Last week, the legislature completed week six of the nine-week legislative session. Many substantive committees wrapped up their work, the number of bills “in play” narrowed, and budget discussions shifted into the forefront. Both the House and Senate debated and passed their budget proposals for FY 2026-2027 in committee and on the floor. The House budget totals $113.5 billion and the Senate budget totals $115 billion. Both are less than the current $115.1 billion budget and below Governor DeSantis’ $117.4 billion budget proposal released in December. The budgets are now in proper position to begin negotiations, and both chambers have announced their Budget Conference Committees and committee assignments. However, negotiations cannot commence until the top-line allocation numbers are agreed on by the House and Senate leaders. (Senate Budget SB 2500/ House Budget HB 5001)
In addition to passing their budget, the House passed HJR 203 – Elimination of Non-school Property for Homesteads, sponsored by Representative Monique Miller (R-Palm Bay), by an 80-30 vote. The proposed constitutional amendment would exempt homestead property from all ad valorem taxes other than school district levies beginning January 2027, and would prohibit local governments from reducing total funding for law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders below their 2025-26 or 2026-27 funding level, whichever is higher. Of the proposals advanced by the House Select Committee on Property Taxes, this was the measure ultimately brought to the floor for a full vote. The Senate has not yet released its own property tax proposal. For the proposed constitutional amendment to appear on the 2026 ballot, the House and Senate must pass the same joint resolution. If placed on the ballot, the amendment requires at least 60 percent voter approval to take effect.
For the 2026 Legislative Session, the Business Law Section is actively working with legislators on three proactive pieces of legislation.
- HB 797 / SB 554 – Nonprofit Corporations by Representative Kaylee Tuck (R-Sebring) and Senator Mack Bernard (D-West Palm Beach)
- HB 679 / SB 696 – Registration of Trademarks by Representative Sam Greco (R-Palm Coast) and Senator Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers)
- HB 965 / SB 1424 – Voluntary Trial Resolution by Representative Bill Partington (R-Daytona Beach) and Senator Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach)
The nonprofit corporations and the registration of trademarks legislation will be heard this week on the House floor. If the measures pass the House, the bills will then go to the Senate for consideration.
Here are links to the House and Senate websites to easily track legislation, view committee agendas, and find live or recorded links to watch committee meetings.