HB 703 – Utility Relocation
 
On Monday, April 7, HB 703 by Representative Will Robinson (R-Bradenton) was heard and amended by the House Commerce Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
 
This bill modifies the process of relocating utility facilities on a public right of way.  It helps to ease some scheduling pressure that certain utilities may have in the relocation process as well as shifts the cost burden from the utility owner to the owner of the right of way that is requiring the relocation. These expenses often add up when developments, road projects, and other local structures require broadband facilities to be moved. As Florida becomes increasingly more developed, these relocations will become ever more frequent.

A strike-all amendment was proposed and adopted that requires utilities to begin the process of moving utilities to a right of way within 30 days after receiving notice to do so by a local authority. Additionally, the amendment requires a local authority to provide for the cost of utility relocation if the service provider is subject to the Communications Services Tax Simplification Law. This amendment clarifies that this is an important state interest.  

HB 703 will now go to the House Floor for consideration.

AIF supports initiatives that ease burdens for utility providers who are forced to move facilities from a right of way by local governments.

HB 857/SB 1386 – Assault or Battery on a Utility Worker

On Tuesday, April 8, HB 857 by Representative Jennifer Kincart-Jonsson (R-Lakeland) was heard by the House Judiciary Committee and was reported favorably with 19 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
 
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.

This bill increases penalties against individuals who commit acts of violence against utility workers while working on critical infrastructure. 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.

HB 857 will now go to the House Floor for consideration. 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 Florida’s critical infrastructure.

 

SB 832 – Former Phosphate Mining Lanes

On Tuesday, April 8, SB 832 by Senator Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) was heard by the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorably with 24 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
 
Phosphate mining is a critical industry in Florida and is essential to providing sufficient fertilizers and agrichemicals for agricultural operations around the globe. SB 832 adds a new, narrow defense against causes of action that come from naturally occurring elements. This ensures that phosphate mining companies that meet all of their environmental permitting duties aren’t held liable for elements that are already in the land.
 
SB 832 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that simplifies regulatory patchwork and provides protections against frivolous litigation allowing businesses to buy, sell, and develop land without the threat of unnecessary lawsuits while following the law.

 

SB 1198 – Fraudulent Use of Gift Cards
 
On Wednesday, April 9, SB 1198 by Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach) was read for a third time on the Senate Floor and was reported favorably with 37 yeas and 0 nays.
 
This bill establishes criminal penalties for those who illegally obtain, tamper with, or misuse gift cards sold by a business. There is a rising rate in the illegal use of gift cards in retail and online businesses that is costing Florida businesses millions. The penalties for fraudulently using gift cards would be a misdemeanor for all offenses under $750 in damages and a felony for offenses above $750 in damages.
 
SB 1198 will now go to the Florida House for consideration. 

AIF supports legislation that deters criminal acts against Florida businesses by establishing criminal penalties for those who commit them.

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 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.