This week, the Florida Legislature returned from the winter break to officially kick off the second interim committee week leading up to the 2023 Legislative Session, and the inaugural ceremonies for the Governor and the Cabinet. This week, committees in the House and Senate began introductory hearings with staff and members. This allowed the newest members of the legislature to be introduced to the existing members, and for the more senior members to be introduced to the newest members.
On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, along with Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis were sworn in for a second term in office. Former President of the Florida Senate Wilton Simpson was sworn in for his first term as Commissioner of Agriculture. AIF has 100% endorsement record for the entire Florida cabinet in the 2022 elections. AIF is looking forward to working with this incredible lineup of leadership to keep Florida on the pro-business track that it’s headed.
On Wednesday, January 4, committees began their introductions. Committees also heard from staff regarding committee jurisdictions for each individual committee and subcommittee. This year, Speaker of the House Paul Renner, rolled out a new Infrastructure Strategies Committee, Chaired by Representative Bobby Payne (R-Palatka). This committee oversees issues pertaining to transportation, land acquisition, infrastructure planning, water quality, conservation, agriculture, etc. As Florida’s population continues to grow, the need for a more focused and dedicated committee in the House targeting these issues is paramount to balancing the pendulum between critical infrastructure and conservation of Florida’s precious natural resources.
The Legislature will reconvene on Tuesday, January 16 for the third interim committee week for the 2023 Legislative Session.
