TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – Florida lawmakers are preparing to address affordability concerns with dozens of proposals aimed at lowering costs for residents as the 2026 legislative session approaches.
Affordability has become a central focus among Republicans and Democrats at the state capitol heading into the session that begins Jan. 13.
House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell said constituents regularly discuss rising costs across multiple areas.
“It is a need the community is expressing,” said Driskell, D-Tampa. “My constituents and neighbors, they talk to me about affordability. The price of groceries is too high, Florida has some of the highest property insurance rates in the country. Auto insurance is high, utilities are going up.”
Property tax and insurance reform
House Speaker Daniel Perez has made property tax reform one of his top priorities to address affordability, creating a committee dedicated to the issue. The committee developed seven constitutional amendments, with one ready for a House vote when the session begins.
“He has been very adamant about making sure, number one do the research, number two we talk to our partners, number three we’re out there in the state of Florida and talking to all kinds of folks and number four coming up with proposals,” said Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm Bay.
Democrats are filing bills in both chambers to address affordability issues, including measures focused on homeownership and property insurance.
“Focusing on homeownership. We need to make it easier for first time home buyers to purchase a home. We have a great bill that can that can lower property insurance rates by up to 30 percent,” Driskell said.
Healthcare and redistricting initiatives
Perez is also rolling out a healthcare plan called Florida’s New Frontier in Healthcare. The initiative aims to implement federal healthcare reforms at the state level, including joining interstate licensure compacts and authorizing independent practice for advanced registered nurse specialties.
The speaker has prioritized mid-decade redistricting with a new committee dedicated to the issue. Committee chair Mike Runado avoided reporter questions after both December meetings.
Perez’s office did not respond to repeated interview requests.
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