In this episode: Florida lawmakers arrived in Tallahassee two months ago promising to focus on affordability and fix a growth-management mess they made last year. They did neither. They did, however, undermine the collective bargaining rights of public school teachers, shield a mining company from lawsuits over radioactive contamination, and pass a billionaire-backed bill that could force condo owners to pay higher prices for property insurance. They did some good things, too. A recap of Florida’s 2026 legislative session. Correction: This podcast used the incorrect bill number for Senate Bill 1028, the bill that could force some Florida condo owners to pay higher prices for property insurance.

Show notes:

For a links to all the bills mentions discussed in this episode — and the vote sheets for every one that passed — see this post on Seeking Rents:

The Florida Legislature made a mess. The Florida House refused to clean it up.

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to [email protected]

Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify

Watch the show: YouTube

In this episode: Florida’s 2026 legislative session ends with one more development showdown on the floor of the Florida Senate, a weaker-than-expected deal on data centers, and a bunch of big decisions punted to a special session on the state budget that will be held later this spring. A recap of 60th and final day of the Florida Legislature’s 2026 session.

Show notes:

The bills discussed in today’s show:

Senate Bill 628 — Traffic Facility Designations

Passed the Senate by a 31-4 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)

House Bill 1451 — Utility Services

Passed the Senate by a 30-6 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)

House Bill 1279 — Education

Passed the Senate by a 36-1 vote (vote sheet) and the House of Representatives by an 81-16 vote (vote sheet) and now goes to the governor

House Bill 905 — Foreign Influence

Passed the House of Representatives by an 83-17 vote (vote sheet) and now goes to the governor

Senate Bill 484 — Data Centers

Passed the Senate by a 31-6 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)

House Bill 399 — Land Use and Development Regulation

Passed the Senate by a 27-11 vote (vote sheet) and the House of Representatives by a 73-27 vote (vote sheet) and now goes to the governor.

Fontainebleau amendment to HB 399

Failed to pass the Senate by a 17-20 vote (vote sheet)

Rural boundaries amendment to HB 399

Failed to pass the Senate by a voice vote

Senate Bill 180 amendment to HB 399

Ruled out of order by House Republican leadership

Senate Bill 7044 — Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund/Executive Office of the Governor

Passed the Senate by a 29-7 vote (vote sheet) and the House of Representatives by an 80-20 vote (vote sheet) and now goes to the governor.

The stories discussed in today’s podcast:

Florida lawmakers clear path for Fontainebleau water park despite opposition

A developer wants to build a giant data center in Palm Beach — after lobbying for a tax break in Tallahassee

Buried in the budget: Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump and Newsmax

A New York investment firm with vast land holdings across north Florida wants state lawmakers to greenlight giant developments

Landowner behind ‘Blue Ribbon Projects’ bill gave $300K to Florida leaders before session began, records show

A gun company gave lots of money to Florida lawmakers. Now it’s lobbying for legal immunity.

Gun money in the Florida Legislature

Florida politicians may give Big Sugar legal power to go after activists and silence critics

They said they wanted to help farmers. They really wanted to hurt environmentalists.

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to [email protected]

Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify

Watch the show: YouTube

In this episode: On the eve of the final day of Florida’s 2026 regular session, the Republican-controlled Legislature passed bills that will throw up more bureaucratic roadblocks to voting and allow state politicians to target “domestic terrorist” groups. But they also agreed not to give billions of dollars to the biggest corporations in the country and to help thousands of Floridians at risk of losing AIDS and HIV medication. Plus: Last-day floor fights are looming between urban and rural lawmakers over growth and development. An update from Day 59 of Florida’s 60-day session.

Show notes

The bills discussed in today’s show:

House Bill 991 — Election Integrity

Passed the Senate by a 27-12 vote (vote sheet). Passed the House of Representatives by a 77-28 vote (vote sheet). Now goes to the governor.

House Bill 1471 — Systems of Law and Terrorist Organizations

Passed the House of Representatives by an 80-25 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)

House Bill 7031 — Taxation

Passed the House of Representatives by a 109-0 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)

House Bill 697 — Drug Prices and Coverage

Passed the House of Representatives by a 108-0 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)

The stories discussed in today’s show:

No water, no shade: How homebuilders, farming companies and construction firms got politicians to reject heat rules for outdoor workers in Florida

Corporations could get a $3.5 billion tax break in Florida unless state lawmakers step in to stop it

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to [email protected]

Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify

Watch the show: YouTube

In this episode: With the Big Business lobby leaning hard on lawmakers, Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature passes a controversial bill weakening the collective bargaining rights of teachers, utility workers, bus drivers and more. Republican leaders in the House and Senate also seem to have struck a deal on an elections bill intended to suppress turnout on college campuses. And legislation written by lobbyists for mining-and-fertilizer giant Mosaic Co. — which would shield the company from legal claims over radiation exposure on former phosphate mines — heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis. An update from Day 57 and Day 58 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session.

Show notes

The bills discussed in today’s show:

Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employee Relations Commission

Passed the House of Representatives by a 73-37 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 991 — Election Integrity

Amendment to HB 991

Amendment failed to pass the Senate by a 12-24 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 167 — Former Phosphate Mining Lands

Passed the Senate by a 32-4 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)

House bill 1217 — Prohibited Governmental Policies Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Passed the Senate by a 24-12 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 488 — Transportation

Passed the Senate by a 36-0 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1134 — Official Actions of Local Governments

Passed the House of Representatives by a 77-37 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)

House Bill 697 — Drug Prices and Coverage

Passed the Senate by a 38-0 vote (vote sheet)

The stories discussed in today’s show:

Florida Republican targets local and state government unions at behest of anti-union group

Lobbyists for a mining company wrote a bill to block lawsuits over radiation on former mines

DeSantis’ office authored ‘terrorist’ bill, records show

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to [email protected]

Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify

Watch the show: YouTube

In this episode: In a session that was supposed to focus on affordability, the Florida Legislature just sent Gov. Ron DeSantis a bill that would force some condo residents and business owners to pay higher prices for their property insurance. Plus: Lawmakers pass a bill that could block a new cruise port near the mouth of Tampa Bay. And the state House engages in some last-minute shenanigans on behalf of the car dealers lobby.

Senate Bill 1028 — Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

Passed the House of Representatives by an 88-19 vote and now goes to the governor sign or veto (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 302 — Coastal Resiliency

Passed the House of Representatives by a 109-0 vote and now goes to the governor to sign or veto (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 488 — Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Car dealer amendment

Passed the House of Representatives by a 108-1 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1758 — Public Assistance

Passed the Senate by a 26-11 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1756 — Medical Freedom

Passed the Senate by a 23-15 vote (vote sheet)

The stories discussed in today’s show:

Affordability is Floridians’ top issue. Lawmakers aren’t addressing it.

A victory for Terra Ceia

FADA’s Ted Smith leads the fight to protect the franchise system nationwide

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to [email protected]

Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify

Watch the show: YouTube

In this episode: Republican leaders in the Florida House of Representatives are trying to lawyer their way out of taking some tough votes — including on whether or not to fix Senate Bill 180, a hurricane-recovery law that real-estate developers have been using to crush local environmental regulations. Plus: Not one but two favors for the car dealer lobby. And why are some Florida lawmakers pushing to make condo owners pay higher prices for property insurance? (The answer rhymes with “millionaire.”) An update from Day 51 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session.

Show notes

The bills discussed in today’s show:

Senate Bill 840 — Land Use Regulations for Local Governments Affected by Natural Disasters

Senate Bill 1756 — Medical Freedom

Senate Bill 180 (2025) — Emergencies

House Bill 1001 (2025) — Vessels

Senate Bill 1388 (2025) — Vessels

House Bill 291 — Common Entities of Motor Vehicle Distributors and Manufacturers

Senate Bill 352 — Common Entities of Motor Vehicle Distributors and Manufacturers

House Bill 989 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle Dealers

Passed the House of Representatives by a 109-1 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1028 — Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

Passed the Florida Senate by a 33-1 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 620 — Candidate Qualifying

Passed the Florida Senate by a 37-0 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 655 — Pub. Rec. and Pub. Meetings/Attorney Meetings to Discuss Private Property Rights Claims

Passed the Senate by a 36-0 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 981 — Tributaries of St. Johns River

Passed the House of Representatives by a 107-3 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 725 — Political Activity at Public Institutions of Higher Education

Passed the House of Representatives by an 81-30 vote (vote sheet)

The stories discussed in today’s show:

Ron DeSantis is helping real estate developers exploit a hurricane relief law

The last stand for home rule in Florida (podcast)

Orders from on high

New State Law Forces Wellington To Change Waterway Rules

Car dealers try to keep a chokehold on new car sales in Florida

Republican megadonor is behind bill that could affect Florida condo owners

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to [email protected]

Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify

Watch the show: YouTube

In this episode: “MAHA moms” keep winning fights in the Florida Legislature over everything from Big Sugar to private schools to vaccine rules. Meanwhile, a bunch of dangerous bills are suddenly on the brink of passing — bills that would unleash massive real estate developments in rural areas, allow the governor to designate domestic terrorists, and weaken union rights for public school teachers — after squeaking through committee hearings by a single vote. An update from Day 50 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session.

Show notes

The bills discussed in today’s show:

Senate Bill 290 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Passed the House of Representatives by a 94-10 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1756 — Medical Freedom

Passed the Senate Rules Committee by a 14-8 vote (vote sheet)

SB 1756 amendment

Rejected by the Senate Rules Committee on a voice vote

Senate Bill 354 — Blue Ribbon Projects

Passed the Senate Rules Committee by a 12-10 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 540 (2023) — Local Government Comprehensive Plans

House Bill 1471 — Systems of Law and Terrorist Organizations

Passed the House of Representatives by an 81-26 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1632 — Ideologies Inconsistent with American Principles

Passed the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee by a 5-3 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 905 — Foreign Influence

Passed the House of Representatives by an 86-20 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1178 — Foreign Influence

Passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by an 11-5 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 1451 — Utility Services

Passed the House of Representatives by an 81-26 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 399 — Land Use and Development Regulations

Passed the House of Representatives by a 71-38 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 693 — Health and Human Services

Passed the House of Representatives by a 79-30 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 1279 — Education

Passed the House of Representatives by an 84-25 vote (vote sheet)

The stories discussed in today’s show:

A New York investment firm with vast land holdings across north Florida wants state lawmakers to greenlight giant developments

A ‘smart growth’ group calls for DeSantis to veto a ‘death knell’ to growth management bill

Orders from on high

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to [email protected]

Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify

Watch the show: YouTube

In this episode: The Florida Senate, a chamber that once championed Medicaid expansion, now wants to take health insurance away from single moms and near-retirees. Plus: A bitter fight over an effort to bust public teacher unions but a bipartisan alliance on rejecting corporate tax breaks. An update from Day 49 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session.

Show notes

The bills discussed in today’s show:

Senate Bill 1758 — Public Assistance

Passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by 14-4 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employees Relations Commission

Passed the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee by a 10-8 vote (vote sheet)

Senate BIll 1298 — Public Records/Public Employees Relations Commission

Failed to pass the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee by an 8-10 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 7046 — Taxation

Passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 12-5 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 7048 — Internal Revenue Code

Passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 17-0 vote (vote sheet)

The stories discussed in today’s show:

Florida bill would force some on Medicaid to work but at what cost?

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis backs a new bill targeting unions; those who support him won’t be affected

Lawmakers weigh a new charter school subsidy that would start small but could grow quickly

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to [email protected]

Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify

Watch the show: YouTube

In this episode: A community represented by a powerful lawmaker may get a reprieve from a proposal that would unleash massive real-estate developments in rural areas of Florida. Plus: A brewing battle over corporate tax breaks. An update from Day 45 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session.

Show notes

The bills discussed in today’s show:

House Bill 299 — Blue Ribbon Projects

Passed the House State Affairs Committee by a 21-5 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 7031 — Taxation

Passed the House Ways & Means Committee by a 19-0 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 995 — Public Employees Relations Commission

Passed the House State Affairs Committee by a 17-8 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employees Relations Commission

House Bill 1471 — Systems of Law and Terrorist Organizations

Passed the House Judiciary Committee by a 13-5 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1632 — Ideologies Inconsistent with American Principles

House Bill 991 — Election Integrity

Senate Bill 1334 — Elections

House Bill 657 — Community Associations

Passed the House Commerce Committee (vote not yet available)

Senate Bill 1498 — Community Associations

Senate Bill 1028 – Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

House Bill 943 — Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

House Bill 221 — Minimum Wage Requirements

The stories discussed in today’s show:

A New York investment firm with vast land holdings across north Florida wants state lawmakers to greenlight giant developments

Corporations could get a $3.5 billion tax break in Florida unless state lawmakers step in to stop it

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to [email protected]

Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify

Watch the show: YouTube

In this episode: The Florida Legislature unveils a plan to name a 124-mile, coast-to-coast corridor after Donald Trump. The “President Donald J. Trump Highway” would run right by “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” — and just a few miles to the north of “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard.” In between putting Trump’s name on things, Florida lawmakers are also working on plans to give bigger tax subsidies to privatized public schools, make it harder for college students to vote, and force sixth-graders to watch anti-abortion propaganda. An update from Day 44 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session.

Show notes

The bills discussed in today’s show:

Senate Bill 628 — Transportation Facility Designations

SB 628 amendment

Passed the House of Representatives by an 82-26 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 33 — Transportation Facility Designations

Passed the House of Representatives by an 82-30 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 7046 — Taxation

Passed the House Finance & Tax Committee by a 5-2 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 991 — Election Integrity

Passed the House of Representatives by an 83-31 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 1071 — Education

Passed the House of Representatives by an 82-31 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1632 — Ideologies Inconsistent with American Principles

Passed the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee by a 5-3 vote (vote sheet not yet available)

The stories referenced in today’s show:

‘A parallel system’: Miami-Dade school district to be cut out of decisions about charter schools

Lobbyists for a billionaire and a charter network pushed Florida lawmakers to expand a school privatization program, records show

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to [email protected]

Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify

Watch the show: YouTube