The 2024 Legislative Session is officially underway! With an unusually slow start during the interim committee weeks, the legislature convened for the first of 60 days that will undoubtedly be action packed until the very end. By tradition, Governor DeSantis gave his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Florida legislature, Cabinet, and Supreme Court. The Governor outlined his policy goals for the 2024 session. Governor DeSantis touted his record on fiscal responsibility, education, and social issues. AIF applauds Governor DeSantis’s commitment to cutting taxes and keeping Florida fiscally sustainable for future generations.

Additionally, both Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner addressed their respective chambers during the final opening day ceremony of their tenures. AIF is committed to working with and supporting President Passidomo and Speaker Renner during their final session as they have both been outstanding advocates for Florida business. Last year, under their leadership, our state passed one of the most revolutionary tort reform initiatives in history. AIF looks forward to supporting similar pro-business initiatives and continuing to be the Voice of Florida Business during the 2024 legislative session.

See the Governor DeSantis’s remarks below.

SB 480- Renewable Natural Gas

On Tuesday, January 9th, SB 480 by Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Petersburg) was heard by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and was reported favorably with 7 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), continues to expand its presence in Florida’s economy as it becomes a more practical and cost-effective source of renewable energy. SB 480 would grant public utilities with a cost-recovery mechanism for qualifying RNG infrastructure projects. The bill would also encourage further solutions for the capture, sale, and reuse of methane gas.

SB 480 will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that provides an economically and technically feasible framework which encourages development and investment in renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and other energy technologies.