⚠️ REMINDER: The Legislative Session is when elected representatives -from both the State Senate and House- introduce legislation they claim is in the best interest of Florida’s voters, economy, environment, and communities. But too often, these officials serve corporate donors’ special interests instead of everyday residents. That’s why we go to Tallahassee – to remind them: put people over profit. 

✅ Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Act (HB 1419/SB 1598)

Sponsored by  Senator Lavon Bracy Davis and Representative Rashon Young

Democracy only works when everyone has a real voice. This bill removes unnecessary barriers to the ballot and modernizes Florida’s elections so every eligible voter can participate fully.

It would allow eligible voters to register and vote on the same day, strengthen language access for voters who speak languages other than English, protect communities of color from unfair political maps, and recognize Election Day as the holiday it should be. Bottom line: participation should be encouraged, not restricted.

✅ The PAUSE Act (SB 1576)

Sponsored by Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith

No one should lose electricity or water because they are going through a hard moment. The PAUSE Act would stop utility companies from shutting off essential services during extreme weather.

It also blocks utilities from piling on extra fees, prevents companies from passing compliance costs onto customers, and requires clear communication that connects people to real help. This is about dignity, health, and stability. 

✅ Landlord Obligations SB 322

Sponsored by Senator McClain

In Florida, extreme heat is a daily reality. Safe housing must reflect that. This bill strengthens tenant protections by requiring landlords to maintain cooling (they are already required to provide heat) and responding quickly when systems fail.

It also updates industry standards and ensures accountability across the construction sector. Access to cooling in Florida is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

Passing these bills will take pressure. That means flooding inboxes, calling legislators, and talking to our neighbors. Week one is only the beginning.

Not every proposal deserves to move forward. Some are designed to block participation, target immigrant communities, or consolidate power at the expense of everyday Floridians.

❌ HJR 203- Phased Out Elimination of Non-school Property Tax for Homestead
Sponsored by Representative Monique Miller

In a bad faith promise to working families, the House is proposing a ten-year phase out of property taxes for homesteads. They have no plan for implementation, and are ignoring the calls from local communities not to cut budgets for essential programs and services. Once again the Florida legislature is promising folks that their cost of living will go down, without any real plan to make that happen. 

In the long run, this will only result in a benefit for the wealthy. Working families will see their sales tax, registration fees, fines and various other costs go up, even as they lose libraries, public health programs, and many other things covered by property tax revenue. 

If this resolution passes, it would go on the ballot in 2026 as a Constitutional Amendment.

❌ HB 991 / SB 1334
Sponsored by Senators Grall and Representatives Trabulsy and Persons-Mulicka

These bills create new paperwork and documentation hurdles that could block eligible voters, especially immigrants, young people, and elderly Floridians, from having their voices heard.

These policies have already been tried in other states, and were struck down in court. Florida lawmakers are pitching ideas that will bring on more lawsuits and make it more difficult for eligible voters to register.

❌ HB 197 E-Verify for all private employers

Sponsored by Rep. Berny Jacques and Senator Martin

(similar bill SB 1542 sponsored by Senator Jason Pizzo)

This bill would expand harmful employment enforcement that targets immigrant workers and fuels fear across our communities. Mandating a flawed E-Verify system opens the door to racial profiling, wrongful job denials, and retaliation.

Rather than protecting workers, this proposal threatens immigrant families’ livelihoods and destabilizes entire industries. Florida’s economy depends on immigrant labor. Our policies should reflect dignity and fairness, not punishment.

Week one set the stage. These fights will be decided by pressure. By who shows up, who speaks out, and who refuses to stay silent while decisions are made behind closed doors.

We’re watching closely. We’re organizing every step of the way.

Talk with your loved ones, and make sure they know how to take action. If you’re unsure who your elected representatives are, find them here! 
 
Check back weekly to stay in the know on this year’s legislative session! 
And always, TOGETHER we rise. 🌅
 
Don’t miss a beat– follow us on social media! You can find us on X, Facebook, Instagram, Substack, and TikTok!

🧡 Together, we can keep Florida’s future bright, sustainable, and resilient.

Talk to you soon,

Moné Holder

Chief Advocacy & Political Officer

Florida Rising