SB 484 – Data Centers

On Wednesday, February 25, SB 484 by Senator Bryan Avila (R-Hialeah Gardens) was heard on the Senate Floor and was temporarily postponed.

Senate Bill 484 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for large-scale data centers and other large electric load customers in Florida, focusing on transparency, local land-use authority, utility ratepayer protections, and water resource management. Additionally, the bill creates detailed permitting standards for large-scale data centers’ water use, emphasizing conservation, reclaimed water utilization, public hearings, and protection of Florida’s water resources. The bill also prohibits government agencies from entering into nondisclosure agreements that limit public disclosure of data center developments.

SB 484 will now go back to the Senate for consideration.

AIF supports much of the language throughout SB 484 as it establishes reasonable guardrails for large-scale data center development in Florida. However, AIF has concerns with the provision limiting the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements in the pre-development stage. AIF will continue working with the sponsor to refine the bill and advance policies that support both responsible growth and Florida’s pro-business climate.

SB 482 – Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights

On Wednesday, February 25, SB 482 by Senator Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) was heard on the Senate Floor and was temporarily postponed. AIF opposes this legislation.

This bill creates the “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” to protect consumers, especially minors, when using AI chatbots and similar platforms. It requires chatbot companies to get parental consent before allowing minors to create or keep accounts, gives parents control over those accounts, and mandates that companies permanently delete a child’s personal data if the account is closed. Platforms must also clearly tell users they are interacting with artificial intelligence, not human, and remind them regularly, including through pop-up messages during conversations. Companies must also take reasonable steps to prevent chatbots from sharing harmful content with minors. Additionally, AI companies are prohibited from selling or sharing users’ personal information, unless it has been stripped of identifying information.

SB 482 will remain on the Special Order Calendar to be read again at a later date.

AIF appreciates the sponsor for initiating the discussion on AI policy but opposes SB 482 as drafted. In its current form, the bill presents concerns related to overbroad scope, privacy risks from age-verification mandates, duplicative compliance requirements, and expanded litigation exposure that could create uncertainty for Florida businesses. AIF does appreciate the progress reflected in the amendment and looks forward to continuing to address remaining concerns.

HB 105 - Local Government Enforcement Actions

On Wednesday, February 25, HB 105 by Representative Robert Brackett (R-Vero Beach) was heard by the House Floor and reported favorably. AIF supports this legislation.

The bill creates the Local Government Regulatory Accountability Act, which will prevent local governments from certain inconsistent policies regarding development. The bill also establishes a formal review period for parties who want to request a reconsideration of enforcement actions when applying for certain permits or enforcement actions. The legislation also includes whistleblower protections for employees who report improper enforcement and preempts local laws that conflict with these standards.

HB 105 will now go to the Senate for consideration

AIF supports laws that make it faster and easier to receive permits so homes can continue to be built across Florida. With housing costs rising, building more homes can help increase supply and keep prices affordable for families.

HB 405 - Commercial Construction Projects

On Wednesday, February 25, HB 405 by Representative Griff Griffitts (R-Panama City) was heard on the House Floor and was reported favorably. AIF supports this legislation.

The bill makes reforms to Florida’s home construction process by regulating Florida’s permitting process and mitigating delays by local governments. The bill preempts certain building design elements that are purely aesthetic without any functional purposes. The bill will standardize construction processes and make it easier for responsible developers to build on the land they own.

HB 405 will now go to the Senate for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that encourages responsible development and limits local government’s ability to deter development via permits and fees. Responsible development is key to assisting in mitigating the affordability issues in Florida.

SB 7046 – Taxation

On Wednesday, February 25, SB 7046 was heard in the Senate Finance and Tax Committee and was reported favorably. AIF continues to gather feedback from members on the tax packages.

This bill makes several tax and regulatory changes that directly affect how local governments raise revenue and how businesses are taxed. It limits how counties and cities calculate special assessments on RV parks, requiring they be treated as commercial properties rather than residential units, while also revising parts of the affordable housing property tax exemption process and adjusting millage calculations. The measure updates how certain revenues are distributed, providing additional structured support to fiscally constrained counties. It also prohibits state and local governments from adopting net-zero mandates, carbon taxes, or cap-and-trade style programs, giving businesses greater long-term regulatory certainty. Finally, the bill expands select sales tax exemptions, including for portable propane tanks and certain outdoor and sporting goods, offering targeted tax relief for consumers and related industries.

SB 7046 will now head to the Senate for further consideration.

AIF continues to be involved in promoting policies that provide tax predictability, protect energy reliability, strengthen fiscally constrained counties, and prevent additional regulatory costs that could negatively impact Florida’s businesses and consumers.

SB 7048 – Internal Revenue Code

On Wednesday, February 25, SB 7048 was heard in the Senate Finance and Tax Committee and was reported favorably. AIF continues to gather feedback from members on the tax packages.

This bill updates how Florida aligns its corporate income tax with the federal Internal Revenue Code and clarifies that certain recent federal tax changes will not automatically apply at the state level. Specifically, it requires certain federal deductions and benefits, such as changes to depreciation, interest expense, research costs, and bonus depreciation, to be added back and recalculated when determining Florida taxable income. This means that some new federal tax advantages would not immediately reduce a company’s Florida corporate tax liability. The Department of Revenue is authorized to issue emergency rules to implement the changes.

SB 7048 will now head to the Senate for further consideration.

AIF continues to be involved in promoting policies that provide tax predictability, protect energy reliability, strengthen fiscally constrained counties, and prevent additional regulatory costs that could negatively impact Florida’s businesses and consumers.