Transcript Highlights:

• of Transportation, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Florida Department
• We're going out to those Hope Florida sites. We're going with the SBDC, with the Florida Chamber.
• And so this is something unique about Florida.
• And so this is something unique about Florida.
• Florida Highway Patrol came in and helped.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met to continue its review of hurricane impacts and state response. The committee first heard from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which described its four core functions—preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation—and highlighted its 24/7 State Watch Office, regional training efforts, and disaster assistance work. Deputy Executive Director Keith Pruitt detailed the state’s 2024 storm response, including Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, citing large-scale mission support, flood-control deployments, meal and water distribution, power restoration, debris removal, and billions in disaster funding and mitigation dollars. He also discussed debris management challenges and recommended that local governments update and exercise debris plans and maintain contingency contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND THEN LASTLY WE HAVE FLORIDA CAPITAL POLICE WHO YOU SEE AROUND HERE.
• FLORIDA COMMISSION ON THE OFFENDER REVIEW. THEY ARE THE SMALLEST AGENCY, 15.7 MILLION.
• I'VE GOT TO SPEAK FOR THE FLORIDA FOUNDATION FOR CORRECTIONAL EXCELLENCE.
• WE HAVE OTHER COUNTIES IN FLORIDA THAT RUN 17 TO 20% SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
• WE USED TO HAVE REENTRY PROGRAMS FOR THEM IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HE'S A SENIOR CHANCELLOR OF THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. MR.
• SO THE FLORIDA PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM WAS CREATED IN 1999 AND SIGNED INTO LAW IN 2004.
• FLORIDA IS NOT A PROPHET EDUCATION FOUNDATIONS ARE ESTABLISHED IN STATUTE.
• WE USE FLORIDA BY AS A PARTNERSHIP AND THIS IS AN EFFECTIVE WAY OF PROCUREMENT.
• FLORIDA OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS FOR EXAMPLE PROPERTY INSURANCE HAS GONE UP.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will say that within a decade, the appellate courts here in Florida, including the Florida Supreme
• But there are some condominium documents in Florida.
• But there are some condominium documents in Florida.
• what happened in South Florida.
• If you go to Central Florida, it could be sinkholes.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on condominiums, focusing on recent statutory changes, building safety, reserve studies, inspections, insurance, and related enforcement issues. Pete Dunbar, speaking for the Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, reviewed the evolution of Florida’s condominium law and recommended several refinements, including allowing boards to levy special assessments and borrow for post-inspection repairs, easing termination when repair costs exceed value, clarifying treatment of nonresidential condominiums, strengthening recall procedures, clarifying reserve and inspection standards, addressing conflicts of interest, improving electronic participation, and cleaning up notice and disclosure requirements. He also suggested revising insurance provisions so a third coverage option could be used more effectively. Ron Liseca and engineer Mr. Noguera explained the milestone inspection and Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SERS) process, emphasizing that milestone inspections assess structural deterioration while SERS estimates long-term repair and reserve funding needs. They described the 25- and 30-year inspection timelines, the lack of a central statewide database, and the practical challenges of finding qualified professionals and educating associations. Secretary Melanie Griffin said DBPR oversees 27,750 condominium associations, has increased outreach and complaint resolution, and has seen a 39% increase in complaints this fiscal year. She reported that about 11,270 associations self-reported buildings three stories or higher, and that as of early February DBPR had received 4,096 SERS completion submissions after follow-up outreach, with a median reported SERS cost of $6,000, though she cautioned that much of the optional data is unreliable. Emilio Rodriguez, a contractor, stressed the cost and capacity challenges facing associations and contractors, warning that some projects are delayed by board disputes, legal challenges, and a shortage of qualified labor, which can lead to higher assessments and repeated repairs. Members asked about enforcement, insurance availability, coastal deterioration, sinking and foundation issues, and private provider conflicts of interest. Witnesses generally supported more uniform standards, better local and state coordination, and possible tighter oversight of private providers, while cautioning against frequent statutory changes that could add confusion. In closing discussion, members highlighted the burden on older residents and fixed-income owners, the need to keep communities habitable, and the importance of clearer allocation of assessments and stronger board accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Allie McNair with the Florida Sheriff Association in support.
• Barney Bishop with Florida Smart Justice Alliance in support.
• Jennifer with the Florida Police Chief Association in support.
• Chair: Alec McNair, Florida Sheriffs Association, in opposition.
• Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice Alliance, in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Koster: Tripp Hunter, Florida Farm Bureau, in support.
• The version we have in Florida is not very good.
• Benjamin Stearns, Florida Insurance Association.
• plant a flag in Florida.
• Amy Diaz, Business Law Section of the Florida Bar, in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• THERE ARE FOUR REPRESENTATIVES FROM FLORIDA ON THIS COMMISSION.
• WE PARTNERED WITH FLORIDA AND THEIR AI TASK FORCE AS WELL.
• WE ARE GOING TO TALK ABOUT WHAT WE ARE DOING AT FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY.
• AT FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY WE HAVE TAKEN A DIFFERENT APPROACH.
• WE ARE DOING THAT BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE IN FLORIDA INVESTING IN THIS AND FLORIDA STATE HAVING A MODEL WHERE

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida currently... ...that are diverse, secure, affordable, and reliable.
• from the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
• This has a lot of good elements for Florida.
• Purple Heart recipients don't pay tolls in Florida if you pass this bill.
• Hunter, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida, waving in support.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections. The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders. HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have over 110 faith groups documented within the prison system in Florida.
• We have a validated risk assessment through the Florida Department of Corrections.
• So Centurion of Florida LLC has a contract with the Florida Department of Correction.
• Lorette Philipson from Florida Care's Charity. You are recognized, ma'am.
• God bless the state of Florida.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard an informational presentation from the Florida Department of Corrections on how the prison and community supervision systems operate after sentencing. Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman described the reception process for new inmates, including intake, medical and mental health screening, classification, custody and housing levels, gain time, and the department’s academic, vocational, substance abuse, chaplaincy, visitation, and communication programs. She emphasized that reentry begins on day one and that program placement is driven by risk and needs assessments, with facilities matched to inmates’ medical, mental health, and security requirements. Members also asked about family contact, visitor applications, inmate welfare trust funds, tablet access, private prison placement, staffing shortages, overtime, contraband interdiction, and waiting lists for programs; several follow-up materials were requested for distribution to all members. Mr. Winkler then outlined community corrections, explaining the different supervision types under Florida law, including probation, drug offender probation, community control, sex offender supervision, conditional release, and addiction recovery supervision. He described the department’s monitoring tools, such as office and field visits, warrantless searches, alternative sanctioning for technical violations, telephone reporting for low-risk offenders, employment assistance, and mobile probation and reentry units. He said the department’s supervision success rate is about 62%, with more than 91% of successful completers not returning to custody within three years. Members questioned officer workloads, the use of radios and GPS check-ins, the rollout of uniforms and firearms, how violations are handled, and whether all circuits participate in alternative sanctioning; Winkler said the program is statewide and that the department is seeking funding for radios. During public comment, Florida Cares Charity urged the committee to consider evidence on deterrence, parole, and recidivism, arguing that community supervision is less costly than incarceration and can be effective. James Beardy of the Florida PBA emphasized the dangers faced by correctional and probation officers, including long shifts, field searches, and working alone, and argued for higher pay and better support comparable to other law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking the presenters and public speakers, and the subcommittee adjourned without taking any legislative votes or formal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The program has reached 289 participants across 35 of our Florida counties.
• in the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office.
• I'm the chair of the Florida Coalition for Children, and I'm also the CEO for Northwest Florida Health
• So here I am as one of the subrecipients in the state of Florida.
• Coalition for Children and I'm also the CEO for Northwest Florida Health we have of the Florida Coalition

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Dr. Kelly O’Dare on first responder behavioral health access, peer support, and suicide prevention. She described UCF Restores, the Second Alarm Project, and related partnerships that provide culturally competent treatment, peer training, clinician education, disaster response support, and behavioral health navigation. She cited survey and state data showing significant rates of sleep problems, anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicide among Florida first responders, and said evidence-based treatment has helped many patients recover, including a reported 76% who no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria after treatment. Senators asked about measuring outcomes, peer support standards, and whether the state should create more consistent statewide requirements; O’Dare said peer support training must be specialized, linked to higher levels of care, and supported by sustainable funding and statewide coordination. The committee also heard from a public commenter who supported the work and emphasized the need for adequate resources and peer support infrastructure. The committee then received a Department of Children and Families presentation from Casey Penn on the proposed funding methodology for community-based care lead agencies under HB 7089. Penn explained that the new model is intended to be actuarially based, reimbursement-oriented, and more transparent than prior funding approaches, using historical expenditures, standardized reporting, and two main tiers: Tier 1 for largely fixed administrative and operational costs, and Tier 2 for direct child-serving costs based on per-child-per-month blended rates. He said the model includes a 2% risk corridor for Tier 2, hold-harmless funding in the first year, and optional Tier 3 performance incentives, with an estimated additional state appropriation need after offsets. Senators raised concerns about prevention, historical inequities, reasonableness of costs, administrative overhead, blended state and federal funds, adoption subsidies, high-acuity placements, and disaster-related disruptions. Penn said some of those issues could be addressed in future iterations as the child welfare information system is modernized, and he agreed to provide written responses to committee questions. Representatives of the Florida Coalition for Children and CBCs responded that the model is a major improvement but urged additional safeguards, including an administrative cap, clearer separation of direct and indirect costs, and better treatment of federal and pass-through funds. They argued that the system already has oversight and that deficits reflect insufficient appropriations rather than excess spending, while also noting that higher-acuity children and regional differences can drive costs. No votes were taken on either topic, and the meeting ended with committee staff introductions and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And under Florida statute, only the governor can remove an elected official.
• The bill will exempt Habitat for Humanity in the Florida Keys.
• Second part of the bill will extend the authorization of the Florida Keys set-aside in the state's Florida
• Forever Program for land acquisition in the Florida Keys for another 10 years.
• Florida Forever Program for land acquisition to Florida Keys for another 10 years.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met and first took up CS/HB 973, a broad special districts bill focused heavily on soil and water conservation districts. The bill would dissolve 35 soil and water districts effective December 31, 2025, based on an OPAGA review that found widespread problems such as lack of revenue, inactive boards, poor notice practices, public records issues, and late financial reporting. It also would let special districts use state contracts, authorize FDLE background checks for district employees, preserve fire district taxing/service authority after annexation, extend liability protections for outdoor recreation on certain district lands, tighten eligibility for soil and water supervisors, and shift complaint review to the Commission on Ethics. Supporters argued the districts are often inactive, duplicative, and costly to review, while opponents said many districts provide local conservation, water quality, outreach, and volunteer services and should be given more time to remediate. Public testimony on HB 973 was mixed. Several soil and water district chairs and related advocates opposed the bill, saying their districts provide local conservation, flood, invasive species, education, and coordination services at little or no taxpayer cost, and that abolishing them would remove local representation and collaboration. The bill’s proponent, the Florida Association of Special Districts, supported the measure as a limited-government and accountability reform, arguing that districts with no revenue or contracts should not continue. Members debated whether the bill was relying on the OPAGA report while also eliminating future performance reviews, whether the Department of Agriculture could absorb the added responsibilities, and whether the districts should have been given more time to correct deficiencies. The committee ultimately voted the bill favorably, with one no vote from Representative Hinson. The committee then considered CS/HB 995, which applies to Monroe County and the Florida Keys. The bill would exempt Habitat for Humanity in the Keys from construction performance bond requirements for affordable housing, extend the Florida Keys land acquisition/set-aside authority in Florida Forever for 10 more years, and extend the hurricane evacuation time frame from 24 hours to 24.5 hours to allow up to 825 additional residential permit allocations, phased in over 10 years and directed largely toward vacant buildable lots and workforce housing. An amendment was adopted to codify the 825-unit allocation and the distribution framework. With no opposition offered on the bill, the committee reported HB 995 favorably by unanimous vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida can Lee.
• How significant is it in Florida? How many cases have we had?
• So we in Florida so far are in pretty good shape.
• Is there a a standard in Florida about what is a reasonable geographic area?
• Next, we'll hear from Chris Nuland from the Florida, the American College of Physicians, Florida Chapter

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HOWEVER THE PROGRAM ITSELF GIVEN WE HAVE OVER 100 OF THEM IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, THEY WOULD DECIDE
• BETH GERHART AND I AM A CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.
• MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER CHRISTIAN FAMILY COALITION OF FLORIDA AND WE
• MY NAME IS ALAN ABRAMOWITZ, CEO OF ARC OF FLORIDA.
• Brodeur: WELCOME TO THE FLORIDA SENATE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Six states, so Florida plus five. have bills going before their legislature.
• So why do we need to do this in Florida today?
• Acupuncturists, even massage therapists are licensed in Florida.
• Florida already has a pathway to practice medicine.
• It is the sixth leading cause of death in our nation and in the state of Florida.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the sixth leading cause of death in our nation and in the state of Florida.
• This bill is really important to a lot of people here in Florida.
• Karen Morillo, waiving in support, AARP of Florida.
• The state of Florida is better for your service, and the Florida Senate is better for you being here,
• The state of Florida is better for your service, and the Florida Senate is better for you being here,

Bills: S0578

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimers, dementia, related dementias, brain health, early detection, diagnosis, caregiver support, elderly affairs, Department of Elderly Affairs, Department of Health, public health outreach, memory loss, cognitive decline, healthy aging, clinical trials, community resources, underserved communities, nonprofit, awareness campaign

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy heard CS for SB 57A, the Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative by Senator Simon. The bill would create a statewide public health awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection and diagnosis, brain health education, awareness of research and clinical trials, and outreach to older adults and higher-risk populations, with the department contracting with nonprofits for education and awareness efforts. Senator Simon and the bill’s supporters emphasized Florida’s high Alzheimer’s prevalence and the need for public education and early intervention. John Strader, representing the Alzheimer’s Association in South Florida and speaking as a caregiver, testified in support and described how early diagnosis and recent medical advances make awareness campaigns more important. He said a local pilot campaign in Miami-Dade led to a more than 30% increase in calls to the association’s helpline. Karen Morillo of AARP Florida and Tyler Jefferson of the Alzheimer’s Association waived in support. Several senators voiced support and personal reflections on the impact of Alzheimer’s on families and caregivers. Senator Osgood asked about funding and whether the initiative would require new appropriations, and Senator Jones urged that the bill be fully funded and recognized Senator Simon’s personal connection to the issue. In closing, Senator Simon spoke emotionally about his mother’s diagnosis and the need to help families find resources earlier. The committee then approved the bill by roll call vote and reported CS for SB 57A favorably before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We definitely want to keep Florida the veteran-friendly state. Any other questions, members?
• And they get funding from both the Israel Airspace Company and our Florida company through Space Florida
• And keep Florida a leader in aerospace. Any other questions? All right. Thank you very much.
• We have Lindsay Pierce with Space Florida waving in support. Thank you.
• And we have Colton Maddill with the Florida Chamber of Commerce waving in support.

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard two member bills. House Bill 313, by Representative Fabricio, would exempt Florida tolls for veterans who received a Purple Heart in combat and have a Purple Heart license plate. The sponsor said there are about 9,000 such plateholders in Florida and noted support from the veteran community; there was no public testimony or debate, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then heard House Bill 793, by Representative Kendall Kuhl, which creates the Aerospace Innovation Fund to be administered by Space Florida. The sponsor described it as a $0 bill establishing a framework for collaborative aerospace R&D, workforce, commercialization, and international partnerships, with funding potentially coming from state, federal, or private sources. Space Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce appeared in support, and the bill also passed unanimously. After both roll calls, the committee concluded its agenda and adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• TODAY WE WILL BE HEARING ON THE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS AND FROM FLORIDA COMMUNITY CARE, THE HEALTH PLAN
• SINCE 2011, FLORIDA HAS DELIVERED AND COMMUNITY SERVICE TO MEDICAID RECIPIENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND
• IN FEBRUARY 2024 FLORIDA COMMUNITY CARE WAS SELF-SELECTED TO OPERATE BY THE PROGRAM AND REGIONS THE I
• THE KEY PARTNERS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY INCLUDING FLORIDA, THE COUNCIL AND FLORIDA ARS TO REALLY HELP AND
• DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW OF MATERIALS WITH -- COUNSEL, FLORIDA ARS, APD, FLORIDA COMMUNITY CARE REVIEWED

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Florida House and to the HHS Committee and Representative Abbott, not new to the House
• This is a new program that provides Florida an opportunity to secure potentially hundreds of millions
• You're recognized. >> So I am a to Florida fans.
• process for that with that, that the Florida will use to distribute the funding.
• You know, Florida would be free to use their own a definition of how we define rural.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1620 also tasks the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute at the University of South Florida
• Carolyn Johnson, Florida Chamber of Commerce.
• Carolyn Johnson, Florida Chamber of Commerce, waves in support.
• Tyler Sununu, Florida ARF, waving in support. Tyler Sununu, Florida ARF, waving in support.
• Tom Parker, Florida Health Care Association, waving in support. Ms.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met to consider several bills and the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. SB 1310, relating to reporting of student mental health outcomes, was temporarily postponed. The committee then took up SB 1354 on behavioral health managing entities, adopted a delete-all amendment, and heard support for the bill’s focus on transparency, accountability, audits, referral patterns, and a DCF report due by December 1. Members discussed the capacity of the current reporting system and the need for coordination with school districts. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee next considered SB 1620 on mental health and substance abuse disorders, which implements selected recommendations from the 2025 Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. The bill, as amended, includes reforms on dignity and patient-centered care, crisis response, individualized treatment plans, use of the DLA-20 assessment tool, data analysis by the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, and creation of a research center. Amendments removed a direct medication-provision requirement in favor of a review and report on discharge procedures, medication adherence, and long-acting injectables, and clarified licensure priorities for short-term residential treatment programs. Testimony and debate emphasized the need for action, better data, and efficient use of public funds. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard from Taylor Hatch, the Governor’s appointee to lead DCF. Hatch described her background in state government and her priorities for DCF, including coordination, transparency, prevention, permanency, and responsiveness to vulnerable Floridians. Several members spoke in support, citing her experience at APD and familiarity with the agency’s work. The committee voted unanimously to recommend her confirmation, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have over 20,000 preschoolers in Florida who are diagnosed with autism.
• And they don't live in Florida. They're over there in California.
• This neuroscience center at the University of Florida is absolutely key.
• We have many institutions across the state of ...of Florida is absolutely key.
• We have many institutions across the state of Florida.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, doctor-of-the-day recognition, and a series of introductions honoring visitors and groups in the galleries, including Moffitt Cancer Center, students from Lakeland Christian School, space industry guests, Kappa Alpha Psi, the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, and others. Senators also made announcements about local delegations visiting the Capitol and a session wellness competition. The chamber then took up CS/CS/SB 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell presented the bill as a major autism-focused measure that would expand screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services through age four with a federal waiver, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a statewide hub for research and coordination, create grants for autism-focused summer programs and charter school models, and establish a microcredential for workers who serve children with autism. Senators Davis, Jones, Osgood, Duma, Wright, and others supported the bill while raising concerns about provider shortages, Medicaid managed care coverage, the need for better recruitment incentives, and the importance of research into causes and treatments. Harrell responded that services would be covered under new contracts, Medicaid would provide coverage, the University of Florida would develop the online credential with a stipend incentive, and the bill was a first step in a broader effort that should also address adults on the spectrum. The Senate passed CS/CS/SB 112 unanimously, 38-0, and then adopted a motion to immediately certify the bill to the House. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 1856 by publication, honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, SB 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration, and the Senate adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.