Florida’s legislative session has officially passed its “best by” date.
The budget’s still on the shelf, but the policy work? Mostly baked.
While lawmakers stay behind in Tallahassee to hammer out the final budget numbers, LVU is bringing you the highlights of what happened (and what didn’t) when it comes to local decision-making.
A Win for Local Beach Access
One of the biggest wins of the year? Restoring the ability of local decision-makers to protect public access to Florida beaches—rolling back a 2018 law that tied their hands.While the issue played out along the shoreline, the principle applies everywhere: when local communities are allowed to lead, the public wins. What’s good for beachfront access is good for local communities, too.
Local voices spoke up. And Tallahassee listened.
Property Taxes: Local Dollars, Local Decisions
While no major changes to Florida’s property tax system passed this year, lawmakers have formed a select committee to take a closer look at how communities are funded, with potential changes on the horizon for 2026.
Local Voices United will be watching closely.
After all, local governments are on the front lines—delivering public safety, emergency services, water, and garbage collection—responsibly and efficiently. When decisions about local budgets are made, we believe the people who live in our communities should have the final say.
A New Name for a Familiar Shoreline
This year, lawmakers voted to rename one of Florida’s most iconic bodies of water: what was once the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America.
Whatever the name on the map, Florida’s beach towns know what really matters—the beaches that shape our culture, power our local economies, and reflect the character of the communities that call them home.
Still in Play: A Couple Bills We’re Watching
While most bills are done, a couple still could move before the budget is finalized:
- SB 110, which includes language around the Rural Renaissance Program
- HB 7033, which local leaders say could strip away a key property tax exemption—and tilt the scales in favor of developers over communities
There’s still work to do. But here’s the bottom line:
When local voices show up, local choices win.
Thanks for sharing your voice with us this session—and stay tuned.
