HB 897 – Timeshare Management

On Thursday, April 10, HB 897 by Representative Kim Berfield (R-Clearwater) was heard by the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee and was reported favorably with 14 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill clarifies the applicability of recently enacted legislation that governs timeshare management firms and community association management companies. The bills narrow the conflict-of-interest language to clarify the regulations to ensure transparency. The bill also clarifies how many times these management firms must meet per year and streamlines the process ensuring regular oversight of these meetings. Finally, the legislation requires annual disclosure of information to stakeholders in the community.

HB 897 will now go to the House Commerce Committee for consideration.

AIF supports streamlining and clarifying the community association management companies’ regulations to ensure compliance and growth for Florida’s residents and businesses.

 

SB 766 – Registration of Agents and Organizations Associated with Foreign Countries

On Thursday, April 10, SB 766 by Senator Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) was heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development and was reported favorably with 13 yeas and 0 nays.

SB 766 requires any official or third-party representative of a foreign principal to register with the Division of Elections as a “foreign agent.” The bill follows similar framework of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) that regulates foreign influence at the federal level. In addition to requiring all representatives to register as “foreign agents,” SB 766 would mandate reporting for entities or representatives to include their identity, affiliations, financial transactions, and political activities.

SB 766 will now go to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration.

AIF is closely monitoring SB 766 as it works its way through the process. AIF is working with policymakers and other stakeholders on changes that would specify agents as direct representatives of foreign countries of concern, not representatives of international companies doing business in Florida.

HB 561 – Manufacturing

On Thursday, April 10, HB 561 by Representative Nan Cobb (R-Eustis) was heard by the House Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee and was reported favorably with 10 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill restructures Florida’s approach to encouraging manufacturing investments. At the Department of Commerce, the bill creates the role of “Chief Manufacturing Officer” to oversee the “Statewide Office of Manufacturing.” Additionally, the bill provides for a Florida’s Manufacturers’ Workforce Development Program designed to encourage small manufacturers with new technologies, cybersecurity protocols, and workforce training. The bill also creates a promotional campaign that boasts state-manufactured products to consumers.

HB 561 will now go to the House Commerce Committee for consideration.

AIF supports initiatives that drive new manufacturing investment to the state and the promotion of “Made in Florida” products.

SB 1386 – Assault or Battery on a Utility Worker

On Thursday, April 10, SB 1386 by Senator Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville) was heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice and was reported favorably with 8 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

SB 1386 increases penalties against individuals who commit acts of violence against utility workers while on duty. The bill rephrases statutory definitions of “utility workers” that require such individuals to wear appropriate gear that clearly identifies them as an employee of a utility provider.

SB 1386 will now go to the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that stiffens criminal penalties against those who commit acts of violence against utility workers working on critical infrastructure.

SB 492 – Mitigation Banking

On Thursday, April 10, SB 492 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) was heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government and was reported favorably with 11 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

SB 492 expands laws passed by the legislature in 2024 that provided credits for environmental mitigation projects. The proposed legislation would allow state agencies who govern mitigation credits to offer credits outside the service area of authorized mitigation banks. This is a resource already available at the federal level.

SB 492 will now go to the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that expands access to water quality mitigation projects. These measures would allow businesses to operate effectively while working alongside regulators on lands/waterways categorized as mitigation banks.