cybersecurity program. |
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SB 692: Sen. Tom Leek
Passed Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee with CS (5-4); Now in Senate Judiciary Committee. |
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HB 635: Rep. Mike Giallombardo
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Electric Vehicle Registration Fees
Supports the maintenance of Florida’s roadways by establishing a reasonable fee for electric vehicles to help offset lost revenues from the collection of gas taxes. |
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SB 804: Sen. Keith Truenow
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| No House companion measure filed. |
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Infrastructure and Resiliency
Strengthens resiliency efforts by expanding eligibility for public-private partnerships to include coastal resiliency projects. |
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| No Senate companion measure filed. |
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HB 751: Rep. Chip LaMarca
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Local Goverment Land Development Regulations and Orders
Addresses attainable workforce housing challenges by providing greater flexibility in the minimum lot size requirements for housing to allow for more units. |
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SB 948: Sen. Stan McClain
Passed Senate Community Affairs Committee with CS (7-1); Now in Senate Judiciary Committee. |
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HB 1143: Rep. Danny Nix
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Building Permits and Inspections
Streamlines the building permit process for single family dwellings by relaxing minor projects from permitting, creating a uniform building application, and preventing delays in construction by encouraging private provider options and preventing duplicate inspections. |
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SB 1234: Sen. Nick DiCeglie
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 803: Rep. Dana Trabulsy
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Public Employee Housing Benefits
Increases access to affordable workforce housing by creating an alternative method to assist public employees with buying homes through the optional “Heroes Reward Program.” |
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SB 1432: Sen. Alexis Calatayud
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 1065: Rep. J.J. Grow
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Advanced Air Mobility
Encourages progress toward the Autonomous Florida goal of becoming the mobility innovation capital of the world and furthers the growth in the Advanced Air Mobility industry in Florida by providing tax exemptions for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, liability protections, and uniform regulation for vertiport design and charging infrastructure. |
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SB 1362: Sen. Gayle Harrell
On Committee agenda – Senate Transportation Committee, 2/3/26, 1:00 pm. |
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HB 1093: Rep. Leonard Spencer
Passed House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee with CS (14-1); On Committee agenda – House Ways & Means Committee, 2/2/26, 3:30 pm. |
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Delivery of Commercial Goods by Autonomous Vehicles
While Florida has been a national leader in the safe deployment bill of autonomous vehicles through Autonomous Florida, this bill moves Florida backward by blanket prohibiting the use of autonomous vehicles for commercial deliveries without a licensed human operator. |
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SB 1258: Sen. Tracie Davis
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Autonomous Vehicle Safety
While Florida has been a national leader in the safe deployment bill of autonomous vehicles through Autonomous Florida, this bill moves Florida backward by blanket prohibiting the use of autonomous vehicles from engaging in interstate commerce or transporting passengers or goods for hire without a licensed human operator. |
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HB 1469: Rep. Angela Nixon
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| Building the Perfect Climate for Business |
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Local Business Taxes
Reduces taxes on local businesses and allows for the reinvestment of that capital into employees, communities or the business itself by eliminating the local business tax. |
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SB 122: Sen. Keith Truenow
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 103: Rep. Adam Botana
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Rates for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Coverage
Advances the goal of having a competitive and stable private insurance market by ensuring actuarially sound rates for Citizens insurance policies, reducing the likelihood of assessments or “hurricane taxes” on Floridians, and reinforcing efforts to return Citizens to insurer of last resort. |
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SB 634: Sen. Nick DiCeglie
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 275: Rep. Jose Alvarez
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Products Liability Actions Under the Florida Pesticide Law
Protects Florida’s agriculture industry and the reliability of the food supply chain by preventing product liability lawsuits unless the business did not follow governmental use and application guidelines in using certain agricultural products. |
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SB 518: Sen. Keith Truenow
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 443: Rep. J.J. Grow
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Rate Fillings for Property Insures
Caps the amount of future insurance rate increases, discouraging new and existent insurance companies from doing business in Florida by disregarding free market principles. |
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SB 30: Sen. Barbara Sharief
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| No House companion measure filed. |
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Corporate Income Tax
By establishing a mandatory unitary combined reporting approach for corporate income tax, this bill hurts certain businesses in Florida by requiring a consolidated return and excluding certain deductions that are currently allowable for corporate income tax purposes. |
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SB 238: Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| No House companion measure filed. |
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Rating Factors for Automobile Liability Insurers
Limits the ability of insurers to develop actuarially sound auto insurance rates by prohibiting certain risk factors from being included in rates. |
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SB 224: Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| No House companion measure filed. |
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Motor Vehicle Insurance
Repeals Florida’s No-Fault Motor Vehicle Law and increases insurance requirements, which will result in higher premiums, an increased uninsured motorist rate, and a rise in litigation under a pure liability system. |
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SB 522: Sen. Erin Grall
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 769: Rep. Meg Weinberger
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Division of Labor Standards
Negatively impacts Florida’s business-friendly climate by creating the Division of Labor standards, which establishes new layers of government bureaucracy that interfere in the employer-employee relationship. |
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SB 358: Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 987: Rep. Angela Nixon
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Multifamily Residential Properties
Eliminates a key-provision of the Florida Chamber-led lawsuit abuse reforms from 2023 by removing a presumption against liability for multifamily property owners for certain intentional acts on the property. |
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SB 956: Sen. Jennifer Bradley
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 1423: Rep. Michelle Salzman
Passed House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee with CS (14-3). |
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Remedies for Violations of the Florida Civil Rights Act
Creates clarity on the statute of limitations for alleged violations of the Florida Civil Rights Act, benefitting both the employer and employee and ensuring claims are resolved in a timely manner. |
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SB 1096: Sen. Danny Burgess
On Committee agenda – Senate Judiciary Committee, 2/3/26, 1:00 pm. |
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HB 1407: Wyman Duggan
Passed House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee (16-0); Now in House Judiciary Committee. |
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Homeowner’s Insurance Premium Reductions
Discourages a competitive and stable insurance market and companies writing policies in Florida by instituting government-mandated price controls lowering premiums charged by insurance companies. |
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SB 1476: Sen. Mack Bernard
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 775: Rep. Jervonte Edmonds
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Restrictions on Employer-owned Life Insurance Policies
Creates a new private cause of action and adds state regulations around employer-owned life insurance policies that are already regulated at the federal level. |
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SB 894: Sen. Jonathan Martin
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 261: Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Attorney Fees and Costs for Motor Vehicle Personal Injury Protections Benefits
Worsens Florida’s Lawsuit abuse climate by reinstating attorney fee awards in Florida’s Personal Injury protection system, which will increase frivolous litigation and auto insurance rates for consumers. |
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SB 926: Sen. Johnathan Martin
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| No House companion measure filed. |
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Coverage by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
Increases the probability of assessments or “hurricane taxes” on Floridians by increasing the eligibility for Citizens’ Insurance policies and further capping rate increases in specified counties, ensuring premiums are not actuarially sound and anti-competitive with the private market. |
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SB 1024: Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 909: Rep. Jim Mooney
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Assessed Value of Nonhomestead Property
Creates parity for non-homestead properties and lessens the property tax burden on renters and local businesses by reducing the cap on the annual increase in the assessed value of property to match the cap on homestead properties. |
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| No Senate companion measure filed. |
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HB 903: Rep. J.J. Grow
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Litigation Financing
In order to further improve Florida’s legal climate, supports efforts to create transparency around and accountability for third party financers who invest in Florida's lawsuits for economic gain. |
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SB 1396: Sen. Colleen Burton
Passed Senate Judiciary Committee (8-2); On Committee agenda – Senate Rules Committee, 2/3/26, 9:00 am. |
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HB 1157: Rep. Fabián Basabe
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund
Increases the risk of hurricane taxes on all Florida policyholders by shifting storm risk away from the private market to the public market via the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. |
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SB 1448: Sen. Nick DiCeglie
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 1349: Rep. Hillary Cassel
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Awards of Attorney Fees in Insurance Claims
Worsens Florida's lawsuit abuse climate by reinstituting attorney fees that were eliminated in 2022 & 2023 for insurance cases- reopening a legal mechanism that led to fraud and abuse and drove up insurance rates for all Floridians. While these bills are not identical, the intent of both is to undo the 2022-2023 reforms. |
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SB 1268: Sen. Tracie Davis
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 1269: Rep. Michael Gottlieb
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Admissible Evidence in Personal Injury or Wrongful Death
Eliminates a key provision of the Florida Chamber-led 2023 lawsuit abuse reform by shifting the burden on the defense to rebut damages instead of the plaintiff proving the actual cost of medical damages owed. |
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SB 1558: Sen. Ralph Massullo
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 1553: Rep. Robert Brackett
Passed House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee with CS (13-4). |
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Pricing Based on Collection of Consumer Information
Creates a new private right of action that enhances billboard trial attorneys’ efforts to increase litigation, worsening our lawsuit abuse climate in Florida and is duplicative to the data privacy laws already passed. |
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SB 1746: Sen. Tracie Davis
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 1499: Rep. Dotie Joseph
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Civil Litigation
Attempts to address jury anchoring and reduce the cost of litigation by requiring the court to consider additional information in the award of noneconomic damages. |
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SB 1506: Sen. Clay Yarborough
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| No House companion measure filed. |
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Prohibition on Levying Ad Valorem Taxes on Tangible Personal Property
Prohibits local governments from levying ad valorem taxes on tangible personal property, providing annual savings on the taxation of office equipment, machinery, vehicles, livestock, and personal items for local businesses, money that they can invest back in their business, their employees, or in their local communities. |
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SB 552 & SB 550: Sen. Mack Bernard
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 1277 & HB 1275: Rep. Chip LaMarca
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| Making Government and Civics more Efficient and Effective |
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Local Government Enforcements Actions
Ensures local governments are applying rules and regulations uniformly and provides legal remedies for businesses to challenge enforcement actions that are unreasonable or arbitrary. |
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SB 588: Sen. Stan McClain
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 105: Rep. Robert Brackett
Passed House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee with CS (12-0); Now in House Judiciary Committee. |
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Regulation of Auxiliary Containers
Improves Florida's regulatory climate by strengthening a Florida Chamber-backed preemption preventing a patchwork of local ordinances on packaging materials used by food service or retail establishments. |
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SB 766: Sen. Jonathan Martin
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 629: Rep. Tiffany Esposito
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Threshold for Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments
Further exposes Florida voters to out-of-state and special interests attempting to thwart the legislative process through amending Florida’s foundational document— lowering the threshold to pass a constitutional amendment or revision from 60% to 50%. |
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SB 1406: Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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| No House companion measure filed. |
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Public Employees Relations Commission
Ensures transparency and accountability in the collective bargaining process while also promoting the fiscal health of our state by limiting the ability of public sector workers to use government-paid time for union activities. |
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SB 1296: Sen. Jonathan Martin
On Committee agenda – Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee, 2/2/26, 3:30 pm. |
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HB 995: Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka
Passed House Government Operations Subcommittee with CS (12-5); Now in House State Administration Budget Subcommittee. |
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| Championing Florida’s Quality of Life |
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Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact
As recommended in the Florida Chamber Health Council’s Mental Health Report, this legislation would allow licensed social workers to practice across member states under the Social Work Licensure Compact, improving access to behavioral health services. |
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SB 74: Sen. Gayle Harrell
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 13: Rep. Christine Hunschofsky
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Autonomous Practice
Expands access to behavioral health services by authorizing psychiatric mental health APRNs to provide mental health services through telehealth at the level they are already licensed and trained to serve. |
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SB 138: Sen. Keith Truenow
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 301: Rep. Jason Shoaf
On the House Special Order Calendar – 2/4/26, 4:00 pm. |
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Recovery of Damages for Medical Negligence Resulting in Death
Vetoed previously by Governor Ron DeSantis following the 2025 Legislative Session, this legislation would drive up medical malpractice insurance rates by broadening the scope of who is allowed to recover non-economic damages in medical negligence claims. Florida has the highest-in-the-nation medical malpractice insurance costs which place an undue burden on physicians wanting to practice in Florida and ultimately limits the availability of quality and affordable care. |
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SB 1700: Sen. Erin Grall
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 6003: Rep. Dana Trabusly
Previously passed the House Floor (88-17); Now in Senate Rules Committee. |
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Advertisement of a Harmful Vaccine
Creates a new cause of action, increasing Florida’s already litigious environment and opens drug companies to endless lawsuits for side-effects they already disclose to consumers in their advertisements. |
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SB 408: Sen. Erin Grall
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 339: Rep. Monique Miller
The House did not take action on the bill this week. |
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Coordinated Access Model Pilot Program
Creates a pilot program public-private partnership between the Department of Children and Families, a state university system institution and qualified contracted entities to provide timely and better access to behavioral health services through a single point of entry. |
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SB 1618: Sen. Tom Leek
The Senate did not take action on the bill this week. |
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HB 783: Rep. Judson Sapp
Passed House Human Services Subcommittee with CS (15-0). |
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Leadership Conference on Safety, Health + Sustainability
May 14-15
Disney’s Contemporary Resort |
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40th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School
July 21
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort |
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Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit
June 9
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay |
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Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit
August 11
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay |
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Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit
June 23
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay |
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Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber Annual Meeting
October 27-28
Grand JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa |
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