Understanding the Florida Legislative Session: What is it and Why it’s Important
The Florida Legislative Session is not just an event for politicians and policymakers; it’s a vital period that deeply affects the daily lives of everyone living in the Sunshine State. From the change of laws to the allocation of funds, the decisions made during this time are critical to shaping the future of Florida.
If you’re a Florida resident, understanding this process is not only necessary but also beneficial for you to have a voice in the policies that will govern your community on both state and local levels. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the intricate workings of this legislative affair and unpack why it matters more than you might realize.
An Overview of the Florida Legislative Session
Each year, Florida’s elected leaders gather at the Capitol and create, amend, or repeal laws during the annual Legislative Session. Essentially this is the core decision-making event that shapes the laws and policies affecting the state’s residents. Lasting 60 consecutive days during a regular session, usually from early March to May, and 20 days in a special session, our state’s elected decision-makers come together to review, debate, and vote on proposed legislation.
Its purpose goes well beyond just a “to-do list” for the year; it is the backbone of operational government in Florida, ensuring necessary governance is upheld throughout the state.
Understanding the key players is integral to comprehending this complex mechanism. The Florida legislature is a bicameral body, which means it has two separate chambers – the Senate and the House of Representatives. Each senator and representative plays a unique role in the progression of bills, from their introduction to their approval or veto.
The timeline is tight, and the pace is often frenetic. The calendar includes periods for bill filing, committee meetings, and floor debate. Bills that are successfully voted on by both the House and Senate are then presented to the governor, who can either sign them into law, veto them, or allow them to become law without his/her signature.
Importance of the Florida Legislative Session
The Florida Legislative Session has a substantial impact on shaping the state’s future. It directly impacts policy changes on everything from health care to education and the economy.
The decisions made during this period can affect every Floridian – changes in taxes, healthcare services, criminal justice, and environmental regulations are just the tip of the iceberg. Understanding these changes empowers individuals and communities to take an active role in the direction of their state. Each piece of legislation represents a chance to influence and improve citizens’ quality of life or uphold the state’s core values.
Here is a short summary of the top 5 bills that we had our eyes on during this year’s Legislative Session:
- HB 129 | SB 442 | HB 77 | SB 310: These bills aimed to abolish Florida’s controversial “Free Kill” law, which currently prevents adult children and other surviving relatives from filing medical malpractice lawsuits against doctors or hospitals when the victim is over 25 years old.
- SB 464 | HB 653: With the potential to cause a dramatic shift in Florida’s auto insurance policies, these bills aimed to repeal the longstanding no-fault auto insurance system and the requirement for motorists to carry $10,000 in personal injury protection.
- HB 809 | SB 1070: These bills could have changed the game for homeowners’ insurance, allowing homeowners to purchase policies that only cover their outstanding mortgage loan amounts.
- HCR 693: This resolution proposes term limits for members of the US House of Representatives and the US Senate, potentially reshaping the political landscape.
- HJR 19 | HB 57: These bills aim to impose term limits on county commissioners, prohibiting incumbents who have held office for the preceding eight years from running for re-election.
To learn more about these bills and the outcome of this year’s Florida Legislative Session, click here.
Engagement Opportunities for Floridians
The legislative process can often seem shrouded in complexity, but a push for transparency and citizen engagement ensures the process remains open and accountable. Knowing how to participate and have your voice heard is crucial to ensuring Florida’s laws reflect the needs and will of its people.
Democracy thrives when citizens are involved, and Florida offers numerous avenues for engagement in its legislative process. From contacting your lawmakers to testifying before committees, there are multiple ways that you can stay informed and actively participate in shaping the state’s policies.
Learn More About Your Local and State Legislative Process
There are also many resources available to keep an eye on the legislative pulse. From news sources to public records and the Avera & Smith Resource Hub, you can find many avenues to follow the progress of bills you care about most.
There are also several resources made available for the public to learn more about your local and state legislative processes and outcomes in Florida. Here are some of helpful sources we look to for more information.
- Florida Senate Website has a wealth of information available for public consumption including:
- a. Bill List offers a searchable database of all proposed bills along with details on the latest activity surrounding it and the proposed legislation’s location within the legislative process. Within each bill listing is the option to “track this bill” as it moves through the legislative system, a useful tool to keep abreast of legislative updates on bills of significant importance to the user.
- b. A glossary of terms offers definitions and brief explanations for common terminology referenced within proposed legislation and the legislative process.
- c. A robust frequently asked questions page answers 20 questions about the Florida Legislative Session and process. It touches on everything from when the legislative session begins and ends, to how to contact your local officials.
- The Florida Channel provides live coverage of legislative proceedings, committee meetings, and other governmental events, allowing anyone to watch sessions and hearings in real time. The Florida Channel also catalogs livestreams to be viewed at a later date in their archives.
- MyFloridaHouse.gov provides quick access to details such as the House Majority Office, Minority Office, the current Florida Speaker of the House, a House Directory, a Find Your Elected Officials portal, along with a list of important legislative dates.
- Additionally, the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties both represent local Florida governments and offer educational resources for those interested in municipal and county-level legislative activities. You can find a variety of tools and educational materials along with opportunities for civic engagement.
The Importance of the Florida Legislative Session
In closing, the Florida Legislative Session is a pivotal chapter in the state’s governance. Engaging with this process provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the shaping of Florida’s future. By taking the time to understand the when, what, and wherefores of this event, you equip yourself with the knowledge needed to be an active participant in our vibrant democracy.
Whether you are an established Floridian or new to the state, stay informed, be proactive, and remember that the collective actions of engaged citizens can truly make a difference in Florida’s present and future.
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