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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 08 24 Awards and Presentation 100a. - City Lobbyist PresentationRecap of 2026 Legislative Session A review of the Florida Legislature's 2026 session — key bills, budget, special sessions, and impacts on local government. Timeline & Statistics Session Overview The session was originally scheduled for January through the first week of March — but extended significantly beyond that timeline. Three special sessions were called: •Special Session D – Redistricting (Winter Springs seat did not change) •Special Session E – State Budget •Special Session F – Property Taxes 1,926 Bills Filed Total number of bills introduced during the 2026 legislative session 237 Bills Passed Total bills that successfully passed both chambers 12.3% Pass Rate Down from 13.5% last year — a notable decline in legislative output 3 Special Sessions Redistricting, State Budget, and Property Taxes State Budget The Governor proposed the Floridians First Budget. Then the House and Senate each propose different spending levels before reaching a final agreement during Special Session E. The final budget of $114.4 billion was settled during Special Session E — below both the Governor's and Senate's initial proposals. Winter Springs Funding Projects WERE vetoed...however...delegation worked hard to secure funding. Winter Springs Sheoah Asbestos Cement Water Main Replacement - $500,000 Representative Smith Winter Springs Water Treatment Plants SCADA Upgrade - $300,000 Representative Plakon Property Taxes: Special Session F The Governor released his own proposal for a ballot referendum during Special Session F, offering a phased approach to homest ead exemption increases rather than full elimination. Governor's Ballot Referendum Requires 60% voter approval on the ballot to take effect. •Creates a new $150,000 homestead exemption in 2027 •Increases to $250,000 in 2028 •Indexed for inflation beginning in 2029 Additional Provisions Reduces the annual assessment increase limitation for nonhomesteaded properties Limits uses of remaining ad valorem collections to what is allowed by the resolution Proposed that the legislature to create a trust fund to provide grants for local government operations…was removed School taxes are not exempt from the proposal. HB 4083, Winter Springs Local Bill Would require a municipal charter referendum in November. Would decrease overall elected membership, from 6 to 5 Would make the Mayor voting member of commission. It was heard in its first committee in the House. It was not heard in subsequent committees. Impactful Bills Several bills passed during the 2026 session carry significant implications for local governments, public agencies, and munic ipal operations across Florida. 1 HB 145 – Sovereign Immunity Increases sovereign immunity limits from $200,000 per person / $300,000 per incident to $350,000 per person / $500,000 per incident. – Vetoed 2 HB 1217 – Net Zero Policy Prohibits governmental agencies from taking any action that supports a net zero policy. 3 HB 1134 – DEI Prohibition Prohibits governmental agencies from taking any action related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 4 HB 1329 – Local Government Finance Mandates an annual 10% budget reduction exercise and requires local governments to publicly post employee salaries. Impactful Bills (cont.) HB 1103 Derelict Vessels & Anchoring Allows code enforcement officers to enforce derelict vessel and anchoring rules, subject to FWC approval. SB 290 Gas-Powered Equipment Preemption Preempts local governments from restricting use of gas-powered small engine equipment. Also restricts local government usage of rural event permits, and more. HB 1389 Shimberg Study Exemption Extends the opt-out ordinance exemption using the Shimberg study from the previous year to the previous three years. HB 399 – Development This bill makes sweeping changes to development permitting, school access, residential compatibility, and land use requirements for local governments. 1 Application Fees Fees for development permits and orders must relate to direct and reasonable indirect costs only. 2 School District Access Local governments must allow school districts and charter schools reasonable access to public easements and rights-of- ways in interlocal agreements. 3 Off-Site Constructed Dwellings Prohibits local governments from restricting the use of off-site constructed residential dwellings beyond requirements that apply to other residential dwellings in the same zoning district. 4 Residential Compatibility & Compost Facilities Makes many changes relating to residential compatibility. Local governments must include factors to assess compatible residential uses. Also provides that a local government cannot require additional property be purchased for approval of a compost facility. Rural Boundary Proposal Sometime in November 2025, or before, Senator Martin of Ft. Myers asks Attorney General to evaluate the legality of charter-based “Rural Boundary.” Attorney General publishes a letter that says rural boundary could be a taking under the constitution and could be a burden under Bert Harris. Senator Martin filed an amendment to HB 399 that provides that related land use restrictions “constitutes a permanent deprivation.” The amendment provides a “self-executing” remedy. The amendment was considered and voted down on the Senate Floor. Senator Martin did mention he would consider legislation next year on this issue. HB 803 – Building Permits & Inspections 1 State Term Contract for Vendors Creates a state term contract for a list of vendors to provide building code inspection services, usable during a state of emergency under direction of the local building official. 2 Manufactured Buildings in RV Parks DPBR certified manufactured buildings may not be denied placement in an RV park. 3 Manufactured Homes – Zoning Offsite manufactured homes must be allowed in any zoning area where single-family detached homes are permitted. 4 Uniform Commercial Permit Application The state will adopt a uniform commercial building permit application to be used statewide for all commercial construction projects. HB 803 – Building Permits & Inspections (cont.) Inspection Fee Prohibition Prohibits inspection fees based on the total cost of a project. Fees must be based on actual costs incurred by the agency to perform and approve the required inspection. No Permits Under $7,500 No permits required for single-family dwelling work valued at less than $7,500 — other than electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, or gas work. Hurricane & Flood Protection No permits required for the installation of temporary residential hurricane and flood protection walls or barriers. Glazing Limitation Cannot require glazing of more than 15% of a front façade on residential construction. Thank You Questions?