Week 7 of the 2026 Legislative Session concluded with floor activity ramping up and significant movement on data center legislation across both chambers. HB 1007 in the House and SB 484 in the Senate advanced with amendments. Meanwhile, budget discussions are sharpening, with the House and Senate working through differences on tax relief, infrastructure funding, and economic development priorities as negotiations move closer to formal budget conferencing.
Growth management remained a central focus this week as lawmakers continued advancing policies aimed at improving predictability and efficiency in Florida’s development process. With population growth and housing demand still putting pressure on affordability, discussions centered on streamlining permitting, limiting inconsistent local regulations, and reducing unnecessary fees that can delay projects and drive up costs. AIF remains committed to defending private property rights and promoting responsible, well-planned growth, ensuring that state policy supports timely development while keeping Florida competitive, affordable, and economically strong.
This week saw continued movement on major finance and tax packages, with lawmakers advancing proposals that adjust local government revenue authority, refine corporate income tax conformity, and expand targeted sales tax relief. The discussions reflect an effort to balance tax reductions and regulatory certainty with long-term fiscal stability. For Florida’s business community, these measures directly impact operating costs and investment decisions. AIF remains engaged to ensure the final product strengthens Florida’s competitive, pro-business tax climate.
SB 484 – Data Centers
SB 484 by Senator Bryan Avila (R-Hialeah Gardens) was heard on the Senate Floor and was reported favorably. AIF opposes this legislation.
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 to the House for consideration.
AIF opposes SB 484 as currently drafted. While the bill seeks to establish guardrails for large-scale data center development, certain provisions, particularly those limiting the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements during the pre-development stage, could unintentionally weaken Florida’s competitiveness in attracting major investment. Preserving appropriate confidentiality is often critical in site selection decisions. AIF looks forward to continuing to work with the sponsor and the Senate to ensure the final product supports responsible growth while maintaining Florida’s strong pro-business climate.
HB 1007 – Hyperscale Data Centers
HB 1007 by Representative Griff Griffitts (R-Panama City Beach) was heard by the House Commerce Committee and was reported favorably. AIF spoke in opposition to this legislation.
This bill 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 and establishes a 5-mile siting restriction around residential developments.
The bill was amended to replace the 5-mile siting restriction with a requirement that new large-scale data centers within 5 miles of a residential property or school demonstrate compliance with radiofrequency, noise, and land use regulations through an independent noise study. Existing facilities are exempt unless modifications cause them to newly qualify as large-scale data centers.
HB 1007 will now go to the House Floor for further consideration.
AIF opposes HB 1007 in its current form. Although the bill is intended to provide structure around large-scale data center development, provisions such as the statewide 5-mile siting restriction and constraints on the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements during the pre-development phase may unintentionally limit Florida’s ability to compete for major projects. Flexibility in siting and confidentiality are often key components of successful economic development efforts. AIF remains committed to working with the sponsor to help refine the legislation in a way that promotes responsible growth while preserving Florida’s pro-business climate.
SB 1074/ HB 951 – One-Cent Piece
This week, both SB 1074 by Senator Don Gaetz (R-Pensacola) and HB 951 by Representative Fiona McFarland (R-Sarasota) were read and reported favorably. AIF supports this legislation.
These bills clarify the rounding rules for cash change in the future after the Federal Government stopped its production of the penny. Depending on the change owed, the business may round up or down to avoid using a penny.
SB 1074 will now go to the House for consideration. HB 951 has been placed on the Special Order Calendar to be read on the House Floor.
AIF supports clarifying language in Florida Statutes for the business community to follow while dispensing cash change. As the penny becomes less common, making sure the state has clear and concise procedures will become increasingly important.
HB 527 – Mandatory Human Reviews of Insurance Claim Denials
On Thursday, February 26, HB 527 by Representative Cassel was heard by the House Commerce Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in opposition to this legislation.
This bill makes clear that insurers, workers’ comp carriers, and HMOs can’t deny or reduce a claim based solely on AI. A qualified human professional must independently review the claim, apply the policy terms, and confirm any AI-generated recommendations before a final decision is made. It also requires stronger documentation, clear contact information in denial letters, a statement confirming AI wasn’t the only factor, and gives regulators authority to examine compliance and adopt rules.
HB 527 will now go to the House Floor for consideration.
AIF opposes this legislation because it adds significant new compliance requirements for insurers and employers. By layering additional documentation, disclosure, and manual review mandates on top of existing regulations, the bill reduces the efficiency benefits AI is intended to provide. These added requirements could slow claims processing and ultimately raise costs for Florida businesses.
SB 482 – Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights
On Thursday, February 26, 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.
SB 1234 - Building Permits and Inspections
On Tuesday, February 24, SB 1234 by Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-St. Petersburg) was read by the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
This bill streamlines Florida’s building permitting and inspection process to make approvals more predictable and reduce unnecessary red tape for property owners and contractors. It clarifies permit expiration timelines, limits what local governments can require in applications, expands and standardizes the private provider option for plan review and inspections. The bill also preempts purely aesthetic building design mandates with no functional purpose, helping standardize construction processes and making it easier for responsible developers to build on the land they own.
SB 1234 will now go to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
AIF supports streamlining the permitting and inspection process by reducing unnecessary local documentation and cost burdens and expanding reliable options like private providers to keep projects moving. Faster, more predictable approvals help lower project delays and costs which supports housing supply, resilience improvements and Florida’s broader pro-business growth.
HB 691/ SB 686 - Agricultural Enclaves
This week, both HB 691 by Representative Adam Botana (R-Bonita Springs) and SB 686 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) were read and reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
These bills significantly expand and clarify Florida’s agricultural enclave framework by creating a faster, more predictable pathway for certain agriculturally used parcels surrounded by development to transition to residential use, while limiting local government discretion. The bill allows qualifying landowners to seek certification as an agricultural enclave, imposes firm timelines on local governments to act, and provides automatic approval if deadlines are missed, along with judicial review if an application is denied.
HB 691 will now go to the House Floor for consideration. SB 686 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration.
AIF supports responsible growth by allowing limited, well-planned development on land surrounded by existing infrastructure to help ease the housing shortage in Florida.
SB 208 – Land Use and Development Regulations
On Tuesday, February 24, SB 208 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) was heard by the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
This bill revises Florida’s development review process to increase predictability and transparency for property owners and businesses. The bill requires local government application fees to reflect actual review costs, establishes clearer standards for evaluating residential compatibility, and limits the ability of local governments to deny projects on compatibility grounds when reasonable mitigation measures are proposed. It also requires written explanations for denials and allows approvals to include reasonable conditions, creating a more structured and consistent statewide permitting framework.
SB 208 will now go to the Senate Floor for further consideration
AIF supports streamlining the approval process for development that provides greater predictability for businesses across Florida. By tying fees to actual costs and clarifying standards for project review, the bill reduces uncertainty and unnecessary delays. Promoting responsible development is key to assisting in mitigating the affordability issues in Florida.
HB 927 – Local Land Planning and Development
On Tuesday, February 24, HB 927 by Representative Judson Sapp (R-Green Cove Springs) was heard by the House State Affairs Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
This bill streamlines Florida’s local land planning and development review process to provide greater predictability and efficiency for businesses and developers while maintaining government oversight. The bill requires local governments to establish a program allowing applicants to use approved “qualified contractors” for preapplication compliance reviews, helping identify issues early and reduce delays. Local governments must maintain a registry of contractors, reduce application fees when one is used, and complete reviews within set timeframes. The bill also limits additional local requirements for final plat approvals, voids conflicting local provisions, and allows flexibility to waive certain bonding requirements.
HB 927 will now go to the House Floor for further consideration.
AIF supports streamlining processes for development by improving the regulatory pathway for builders across the state. Promoting responsible development is key to assisting in mitigating the affordability issues in Florida.
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.
Utilities & Telecommunication
SB 1220 - Transportation
On Tuesday, February 24, SB 1220 by Senator Ralph Massulo (R-Inverness) was read by the Senate Appropriations Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
This bill makes wide-ranging updates to Florida’s transportation, infrastructure, and emerging mobility statutes by consolidating authority within the Department of Transportation, modernizing planning and resource requirements for seaports and airports, and expanding support for workforce development, research, and advanced technologies. It establishes new policies for personal delivery devices, mobile carriers, and drone delivery services, clarifying where they may operate, limiting local fees and restrictions, and excludes certain sensitive areas such as theme parks and state lands. The amendment also strengthens state preemption over local regulation of communications facilities and rights-of-way,
SB 1220 will now go to the Senate 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. Clear, concise permitting regulations create an environment where all parties can plan and react appropriately when working in a right-of-way.
HB 433 – Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
On Tuesday, February 24, HB 433 by Representative Danny Alvarez (R-Fish Hawk) was heard by the House State Affairs Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
The bill enhances Florida’s approach on regulating the agriculture industry. The bill creates the Farmers Feeding Florida Program to ensure native, local ingredients are broadly available around the state. The bill also preempts local governments from passing ordinances that prohibit or restrict gas-powered equipment used on lawns or agricultural lands.
HB 433 will now go to the House Floor for further 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.
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.
PCB Bill WMC1 – Taxation
On Thursday, February 26, WMC1 was heard by the House Ways and Means Committee and was reported favorably. AIF continues to gather feedback from members on the tax packages.
This bill makes broad updates to Florida’s tax structure across property, sales, and corporate taxes. On the property tax side, it creates a new 3% annual assessment cap for qualifying mobile home parks starting in 2027, revises homestead portability to better align with the State Constitution, clarifies notice requirements when exemptions are denied, adjusts the definition of “governmental purpose” for exemption purposes, and tightens the rules around local millage rate increases. The bill also requires advertising platforms to collect and remit taxes on vacation rental transactions, expands exemptions for certain fuel containers, shifts the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday to July 20 through August 20, and creates a refund-based exemption of up to $500 for qualifying home hardening products. The bill also updates Florida’s corporate income tax conformity date to January 1, 2026, applies certain federal changes retroactively, and establishes new and reordered tax credits impacting corporate income and insurance premium taxes.
WMC1 will now go to the Office of EDR's Revenue Estimating Impact Conference on February 27th to be discussed further.
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.
AIF Past Endorsements
