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Special Edition IV • February 9, 2026 |
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2026 Legislative Session Update - Week 4 |
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Last week, signaled a clear shift at the Capitol from early-session preparation to more substantive debate and decision-making. Committees advanced major legislation in week 4, often along close votes which underscores the growing political tensions around issues that directly affect Floridians every day. While divisions over government authority, personal freedoms, and accountability were evident, some bipartisan efforts showed that cooperation remains possible. Public testimony featured advocates, professionals, and residents who all voiced strong opinions on high-profile proposals and emphasized the real-world impact of legislative choices beyond Tallahassee.
So far, any movement on the TDT front remains quiet. Only a small number of CFHLA priority bills, focused on workforce housing and commercial property insurance, advanced this week. Budget proposals from each chamber’s budget subcommittees were originally expected in Week 4, but ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations have delayed their release until this week. While this delay could affect the overall budget timeline and the likelihood of the Session ending on schedule, it may also streamline the budget conferencing process if key issues are resolved early.
This week, CFHLA will continue to monitor for any deviation from the Governor’s recommendations for VISIT FLORIDA, education, and transportation and infrastructure funding. |
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Tourist Development Tax (TDT) |
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CFHLA strongly opposes modifying, increasing, or expanding the uses of the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenues. Any modifications of TDT will only serve to dilute the effectiveness of these dollars, which are statutorily established for the local promotion and marketing of tourism. Instead, CFHLA supports a local sales tax referendum that addresses our infrastructure and transportation needs.
Additionally, CFHLA opposes the dissolution of county Tourist Development Councils and using TDT revenues to offset local residential property tax relief.
SB 454 / HB 6007 by Senator Smith / Representative Eskamani – No action was taken in either the Senate or the House last week.
SB 456 by Senator Smith – No action was taken in the Senate last week.
SB 458 by Senator Smith – No action was taken in the Senate last week.
SB 976 by Senator Smith – No action was taken in the Senate last week.
CFHLA also opposes SB 446 related to Large-Scale County Destination Marketing Organizations by Senator Smith. All county DMOs are already governed by and report to each respective County Commission. Requiring that certain DMOs register with the Department of State would be redundant and unnecessary. Requiring a public-private match for every dollar spent by these organizations would also risk limiting the amount of funds that can be spent on marketing efforts that have a direct impact on tourism across the state. No action was taken in the Senate last week on this bill.
CFHLA OPPOSES |
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Open Carry Clarification |
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In September 2025, a court ruling paved the way for open carry of firearms in Florida. This ruling has led to questions about where it is acceptable to carry a firearm openly throughout the state, leading to clarifying statements having to be made by businesses and law enforcement officials.
CFHLA supports any efforts by the Legislature to update statutes to reflect the open carry ruling and clarify that private property owners, including hotels, restaurants, theme parks, and other privately owned venues, retain the right to prohibit weapons of any kind, including firearms, on their property.
To date, no bills have been filed.
CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Increased Funding for Transportation and Infrastructure Projects |
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CFHLA supports the increased funding of essential transportation and infrastructure projects across the Central Florida region (excluding using TDT funds). This includes the Moving Florida Forward Initiative and expanding our region's intermodal transportation system through projects including the Sunshine Corridor, connecting SunRail to MCO, and the tourism corridor.
CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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VISIT FLORIDA Funding |
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CFHLA supports the Governor's proposed budget, which includes $80 million in annual funding for VISIT FLORIDA (same from FY 2025-2026). Funding of VISIT FLORIDA ensures that our state continues to be top of mind as the leading vacation destination in the country. Additionally, CFHLA supports eliminating or extending VISIT FLORIDA’s sunset date to facilitate strategic planning and marketing for the near and long term.
CFHLA also opposes any efforts to replace VISIT FLORIDA funding from the state budget with county-level TDT revenues. Local TDT revenues are committed to vital projects and organizations that generate visitation - providing local economic development and job creation. CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Additional Education Funding for Hospitality/Culinary Programs at our Local Schools, Colleges, and Universities |
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CFHLA supports additional funding for our hospitality and culinary programs at our local high schools, as well as the increased per-student funding at Valencia College, Seminole State College, and the University of Central Florida. Currently, Valencia College and Seminole State College are among the lowest per student funding institutions in the state. This is why it is imperative that CFHLA supports the Governor’s proposed budget of $1.9 billion for the Florida College System, a $100 million in new, recurring funding (from FY 2025-2026), distributed through the formula agreed to by the Florida College System.
This additional funding will help recruit and retain the best faculty and invest in rapid credentialling workforce development programs that increase capacity within our region (including new and existing advanced accelerated programs).
To date, no bills have been filed.
CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Statewide Regulation of Vacation Rentals and Advertising Platforms |
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While vacation home rentals have long been available in Florida, the option to list available units online through advertising platforms has caused this lodging sector to explode by more than 50,000 units across the Central Florida region. Florida’s statutes need to be updated to ensure that all of Florida’s public lodging establishments provide safe and quality experiences for their guests and communities - without infringing on the rights of local governments or unduly burdening vacation rental owners and rental platforms.
Florida also ranks as the third highest state for human trafficking cases in the United States. Each year, thousands are trafficked in the United States, and traffickers often rely on businesses to sustain their operations. Recently, traffickers have begun to utilize vacation home rentals for their criminal activity. With millions of visitors coming to our state each year, Florida’s hospitality industry must serve as a leader in the fight to combat human trafficking, and it is critical that our industry continues to raise awareness through education and training.
CS/HB 79/CS/SB 658: Water Safety Requirements for the Rental of Residential Property, by Maggard/Burgess – SUPPORT No action was taken in either the House or the Senate last week. However, the Senate bill has now been added to the Senate Community Affairs Committee agenda this week.
CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Workforce Housing |
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CFHLA supports the continued full funding for the Sadowski Fund, as the Central Florida community has a dire need for more reliable and affordable housing options.
No action was taken in the House last week. However, the Senate bill was approved by a vote of 38 - 0 on the Senate Floor last Wednesday, February 4th. This bill is now in House Messages. No action was taken in the House last week. However, the Senate bill was approved by a vote of 8 – 0 during the Senate Community Affairs Committee last Tuesday, February 3rd. This bill is now in the Fiscal Policy Committee, its second of three stops. |
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Property Taxes |
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CFHLA supports ensuring that any property tax changes do not lead to an increase in commercial property taxes and that they provide fair treatment for all property owners.
CS/CS/HJR 203: Phased Out Elimination of Non-school Property Taxes for Homesteads, by Miller – MONITOR No action was taken in the House last week. However, this House joint resolution has passed its committee stops and is ready for a vote on the House Floor.
CS/CS/HJR 209: Property Insurance Relief Homestead Exemption Non-School Property Tax, by Busatta – MONITOR No action was taken in the House last week. However, this House joint resolution has passed its committee stops and is ready for a vote on the House Floor.
CS/CS/HJR 213: Modification of Limitations on Property Assessment Increases, by Griffits – MONITOR No action was taken in the House last week. However, this House joint resolution has passed its committee stops and is ready for a vote on the House Floor.
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Interchange Fees on Sales Tax |
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The cost of labor, goods, and equipment continues to rise, while margins continue to remain tight. Florida merchants pay over $288 million annually in interchange fees on the sales taxes and bed taxes they are required to collect. Credit card companies and banks should not be permitted to profit from merchants’ required performance of a public duty. Interchange fees should not be paid on sales taxes collected by Florida merchants.
Interchange fees are being increased yet again, and more merchants are turning to surcharging as a means of absorbing this cost, which impacts consumers directly. CFHLA supports prohibiting the collection of interchange on sales tax will provide relief to businesses, which will in turn provide relief to consumers.
To date, no bills have been filed.
CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Timeshares |
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CFHLA also supports the American Resort Development Association’s legislative priority: Clarifying conflicts between Florida’s Timeshare Act, Chapter 721 F.S., and Florida’s Community Association Manager statutes, Chapter 468, Part VIII, F.S.
CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Commercial Property Insurance Reform |
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The cost of insurance has increased significantly – not just for residents, but also for Florida businesses. The cost increases for commercial payers are often so large that it impacts customers, guests, and employees. As the Florida Legislature continues its work to make insurance more affordable for residential and individual customers, so too do commercial insureds need the attention of the Legislature so that Florida’s businesses can continue to thrive.
CFHLA supports any legislative efforts that are aimed at reducing the cost of commercial insurance in Florida.
The House bill was approved by a vote of 15 – 0 during the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee last Tuesday, February 3rd. The bill is now in the Commerce Committee, its last stop before the House Floor. The Senate bill was also approved by a vote of 11 – 0 during the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government last Wednesday, February 4th. This bill is now in the Fiscal Policy Committee, its last stop before the Senate Floor. |
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Other Issues/Bills CFHLA is Monitoring
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Schedule for Session Week 5 (February 9 - 13, 2026) |
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To view the Senate's schedule, CLICK HERE. To view the House's schedule, CLICK HERE. |
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Upcoming CFHLA PAC/PC Meeting |
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The next CFHLA PAC/PC Boards of Director Meeting will be on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Upcoming CFHLA Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting The next CFHLA Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting will be on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
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Donate to the CFHLA PAC |
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CFHLA MEMBERS - Please consider making a small donation of $30 via the link below to the CFHLA PAC. This suggested donation was included on your annual dues invoice and all contributions help CFHLA expand its efforts to support Hospitality-Friendly candidates who are running for local and state offices throughout the 2026 election cycle. Throughout the 2025 Election Cycle, five (5) CFHLA PAC endorsed candidates were elected into office. This was an 83% success rate. |
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