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Florida Legislature 2026: The rules only matter when they want them to
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Florida Legislature 2026: The rules only matter when they want them to

House Republicans are hiding behind a rulebook they have ignored in the past to duck tough votes on development and vaccines.

In this episode: Republican leaders in the Florida House of Representatives are trying to lawyer their way out of taking some tough votes — including on whether or not to fix Senate Bill 180, a hurricane-recovery law that real-estate developers have been using to crush local environmental regulations. Plus: Not one but two favors for the car dealer lobby. And why are some Florida lawmakers pushing to make condo owners pay higher prices for property insurance? (The answer rhymes with “millionaire.”) An update from Day 51 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session.

Show notes

The bills discussed in today’s show:

Senate Bill 840 — Land Use Regulations for Local Governments Affected by Natural Disasters

Senate Bill 1756 — Medical Freedom

Senate Bill 180 (2025) — Emergencies

House Bill 1001 (2025) — Vessels

Senate Bill 1388 (2025) — Vessels

House Bill 291 — Common Entities of Motor Vehicle Distributors and Manufacturers

Senate Bill 352 — Common Entities of Motor Vehicle Distributors and Manufacturers

House Bill 989 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle Dealers

Passed the House of Representatives by a 109-1 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1028 — Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

Passed the Florida Senate by a 33-1 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 620 — Candidate Qualifying

Passed the Florida Senate by a 37-0 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 655 — Pub. Rec. and Pub. Meetings/Attorney Meetings to Discuss Private Property Rights Claims

Passed the Senate by a 36-0 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 981 — Tributaries of St. Johns River

Passed the House of Representatives by a 107-3 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 725 — Political Activity at Public Institutions of Higher Education

Passed the House of Representatives by an 81-30 vote (vote sheet)

The stories discussed in today’s show:

Ron DeSantis is helping real estate developers exploit a hurricane relief law

The last stand for home rule in Florida (podcast)

Orders from on high

New State Law Forces Wellington To Change Waterway Rules

Car dealers try to keep a chokehold on new car sales in Florida

Republican megadonor is behind bill that could affect Florida condo owners

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com

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