As we move into the new year, the focus of the business world has already shifted to Tallahassee and state capitols across the country. The Florida Legislature officially convened on January 13, 2026, for a fast-paced 60-day sprint that will reshape the state’s economic landscape. While federal news often dominates the headlines, the laws passed in Florida this spring will have a much more immediate impact on your overhead, workforce, and regulatory obligations.

Why This Session Matters Now

Florida is at a crossroads of growth and affordability. With state budget growth flattening, lawmakers are aggressively pursuing “Affordability Agendas.” For business leaders, this represents a dual-edged sword: potential tax relief on one side and brand-new regulatory frameworks on the other.

• The Property Tax “Showdown”: Several constitutional amendments, including HJR 201 and HJR 205, are gaining momentum. While they aim to eliminate or freeze non-school property taxes for primary homeowners and seniors, the ripple effect could be significant for the business community. If the tax burden shifts or local government services are scaled back due to revenue gaps, commercial property owners and developers may find themselves footing a different kind of bill.
• Universal E-Verify Requirements (HB 197): Currently, Florida law only requires private companies with 25 or more employees to use the E-Verify system. HB 197 seeks to remove that threshold, requiring all private employers, regardless of size, to use the system.
• Local Business Tax Repeal (SB 122 / HB 103): Lawmakers are considering a total repeal of many local business taxes. While this is a win for the bottom line, it also includes “preemption” clauses that prevent local governments from creating new fees, changing how your business interacts with City Hall.
• Live Local Act 2.0 (SB 1520): For the real estate sector, the 2026 session is refining the landmark Live Local Act. New proposals aim to tighten the “opt-out” rules for local governments, making it harder for cities to deny affordable housing tax exemptions unless they can prove a surplus of units using three years of longitudinal data.

As a top public relations agency, we provide the strategic foresight needed to navigate these shifts. Whether you are a real estate developer keeping an eye on new Live Local legislative initiatives or a nonprofit organization keeping a watchful eye on a certain bill, our team ensures your voice reaches the right audience. 

If you feel a particular bill is beneficial to your business, industry or Florida citizens, do whatever you can to support that legislation. The same holds true if you feel a bill threatens the free market; our Florida-based Crisis Management and Public Affairs pros are ready to pivot quickly via a proactive communications campaign. Through advocacy, early action, and education, we empower you to lead the conversation through:

• Strategic Op-Eds that frame the narrative before a vote.
• Targeted Media Interviews with key Tallahassee and local outlets.
• Bylined Articles that position your leadership as an industry authority.

The stakes are too high for a “wait and see” approach. The reality is, if you aren’t monitoring these bills, you are essentially operating in the dark. 

To learn more about one of Florida’s largest digital public relations agencies, and how BoardroomPR can help your business, give us a call at (954) 370-8999 or visit our website at www.boardroompr.com.

Jessica Shein

Account Director