There's a rhythm to legislative sessions in Tallahassee. Bills move through committees, meetings stack up back-to-back, and somewhere in the middle of it all, decisions get made that will affect Miami-Dade for years to come.
That's why we go.
On December 9th-10th, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce spent two days in the state capital, leading one of our signature fly-ins on behalf of Miami's business community. It's something we've done for years, and every time, the message is the same: Miami's priorities deserve to be at the forefront of Florida's legislative agenda.
This session, our focus was clear. We advocated for protecting transportation funding, the backbone of our economy and the infrastructure that connects our communities. We pushed for increased affordable and workforce housing because Miami's teachers, nurses, and first responders shouldn't be priced out of the communities they serve. We championed workforce development programs that prepare Miamians for the jobs of tomorrow, not yesterday.
And we continued our fight for resilience funding for Biscayne Bay and the Everglades. This isn't just an environmental issue; it's an economic one. Our bay, our water, our natural resources are what make Miami, Miami. Protecting them aligns with legislative leadership's priorities and the Governor's agenda this session, and we made sure that momentum didn't slow down.
We also addressed the fiscal cliff that disproportionately impacts working families across our region — an issue that often gets lost in budget conversations but has real consequences for the people who power Miami's economy.
Over two days, we met with the majority of Miami-Dade's legislative delegation, ensuring our representatives had the support and information they needed to champion our issues effectively. But we didn't stop there.
We sat down with Speaker of the House Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton, the two most powerful people in the Florida Legislature. We met with Speaker-Designate Mike Redondo and incoming Speaker Sam Garrison, building relationships that will matter not just this session, but in the years ahead. Our conversation with Secretary of Transportation Jared Perdue focused on Miami's infrastructure needs, particularly transit in Miami-Dade and the investments required to support our region's growth. We connected with Chancellor of Early Learning, Carrie Miller, exploring how workforce development starts long before someone enters the job market.
These conversations mattered. They were honest, focused, and grounded in the reality of what Miami needs to keep growing. And when budget priorities are set, and bills come up for a vote, we want to make sure Miami's voice is already part of the conversation.
On Tuesday evening, we hosted our President's Dinner at Il Lusso, partnering with the Canadian Consulate General's Office. Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey joined us, along with representatives from the Florida Chamber, the Florida Department of Commerce, and Tallahassee leadership. It was a chance to celebrate Miami's growing influence in the state capital, but more importantly, it was an opportunity to build the kind of relationships that last beyond a single legislative session.
Wednesday night, we gathered at the home of Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez for our GMCC Legislative Reception, co-hosted by Senator Alexis Calatayud. Miami partners from across Tallahassee joined us — legislators, business leaders, and advocates who understand that policy doesn't change overnight. It changes when trust is built, when relationships deepen, and when people see that you're in it for the long haul.
These evenings weren't just about dinner and conversation. They were about showing that Miami's business community is invested, engaged, and not going anywhere.
That's why the Greater Miami Chamber does these fly-ins. We don't just send letters or make phone calls, we show up. We bring Miami's story to the people who need to hear it. We build the relationships that turn priorities into legislation. And we make sure that when the session ends, Miami's business community is better positioned for whatever comes next.
This fly-in reinforced something we already knew: Miami isn't just another region asking for attention. We're a powerhouse economy with clear priorities, strong leadership, and the relationships to turn advocacy into action.
As this legislative session continues, we'll keep pushing forward on transportation, housing, workforce development, and environmental resilience. We'll maintain the strong flow of information between Miami's business community and our state delegation. And we'll keep doing what we do best — championing Miami's future, one conversation at a time.
Because that's what makes the Greater Miami Chamber different. We don't just champion issues. We champion Miami.
Want to get involved in our advocacy efforts? Discover how your business can contribute to the conversation by getting involved in our Committees.