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

Written by Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce | Jul 10, 2025 5:51:57 PM

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

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 🔴

 

Housing 🟢

 

Workforce Development & Education 🟡

 

Resiliency 🔴

 

 

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.

 
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