Agenda 12/10/2024 Item #11E (Approve the proposed Collier County State and Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities for 2025)12/10/2024
Item # 11.E
ID# 2024-1866
Executive Summary
Recommendation to approve the proposed Collier County State and Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities for
2025.
OBJECTIVE: To approve Collier County’s State and Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities for 2025.
CONSIDERATIONS: 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 2025 Priorities document for review and input.
The Collier County Legislative Delegation will conduct its public hearing for local bills and local budget requests at 9
a.m., on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in the Commissioner’s Chambers. Senator Passidomo will serve as Chair for the
meeting.
The Legislature commenced interim committee weeks on December 2, 2024. The Legislature will convene in Regular
Session on March 4, 2025, and conclude on May 2.
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 a majority vote for approval. -JAK
RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Board of County Commissioners approves the proposed Collier County State and
Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities for 2025.
PREPARED BY: Bridget Corcoran, Legislative Affairs Coordinator
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2025 Legislative Priorities -11.4.24 FINAL
Page 3674 of 10663
2025 STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE
AND ADMINISTRATIVE PRIORITIES
Bridget Corcoran, Legislative Affairs Coordinator
Division of Communications, Government & Public Affairs
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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 2024, 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
From left, Commissioners William McDaniel (District 5), Burt Saunders
(District 3), Rick LoCastro (District 1), Dan Kowal (District 4) and Chris
Hall (District 2)
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: Exceed
expectations, every
day!
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Table of Contents
Priorities: Legislative and Administrative:
Affordable Housing .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Build America Bonds and Advance Refunding of Municipal Bonds……………………..………………….. 6
County Funding Streams ................................................................................................................................. 6
Hands-Free Phone Use While Driving ............................................................................................................ 7
Hurricane Preparedness & Response .............................................................................................................. 7
I-75 Interchanges ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Noise Nuisance Mitigation ............................................................................................................................. 8
Resilience/Coastal Protection ......................................................................................................................... 9
State Veterans Nursing Home ......................................................................................................................... 9
Water Quality and Quantity Management ..................................................................................................... 10
State Appropriation Project Requests:
Courthouse Annex Switchgear Expansion ..................................................................................................... 11
Western Riverwood Septic to Sewer Conversion ............................................................................................ 11
Pump Station Hardening and Rehabilitation ................................................................................................. 12
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Technology Upgrade ........................................................................ 12
Golden Gate Water Reclamation Facility ....................................................................................................... 13
Emergency Management Mobile Command Replacement ........................................................................... 13
Issues to Monitor:
Agriculture, Environment, and Water ............................................................................................................ 14
Big Cypress Basin .................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Big Cypress National Preserve ............................................................................................................................................................ 14
Harmful Algal Blooms .......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Lake Okeechobee and Everglades Restoration ................................................................................................................................ 14
Budget and Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 15
AI Technology ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Clerk of the Circuit Court Funding .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Cybersecurity .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Hazardous Waste Disposal Funding / Collection Bills ................................................................................................................... 15
Home Rule .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Licensing & Permitting ......................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Medical or Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries .............................................................................................................................. 15
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Mental Health & Substance Abuse ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
Millage Rates ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
School Resource Officer / Guardian Program Funding ................................................................................................................. 15
Sovereign Immunity .............................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Term Limits ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Energy ............................................................................................................................................................. 16
Inland Oil Drilling & High-Pressure Well Stimulation (Fracking) ................................................................................................ 16
Offshore Drilling ................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Solar, Wind, Fuel Cells, and Biomass ................................................................................................................................................. 16
Economic Development and Tourism ........................................................................................................... 16
Community Redevelopment Agencies ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Southwest Florida Promise Zone / Opportunity Zones ................................................................................................................ 16
Short Term Rentals ............................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Tourist Development Tax .................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Transportation ................................................................................................................................................. 17
Autonomous Vehicles ........................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles ................................................................................................................................................. 17
FAA Air Traffic Control Privatization ............................................................................................................................................... 17
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Priorities: Legislative and Administrative
Affordable Housing
Summary
Collier County median home prices are among the highest in Florida. This has forced large segments of middle- and
working-class families to either live here un-affordably or live in other counties where they spend their money on
homes, groceries, gas, and other expenses. They are people such as teachers, teacher’s aides, nursing assistants, medical
technologists, retail workers, government employees, emergency services providers, and law enforcement. All the
while, they commute to jobs in Collier County, which contributes to traffic congestion as well as negatively impacts
quality of life and economic development.
Collier County supports proposals, tax incentives, and funding which would increase home ownership and rental
housing opportunities for low- to- moderate- income (LMI) individuals and families and works with state and federal
partners on policies that broadly address the supply and demand for affordable housing in Southwest Florida.
Action
STATE:
Advocate for solutions to utilize State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds for very low-income
residents in high-cost areas throughout the state. Adjustments are needed to more accurately reflect the
current housing market and associated challenges in administering the existing program.
FEDERAL:
HOME funding – Currently, there is a mandatory set aside of 15% of HOME funding for Community
Housing Development Organizations (CHDO). Collier County does not have a CHDO and requests a
permanent waiver from CHDO requirements due to the non-existence of CHDOs in Collier County.
Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)- Advocate for the usage of a high-cost jurisdiction multiplier for rental
assistance calculations. Units in which ESG assistance is provided will still be required to meet the rent
reasonableness standard. Increase the allocation of administration to 10% to mirror the HOME program, as
the small allocation of funds limits Collier to less than $17,000 per year and makes it very difficult to administer
this program. Increase program funding and remove 60% shelter cap to allow flexibility for funds to be
utilized to make the greatest impact.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)- Advocate for increase in funding and remove the
restriction for the utilization of funds to “go vertical” to build multiple-family units.
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Build America Bonds and Advance Refunding
of Municipal Bonds
Summary
Build America Bonds were taxable municipal bonds that featured federal tax credits or subsidies for bondholders or
state and local government bond issuers. They were introduced in 2009 as part of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act to create jobs and stimulate the economy. The Build America Bonds program expired in
2010. Senators have reintroduced the American Infrastructure Bonds Act of 2023 (S. 1695) that would create similar
securities called American Infrastructure Bonds. Recently, the revival of this lending tool has been discussed in the
context of economic stimulus and infrastructure legislation.
Additionally, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated issuers' ability to advance refund debt with tax-exempt
bonds. On the House side, the Investing in Our Communities Act (HR 1837), would reverse this and again allow
municipalities to use advance refunding to lower borrowing costs and to take advantage of lower interest rates.
Action
FEDERAL:
Support legislation that would maximize local government access to these lending tools.
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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Hands-Free Phone Use While Driving
Summary
Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes in the United States, contributing to thousands of injuries
and fatalities each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that phone
interactions while driving increases the risk of crashing by 23 times. The NHTSA also reports phone interaction
while driving is six times more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol. A study from Cambridge Mobile
Telematics reported an increase in screen interaction time while driving of 17.8% from 2020 to 2023. The use of
hand-held devices while driving significantly impairs a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, diverting attention
from the road and increasing reaction times. Collier County has witnessed an increase in traffic crashes attributed to
distracted driving, affecting the safety of men, women, and children who reside in and visit the county.
Action
STATE:
Advocate for legislation mandating the use of hands-free devices while driving to enhance road safety.
Hurricane Preparedness & Response
Summary
Collier County seeks to foster our community’s ability to withstand, adapt, and recover from the challenges posed by
various stressors such as natural disasters, social disruptions, or other shocks by identifying the capacity of individuals,
organizations, and systems within the community to anticipate, absorb, and bounce back from adversities while
maintaining essential functions and well-being. In the aftermath of any natural disaster, Collier County residents expect
government at every level to respond immediately and work together.
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.
Advocate for funding My Safe Florida Homes and My Safe Florida Condominium programs to assist Floridians
with improvements to strengthen their homes and condominiums against hurricane winds.
FEDERAL:
Advocate for adequate funding of the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund (DRF).
Advocate for a simplified process for counties to file for and capture direct payments for relief efforts.
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I-75 Interchanges
Summary
Much of Collier County’s growth is occurring in the eastern part of our County. However, eastern Collier County
residents are lacking a southern interchange providing direct access to the interstate and are therefore required to
traverse multiple local roadways to gain access. Opening the existing interchange at I-75 can significantly improve
southern ingress/egress to the eastern lands and thereby reduce vehicle miles traveled, which alleviates traffic
congestion, reduces air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and fuel consumption. It also provides a much-needed
evacuation route in an area that has produced some of the largest wildfires in the largest urban interface in the State
of Florida over the past 5-7 years.
Action
FEDERAL:
Advocate for funding to study the proposed opening of the existing interchange at I-75 and Everglades
Boulevard in two phases: (1) feasibility analysis; and (2) Interchange Justification Report, Project Development
and Environmental Study. Phase 1 will include a planning level analysis of the operating conditions of I-75
(regionally known as Alligator Alley), planning level analysis of operating conditions of the existing interchange
at Everglades Boulevard, and planning level analysis of the existing non-interstate roadway network. The study
should include a toll feasibility component. Planning level concept alternatives will be developed and included
in the feasibility analysis as part of Phase 1. A Planning Screen of the feasibility analysis will be performed
through the Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) process.
Noise Nuisance Mitigation
Summary
Loud, modified mufflers are more than just a nuisance. The noise pollution they create significantly impacts public
health. Research suggests it raises stress, affects mental health, and contributes to the development of health issues
such as high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. Direct exposure to loud, persistent noise can also
lead to hearing impairment.
Action
STATE:
Advocate for the creation of statutory language allowing law enforcement to enforce loud exhaust violations
using the Plainly Audible standards as currently utilized for loud music and other noise and increase penalties
for violations. The addition of a Plainly Audible provision under s.316.3045, F.S. for loud exhaust noise allows
law enforcement to base the detection on the officers’ ordinary auditory senses. The distance, definitions, and
enforcement guidelines would follow those established in the existing Plainly Audible standard.
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Resilience/Coastal Protection
Summary
The mission of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is to protect, preserve, and enhance Collier County’s pristine
coastal ecosystem and to provide strategic access and complementary facilities to this valuable County amenity for
enjoyment by residents and visitors. Collier County has experienced the most presidentially declared disasters of any
county in the United States since 1978 and must have the ability to plan for actions to mitigate the impact.
Action
STATE:
Support the pursuit of any and all legal options the State of Florida may take to appeal the February 15, 2024,
federal court order divesting the Florida Department of Environmental Protection of its authority to issue
State 404 Program permits in Florida. State assumption of the 404 program provides a streamlined permitting
procedure within which both federal and state requirements are addressed by state permits. on April 2024, the
state of Florida formally filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C.
FEDERAL:
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 (USACE) and Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA)to do so.
Advocate for a transparent and predictable process regarding the approval or denial of all USACE permit
applications including 404 permits.
Support legislation that provides a long-term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (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. Future
market stability calls for longer reauthorization of at least five years.
Advocate for updates to FEMA threshold for what is considered repetitive loss. A repetitive loss (RL)
property is a building that has had two or more flood insurance claims of more than $1,000 paid by the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) within a 10-year period since 1978.
Advocate for greater access to storm impact data and coordination with local communities to improve
floodplain management and storm response.
State Veterans Nursing Home
Summary
VA Construction Grant funds are being sought for the 120-bed skilled nursing component in the amount of $74.1
million (65%). Based upon Florida being defined as a “Great Need” state (with a veterans' bed deficit currently at
2,947) and already certifying in-hand State matching funds, it is understood the application should be ranked as
Priority Group 1, Subpriority 3 on the VA State Home Construction Grants Priority List.
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Action
FEDERAL:
Advocate for the Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to rank the state’s application
as Priority Group 1, Subpriority 3 on the VA State Home Construction Grants Priority List and make a budget
recommendation for FY 25-26 sufficient to cover as many Priority Group 1 projects as possible.
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.
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:
Prioritize funding from SB 1638 (2024), Funding for Environmental Resource Management, be directed to
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. 1
Advocate 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.
FEDERAL:
Advocate for resources and guidance for the implementation of the newly approved EPA drinking water
standards for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
1 Collier County has an appropriation request for Western Riverwood Septic to Sewer conversion and has identified several
future projects including West Goodlette-Frank, Isles of Capri and Lake Park Flow Way, etc.
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STATE APPROPRIATION
PROJECT REQUESTS
Courthouse Annex Switchgear Expansion
Collier County Courthouse is home to the 20th Judicial Circuit,
State Attorney’s Office, Clerk of Courts, which provide vital
records and services for Collier County. The emergency
generator servicing the courthouse building currently provides
backup power to approximately 25% of the total electrical load.
The project entails renovation and expansion of the existing
switchgear and automatic transfer switch (ATS) located at the
Courthouse Annex Building L-1 at the Collier County
Government Center.
The full integration of the existing generator provides backup
power for essential security systems, courtrooms, computer
servers housing vital records, offices, and elevators. It also
mitigates cybersecurity risks by providing power to critical
systems like firewalls and intrusion detection systems during a power outage.
State Request: $1,400,000 70%
Local Match: $ 600,000 30%
Western Riverwood Septic to Sewer Conversion
Henderson Creek discharges into the Outstanding Florida Waters
of Rookery Bay (coastal segment), a DEP “Outstanding Florida
Water”, which is impaired from fecal bacteria and nitrogen.
The Riverwood community has storm water outfalls into
Henderson Creek, including one in the unsewered area. Septic to
sewer conversion for Riverwood was identified pursuant to
163.317(6)(c)3, F.S, representing compact concentrations of septic
systems.
This request is to fund the design for septic to sewer conversion
for the western portion of the Riverwood community.
State Request: $1,050,000 70%
Local Match: $ 450,000 30%
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Pump Station Hardening and Rehabilitation
Collier County faces routine threats of severe weather, flooding, and
storm surge.
This project funds the hardening and rehabilitation of five pump
stations most susceptible to inundation. The scope includes elevating
difficult to replace electrical control panels, upgrading or installing
protection walls, and modernizing older stations.
By improving pump station performance and reliability, it will reduce
service outages and required repairs after storm events. This project
will also reduce potential for nutrient loading associated with storm
events.
State Request: $ 2,940,000 70 %
Local Match: $ 1,260,000 30%
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Technology Upgrade
Collier County's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is staffed
by 56 different Federal, State, and Local Agencies to ensure a well-
coordinated response to disasters and emergencies. The agency
mission is to provide response and recovery services to the
community and support the region as needed.
Collier County has experienced the most presidentially declared
disasters of any County in the United States since 1978 (USA-
Today Source). The EOC was designed in 2003 and needs a
comprehensive technology upgrade. The funding request is to
replace audio/visual display systems, monitors, digital video
inputs, teleconference, and multi-agency integration systems at the
facility to provide the most reliable response to emergency
situations.
State Request: $ 900,000 70 %
Local Match: $ 400,000 30 %
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Golden Gate Water Reclamation Facility
This project will serve the Economic Innovation Zone of Golden
Gate City and is the first phase to provide the foundation for septic
to sewer conversions in Golden Gate City. This project will
consist of the construction of a 4 MGD water reclamation facility
that allows for the future conversion of septic to sewer for
approximately 25,000 residents of Golden Gate City. This would
represent over 9,000 units or 80% of septic parcels in the Collier
County Sewer District on lots that are less than one acre. Golden
Gate City is a major source of freshwater to Naples Bay but also
delivers significant loadings of potential pollutants. Naples Bay
abuts Rookery Bay, a DEP “Outstanding Florida Water” and
exchanges waters with the Gulf of Mexico via Gordon Pass.
State Request: $25,000,000 16.7%
Local Match: $125,000,000 83.3%
Emergency Management Mobile Command Replacement
Collier County’s Emergency Management Office operates a
mobile multi-agency communications and coordination vehicle
for deployment during local major emergencies such as wildfire,
mass casualty events, aircraft incidents, interstate hazardous
materials incidents, and mass violence. The 2007 motorhome
framework needs to be replaced for a heavier chassis and be
updated with digital communication resources to better serve on-
scene operations and serve as a resource the County's continuity
of operations throughout the 2,000 square miles of the county.
State Request: $ 700,000 70 %
Local Match: $ 300,000 30%
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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)
Big Cypress National Preserve
Any proposed legislation or wilderness designation at Big Cypress National Preserve. (FEDERAL)
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)
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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)
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)
Cybersecurity
Any proposed legislation to strengthen the security and resiliency of local government infrastructure or funding levels
for the Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program. (STATE)
Hazardous Waste Disposal Funding / Collection Bills
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 or Recreational 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)
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)
Sovereign Immunity
Any proposed legislation to increase statutory limits on recoveries without having to submit claims to the Legislature
for approval. (STATE)
Tangible Personal Property (TPP) Exemptions
Any proposed legislation to amend the State Constitution regarding exemptions of tangible personal property. (STATE)
Term Limits
Any proposed legislation or amendment to State Constitution to limit terms of office for county commissioners.
(STATE)
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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)
Offshore 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)
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)
Tourist Development Tax
Any proposed legislation impacting the usage of funds or local referendum mandates. (STATE)
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Transportation
Autonomous Vehicles
Any proposed legislation that would impact local regulation of safety standards for autonomous vehicles and related
technology. (STATE/FEDERAL)
Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles
Any proposed legislation that would impact fuel tax or registration fees related to electronic vehicles, electronic
motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Florida has the second-highest number of registered electric vehicles (EVs) in
the country. The combination of increasing market share of EVs and hybrid vehicles as well as more fuel-efficient
internal combustion engine vehicles is expected to continue adversely impacting statewide and local fuel tax revenues,
which provide funding for transportation expenditures. (STATE)
FAA Air Traffic Control Privatization
Any introduced legislation during the 119th Congress that would privatize air traffic control services to airports.
(FEDERAL)
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