2026 Florida Legislature

A wide-ranging proposal dubbed the "rural renaissance bill" is back and ready to be heard by the full chamber in January.

The Florida Legislature is poised to pass several proposed constitutional amendments that would change local property taxes if approved by voters. Cutting or getting rid of most property taxes may not make buying a home more affordable though.

“No Floridian should ever have a claim denied based solely on an automated output,” bill sponsor Hillary Cassel, R-Dania Beach, said. “HB 527 establishes a clear and reasonable safeguard.”

The bill would provide $25 million aimed at helping physicians, physician assistants and APRNs set up practices in rural communities and increase Medicaid payments for “critical access” hospitals.

Florida House supporters of redistricting want to do it during the legislative session, which begins in mid-January. But the Senate president and Gov. Ron DeSantis want to wait for a court decision.

Neither the House, the Senate, or Gov. Ron DeSantis seem to be on the same page about how to approach redistricting. But opponents are unified, saying it would be undemocratic and unlawful.

The governor also emphasized his opposition to efforts in Congress that would block states from acting on their own to regulate artificial intelligence.

The Appropriations Committee is scheduled to take up Senate President Ben Albritton's priority "rural renaissance" bill next week, possibly sending it before the full chamber after the session starts in January.

For nearly three years, Gov. Ron DeSantis has repeatedly extended an immigration state of emergency. Democrats say it's an overreach, and they're filing legislation to limit that power.

The issue centers on people who pursue lawsuits over injuries caused by government negligence.

The bill wouldn’t affect federal laws that prohibit anyone under 21 from buying a pistol from a licensed gun dealer, but it would allow someone under 21 to buy a pistol from a private seller.

Florida leaders are looking at changing the congressional map, which already favors Republicans. Voting rights advocates call this dangerous.