Agenda 09/26/2023 Item #11A (Approve the proposed Collier County and Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities for 2024)09/26/2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve the proposed Collier County State and Federal Legislative and
Administrative Priorities for 2024.
______________________________________________________________________________
OBJECTIVE: To approve Collier County’s State and Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities
for 2024.
CONSIDERATION: Each year, prior to the convening of the State Legislature in Regular Session, staff
prepares a proposed list of State and Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities for the upcoming
year for consideration and subsequent endorsement by the Board of County Commissioners (Board).
Each member of the Board has previously been provided with the 2024 Priorities document for review
and input.
The Collier County Legislative Delegation conducted its public hearing for local bills and local budget
requests on Monday, September 11, 2023, and the County’s previously approved Appropriations Project
Requests (APR) were presented at that meeting by Chairman LoCastro. There has been one additional
APR included in the 2024 Priorities Document for the construction of Station #74 fire and emergency
medical services.
The Legislature begins its interim committee weeks on September 18, and will begin moving bills
through the committee process in advance of the 2024 Regular Session which, this cycle, will convene on
January 9, 2024, and concludes on March 8.
FISCAL IMPACT: This executive summary has no immediate fiscal impact.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: This executive summary has no immediate growth
management impact.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, raises no legal
issues and requires majority vote for approval. -JAK
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners approves the proposed Collier
County State and Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities for 2024.
Prepared by:
John Mullins, Director of Communications, Government & Public Affairs
Bridget Corcoran, Legislative Affairs Coordinator
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. 2024 Priorities FINAL 9-15-23 (PDF)
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09/26/2023
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 11.A
Doc ID: 26628
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the proposed Collier County State and Federal Legislative and
Administrative Priorities for 2024. (John Mullins, Director of Communications, Government & Public Affairs)
Meeting Date: 09/26/2023
Prepared by:
Title: Communications, Govt. & Public Affairs Director – County Manager's Office
Name: John Mullins
09/18/2023 8:35 AM
Submitted by:
Title: Communications, Govt. & Public Affairs Director – County Manager's Office
Name: John Mullins
09/18/2023 8:35 AM
Approved By:
Review:
County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 09/18/2023 9:06 AM
Office of Management and Budget Debra Windsor Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 09/18/2023 11:06 AM
Office of Management and Budget Christopher Johnson Additional Reviewer Completed 09/18/2023 1:47 PM
County Manager's Office Amy Patterson Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 09/18/2023 2:36 PM
Board of County Commissioners Geoffrey Willig Meeting Pending 09/26/2023 9:00 AM
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2024
Bridget Corcoran, Legislative Affairs
Coordinator
John Mullins, Director
Division of Communications, Government
and Public Affairs
State and Federal Legislative and
Administrative Priorities
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INTRODUCTION
This document was produced based on prior Board direction,
legislative and project needs identified by County staff in
support of Board-approved programs and projects, ongoing or
unresolved legislative and administrative issues from 2023,
and legislative priorities shared with the Florida Association of
Counties (FAC) and the National Association of Counties
(NACo).
Our state and federal contract lobbyists provide valuable input
throughout this process and work very hard to continually
identify and monitor legislative trends, issues, administrative
activity, and funding opportunities throughout the year.
Once reviewed and approved by the Board of County
Commissioners, the County’s legislative and administrative
priorities guide all advocacy efforts in Tallahassee, FL, and
Washington, DC, for the upcoming year.
For more information, please contact Bridget Corcoran at
Bridget.Corcoran@colliercountyfl.gov
Rick Locastro-District 1 Chris Hall- District 2 Burt Saunders- District 3
Dan Kowal- District 4 Bill McDaniel- District 5
Vision: To be the
best community in
America to live, work
and play.
Mission: To deliver
high quality, best-
value, public services,
programs, and
facilities to meet the
needs of our
residents, and
businesses today and
tomorrow.
Values: Leadership,
Ethics, Accountability,
Dedication and
Service.
Motto: Exceeding
expectations, every
day!
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Table of Content
Priorities: Legislative & Administrative…………………….……………………………………………………..…………4
Affordable Housing ......................................................................................................................... 4
County Funding Streams ................................................................................................................. 4
FEMA Remapping ........................................................................................................................... 5
Hurricane Preparedness & Recovery .............................................................................................. 5
Hurricane Relief Reimbursement ................................................................................................... 6
Long-Term, Transparent National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Reauthorization ................... 6
Noise Nuisance Mitigation .............................................................................................................. 7
Property Insurance Market Stabilization ........................................................................................ 7
Resilience/Coastal Protection……………………………………………………………….…………………………………………….8
Septic-to-Sewer Grant Program Flexibility ..................................................................................... 8
Water Quality and Quantity Management ..................................................................................... 8
State Appropriations Project Requests…….…………………………………….………………………………………….9
State Veterans' Nursing Home: Supplemental Funding-Outpatient Services……….…………………….9
EMS/Fire Station #74…………………………………………………………………..…………………………………….……..9
West Goodlette Frank Stormwater Improvements………………………………………..…………..…………....9
Naples Park Public Utilities Renewal Project- 103rd & 104th Avenues ………………………………………10
Palm River Public Utility Renewal Project- Areas 3, 5 & 6…………………………………….….………………10
Golden Gate Water Reclamation Facility…………………………………………….……………………………..…..….…10
Issues to Monitor
Agriculture, Environment and Water
Big Cypress Basin ............................................................................................... 11
Harmful Algal Blooms ......................................................................................... 11
Lake Okeechobee and Everglades Restoration ............................................................................ 11
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Budget and Policy
AI Technology………………………………………………………….……………………….……………………………………..12
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)……………………………………………………………………………………………12
Clerk of the Circuit Court Funding……………………………………………..…..………………………………………..12
Hazardous Waste Disposal Funding / Collection Bills ................................................................... 12
Home Rule ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Licensing & Permitting .................................................................................................................. 12
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries ................................................................................................... 12
Mental Health & Substance Abuse ............................................................................................... 12
Millage Rates ................................................................................................................................. 12
School Resource Officer / Guardian Program Funding ................................................................. 13
Term Limits………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………13
Workers Compensation Reform ................................................................................................... 13
Energy
Inland Oil Drilling & High-Pressure Well Stimulation (Fracking) ................................................... 13
Offshore Drilling ............................................................................................................................ 13
Solar, Wind, Fuel Cells, and Biomass ............................................................................................ 13
Economic Development and Tourism
Community Redevelopment Agencies.......................................................................................... 14
Southwest Florida Promise Zone / Opportunity Zones ................................................................ 14
Short Term Rentals…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..14
Transportation
Autonomous Vehicles ................................................................................................................... 14
FAA Air Traffic Control Privatization ............................................................................................. 14
I-75 Interchanges .......................................................................................................................... 14
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Priorities: Legislative & Administrative
Affordable Housing
Summary: Support an increase in funding and provide for statutory relief for the Home Investment
Partnerships (HOME) Program. This program serves as the largest federal block grant to state and local
jurisdictions for the development and preservation of housing that is affordable for the persons with low
and moderate incomes, including veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities/special needs and
persons experiencing homelessness. Support proposals, tax incentives, and funding which would
increase home ownership and rental housing opportunities for low- to moderate- income (LMI)
individuals and families, and work with state and federal partners on policies that would seek to
increase the supply of such housing. The impact of Hurricane Ian compounded this issue by reducing
housing availability options and causing both temporary and permanent relocation of many with
significantly damaged or destroyed housing.
Action: (STATE/FEDERAL) Work with the state and federal delegations to broadly address supply and
demand issues for housing that is affordable in Southwest Florida.
____________________________________________________________________________
County Funding Streams
Summary: Full funding of grants and continued appropriations for programs or funds applicable to
Collier County, including but not limited to Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Institute of Museum and Library
Services (IMLS), Airport Improvement Program (AIP), Emergency Management Performance Grants
(EMPG), Stafford Act, Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP), FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HMGP), FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, Rainy
Day Fund, Local Housing Trust Fund, Sadowski Act- funded programs including the State Housing
Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) Program, Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, the Land Acquisition Trust Fund (LATF), and the Rural
Development Grant Program.
Action: (STATE/FEDERAL) Advocate for full funding of grants and continued appropriations for programs
or funds applicable to Collier County and oppose state or federal actions that would utilize moneys for
other purposes than originally intended.
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FEMA Remapping
Summary: Expedited approval is needed for the Collier County flood remapping process which is ten
years behind schedule. Two-thirds of Collier County’s population is represented by outdated maps. The
two Physical Map Revisions (PMR) are in the final stages of mapping production. FEMA Region IV has
not indicated a release date for the preliminary maps PMR-1 and PMR-2 at this time. The preliminary
maps for the Southwest Florida Coastal Study that were released by FEMA on December 31, 2019, have
been completed and will require adoption by the community on or before February 8, 2024. PMR-1 and
PMR-2 will then be merged with the Coastal Study to produce the final map product.
Action: (FEDERAL) Continue to support increases in funding for the Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk
Analysis Program that support this process. During the 2024 cycle, engage agency officials and the
congressional delegation to prompt expedited FEMA approval of the County’s final flood remapping
product.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Hurricane Preparedness & Recovery
Summary: The response to Hurricane Ian resulted in a significant impact on the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). FEMA was projecting the DRF fund would be
depleted by late August - a month before the end of the current fiscal year and prior to responding to
the Maui Wildfires and Hurricane Idalia. Senators Rubio and Scott sponsored The Disaster Relief Fund
Replenishment Act (S 2029), which would provide $11.5 billion in DRF funding. The Senators also co-
authored a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell dated August 3, 2023, reiterating concerns
there may not be adequate resources available to act immediately in response to future incidents. The
letter states the bill “will ensure the federal government can uphold its obligation to quickly deploy
emergency funding and resources to communities and Americans impacted by natural disasters.”
Action: (FEDERAL) Support the passage The Disaster Relief Fund Replenishment Act (S 2029) and/or any
language incorporated in other legislation that enacts additional funding for the Disaster Relief Fund.
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Hurricane Relief Reimbursement
Summary: Based on our experience with Hurricane Ian, we seek additional coordination with FEMA, the
Small Business Administration, and Housing and Urban Development to ensure the speedy delivery of
recovery resources to our residents who are impacted by future events. With the support of the
congressional delegation, prompt FEMA and SBA to work collaboratively with local applicants in the
reimbursement process, ensure realistic timeframes for gathering documentation, advocate for an
appropriate level of cost-sharing, and provide an efficient communication model for any disagreements
or disputes.
Action: (FEDERAL) Advocate for a simplified process for counties to file for and capture direct payments
for relief efforts. We support the passage of the Disaster Assistance Deadline Act (S.1858) and/or any
language incorporated in other legislation that enacts the same. Sponsored by Senator Rubio, the Act
aligns the deadline for FEMA’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) and Individuals and Household
Program (IHP). Currently, the DUA deadline is 30 days and the IHP program is 60 days after a federal
disaster declaration. Aligning the two federal disaster application deadlines will further reduce the
confusion for disaster survivors.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Long-Term, Transparent National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Reauthorization
Summary: To seek the long-term reauthorization of the NFIP to provide housing market stability while
ensuring transparency and fairness in rate setting. Currently, NFIP authorization is set to expire on
September 30, 2023. Future market stability calls for longer reauthorization of at least five years.
Action: (FEDERAL) Support legislation that provides long-term extension of NFIP for a minimum five-year
authorization, and focus on affordability, efficiency, fairness, accountability, and sustainability of the
program. The legislation should also invest in mitigation, modernize flood mapping, and flood risk
accuracy, and increase consumer protections in the NFIP and private insurance markets.
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Noise Nuisance Mitigation
Summary: Studies show noise has adverse effects on health and quality of life for adults and children.
Adverse effects due to environmental noise identified in studies include cardiovascular health, sleep,
stress, annoyance, and pregnancy outcomes. Loud vehicle exhaust noise in excess of standards issued
by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) creates a nuisance to individuals and communities. In
1974, the Florida Legislature enacted noise emission limits and other requirements in ss. 403.415 and
316.293, Florida statutes, to address motor vehicle and exhaust types. A June 2023 OPPAGA report
identified the following options to address the issue: 1) create a Plainly Audible Standard for exhaust
noise similar to the standards for music and other noise under Ch. 316, F.S. and/or 2) create a new
provision under Ch. 316, F.S. to allow law enforcement to use the nuisance standard to enforce loud
exhaust violations and/or 3) establish a Probable Cause Based Decibel Testing Program.
Action: (STATE) Work with President Passidomo and the state delegation to enhance enforcement of
existing exhaust noise violations and explore new approaches and best practices utilized in other states.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Property Insurance Market Stabilization
Summary: Efforts to stabilize the Florida property insurance market and return Citizens to its role as
Florida’s insurer of last resort continue to be a priority. Industrywide reform packages addressing
litigation, assignment of benefits (AOB) abuse, and roofing scams have been previously passed by the
State Legislature. However, projected insured losses nearing $60 billion caused by Hurricane Ian and
unknown impact from Hurricane Idalia losses continue to contribute to insolvency and policy non-
renewals issues plaguing the property insurance market. Currently, more than 1.3 million Citizens’
policies have been written for Florida homeowners.
Action: (STATE) Advocate for continued reforms to stabilize the property insurance market, monitor
carriers’ financials and reserve funds, prevent further insolvencies, add growth in market competition,
fair and transparent premiums for policyholders, and reduce dependency on the State’s insurer of last
resort.
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Resilience/Coastal Protection
Summary: Because of local terrain and hydrological factors, many Florida communities like Collier
County are located on coastlines that are vulnerable to sea level rise. This threat has led the County to
plan for actions to mitigate the impact.
Action: (FEDERAL) We support federal investments in solutions to mitigate risk and to prepare for the
impacts of sea level rise and seek collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers and Federal
Emergency Management Agency to do so.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Septic-to-Sewer Grant Program Flexibility
Summary: Aging septic tank systems and their leaching of effluent are a threat to waterways, the
habitats they sustain, and our drinking water quality. Even when conducted in phases, sanitary sewer
construction and connection projects are expensive whether it be a densely populated area or a small
and/or rural community with fiscal limitations. Residents often incur costly assessments to cover
transition to a sanitary sewer system. The Clean Waterways Act of 2020 created a septic-to-sewer grant
program that requires a 50% local match that may be waived by DEP only for rural areas of opportunity.
More flexibility is needed including a low-or-no match septic-to-sewer conversion option to
expeditiously connect residents to sanitary sewer systems and facilitate proper abandonment of the
septic tank.
Action: (STATE) – Advocacy for expansion of the existing septic-to-sewer grant program applicable to
planning, design, construction, and connection costs providing more flexibility for small and/or rural
communities.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Water Quality and Quantity Management
Summary: Local water, wastewater, and stormwater system water quality improvement projects
support the protection of our drinking water supply as well as our natural environment and fragile
ecosystem. Counties and communities often have budgetary constraints that prevent them from
covering the total costs for many needed improvements to aging water, wastewater, and stormwater
system infrastructure.
Action: (STATE/FEDERAL) – Support water quality and quantity management programs, including tiered
funding opportunities for water and public utility infrastructure (including fire hydrant systems), funding
and incentives for stormwater system rehabilitation and measurable water quality enhancement,
funding for technical and scientific studies to support water quality improvements, and continued
funding of opportunities that reduce resident cost in moving from well water to potable water systems.
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State Appropriations Project Requests
State Veterans’ Nursing Home- Supplemental Funding - Outpatient Services- $15 million
In June, the Board approved the use of an additional $10 million of
Infrastructure Sales Surtax funds to apply toward the construction
costs of providing facilities for outpatient services. Though
outpatient benefits are provided to veterans, the construction of
these facilities is not provided for via the Veterans Administration
State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program as part of a new
construction project. President Passidomo has agreed to seek
matching funding from the State for the construction of additional
square footage for this outpatient services facility. The President
may also seek an additional appropriation to supplement the County’s previous $30 million (to be used as the
State’s construction match for the skilled nursing portion of the facility) to ensure a 65/35 federal and state
construction funding ratio remains applicable to the projected cost of a new VA construction gran t application. The
County and our lobbying contractors will work to garner support for appropriation requests to advance the project
and provide our area veterans with much-needed outpatient therapies and adult day health care in addition to
inpatient long-term care skilled nursing services and memory care.
EMS/Fire Station #74 - $3.6 million
Collier County is committed to bringing compassionate and timely life-
saving emergency medical care and fire response to the streets, homes,
and workplaces of both residents and visitors. Construction of a new EMS
Fire Station in the unincorporated and eastern portion of Collier County
will provide protection for the public by providing faster response times
for emergency medical services and fire response. This area is
experiencing significant growth and has experienced an average 20%
increase in call volume over the past year. It will also serve as a focal
point for brush fire response in an area that has experienced several
expansive brush fires over the last several years. This station will also
provide availability of fire and EMS services for the entire county.
West Goodlette Frank Stormwater Improvements- Phase 2- $17.9 million
The West Goodlette-Frank Road Area Joint Stormwater Sewer Project (WGF Joint
Project) is a joint effort between Collier County Stormwater Management and the
City of Naples Utilities Department to address historical problems of street and
neighborhood flooding along with septic tank and drain field problems. This p roject
will provide for approximately 1,200 septic conversions. Rehabilitation of 10 miles
of stormwater system to improve flood protection and water quality will be
completed in comport with City of Naples sanitary sewers and waterline
replacement. Design, construction, and restoration costs are shared with the City of
Naples.
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Naples Park Public Utilities Renewal Project- 103rd & 104th Avenues- $4.5 million
This phase of the Naples Park Public Utilities Renewal Program to
replace asbestos cement water mains and clay gravity mains and
fire hydrants at the end of useful life, construct a new wastewater
pump station, rehabilitate existing wastewater pump stations, and
install backflow prevention devices and sewer cleanouts for 400
residents. It will also construct a new storm-water drainage
system to improve water quality flow to Vanderbilt Lagoon tidal
system, which is connected to the Cocohatchee River, a
waterbody included in the list of “Special Waters” in the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection’s “Outstanding Florida
Waterbody” water quality standards program.
Palm River Public Utility Renewal Project- Areas 3, 5 & 6- $7.5 million
This phase of the Naples Palm River Public Utilities Renewal
Program to replace asbestos cement water mains and clay
gravity mains and fire hydrants, construct new wastewater
pump station, rehabilitate existing wastewater pump
stations, and install backflow prevention devices and sewer
cleanouts for 300 residents. This phase will also construct a
new stormwater drainage system to improve water quality
flow to Cocohatchee River, a waterbody included in the list of
“Special Waters” in the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection’s “Outstanding Florida Waterbody” water quality
standards program.
Golden Gate Water Reclamation Facility- $35 million
Construction of 4 MGD water reclamation facility allows
conversion of septic to sewer for approx. 25,000
residents/80% of septic parcels in County Sewer District on
lots less than one acre. Eight miles of area canals flow into
the Golden Gate Canal (GGC) and the Gordon River which is
increasingly impaired for fecal bacteria. GGC is the major
source of Naples Bay's freshwater but also delivers significant
loadings of potential pollutants. The bay abuts “Outstanding
Florida Waters” of Rookery Bay and the Gulf. This project will
serve the Economic Innovation Zone of Golden Gate City and
is the first phase to provide the foundation septic to sewer
conversions in Golden Gate City.
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Issues to Monitor
Agriculture, Environment and Water
Big Cypress Basin
Any proposed legislation that would change the administrative boundaries of the Big Cypress
Basin within the South Florida Water Management District. (STATE)
Harmful Algal Blooms
Any proposed legislation, appropriation, or administrative action related to research,
prevention, and mitigation of harmful algal blooms (HABs), including red tide. (STATE/FEDERAL)
Lake Okeechobee and Everglades Restoration
Any proposed legislation or administrative action that impacts water storage, treatment, and
reservoir conveyance; Everglades restoration and preservation via the Comprehensive
Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). (STATE/FEDERAL)
Photo courtesy Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades CVB
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Budget and Policy
AI Technology
Any potential regulations or implications on county governance, operations, constituent service,
privacy and/or security related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). (STATE/FEDERAL)
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA)
Any proposed legislation or administrative action that restricts ARPA funding flexibility or
provides for funding claw backs. (FEDERAL)
Clerk of the Circuit Court Funding
Any proposed legislation that will provide a sustainable, full funding solution for the Clerk of the
Circuit Courts and provide for execution of their extensive statutory and constitutional duties.
(STATE)
Hazardous Waste Disposal Funding / Collection Bil ls
Any proposed legislation that limits collecting appropriate fees for services. (STATE)
Home Rule
Any proposed legislation that seeks to preempt or undermine local governmental authority,
impose state preemption, creates unfunded mandates, or adversely impacts local funding
streams. (STATE/FEDERAL)
Licensing & Permitting
Any proposed legislation or administrative action that impacts county licensing and permitting
and may impact cost and/or time in obtaining. (STATE/FEDERAL)
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Any proposed legislation that might provide more local discretion in dispensary location. (STATE)
Mental Health & Substance Abuse
Any proposed legislation, appropriation, grant, or program that could enhance Collier County’s
mental health and substance abuse programs, including the expansion of authority of county
court judges to refer defendants for treatment. (STATE/FEDERAL)
Millage Rates
Any proposed legislation that undermines local government discretion in establishing millage
rates. (STATE)
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School Resource Officer / Guardian Program Funding
Any proposed legislation or administrative action regarding funding of the School Resource
Officer (SRO) and/or Guardian Program. (STATE)
Term Limits
Any proposed legislation or amendment to State Constitution to limit terms of office for county
commissioners. (STATE)
Workers Compensation Reform
Any proposed legislation or administrative action that mitigates unfunded liabilities. Reform
bills from 2017 through the 2020 Regular Session failed to advance beyond their respective
committee assignments. (STATE)
Energy
Inland Oil Drilling & High -Pressure Well Stimulation (Fracking)
Any proposed legislation that changes the status of inland oil drilling and high-pressure well
stimulation. Currently, high-pressure well stimulation remains essentially unregulated and
permissible. (STATE)
Offsh ore Drilling
Any proposed legislation or future Executive action regarding the moratorium on offshore oil
and gas drilling within 125 miles of Florida’s Gulf Coast. On September 8, 2020, President Trump
signed an Executive Memorandum effectively extending the moratorium until June 30, 2032.
The Memorandum also expanded protected areas to include the Atlantic Coast of Florida, and
the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. During the 2019 session, the Florida Legislature
passed resolutions calling for an indefinite extension to the moratorium. In September of 2019
the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Rooney’s bipartisan legislation, HR 205,
to permanently extend the moratorium on oil and gas drilling in the Gulf by a vote of 248-180.
With the White House threatening to veto, the Senate did not take up the bill. (FEDERAL)
Solar, Wind, Fuel Cells, and Biomass
Any proposed legislation regarding the development and implementation of building codes and
inspection services to utilize solar, wind, fuel cells and/or biomass systems. Any proposal and/or
mandate of new standards that would negatively impact the delivery of power.
(STATE/FEDERAL)
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Economic Development and Tourism
Community Redevelopment Agencies
Any legislation that restricts home rule authority to create, operate, or sunset county CRA’s.
Legislation was passed during the 2019 session that implemented limited reforms and enhanced
ethical training and accountability. Onerous provisions such as requiring a county-wide vote to
create a CRA were removed from the bill during consideration. (STATE)
Southwest Florida Promise Zone / Opportunity Zones
Any proposed legislation or initiative that supports the ten-year economic development mission
of the Southwest Florida Promise Zone (SFPZ), originally designated in 2016, or that is helpful in
attracting private capital investments to recently established Opportunity Zones. (FEDERAL)
Short Term Rentals
Any proposed legislation that preempts or otherwise restricts local laws, ordinances, or
regulation regarding vacation rental frequency or duration. Ensuring that any legislation
provides for local registration of vacation rental properties and designation of local responsible
party. (STATE)
Transportation
Autonomous Vehicles
Any proposed legislation that would impact local regulation of safety standards for autonomous
vehicles and related technology. (STATE/FEDERAL)
FAA Air Traffic Control Privatization
Any introduced legislation during the 118th Congress that would privatize air traffic control
services to airports. (FEDERAL)
I -75 Interchanges
Funding opportunities to improve all I-75 interchanges in Collier County, improving traffic flow
and safety for motorists. (STATE/FEDERAL)
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