In January, Florida’s annual legislative session will convene.

Legislators face a packed agenda full of issues that will decide the future of local communities. 

Proposed Constitutional Amendment

A proposed constitutional amendment has again been filed that shifts local tax burdens away from homestead property owners to small businesses and renters. While the effort intends to provide tax relief, the reduction—if it passes—will likely result in unintended consequences for local taxpayers and cities, like fewer resources available for police and firefighters. 

Short Term Vacation Rentals

Short-term vacation rentals are already out-of-control in many Florida Neighborhoods. A proposed bill will make it worse by preempting local decision-making, infringe on homeowners’ property rights, and harm public safety. 

Local Zoning Requirements

Also under threat: Local zoning requirements. Zoning protects neighborhoods from unmanaged growth, and allows local small businesses to thrive. Unfortunately, development special interests are trying to rewrite zoning rules in their favor—and harm the character of our communities. 

Are these bills the “nightmare” before session?

They don’t need to be. 

America’s Founders believed in a simple idea: Our communities should be run by the people who live in them. Local Voices United believes it, too. 

Together, we can amplify local voices in Tallahassee this session, fight for local decision-making, and protect our communities.