Florida's 2025 Legislative Session Begins

Below please find remarks from the Governor,  Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate. 

Governor DeSantis' State of the State

Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the cabinet and Legislature, and fellow citizens:

Florida leads.

We lead with purpose and conviction.

We lead with determination and strength.

We lead with faith, and we lead with hope.

Anyone can hold the helm while the sea is calm.

Leadership matters when it is hard.

Florida is the leader among the states because we lean into challenges, tackle the big issues, and deliver results for the people we serve.

In these endeavors we are mindful of the adage from an American philosopher:

“If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up some place else.”

Yogi Berra was right to articulate—as only he could—the need for clear direction.

We are guided in our efforts by a strong commitment to the principles on which our country was founded and that have endured for centuries:

That our rights come from God, not government.

That constitutional limitations on government’s power are essential to preserve liberty.

That ours is a government of laws, not of men.

That government derives its power from the consent of the people.

The sturdy foundation of American principles is the guide that the free state of Florida must never abandon.

We have stood in the breach and protected our people from noxious ideologies and trendy—but empty—social fads.

We chose freedom over fear; education over indoctrination; law and order over rioting and disorder.

We are proud of our state’s accomplishments while we recognize the work that lies ahead. 

Our rudder is set.

Our compass is in hand.

True north is our destination.

We can—and we must—continue to lead.

We are convening for the regular Legislative session having already enacted groundbreaking legislation to fulfill the historic mission of delivering on President Donald Trump’s mandate to end the illegal immigration crisis once and for all.

No state has done more, and no state did it sooner than we did in Florida.

Thanks to the recent legislation, it is now a crime to enter Florida illegally, the days of catch and release are over, and all state and local law enforcement have a duty to assist in interior immigration enforcement efforts.

The voters have spoken—and Florida has responded—we will be part of the solution, not part of the problem. 

Joining us today are two great leaders in this effort: Immigration Czar Larry Keefe and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

With leaders like Larry and Wayne, Florida will get the job done.

We are not a sanctuary state; we are a rule of law state!

Florida has also led the way in creating a strong economic environment.

For the past two years, Florida’s economy has ranked #1 in these United States. 

We also rank #1 in entrepreneurship, #1 in new business formations, #1 in GDP growth among large states, and have an unemployment rate that is lower than the national average for more than 50 months straight!

We represented the refuge for freedom and sanity during the coronavirus pandemic, not just for the rest of the country but for the entire world.

People moved here. Businesses flocked to our state. And investment in Florida surged.

We continue to set tourism records. 2024 saw more than 142 million visitors to our state.

This includes 3.3 million visitors from Canada. Not much of a boycott.

Maybe they wanted to get a glimpse of what a Stanley Cup-winning hockey team looks like!

The Legislature has enacted historic reforms that have improved economic conditions and addressed difficult issues like insurance.

Because of these reforms, automobile insurance rates are finally coming down—between 6 and 10.5% average reductions for the three largest companies—even as rates continue to skyrocket nationwide.

And our homeowners’ insurance market is seeing stability:

1 new companies have entered the market. 

130,000 new private policies over the past year.

In 2024, Florida had the lowest increase in rates of all 50 states.

73% of citizens homeowners in Miami-Dade are scheduled to receive a decrease on average of 6.3%.

The fact is that the Legislature has devoted more time and effort to address insurance reforms over the past few years than at any other time in the history of Florida.

I hope that the Legislature continues these efforts by providing funding for those on the My Safe Florida Home waitlist—these grants have helped tens of thousands harden their homes and generate rate relief. 

The program is a testament to the Legislature’s commitment to helping homeowners—it has made a difference and can do so again.

Our economy is strong in part because our spending and budget policies are sensible.

We are actually spending less money in the current fiscal year than we did in the previous year. Where else have they actually reduced spending?

We have the lowest number of state government workers per capita in the country.

Over the past six years, we have more than tripled our state’s rainy day fund.

Florida just celebrated its 180th birthday and I’m happy to say that just since 2019, we have paid off 41% of the debt accumulated over those 180 years.

Our state has among the lowest per capita state debt in America.

The share of Florida’s debt for each citizen is about $660; the share of the national debt for each US citizen is more than $100,000.

Can the Congressmen in Washington, D.C. please take a page out of Florida’s fiscal playbook?

Florida is a free state in part because we are a low tax state.

We have one of the top five tax environments in the nation, have no income tax, and have enacted billions of dollars in tax cuts over the past six years.

We must continue to be a friend to the taxpayer. 

In addition to our traditional tax holidays, I am proposing we add holidays for marine fuel to help our boaters and anglers and a Second Amendment summer for the purchases of firearms, ammo and accoutrements.  

Florida remains the only state in America to tax business rent—and while we have reduced the rate of the tax it is time to eliminate it.

While Florida property values have surged in recent years, this has come at a cost to taxpayers squeezed by increasing local government property taxes.

Escalating assessments have created a gusher of revenue for local governments—and many in Florida have seen their budgets increase far beyond the growth in population.

Taxpayers need relief.

You buy a home, pay off a mortgage—and yet you still have to write a check to the government every year just to live on your own property?

Is the property yours or are you just renting from the government?

I know members of the Legislature are studying the issue in anticipation of formulating a proposal to place on the 2026 ballot to provide constitutional protections for Florida property owners.

Please know you have my support.

Oh, and one other thing—don’t let anyone tell you we will seek to raise state taxes, because we will not. 

We are—and will remain—a taxpayer-friendly state!

Florida has also led on education—and has been ranked #1 in America for the past two years.

We are the top state in America for school choice. This has changed lives.

Joining us today is Harli McCullough, whose son, Thorne, is a recipient of Florida’s family empowerment scholarship for unique abilities.

Thorne attends the Jacksonville School for Autism because of the scholarship. He can now pursue an education that fits his unique needs instead of being forced into a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our universal school choice program works—families and students have benefitted, and the academic bar has been raised throughout the state.

It is a great testament to the Legislature that Florida was the first state to enact such an ambitious and far-reaching choice program.

We recognize the importance of recruiting and retaining great teachers. 

We have enacted a teachers bill of rights, provided protection against coerced union dues, and invested a record $4.6 billion to raise teacher salaries.

I’m pleased to be joined by Hernando County teacher Jaime Suarez, who has been selected as Florida’s Teacher of the Year. Jaime is a High Impact teacher, is the grade team lead and mentor, and serves on the district’s textbook selection committee. 

Thanks for making a difference, Jaime!

I am again recommending an increase in money dedicated to increasing teacher salaries, as well as continuation of the civics bonus program that gives a $3,000 bonus to all teachers that complete our civics seal of excellence training course.

Our universities have earned strong commendations—we currently have four state universities ranked in the top 50 public universities in the nation.

Universities must be dedicated to the pursuit of truth, the promotion of academic rigor and integrity, and the preparation of students to be citizens of our republic.

We led the way in being the first state to eliminate DEI from our higher education system. 

We continue to lead by holding the line on tuition. We have not allowed a tuition increase since I’ve been governor and Florida has the lowest in-state tuition in America.

Florida families deserve state universities that provide education, not indoctrination. And that education must be attainable regardless of financial status. I’m happy to report that, in this regard, we are delivering.

Florida has led on some of the most intractable issues, ranging from substance abuse to child welfare.

Hope Florida was devised by our First Lady, Casey DeSantis to transform the way government agencies provided services to our fellow citizens in need.

Rather than perpetuate dependence on a Great Society-style bureaucracy, Hope Florida seeks to use government to connect individuals and families to more than 5,600 faith-based, community and private sector partners.

Ginger Faulk illustrates Hope Florida’s impact. Ginger was struggling to make ends meet and her goal of becoming a physical therapist seemed like an elusive dream. Thanks to the help of a Hope Florida navigator, Ginger was connected to resources that helped her complete a physical therapy program. She is now a Physical Therapy assistant and has achieved her dream.

By the end of 2024, Hope Florida has helped nearly 30,000 participants reduce or eliminate their reliance on government assistance, netting the taxpayers over $108 million in annual savings.

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, Activate Hope—the emergency relief arm of Hope Florida—helped over 57,000 Floridians with essential supplies and provided more than 33,000 with referrals to overcome disaster-related hardships.

The Hope Florida model is now being replicated by other states around the country. 

Thanks to Casey for her leadership and ingenuity!

We are fortunate to live in a naturally beautiful state.

We promised to leave Florida to God better than we found, and we are doing just that.

The Florida Wildlife Corridor—established in 2021—now spans 18 million acres, with 10 million acres already protected. Last year, we directed FDOT to enhance connectivity within the corridor. Since 2019, we have approved over $129 million for 38 crossings, ensuring safer passage for species like the Florida panther. 

We have shattered records for state support for Everglades restoration, for water quality improvements, and for beach renourishment.

While our efforts have been strong, the federal government has lagged in its responsibilities regarding Everglades restoration. I am happy to report that the Trump administration is receptive to block granting money to us so that we can complete these projects ourselves.

Florida time is faster than Army Corps of Engineers time.

Our Florida paradise was interrupted by a series of hurricanes over the past year. These storms brought major destruction but also witnessed a strong emergency response across state and local governments.

Utility lineman were pre-staged and millions of customers who lost power were restored in record time.

Massive amounts of debris were removed, including a round-the-clock emergency effort to marshal state assets to remove Hurricane Helene debris in advance of Hurricane Milton. 

The search and rescue effort was momentous. This includes the rescue of a dog that had been abandoned on the side of I-75 in advance of Milton. FHP Trooper Orlando Morales rescued the dog as water was rising to the dog’s neck. The dog has ben renamed “Trooper” and is now in a safe and loving home. 

Thank you, Trooper Morales!

We have utilized available levers—from the Florida Disaster Fund to the small business loan program—to help individuals and businesses get back on their feet. 

We are joined by Cainnon Gregg, the Founder of Pelican Oyster Co. His farm was devasted by Hurricane Michael and, after rebuilding, was hit again by Helene and Milton. Mr. Gregg will be a recipient of grant funds to support his rebuilding efforts and to get his business back to normal.

The recovery efforts after major hurricanes persist long after the cameras leave. I know more needs to be done and you can count on me to be supportive of future legislative support for these important recoveries.

We know we have other issues to address:

Petition/amendment fraud

Condos

Second Amendment 

Before I conclude I would be remiss if I didn’t remind everybody of some of the other accomplishments that, together, we have achieved over the past six years:

We banned China from purchasing land in Florida.

We enacted a digital bill of rights.

We protected Floridians against the imposition of a central bank digital currency.

We instituted the death penalty for pedophiles.

We created a program to accelerate the repayment of state debt – saving hundreds of millions of dollars in interest costs.

We enacted protections for the sanctity of life.

We codified parental rights in education.

We created a law enforcement bonus and scholarship program to recruit and retain great police officers.

We divested state financial holdings from Chinese banks and investment firms.

We kneecapped so-called ESG in our pension fund, in the workplace and in financial institutions.

We brought transparency and accountability to pharma companies to lower drug costs.

We initiated the Moving Florida Forward program to accelerate over 20 infrastructure and congestion relief projects across the state.

We provided billions of dollars in tax relief, including the permanent elimination of sales tax on essential baby items.

I could go on, but in the interest of time I’ll just say that, working together, we have amassed a record that is without peer anywhere in the country.

To our presiding officers, Speaker Perez and President Albritton, I look forward to work together to advance our shared goals.

Speaker Perez represents the busy, fast-paced modern Miami, the gateway to the Americas—a unique place not just in our state but in our country.

President Albritton represents the Florida heartland that is sometimes overlooked but that has served as the backbone of our state for generations. 

While coming from differing backgrounds, these leaders have a strong desire to make Florida a better place. Congratulations on earning this opportunity to lead your respective chambers. 

To our Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis—thank you for your service to our state as you prepare to get called up to the big leagues to serve in Congress. My advice is stay true to Northwest Florida values and don’t catch Potomac fever. Oh, and if you can get them to handle the budget up there like we do down here you will be doing a great service to the country!

Commissioner Simpson, you will soon be the most tenured member of the cabinet. Your department has made significant improvements since you’ve taken over from your predecessor. You have stepped up as part of our state immigration board to assist in the state’s effort to combat illegal immigration and I thank you for it.

Our new Attorney General James Uthmeier has been instrumental in many of the successes I’ve outlined today. I was happy to appoint him to be the state’s top law enforcement officer and he is already off to a great start!

To the members of the Legislature, you are entrusted by your constituents to exercise sound judgment on their behalf. You have been more productive than any Legislature in America over these past six years. You should be proud of that work and of your willingness to serve. 

As Teddy Roosevelt famously said:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while doing greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

My friends, we have great opportunities over the next sixty days.

The people of Florida are watching.

Let’s work together to solidify our successes and address the challenges before us.

Our voyage is not yet complete.

Our goal is to one day say, in the words of Walt Whitman:

“O Captain! O Captain! Our fearful trip is done,

The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won.”

Good luck and God bless!

Speaker Danny Perez's Opening Day Remarks

Members, although we have taken some unexpected detours along the way, we are finally here. Over the next 60 days, we will execute our constitutional duties, and the choices we make together will shape the future of our state for years or perhaps decades to come.

When I spoke to you from this rostrum in November at Organization Session, I said I would be foregoing the traditional presiding officer game of defining the work of session around a set of my own personal priorities; that this process needed to be less about “me” and more about “we.”

In nearly every interaction I’ve had with the press or any appearance I’ve made before a group since that date, I’ve been asked the same question: what are MY priorities this session?

Members, if you look online, you will see there is no House Bill 1 filed. Nor is there a House Bill 3 or 5 or 7 or 9. I will not find meaning for my Speakership in personal priorities. The mission of my Speakership is to have this House be the most engaged, vibrant, and dynamic legislative chamber in the country.

We are living in an Age of Disruption. Historical coalitions have been reshuffled. The old conventional wisdom is dead. But in this time of chaos, we can find real opportunity. We must rise to meet this moment.

So here is my ask of you this Session: let’s focus on what matters. Let’s set aside or minimize the inconsequential in favor of the meaningful. Let’s pass actual reforms rather than symbolic gestures; let’s repeal government programs instead of reshuffling them. Let’s swing for the fences and not just try to get on base.

Fear is the enemy of change. We can’t be afraid of change. We can’t be afraid to break the status quo.

And as great a place as Florida is to live, work, raise a family and send our kids to school, we can always do better. We can be better.

To the subcommittee chairs, I encourage you to bring the messy, controversial ideas before your committees, and let’s have the big debates. But that will only work Members, if you are willing to come to committee prepared to ask or answer hard questions; to have better information and stronger arguments than what you will find in lobbyist talking points.

Our committee process should be a crucible – where the give and take between members produces better legislation. No one has a monopoly on good ideas, and when a bill reaches the Floor of this House, it should be the best version of itself – poked, prodded, tested, and shaped by your input and engagement.

We are the House of Representatives. We are the voice of the people. We must speak for them on the issues that matter. Property insurance matters to the people of Florida. A couple of years ago, the insurance industry came to the Legislature and said without sweeping reforms companies could not compete in Florida. We have since learned of reports – in existence at that time but not disclosed to the Legislature – that may suggest some insurance companies were using accounting tricks to hide substantial profits while telling us they were in a crisis. I have asked the Insurance & Banking Subcommittee to conduct hearings, and they will have access to the full range of tools - including issuing subpoenas, putting witnesses under oath, and hiring outside experts.

But insurance is only one of the policy questions Floridians care about. Many of you have filed bills for Session tackling housing and health care; public education and public safety.

This is the work that we must do. I would encourage all of you to not just focus on your bills, but look at what your colleagues are doing, lean in, and offer to help. Because that’s how I am going to be spending my time over the next 60 days. How do we make good bills great? How do we get great bills across the finish line and turned into laws?

Together, we can produce policy that will matter to the real lives of the people of Florida.

We are the House of Representatives. We are the tellers of truth. We have an obligation to make sure that government works for the people, and isn’t the playground for a group of insiders. Many of you have filed bills this session that tackle the lapses and failures of government at all levels. We are the public’s watchdogs. We must never hesitate to curb the excesses of government, eliminate programs that cause more harm than good, and hold officials accountable for abusing their power. Members, do not be afraid to shake the tree of government, and pull out the weeds of waste, fraud or abuse.

We are the House of Representatives. We are the guardians of the taxpayer. We have rightly pushed back on local governments for allowing the growth in property taxes to drive spending. But if we are honest, we have done the same thing. We spend every new dime of recurring revenue while congratulating ourselves for giving easy to fund, non-recurring sales tax holidays. We can do better. I am challenging our budget subcommittee chairs to dive into the budget and find real savings in recurring revenue. Members, this money doesn’t belong to us; it belongs to the people of Florida.

There is no HB 1 because the task before us is so much bigger than any one bill or issue. It is the work we do together over the next 60 days that will matter. Members,

Where we find deception, let us bring truth. Where we find waste, let us bring reform.

Where there is injustice, let us bring accountability. “Where there is despair, let us bring hope.”

Alone, of course, none of us can do any of that. Alone we are just random bricks scattered across the ground. But when we are united – when we are bound together; when we lean on each other – we are the unbreakable wall; we are the immovable foundation.

When we stand together, we are the Florida House of Representatives and all things are possible. Members, we have much to accomplish in the next 60 days. Let’s get started.

President Albritton's Opening Day Remarks

Addressing the Senate for the Opening Day of the 2025 Regular Session of the Florida Legislature, Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) offered the following remarks as prepared for delivery. 

“Good Morning. Again, welcome to all of our special guests. It’s a blessing to have you here today. I’d like to say a special welcome to my granddaughter Bella Grace, born on February 23rd. Bella is at home watching with her parents, Becca and Dustin. God is good. 

To Speaker Perez and Governor DeSantis, we all have a big day today. I value your friendship and cherish our shared values and commitment to our great state. I look forward to working closely together this session. Personally, my expectations for success are very high. 

Commissioner Simpson, Wilton, thank you for being here today. Your friendship and partnership in fighting for rural Florida, and advocating for our legacy farm families, means the word to me. We are running to the fight for Florida agriculture and Florida citrus. Florida is blessed to have a man of your work ethic, character, and integrity in this key role. 

CFO Patronis, our Jimmy P, it looks like this will be your last opening day with us as a member of Florida’s Cabinet. We’re grateful to you, and we certainly look forward to seeing what the Lord has planned for you in Washington. We wish you, Katie, and your precious boys all the best. God Bless you my friend. 

Attorney General Uthmeier, Congratulations and welcome to your first Opening Day as a Cabinet Officer. 

To our Supreme Court Justices, it’s a real honor to have you here with us today. Thank you. The work you do for all Floridians is incredibly meaningful. 

I know many of you need to leave at some point soon to get over to the House. So again, thank you for being here. 

Senators, it’s wonderful to see so many family members and special guests here with us today. We’ve got so much to celebrate and to look forward to this session. Don’t ever forget that those same family members who are supporting us today are our one true lifeline for success. Don’t ever take them for granted. 

I’d like to begin this morning by acknowledging a dear friend and colleague who is no longer with us. Senator Thompson’s passing was a deep and profound loss for the Senate. Opening Day and the Florida Senate will certainly not be the same without her. We’ll take the opportunity next week to formally pay our respects to her as a Senate Family. 

I know we’ll all cherish the chance to see Judge Thompson, and their extended family, and to celebrate the life and legacy of our dear friend. I’m sure when Geri went home, she heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Senators, please join me in a moment of silence to honor Senator Geraldine Thompson. 

In keeping with Senate tradition, our new Senate Handbook was finalized this week. The handbook is published every two years and is used as an educational resource for visitors to the Capitol, including the many student groups who travel to Tallahassee to tour our facilities, learn about the Legislative process, and participate in mock sessions. If you’ve never seen a mock session made up of elementary students, you’ve definitely missed out. 

As we all know, Senator Thompson was a lifelong educator and historian. She had a love of children and students, and particularly a focus on and passion for civics education, African- American history, and the contributions of African Americans to our state and nation. That list is long. In honor of her life’s work in education, we are pleased to dedicate the Senate’s 2024-2026 Handbook to Senator Thompson. A copy of the handbook is on each of your desks. I encourage you to keep the Handbook close, to reflect on Senator Thompson, and remember how important our process is. 

Also, I’ve placed my personal challenge coin on each of your desks. As you can see from the signage throughout the building, the artwork in the President’s Office, the handbook cover, the gifts delivered to your offices yesterday, and now my challenge coin, we have an important theme going here. Agriculture matters. 

The Peace River Basin is home to much of what’s left of Florida’s citrus production. As well as natural old Florida. My hometown of Wauchula sits about dead center of the basin and is marked on the coin with an orange. As I’ve said before, I was born and bred in Florida citrus and this vital industry is not going down on my watch. To those growers who are left in the business, hear me when I say, you are not forgotten, you are not alone, and I’m running to this fight. 

Research and new technologies are offering a new hope for the future of Florida citrus. We’re on the edge of something special. Florida Citrus is making a comeback, one tree at a time. This Florida legacy will live on. 

Citrus will not be left behind and neither will the rural communities across our state who support this legacy industry. 

Senator Simon’s legislation is kicking off a rural renaissance across Florida. This comprehensive package creates opportunities for our rural communities to expand education offerings, increase health care services, and modernize commerce, in addition to an investment in farm-to-market roads to support the agriculture supply chain that feeds communities across the state. 

Together these initiatives will provide the chance for rural communities to prosper, in a real and honest way, and grow as they see fit. We’ve seen tremendous economic growth in urban areas of Florida, and as I’ve said before, it’s rural Florida’s turn. 

Since President Trump’s inauguration six weeks ago, we’ve seen an unprecedented, needed focus on government efficiency and accountability. As I travel around the state, this is one issue that resonates with everyone. Regardless of background, age, or political party, Floridians expect our government to operate efficiently, and tax dollars to be spent wisely, with accountability and results. 

Government efficiency sounds easy enough to explain at a Rotary club meeting or Chamber luncheon back at home. But, when we dig deeper than the talking points, it begs the question, what does government efficiency actually mean? 

Well, for starters, I’m proud of the fact that Florida has a great framework for accountability. Our state has been well served by the performance metrics, planning requirements, and accountability standards Governor Bush and Legislative leaders put in place nearly 30 years ago. 

Florida has grown and changed a lot since that time, and today technology continues to revolutionize nearly every facet of our economy and our lives, at a pace never seen or felt before. To be clear, we will take the opportunity to build on and modernize some of Florida’s longstanding accountability processes. Now’s the time to do it. 

For example, the Long-Range Program Plans submitted by state agencies have been in place since 2000, and provide a five-year plan for strategic goals and objectives, including explanations for budget requests. The Government Efficiency Task Force, on which Senators Brodeur, Rouson, Hooper, Burton and I served, recommended modernizing the Long-Range Program Plan to improve flexibility, simplify processes and shift a focus to measured outcomes, rather than simple outputs. These enhancements will allow our agencies to respond to changing situations quickly and efficiently, spending less time on bureaucratic paperwork and more time on their core mission to get the job done for Floridians. 

It's not enough to know government is completing a task or providing a service, we need to know if that service is being provided well, which means we need to have new, innovative ways to measure performance. 

Another area where we know state government can improve is IT. Keeping up with the ever- changing technology landscape and the constantly increasing price tag of information technology is a real problem for government at every level, just like it’s a challenge for every private sector business. 

Over my time in the Legislature, we’ve tried many different ways to manage IT. From the Agency for State Technology to the Florida Digital Service, and despite everyone’s best efforts, we can’t seem to get it quite right. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot by just paying attention. There is no doubt in my mind, it’s time for IT to be a Cabinet-level agency. 

We must end the reality of Florida government not being on the same page. Whether we like it or not, state government must be on the same page, all pulling in the same direction for the same goals, and the same successes for Floridians. 

Under no circumstances, and I repeat, under no circumstances, do I want to create an expensive, bloated bureaucracy of former C-Suite executives from Silicon Valley. But, without fail, we must have top talent to win this battle against those who seek to use technology to harm us. We need the best of the best to help us understand the subject-matter expertise within our state agencies to develop the best practices, guidelines, and standards that focus on security and efficiency. When it comes to cybersecurity, Floridians’ personal data, and the IT infrastructure of our state – our citizens expect us to get that right. They deserve it. 

In my view, one of the reasons DOGE has become so popular at the federal level is that Americans have a problem with the idea that unelected federal bureaucrats have so much unchecked authority. Now, I respect and appreciate those who dedicate their careers to public service. It’s a very high calling. However, the fact is, we are a state and nation of laws that should be created by elected officials accountable to the people who elected them, not appointed professional staff. 

Florida government is not, and should not, be immune to this kind of scrutiny. Florida’s rulemaking process can and should be modernized to better serve our state. Senator Grall is sponsoring legislation by which all state agencies would be required to complete a five-year full and complete rule review process. Each agency will review 20% of all rules each year to identify if any changes, amendments, or repeals are necessary. Improved oversight of administrative rules will go a long way towards keeping government more accountable to Floridians. That’s the way government is supposed to work, in its foundation. 

In addition to government efficiency, the Floridians I hear from, across the state, are most concerned about the economy, their economy, and pocketbook issues that impact working families, seniors, and those less fortunate in our communities. As much as we would like to see it, we know President Trump can’t turn around the national economy overnight. But, we can see clearly that he and his team are running to that fight. Inflation is still a very real issue impacting everyone, especially our families and businesses across Florida. The struggle is very real. 

It’s no surprise to anyone here, the cost of housing has skyrocketed following the pandemic. It has pushed property insurance and property taxes higher and higher. Combined with higher interest rates, there’s been a big impact on homeowners and renters alike, particularly young families who are working hard to enter the housing market. 

As a conservative, we’ve got to be honest about the extent to which government, specifically state government, can or should address these issues in a meaningful way. Inflation is national economic trend and won’t be fixed overnight. As I speak, our economy is going through major changes, a reset in way, and it’s going to take time for things to stabilize, or normalize. 

With that being said, there are things we can and will do to help. 

We’ll hold insurance companies accountable for the rates they charge and the services they provide when disaster strikes. They aren’t going to manipulate the system. And, neither is any other industry. Not on my watch. 

We’ll explore options for Floridians to vote to lower their own property taxes. 

We’ll continue to pass a balanced budget, that will include new measures for accountability, transparency and outcome measures. 

We’ll continue to pay down debt. We’ll continue to maintain robust reserves to be prepared for any emergency that may happen. 

We’ll continue to pass meaningful, broad-based tax cuts that benefit families, seniors, and those less fortunate in Florida. 

Every little bit helps to make Florida more affordable. We’ll do our part, you have my word on that. 

I’m also excited about some other issues we are working on this session. Issues that affect real Floridians – meeting them where they are. 

Senator Harrell is sponsoring legislation to increase early detection, intervention, and support opportunities for children with autism and their families. Data clearly shows Autism is impacting more and more families across our state, at an alarming rate. Florida will be a hub for autism research, services, and best practices. The families I’ve met with children who are Autistic have touched me deeply. 

Senator Burgess is sponsoring legislation to expand support services for veterans and their families, with a focus on mental health training and increasing the availability of Adult Day Health Care Programs that serve veterans who require full-time care. We can never do enough to repay their sacrifice, but we’re certainly going to run to that fight. I know we’re all proud of Florida’s reputation as the most military and veteran-friendly state in the country. 

I’m thankful that Senators Burgess, Truenow, Avila, and Collins have made Florida their home during and after military service. We’re all thankful for your service. Let’s give them a hand! And, we want to make sure the next generation of war fighters, like Jack Pizzo, who we’re all so proud of, return home to Florida after their tour of duty. 

Senator Bradley is sponsoring the Tristin Murphy Act, critical mental health legislation, which creates model processes for diverting defendants into mental health treatment. The legislation is named after a young man who tragically took his own life in a Florida prison in 2021. Learning about Tristin’s story and spending time with his parents, Cindee and Dennis, had a tremendous impact on me. We’re proud to move this bill forward with their support. I’m grateful to Jim Defede for telling Tristan’s story. It moved me deeply. 

Senator Grall is sponsoring important child welfare legislation to combat child exploitation, create a recruitment program for child welfare professionals, and establish professional foster care to better serve children with difficult behavioral needs. Our child welfare system is always something we have to work on, and a space Missy and I have taken a keen interest in over our years of service. As hard as we try, government can never replace the role of a healthy family. Data is also clear that the faster we can get traumatized children into loving, permanent homes, the better off those children will be in the long run. But, we’re dedicated to working hard to be part of the solution! 

We know vicious and immoral criminals are out there each and every day in search of new ways to evade our laws and exploit vulnerable children. Evil is real and it lurks around every corner. We should be the shining city on the hill, and war against evil in the fight for good. The more data we have on when and how this evil is happening, the better chance we have to stay one step ahead of these predators and keep vulnerable children safe. This goal serves Florida in a very special way. Children are our future, let’s agree to fight together for their safety and give them hope. 

Senator Brodeur is sponsoring legislation to affirm our state’s unwavering commitment to Everglades Restoration. With President Trump back in the White House, we have a strong federal partner ready to move forward on Everglades Restoration. In recent years, the Legislature, in partnership with Governor DeSantis, has appropriated record funding for Everglades Restoration and our State’s clean water infrastructure. I look forward to our continued work on these critical priorities. 

Senator Simon is sponsoring legislation to create administrative efficiencies in public schools, or as I like to say De-reg 2.0. I’m proud of the collaborative, bipartisan work of the Senate to rally around our legacy, neighborhood public schools. Florida parents will make the best decisions about where to send their kids to school, and public schools deserve a fighting chance to earn their business. Like so many other areas of public policy – this is one where continuous improvement matters. Hear me clearly, our public school teachers deserve to be freed of needless bureaucracy. Let them teach, let them compete, so our children win! 

We will also be laser-focused on solving food insecurity in Florida. I struggle with the fact that kids in Florida are going to bed night after night, hungry. We can and will do better than that. Please join me in this important fight. 

Senators, I’m so thankful that you’re here today. Each and every one of you. Our backgrounds are diverse, but we are a family. 

I’m thankful for your commitment to the Senate, and to your constituents and communities back home. I’m blessed by our Senate family. The Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us: ‘There’s a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to harvest, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.’ 

These are important words of real and lasting wisdom. We have nine long weeks in front of us. I think we’ll probably experience each of those times over the next 60 days. 

Let’s always remember to be there for each other, to support each other, and when we disagree to do so with love and respect. I’m so proud of how we’ve done that so far. I’m proud of each and every one of you. I couldn’t be more blessed to be the President of this incredible Senate. 

And, remember above all, 1 Corinthians 13:13 – ‘And these three remain, faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love.’ I love you all to the depths of my spirit. Thank you and God bless the great state of Florida.”