FL Legislative Update - February 17-21, 2025

As we head closer the legislative session, it’s a busy time in Florida’s Capitol with committee weeks in full swing:

983 bills have been filed so far, with another week to submit bills before session officially begins.
In a major development for reproductive rights, SB 870 (Davis) has been introduced in the Senate. This bill would effectively roll back Florida’s current six-week abortion ban and restore the protections previously provided under Roe v. Wade. If passed, it would ensure that abortion remains accessible through the point of fetal viability, with appropriate exceptions. As attacks on reproductive rights continue across the country, this legislation represents a critical effort to reclaim bodily autonomy for Floridians.
Governor DeSantis is pushing to drastically limit citizen-led ballot initiatives, a process Floridians have long used to amend the state constitution on issues like minimum wage increases, medical marijuana legalization, and restoring voting rights for people with past felony convictions. His proposal would eliminate third-party signature collection, instead requiring individuals to submit petitions in person at their local elections office or by mail—an unworkable system that would make future citizen-led amendments nearly impossible. This blatant attempt to strip Floridians of their right to direct democracy has been met with sharp criticism, with experts warning that it would effectively kill the citizen initiative process under the guise of reform.
Senate President Ben Albritton has called for a rural renaissance, and Senator Corey Simon has filed SB 110 to address various provisions for rural areas.
House workgroups have been reviewing Governor DeSantis’s vetoes from last year, including 160 vetoed water projects. Another group examined vetoes on arts, cultural, and historical projects and recommended 6 overrides.
Rep. Plascencia introduced HB 223, which would allow for cameras to be installed in elder care facilities to protect residents.
The Senate is exploring ideas for affordable housing, including the option for accessory dwellings but there are strong concerns about their use as vacation rentals.
The Board of Governors recently approved Jeanette Nunez as Interim President of FIU and Adam Hasner as President of FAU.
James Uthmeier was sworn in as Florida Attorney General to replace Ashley Moody, who was appointed to the U.S. Senate.