As of the time you are reading this, we may or may not have completed the 2025 Legislative Session and the Florida state budget. This is due to the debates back and forth between the Florida House and the Florida Senate. Our goal this year has been to lower the tax burden on Floridians, so agreement on a specific plan has caused the delay. This session was different than normal and was filled with many twists and turns. However, Team 100 was able to still accomplish meaningful work while in Tallahassee and I was proud to be able to pass multiple bills this session.
This session has brought forward several noteworthy proposals from leaders across the state. Among them are efforts to raise the homestead exemption in order to reduce the property tax burden on Floridians. There was also a proposal to permanently lower the sales tax rate, which would also reduce the business rent tax. Both of these initiatives are strong steps toward easing the financial pressures on Florida families and businesses.
I’m especially proud to have sponsored HB-797, a bill that supports our veterans by expanding access to nursing home beds. HB-797 would allow a 501(c)(3) nonprofit retirement community – one that serves veterans, their spouses, and surviving spouses – to create “Veteran and Spouse Designated Nursing Home Beds” within a skilled nursing facility. The bill also permits the transfer of nursing home beds within 100 miles if there is not a facility currently available, ensuring that our veterans receive the care they deserve. Supporting our veterans has long been a priority of mine.
I was also proud to be a part of HB-999, a bill that allows gold and silver to be classified as legal tender in Florida. The bill also eliminates the sales tax on the purchase of gold and silver. This bill makes the process easier between parties to make a transaction. I am proud to say that the Governor has already signed this bill, making gold and silver legal tender in Florida.
Two other bills that I think are going to make our community a better place is HB-205 and HB-593; they both have to do with dogs. HB-205, aka “Troopers Law,” does not allow you to abandon your dog. This issue came to light when someone left Trooper tied to a fence poll when Hurricane Milton hit the west coast. HB-593 requires a dog that is the subject of a dangerous dog investigation because it has killed a human being or left a bite mark that scores 5 or higher on the Dunbar bite scale to be immediately confiscated by an animal control authority.
I begin each session with the goal of helping to make Florida a better place for every resident. Every bill that I file and every appropriation that I pursue is done with that mission in mind. I also want to thank all the constituents who made the trip to Tallahassee this year to share their priorities and advocate for the issues they care about. Your voices make a difference, and I truly believe the best way to influence the process is to show up and speak up
As always, it is an honor to serve you as your State Representative.