UPDATE: The legislative session came to a delayed end on Thursday, March 19 as lawmakers approved a $93 billion budget, which included immediate funds to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19). Though, representatives say the numbers were tallied before the economic consequences of the pandemic began to show and will likely need to be revisited.
ORIGINAL POST: The Florida state legislative session is an action-packed 60 days. This year’s session began on Jan. 14 and will end on March 13. With the demands of daily life, it can be challenging to keep up with the issues you value and the legislators who represent you.
Our team at the University of Florida Thompson Earth Systems Institute has sifted through thousands of bills to find those that pertain to our state’s environment. For some, we have talked to policy experts and scientists to help provide context and meaning into what this proposed legislation might mean for our state.
It is important to note that only a fraction of the more than 4,000 bills that have been introduced will be actively debated on the chamber floor. The only bill that absolutely must be passed is the state’s budget. Read more about Governor DeSantis’ budget in this press release.
Our coverage is by no means exhaustive, but we hope it will orient you to the hot topics that are on lawmakers’ minds this session — climate change, water supply and land use, just to name a few.
Use the links below to learn more about some of this year’s proposed legislation. Learn how to track these bills in our Action of the Month.
We have updated the posts below to reflect where this legislation stands today.
Energy
A slew of energy bills in this year’s session aim to increase the use of renewable energy sources.
Water and Natural Resources
Population growth threatens Florida's water supply and health of its natural resources. Several bills aim to manage this delicate balance.
Wastewater Infrastructure
Florida has a water infrastructure problem. Proposed legislation looks to fix Florida's aging pipes.
Plastics and Pollution
Proposed legislation looks to ban single-use plastics and develop programs to improve recycling rates across the state.
Finances and Taxes
Lawmakers consider proposals for tax breaks and discounts at state parks, as well as a new tax trying to protect Florida’s waters.
Climate Change
Florida lawmakers are trying to match climate change threats with possible plans and solutions in this year's legislative session.
Land Use and Conservation
Parks, forests, preserves – you name it, Florida’s got it. With this much land to cover, bills have been popping up to reserve millions of dollars for...
Wildlife and Biodiversity
Check out the bills that represent a few of Florida’s most iconic critters – and what experts have to say about them.
Learn more:
- How a Bill Becomes a Law
- Glossary of Important Legislative Terms
- How to Educate Your State Legislators: 11 Tips