In this episode: In Tampa, Big Tech giant Meta Platforms is funding last-minute mailers on behalf of a Democratic legislator who is locked in a tough primary for an open seat in the state Senate. And in Miami, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram is paying for digital ads promoting a Republican legislator who is in line to become speaker of the state House. It’s all part of a nationwide campaign by Meta to fill state Legislatures with candidates supportive of the artificial intelligence industry — and Florida is the latest front. Plus: New records reveal that lobbyists for two big homebuilders and Republican donors lobbied against legislation that would have repealed a state law that has made it much harder for cities, counties and towns across Florida to slow urban sprawl, protect the environment and manage population growth.
Show notes
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Stories discussed in today’s show:
Facebook is meddling in Florida elections
At the last minute, Facebook tries to tilt a tight Democratic primary for a Senate seat in Tampa
Developer lobbyists secretly sought to maintain a law handcuffing local communities on growth
Judge rules against impact fee increases in Palm Coast
Manatee County in a legal fight with developers. Over $14 million is at stake
Will Manatee County cut wetland protections? Science and developer interests clash
Bills discussed in today’s show:
Senate Bill 180 (2025) — Emergencies
Passed the House of Representatives by a 106-0 vote (vote sheet) and the Florida Senate by a 34-1 vote (vote sheet).
Senate Bill 840 (2026) — Land Use Regulations for Local Governments Affected by Natural Disasters
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