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The Legislative Brief (July 2025 Recap): GMCC Advocacy Updates

We want to thank our Governmental Affairs Committee for their continued support and engagement throughout the 2025 Regular Legislative Session. As of June 18, the Florida Legislature has officially adjourned sine die, concluding the extended session after passing the state’s $115.1 billion budget and a series of key bills, including major tax policy reforms and education investments.

This article will include a full legislative recap highlighting our priority wins, pending bills, and what Miami businesses should know about the state budget. Please keep an eye out.  Each of our four priority areas below contain four tabs detailing wins, areas of concern or to watch, breakdowns of the bill, and the bottom line.

The 2025 Florida Legislative Session delivered a mixed bag of wins, setbacks, and stalled momentum across major policy areas. We break down the most critical outcomes across our 4 priorities: transportation, housing, workforce, resilience, and more.

🔴 = Major Setbacks  
🟡 = Mixed or Incomplete Outcomes  
🟢 = Clear Wins

 

Policy Area Signal Summary
Transportation 🔴 Funding wins, but major governance & trust fund losses
Housing 🟢 Big policy progress + full funding preserved
Workforce & Education 🟡 Early ed advanced, but big-picture reform stalled
Resiliency 🔴 No new funding or legislative movement
Tourism (TDT) 🟢 Local control preserved — for now
Legal Climate / Tort 🟢 Legal reforms held firm
Business Costs & Taxes 🟢 Rent tax eliminated, no new employer mandates

 

Transportation 🔴

  • Defeated 8-Year Referendum Threats:
    HB     7033 and HB 1221 included harmful provisions requiring a voter referendum every 8 years to continue local taxes like the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) and discretionary surtaxes. Both bills died in Senate Appropriations, preserving local control over key revenue tools.
  • $100 Million for Kendall Parkway:
    The final budget, although not enough, includes a $100 million appropriation for Kendall Parkway, a major investment to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity in Southwest Miami-Dade. The Chamber strongly supported this appropriation and will continue advocating for more funding.
  • SMART Plan Remains Intact (for now):
    The failed 8-year referendum proposals did not become law, and the SMART Plan’s current funding and scheduling remain on track under local governance and FDOT partnerships.  The Chamber will continue working with all the stakeholders to advance to execution of the SMART Plan.
  • New Starts Transit Funding Zeroed Out:
    The state budget eliminated support for the “New Starts” program, cutting off matching state funds for new or expanding transit systems—affecting Miami-Dade’s ability to scale or accelerate key projects.
$467 Million Sweep from State Transportation Trust Fund (STTF):
Under HB 5501, approximately $467 million per year in documentary stamp tax revenues previously earmarked for FDOT transit and infrastructure were redirected into general revenue. This:
    • Threatens FDOT funding for SMART Plan corridors (especially Northeast).
    • Weakens support for New Starts and Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) investments.


Legislative July 2025 Recap (Summary Table - Transportation)

 

Despite key wins—including $100 million for Kendall Parkway and the defeat of referendum threats to local tax authority—the transportation pillar was ultimately undermined by major structural setbacks. The annual $467 million sweep from the State Transportation Trust Fund and the complete elimination of New Starts transit funding jeopardize long-term transit planning, delay project execution, and diminish Miami-Dade’s ability to advance critical mobility solutions.


For these reasons, we have graded this pillar as Red—reflecting significant harm to the sustainability of Florida’s transportation infrastructure funding.

 

 

Housing 🟢

  • SB 1730 – Major Live Local Act Expansion Passed
    The Chamber supported and celebrated the passage of SB 1730 (Calatayud), which builds on the landmark 2023 Live Local Act. Key provisions include:
    • Statewide Preemption Expansion: Further limits local governments from obstructing affordable housing through zoning restrictions.
    • Mixed-Use Incentives: Encourages residential components in commercial corridors.
    • Streamlined Permitting: Shortens timelines and promotes uniform standards across jurisdictions.
    • Enhanced Transparency: Requires cities to publicly disclose denied housing applications and rationale.

SB 1730 passed unanimously in both chambers and reflects continued momentum toward solving Florida’s workforce and affordable housing shortage.

  • HB 943 Absorbed Into SB 1730
    HB 943 (Rep. Vicki Lopez), which focused on zoning reform and permitting streamlining, was successfully merged into SB 1730. This shows unity among housing advocates and key committee leaders in Tallahassee.
  • Appropriations Support Maintained
    Funding for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and Sadowski Trust Fund programs was fully maintained, ensuring continued investment in housing programs for working families, first-time homebuyers, and seniors.
  • SB 1594 / HB 923 – Additional Housing Tools Died in Committee
    Bills sponsored by Sen. McClain and Rep. Vicki Lopez sought to add new tools for workforce housing development—such as tax credits or revolving loan mechanisms. While some elements were absorbed into broader housing policy, these standalone bills did not advance, indicating that further innovation is still needed.
  • Local Government Implementation Varies
    Although SB 1730 strengthens state preemption, the actual implementation by counties and municipalities may vary in speed and interpretation. Ongoing monitoring and pressure at the local level will be critical to ensuring developers and communities see the intended benefit

Legislative July 2025 Recap (Summary Table - Housing) (1)

 

The 2025 Session delivered substantial policy and funding wins for housing. The passage of SB 1730 marked a significant expansion of the Live Local Act, strengthening zoning preemption, accelerating permitting, and enhancing transparency across local governments. Coupled with the preservation of full funding for SHIP and the Sadowski Trust Fund, the state continues to prioritize housing access and affordability.

For these reasons, we have graded this pillar as Green—reflecting clear legislative and budgetary momentum in support of workforce and affordable housing statewide.

 

Workforce Development & Education 🟡

  • HB 859 – School Readiness Program Expansion Passed
    Sponsored by Rep. Tramont, HB 859 strengthens Florida’s early learning infrastructure by:
    • Expanding access to early childhood education through improvements to the School Readiness Program.
    • Streamlining provider eligibility and funding models.
    • Prioritizing accountability and outcomes for publicly funded pre-K and early learning services.

This bill passed unanimously, reflecting bipartisan support for investing in school readiness as a foundation for long-term workforce success.

  • Chamber Advocacy Highlighted Education as a Business Issue
    The Chamber’s engagement helped position K–12 and postsecondary alignment as a workforce issue—not just an education one. This set the stage for:
    • Greater collaboration between employers and education providers,
    • A stronger focus on career and technical education (CTE) and certifications,
    • Support for counselor programs and career readiness across the state.
  • Preserved Funding for CTE and Workforce Pathways
    The budget continues support for workforce-focused initiatives including:
    • Quick Response Training (QRT) grants,
    • Career and Technical Education (CTE) enhancements,
    • Pathways to Career Opportunities programs supporting apprenticeships and industry certifications.
  • No Comprehensive Workforce Package
    While early learning advanced, the 2025 session did not produce a comprehensive workforce bill tying together:
    • Short-term credentialing,
    • Employer-led training,
    • Lifelong learning,
    • Digital and AI literacy,
    • Upskilling for current employees.

The Chamber and partners advocated for more integration of K-12, higher ed, and private sector needs, but larger reforms stalled.

  • Soft Skills and Career Exposure Still Underdeveloped
    Despite recognition that soft skills and early career exposure are vital, Florida still lacks:
    • Statewide requirements or incentives to embed soft skills in K–12 curricula,
    • Broad infrastructure for paid internships or apprenticeships during high school,
    • Consistent employer input into classroom and curriculum design.
  • Limited Flexibility for Postsecondary Innovation
    Proposals to give state colleges and universities greater flexibility in course offerings, tuition structures, and technical program development either stalled or were not prioritized.
  • Opportunities remain for stronger integration between education providers, employers, and the state to create a more future-ready workforce.

Legislative July 2025 Recap (Summary Table - Workforce Development & Edu.)

 

Florida made measurable progress in early childhood education and preserved key funding streams for workforce pathways, including CTE and apprenticeship programs. HB 859 was a meaningful step forward, and the Chamber successfully elevated workforce development as a business issue. However, the session lacked a comprehensive workforce strategy and fell short on advancing postsecondary flexibility, soft skills development, and employer-integrated training models.

For these reasons, we have graded this pillar as Yellow—reflecting positive movement in early education and funding, but incomplete progress on long-term, systemic workforce innovation.

 

Resiliency 🔴

  • SB 50 / HB 371 – Nature-Based Coastal Resilience (Withdrawn)
    These bipartisan bills (Sen. Garcia / Rep. Mooney) aimed to:
    • Promote nature-based infrastructure (mangroves, dunes, living shorelines)
    • Expand eligibility for state resilience grants
    • Encourage local planning for sea level rise and flooding.

Despite early support, the bills were withdrawn before major hearings, leaving a significant gap in statewide advancement of nature-based resilience strategies.

  • No Major Resilience Package Passed
    Unlike prior sessions that brought landmark funding (eg. Resilient Florida), 2025 saw:
    • No new appropriations for resilience infrastructure
    • No legislation addressing future climate risk zones or long-term adaptation
    • No laws enacted for statewide coastal protection or future-proofing development.
  • Resilience Left Out of Housing & Infrastructure Reforms
    Major land use and development bills, such as SB 1730, failed to integrate climate risk into planning, zoning or permitting - missing a key opportunity to embed resilience in Florida's fast-growing built environment.
  • Local Implementation of Prior Funding 
    While 2025 lacked new resilience dollars, counties like Miami-Dade are still deploying funds from previous Resilient Florida appropriations).  Continued monitoring of project progress and impact will be critical.  
  • Federal & Private Sector Engagement
    The Chamber continues to champion increased coordination with federal partners and the private sector.  However, the Legislature offered no new state-level vehicles to accelerate these partnerships in 2025. 

Bill Breakdown:

 

Summary of 2025 Resilience-Related Bills

Bill

Summary

Status

Outcome

HB 1313 – Resilient Florida Trust Fund

Recreates the DEP trust fund to prevent expiration in 2025

✅ Signed into law

🟢 Structural win

SB 50 / HB 371 – Nature-Based Coastal Resilience

Would have expanded nature-based infrastructure and resilience grants

❌ Withdrawn

🔴 Missed opportunity

SB 948 – Flood Risk Disclosure

Requires flood disclosure by landlords and sellers; renters may terminate lease after undisclosed flood losses

✅ Passed

🟡 Policy transparency win, no funding

HB 393 – My Safe Florida Condo Pilot

Expands hurricane hardening grants to qualifying condos

✅ Passed

🟡 Pilot program only

SB 180 – Post-Storm Permitting & Recovery

Streamlines rebuilding after storms and prohibits certain post-disaster land use restrictions

✅ Passed

🟡 Administrative improvements

SB 1662 – Transit & Energy Oversight

Adds state oversight of local transit energy goals, repeals HOV incentives, mandates emergency staging use of airport property

✅ Passed

🟡 Mixed on local control & resilience

SB 462 – MPO Coordination Reform

Weakens sustainability goals in MPO planning; gives FDOT coordination power

✅ Passed

🔴 Regressive on climate-focused transportation

SB 1574 – Gas Infrastructure Investment

Expands investment in methane gas infrastructure under PSC oversight

✅ Passed

🔴 Supports fossil-based infrastructure

HB 1137 – Utility Service Restrictions

Preempts local bans on fuel-specific appliances or energy sources (e.g., gas stoves)

✅ Passed

🔴 Blocks local energy flexibility

SB 700 – EV Charging Stations Regulation

Grants DACS oversight of EV stations; standardizes permitting

✅ Passed

🟡 Administrative progress, limited scope

2025 was a stalled year for resilience policy and funding in Florida. SB 50 / HB 371 (nature-based resilience) was withdrawn, Resilient Florida saw no new investment or program expansion, and no legislation advanced to modernize land use or coastal adaptation standards. While some administrative reforms passed, the state failed to address long-term climate risk, coastal protections, or future-proofing development policies.

For these reasons, we have graded this pillar as Red—reflecting a major missed opportunity to build on past momentum and position Florida as a national leader in climate resilience.

The Chamber will continue to:
•    Revive nature-based resilience initiatives
•    Push for integration of climate risk into land use and infrastructure policy
•    Elevate Greater Miami’s adaptation needs in future state-level planning efforts

 

 

Other Areas of Advocacy

Area

Wins

Bottom Line

Tourism 🟢
  • TDT Protections Held Firm
    The Chamber successfully fought off HB 7033 and HB 1221, which would have:
    • Prohibited use of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue for marketing.
    • Required an 8-year referendum to reauthorize local tourism taxes.
    • Dissolved Tourist Development Councils (TDCs).

These provisions died in the Senate, protecting Miami-Dade’s ability to promote its travel, events, and hospitality economy.

The Chamber’s advocacy preserved the status quo for TDT—a vital win for one of Miami’s largest economic engines. However, similar proposals may return next session and must be watched closely.

Legal Climate / Tort Reform 🟢

 
  • Tort Reform Rollback Efforts Defeated
    The Chamber helped defeat efforts to weaken Florida’s 2023 legal reforms, including:
    • Expansion of liability.
    • Reversal of evidentiary standards.
    • Reintroduction of plaintiff-friendly procedural rules.
  • Chamber-Aligned Coalitions Held the Line
    Partnering with the Florida Chamber, Uber, and others, the business community maintained a balanced legal environment, helping reduce litigation costs and maintain insurance affordability.

Florida’s business-friendly legal climate held steady, and the Chamber was an active voice in maintaining protections secured in 2023. However, continued vigilance is necessary in future sessions.

Business Taxes & Costs 🟢
  • Elimination of Business Rent Tax
    The Legislature passed the long-anticipated phaseout of the 2% sales tax on commercial leases, effective October 1, 2025. This:
    • Saves Florida businesses an estimated $900 million annually.
    • Reduces the cost of doing business.
    • Was a key priority for the Chamber and the Florida Chamber.
  • No New Cost Mandates or Payroll Taxes Introduced
    The 2025 session did not see any major cost increases imposed on employers in areas like unemployment taxes, workers' comp, or state mandates.

The elimination of the business rent tax is a landmark win that boosts Florida’s competitiveness. It complements the Chamber’s efforts to make Miami-Dade a more affordable place to grow and invest.

 

WHAT MIAMI BUSINESSES SHOULD EXPECT NEXT

The 2025 session delivered tangible wins for Miami’s business community, but the months ahead will be equally important:

  • Prepare for Business Rent Tax Relief: Businesses with commercial leases should plan for tax reductions starting October 1, 2025. Work with your landlord or accounting team to assess cost savings and potential reinvestments.
  • Tourism Marketing Stability: With TDT protections in place, destination marketing organizations can continue long-term campaign planning, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues.
  • Stable Legal Climate: With no tort reform rollback, businesses maintain predictable liability standards. This will help manage risk and keep insurance costs in check.
  • Monitor Local Implementation of SB 1730: Miami-Dade governments and developers will need to adapt to the new affordable housing provisions. Businesses should stay informed about zoning changes and development opportunities.
  • Watch for Gubernatorial Budget Vetoes: Final funding for local projects may still be impacted by the Governor’s line-item veto authority in the coming days.

NEXT STEPS

Now that the Legislature has adjourned, we will continue monitoring:

  • Final budget signings and vetoes by the Governor
  • Local implementation of newly passed legislation
  • 2025–2026 rulemaking processes tied to affordable housing, tax policy, and resilience

Our Advocacy in Action page will soon be your go-to spot for tracking legislative updates and policy wins. Check back regularly to stay informed and engaged.