Dear District 85 Residents,
Thank you for staying involved and taking an interest in the work being done here in Tallahassee. Your responses, feedback, and questions make home away from home not feel so far. Week 3 has been productive and steady. We have multiple advancements underway, with many visits being made!
Each week, I'm proud to share the progress we are making and to be able to share it with you all. One of my favorite personal rules is my open-door policy; anyone and everyone is able to stop by and have a chat with me. I never stop learning, and for that reason, I will never change that about my office.
I'm grateful to everyone who shared their time with me this week. A special thanks to everyone not pictured below: Florida Professional Firefighters, St. Lucie Children’s Services Council, Moffitt Cancer Center, Autism Speaks, Florida Vet Techs, Indian River State College, Florida Gun Rights, Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, Speak Life, City of Plantation Council Member Denise Horlandwill, Florida Federation of Fairs Team, David Boden with the Dental Association, GenCLEO, Port St. Lucie Vice Mayor Stephanie Okiye and Sr. Project Manager Sabrine McLeod. |
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This past weekend, I had the pleasure of being a featured speaker at the Florida Water Summit in Colorado. As you all know, water quality and environmental regulations are a key part of my legislative initiatives.
Each year in the legislature, I have advocated for environmental regulations, stormwater regulations, land preservation, and restoration. I don't plan on stopping any time soon, which is why I had such a productive meeting with other policy makers and fostering this engagement to make our communities stronger, healthier, and safer! |
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| I had over 20 meetings in my office last week. It was chaotic and hectic, to say the least — but filled with meaningful conversations, valuable insight, and incredible guests who took the time to share their vision and what they fight for every single day. Please enjoy these photos. |
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Here with the National Utility Contractors Association of Florida.
I care deeply about how legislation directly impacts the companies that keep us growing. My ears are always open to your concerns to make the most efficient decisions. |
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| Jonathan Rubin with Clean Earth Initiative and I had a wonderful conversation about each of our priorities for our districts and how we can come together to conserve and protect our coastal lands. |
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| Thank you to members of GenCLEO for stopping by my office this week. |
| I enjoyed meeting with FANA (Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology) this week. |
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| Thank you to members of Indian River State College for meeting with me. |
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| I enjoyed my time with the Florida Professional Firefighters. |
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| Thank you to members of 4-H for meeting with me this week. |
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| The steps of the Capitol have been so busy this week, some events being the Taste of Florida Agriculture Reception and the 4H Foundation. The 4-H Day at the Capitol Program provides youth with an opportunity to learn more about their state government and experience the political process firsthand, and I was so impressed with UF and FAMU’s student leaders. Taste the Florida Agriculture was an excellent event; it was amazing (and tasty) to see all the Farm Bureaus in one spot showcasing their homegrown specialties. |
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| On Tuesday, Representative Trabulsy presented HB4011. As the co-sponsor of this bill, I am proud to see it passed in the Ways and Means Committee with ease! The legislation was brought forward to address mosquito control gaps affecting communities in and around District 85, where growth and changing land use have increased the need for consistent public-health protections. Thank you, Rep. Trabulsy, for your partnership and determination. This would not be possible without you. |
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| I had the opportunity to speak to the Outdoor Advertising Group, reviewing our current position on property taxes and discussing key considerations moving forward. |
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| Here’s a peek of me at the PreK-12 Budget Subcommittee hearing HB 1071. |
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| During my time as a Representative, the collaboration between the phenomenal groups: Red Hill Strategies, James Madison Institute, and Floridian Partners has been so valuable to me. I was delighted to speak at the Young Professionals Kickoff and gather with the new generation of Florida politics. There is a bright future ahead, and it starts with you all! |
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| Great conversation on the podcast with RPOF Chairman Evan Power. Appreciate the chance to sit down, talk, and share perspectives |
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| It wouldn't be a true legislative week here at the Capitol without a game of Republican versus Democratic Softball! Standing here with Rep. Daryl Campbell, always a blast. |
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| Each State House Representative is permitted to file up to seven bills for consideration during the legislative session. Below are the seven bills and one House Joint Resolution on Property taxes. I am proud to be presenting to the House this year, with the goal of advancing them through the legislative process and ultimately into law. |
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Bills Sponsored by Toby Overdorf
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HB 121 — Nursing Education Programs
Health Care Workforce
- Updates oversight of nursing programs to improve quality and accountability
- Strengthens Board of Nursing authority and compliance standards
- Targets underperforming and predatory programs
- Protects students and supports workforce readiness
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HB 123 — Special Districts
Local Government
- Updates governance and oversight of special districts
- Promotes transparency and accountability
- Aligns with statewide review of district operations
- Impacts local taxing and service entities
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| HB 127 will be up for a vote on the House floor next week. |
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HB 127 — Cursive Writing Instruction
Education
- Requires cursive writing instruction in public schools
- Ensures students can read and write cursive
- Supports historical and foundational literacy
- Implementation handled by the Department of Education
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HB 6021 — Bump-Fire Stocks
Firearms Policy
- Repeals Florida’s current ban on bump-fire stocks
- Relates to firearm accessories and Second Amendment issues
- Would return state law to pre-ban status
- Expected to generate legal and policy debate
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As always, thank you for your continued support and faith in my leadership! I look forward to sharing with you again soon.
Sincerely,
Rep. Toby Overdorf |
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