HB 905 – Foreign Influence

On Tuesday, March 3, HB 905 by Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R-Fort Myers) was heard on the House Floor and was reported favorably. AIF opposes this legislation.
 
This bill creates new rules for agents of foreign countries of concern and foreign-supported political organizations. It requires such entities to register with the Division of Elections and regularly update the state about their activities. The bill also clearly defines what counts as a “foreign country of concern” and a “foreign terrorist organization.” In addition, it stops state and local governments from signing certain contracts with businesses that are owned, partly owned, or closely connected to those foreign countries.
 
HB 905 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration.

AIF opposes this bill as it creates uncertainty and adds compliance burdens for businesses operating in the global economy. Companies with even minor or indirect foreign investment could face restrictions on public contracts, increasing costs, slowing projects, and making it harder for Florida businesses to compete and grow.

SB 1566  - Local Government Spending

On Tuesday, March 3, SB 1566 by Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Pete) was read by the Senate Rules Committee and reported favorably. AIF supports this legislation.

This bill makes comprehensive changes to local government budgeting transparency, transportation concurrency, and Florida’s impact fee framework. The recent amendment strengthens requirements for adopting or increasing impact fees by adding additional safeguards before exceeding phase-in limits. These updates provide greater predictability and protection against excessive or duplicative local fees, supporting more stable long-term capital planning and investment decisions.

SB 1566 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that brings greater transparency, consistency, and predictability to local government fees and budgeting practices. Clear standards for impact fee calculations and safeguards against duplicative or excessive charges help ensure businesses can plan, invest, and grow in Florida with confidence.

HB 433/ SB 290 – Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

On Tuesday, March 3, both HB 433 by Representative Danny Alvarez (R-Fish Hawk) and SB 290 by Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares) were heard on the House Floor and reported favorably. AIF supports this legislation.

These bills enhance Florida’s approach to regulating the agriculture industry. They also create the Farmers Feeding Florida Program to ensure native, local ingredients are broadly available around the state. They also preempt local governments from passing ordinances that prohibit or restrict gas-powered equipment used on lawns or agricultural lands.

HB 433 was substituted for its identical Senate Companion Bill, SB 290, and will now go to the Governor for consideration.

AIF supports promoting Florida’s agricultural community and protecting those who choose to work on agricultural lands from unfair local ordinances that can change business practices and make working lands unaffordable.