By: Vice Mayor Maria Marino

​
​Florida’s Legislative session stands as a pivotal period in shaping the state’s policies, laws and overall governance. Unlike some states with full-time lawmakers, Florida’s legislature is part-time and convenes for a 60-day regular session each year. This year, the 2024 Legislative Session began on January 9th, and lawmakers have only 60 days to pass legislation, including the state budget which grew to $118.5 billion in FY 2023-24.

Over 3,000 pieces of legislation are filed each year and lawmakers will only take up and pass a small percentage of these bills, leaving many untouched. Different types of bills include: Appropriations, Claims, General, Local, Memorial, Resolution, Reviser, and Trust Fund. In order for a bill to become law, an identical bill must pass both legislative chambers, the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives, and be signed by the Governor. With 120 members in the Florida House and 40 members in the Florida Senate, this is challenging. Because Florida is such a large and diverse state, lawmakers often have diverse priorities and conflicting agendas. 

Each year the Board of County Commissioners approves Palm Beach County’s State Legislative Agenda. The 2024 State Legislative Agenda includes general government and environmental & natural resources issues with a focus on items related to economic development, substance use and mental health, affordable housing, homelessness, protection of county ordinances, transportation and water and environmental restoration. The agenda outlines what the County’s Legislative Affairs and Intergovernmental offices, in conjunction with the County’s contract state lobbyists, will advocate for, and work to oppose.

A significant topic among local officials is home rule. Home rule refers to the authority granted to local governments to govern themselves within the framework of state laws. Striking a balance between local autonomy and state oversight has been a serious challenge as lawmakers pass legislation that has statewide ramifications. That balance is essential to ensure communities can effectively address their unique challenges.

Local governments have a keen eye on bills affecting home rule, like HB 267 - Building Regulations, which aims to make a comprehensive update to the residential building review process. SB 280 - Vacation Rentals, attempts to revise regulations within the industry. In 2011, when online rental business wasn’t well known, legislation passed that preempted local governments from regulating short term rentals in local ordinances.

Residents continue to look to their government for assistance with pocketbook issues, as the cost of living continues to rise. Homeowners are facing massive property insurance rate increases and loss of coverage, but legislators anticipate that we have only begun to feel the effects of the tort reform package passed during the 2023 Legislative Session and the additional guardrail previously put in place. The costs of insuring vehicles in Florida has also skyrocketed and a series of bills has been filed to repeal and overhaul the state’s “no-fault” auto insurance system.

The decisions made during this legislative session have a profound impact on the social, economic, and environmental fabric of the state and will ripple through communities, schools, businesses, and homes across Florida. As leaders, it is imperative that we to continue to find ways to relieve the increased burden placed on our residents and lead with fiscal responsibility. As I have advocated with the County Commission to adopt a 5% millage rate reduction for FY 2024-25, I am keeping the same watchful eye on any legislation that could create undue financial burdens on our residents. The vigilance and engagement of local officials during the legislative session is critical to ensure that outcomes align with the needs and values of the communities we serve.

As always, if I can be assistance to you, please contact me at (561) 355-2201.