Page 17 - Talk of Tequesta - February '24

The Talk Of Tequesta, Page 17
Commissioner’s Update
County Keeps Watchful Eye On 2024 Legislative Session
Florida’s legislative session stands as a pivotal memorial, resolution, reviser and trust fund. In order
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 House of Representatives, and be signed by the Governor.
60-day regular session each year. This year, the 2024 With 120 members in the Florida House and 40 members
legislative session began on Jan. 9, and lawmakers have
only 60 days to pass legislation, including the state budget
which grew to $118.5 billion in FY 2023/24. diverse priorities and conflicting agendas.
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,
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focus on items related to
for a bill to become law, an identical bill must pass both economic development,
legislative chambers, the Florida Senate and the Florida substance use and mental
health, affordable housing,
homelessness, protection
in the Florida Senate, this is challenging. Because Florida of county ordinances,
is such a large and diverse state, lawmakers often have transportation and water
and environmental
Each year the Board of County Commissioners approves restoration. The agenda
Palm Beach County’s State Legislative Agenda. The 2024 outlines what the county’s
state legislative agenda includes general government legislative affairs and
and environmental and natural resources issues with a 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 percent 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.
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