Florida Legislature Opens 2026 Session with Focus on Taxes, Redistricting in DeSantis' Final Year
January 12, 2025 - This Week's News from Central Florida
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Florida is kicking off 2026 with a high-stakes political showdown, proving that so-called “lame duck” sessions are anything but quiet—and raising the question of who really runs Tallahassee in DeSantis’ final act. As lawmakers gear up to battle over property taxes, AI regulation, and redistricting, state prosecutors are also eyeing whether to add potential Florida charges to Nicolás Maduro’s growing rap sheet. Beyond the Capitol, the state’s agenda veers from futuristic to frazzled, planning "highways in the sky" for flying taxis, while fast e-bikes are getting banned and recreational marijuana is back in legal limbo. Billions are pouring into rural storm recovery, airports are bursting at the seams, Disney is wooing locals with discounts, and the Blue Man Group is finally back. Throw in saucy chicken takeovers and a push to ban congressional stock trading, and Florida once again proves the news here never takes a day off.
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Florida Legislature Opens 2026 Session With High-Stakes Agenda
Governor Ron DeSantis will deliver his eighth and final State of the State address on January 13, marking the start of Florida’s 60-day legislative session and what could be his most contentious year in office. As DeSantis enters his last year of his term-limited governorship, his political leverage has notably diminished—a shift already evidenced by the tense legislative dynamics of the 2025 session. Navigating his ‘lame-duck’ status, the governor must now contend with an environment of diminished executive dominance and assertive independence displayed by the legislature as he seeks to cement his legacy.
With Republicans holding supermajorities in the House and Senate, lawmakers are expected to debate sweeping proposals on property taxes, artificial intelligence regulation, gun laws, and healthcare—though internal GOP tensions may complicate the path forward. At the center of the session is an ongoing feud between DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami), which began in early 2025 and remains at an impasse, particularly over property tax policy. DeSantis is pushing for a constitutional amendment to eliminate homestead property taxes, while House leaders have advanced narrower proposals that would preserve funding for schools. Local governments have warned deep cuts could force reductions in public safety, infrastructure investment, and essential services. Other major issues include potential changes to Florida’s school voucher program following revelations of unused funds, possible rollbacks of gun restriction laws passed after the Parkland shooting, efforts to lower prescription drug costs, and broad healthcare deregulation backed by House leadership. Senate President Ben Albritton, (R-Wauchula) is also reviving a “Rural Renaissance” package focused on infrastructure and services in fiscally constrained counties.
Despite facing long odds and operating from a “super-minority” position, Democrats have focused their efforts on a central “Affordability Agenda,” prioritizing pocketbook issues. They plan to offer alternative bills aimed at lowering property insurance premiums, delivering housing affordability, expanding Medicaid, and tackling utility costs. Ultimately, how DeSantis navigates this final session—amid strained alliances and competing visions within his own party—will determine whether his closing chapter is defined by unfinished ambition or lasting policy impact. The outcome will set the stage for a politically charged series of months that could shape Florida policy well beyond his tenure and test Republican loyalties in the emerging post-DeSantis era.
DeSantis Calls Special Legislative Session in April on Congressional Redistricting
Governor Ron DeSantis has called a special legislative session for late April to address possible mid-decade redrawing of Florida’s congressional districts, a move that comes as lawmakers are already preparing to convene for their regular session on January 13. The governor scheduled a special session for April 20–24, ahead of the 2026 mid-term elections. This move aligns the state with a broader Republican effort, at the urging of President Donald Trump, to defend the party’s narrow U.S. House majority against anticipated political headwinds. In announcing the proclamation, DeSantis argued lawmakers should delay redrawing maps until the U.S. Supreme Court issues guidance in a pending voting rights case that could reshape how race is considered in redistricting. DeSantis said the high court’s expected ruling in Louisiana v. Callais could force changes to existing districts, particularly in South Florida, and maintained that acting too soon would be premature. He also suggested Florida’s current congressional map does not fully reflect recent population growth. The decision has exposed tensions within the Republican-controlled Legislature, where House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) has signaled a preference to address redistricting during the regular session. Democrats sharply criticized the move, accusing DeSantis of seeking to bypass the state’s Fair Districts Amendment, which forbids partisan gerrymandering. Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd has already postponed federal candidate qualifying to June to accommodate the special session. Florida’s GOP congressional delegation holds a 20-8 seat advantage, and any new legislature-approved map is expected to face legal challenges.
Florida Prosecutors Weigh State Charges Against Nicolás Maduro
Gov. Ron DeSantis said last week that state prosecutors are “looking very seriously” at whether Florida law allows for state-level charges against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following his arrest and court appearance in New York on federal drug trafficking charges. Maduro pleaded not guilty and described himself as a “prisoner of war.” At a news conference, DeSantis argued that Florida has a unique legal interest in prosecuting Maduro, alleging that the Venezuelan leader purposefully funneled narcotics, violent criminals, and gang members into the United States via the state. He claimed some migrants who reached Florida had ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, calling the actions a “hostile act” against the country. DeSantis said Attorney General James Uthmeier is reviewing state statutes to determine whether charges could be filed alongside the federal case. The governor has previously supported pursuing parallel state prosecutions in high-profile criminal matters. The attorney general’s office has not commented publicly, and it remains unclear whether any state case would proceed before the federal trial. DeSantis, who is term-limited and leaves office in 2027, has long criticized Maduro’s leadership, calling his rule illegitimate and blaming it for Venezuela’s economic collapse and humanitarian crisis.
$168M Allocated to Rural Communities for Infrastructure Recovery
Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced nearly $168 million in state funding for infrastructure projects across small and rural Florida communities, targeting areas heavily damaged by hurricanes and severe storms in 2023 and 2024. The funding combines Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery dollars and the Rural Infrastructure Fund. Taylor County emerged as one of the largest recipients, securing $36 million for multiple projects. Additionally, the City of Perry will receive $25 million, with the funds supporting wastewater system upgrades, a new parallel stormwater treatment train, an independent water source, and an additional $4.4 million in improvements at Doctors’ Memorial Hospital, including emergency power and water treatment upgrades. Cross City will receive more than $37 million for a new wastewater treatment plant and stormwater drainage improvements. Other notable investments include $14.1 million to the City of Monticello to rehabilitate or replace lift stations and ensure resiliency at critical sites susceptible to flooding, as well as $25 million for the City of Port St. Joe to rebuild and upgrade its wastewater treatment facility. Moreover, the City of Gretna will receive $7.1 million to restore and upgrade production wells that supply municipal water, $11.4 million will flow to the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District to harden the potable water system and existing wastewater treatment facility, and $8 million to Madison County to construct a special needs shelter. Additional funding will bolster water and sewer systems and related infrastructure, while dozens of other rural communities affected by recent natural disasters will receive smaller grants to support critical repairs and overall resiliency. DeSantis said the investments are essential to long-term recovery and sustainability, aimed at supporting daily life and economic health in storm-impacted areas.
State Attorney General Asks Supreme Court to Block Proposed Recreational Marijuana Amendment
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is urging the Florida Supreme Court to keep a proposed recreational marijuana amendment off the 2026 ballot, arguing the measure is misleading and conflicts with federal law. In briefs filed Friday, Uthmeier joined the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida in opposing the proposal backed by the political committee Smart & Safe Florida. The amendment would allow adults 21 and older to use recreational marijuana, but opponents say its ballot language does not clearly reflect restrictions on where marijuana could be smoked or vaped. Uthmeier’s office contends the ballot summary suggests smoking would be prohibited “in public,” opponents argue the full text’s narrower definition of “public places” would allow consumption in hotels, restaurants, and other areas. Opponents say this decieves voters into believing the measure offers broader protections than it provides. The filings also argue the proposal conflicts with federal law, which still classifies marijuana as illegal, and violates Florida’s single-subject requirement for constitutional amendments. Smart & Safe Florida disputes those claims, noting the Supreme Court allowed similar language on the 2024 ballot. The court is reviewing the proposal as the group works to meet signature requirements ahead of a February 1 deadline.
Congresswoman Luna, DeSantis Target Congressional Stock Trading
U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-St. Petersburg) is renewing her push for a ban on stock trading by members of Congress, with public backing from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Speaking alongside the governor at an event in Clearwater, Luna said her bipartisan proposal is expected to reach a House floor vote in early 2026. The bill would prohibit members of Congress, along with their spouses and dependent children, from owning or trading individual stocks while in office. Luna argued that the bill aims to restore trust and lawmakers who profit from market activity cannot fairly serve the public interest. DeSantis endorsed the proposal, calling congressional stock trading a form of insider dealing. He also announced plans to introduce state legislation requiring Florida congressional candidates to disclose their stock ownership and trading intentions on qualifying forms. The measure does not extend to state-level executive branch officials, drawing criticism from some Democrats who favor broader restrictions. Despite strong public support, similar efforts have struggled to gain enough momentum in Congress to advance.
Central Florida Prepares for Launch of Flying Taxis in 2026
Florida transportation officials are moving forward with plans to bring “highways in the skies” to the state, with flying taxi service targeted to begin by the end of 2026. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is developing infrastructure to support vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or VTOLs, beginning along the notoriously congested I-4 corridor in Central Florida. Officials plan to launch passenger flights by the end of this year. The initial phase would establish an aerial connection between airports from Daytona Beach to Orlando and south to Sarasota, offering riders an Uber-like option in the air. FDOT says the effort aims to ease traffic congestion by shifting some trips off crowded roadways. The initiative is centered at the SunTrax innovation facility in Polk County, where research, development, and testing of eVTOL aircraft and other emerging transportation technologies is taking place. A vertiport has been constructed at the facility, with another forthcoming, as well as a 20,000-square-foot hangar and a 3,000-foot runway. While federal regulatory approvals and pilot certifications remain as final hurdles, FDOT officials are optimistic that this aerial transit option will offer a swift, innovative alternative for regional travelers to bypass ground-level gridlock by late 2026.
Orlando Extends Free Parking Initiative Through 2026
Orlando’s free downtown parking program will remain in place throughout 2026, city officials announced, extending an initiative aimed at boosting visits to the city’s urban core. Visitors can receive up to two hours of free on-street parking at participating metered and non-metered downtown locations by using the ParkMobile app and entering the code ParkDTO. Each account may use the promotion up to 16 times. The code is valid 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Launched in 2023, the program is designed to encourage downtown foot traffic and support local businesses.
Exclusive Savings for Florida Residents at Walt Disney World Resort in 2026
Starting January 12, Florida residents can access exclusive savings at Walt Disney World Resort with two new seasonal ticket packages. The Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket offers either a four-day ticket for $255 plus tax, or a three-day ticket for $235 plus tax, with access to all four theme parks from Jan. 12 through May 16, 2026. Guests may visit one park per day with advance reservations required. Alternatively, a Florida Resident 2-Day, 2-Park is available for $190 plus tax and allows visits to EPCOT and Animal Kingdom between Jan. 12 and April 18. Locals can also save on accommodations, with discounts of up to 30% at select Disney resorts this spring and up to 35% during the summer. Exciting new experiences await visitors in 2026, including the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, the debut of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, and refreshed favorites like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and updated Frozen Ever After animatronics.
Winter Garden Enacts E-Bike Rules for Trail Safety
The Winter Garden City Commission has unanimously approved a new ordinance aimed at improving safety along the heavily used West Orange Trail. Effective immediately, the measure restricts anyone under 15 from operating e-bikes, and high-speed Class 3 models—capable of 28 mph—are banned from the popular multi-use trail. All riders are now subject to a 10 mph speed limit on city paths, while motorized scooters are barred from the trail and sidewalks within city limits that are narrower than eight feet. Residents who spoke in favor of the changes cited concerns about fast-moving e-bikes and scooters weaving through crowded areas. City leaders said the goal is to ensure the trail remains safe and accessible for users of all ages. Violations of the ordinance carry a $100 fine per incident. Parents or legal guardians will be financially responsible for fines issued to minors who break the rules.
Blue Man Group Sets May 1 Return to Orlando
Blue Man Group has set a new date for its long-awaited permanent residency in Orlando following a series of delays. The performance art troupe announced it will officially resume live shows on May 1 at the newly built 500-seat Blue Man Theater at ICON Park. The multi-sensory experience will feature signature Blue Man Group performances along with new, Orlando-exclusive material. The group last performed locally in 2021 after a 14-year run at Universal Orlando. Tickets go on sale Jan. 16 at 10 AM.
St. Pete-Clearwater Airport Approves $60M Parking Expansion to Meet Overwhelming Demand
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is moving forward with a major parking expansion as record passenger traffic continues to strain existing capacity. Pinellas County commissioners unanimously approved a $3.1 million design-build contract with Finrock Construction for a four-story, 2,000-space parking garage and a separate 300-space surface lot. County officials have budgeted $60 million to address what administrators call a growing parking crisis. The airport currently has just 3,260 parking spaces and frequently reaches capacity during peak travel periods, forcing some travelers to seek off-site options. Design work is set to begin in January and wrap up by the end of 2026, with construction expected to last about a year. The county-owned airport’s first parking garage is projected to open in late 2027, increasing overall parking by roughly 30%. PIE had a record-breaking 2025 with nearly 2.7 million passengers and continues to grow as it add flights.
I-95 Crackdown: Brevard County Sheriff Issues Hundreds of Tickets to Motorists
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey’s new traffic campaign, “This is the Only Warning You’re Getting,” has resulted in nearly 400 citations along Interstate 95 during the past week. Launched after a deadly holiday season, the joint operation with the Florida Highway Patrol targets reckless behaviors like “super speeding” and distracted driving. The initiative resulted in over 100 tickets on day one, and led to multiple arrests for aggravated battery and immigration violations. Sheriff Ivey emphasized that warnings are over for both residents and visitors. “Our goal is to make sure you arrive alive,” the agency stated, prioritizing safety over excuses. Ivey warned that drivers committing violations—from excessive speed to distracted driving—should expect citations, not warnings, adding that any criminal offenses will result in jail time. Law enforcement plans to maintain a strong presence along the corridor for the foreseeable future.
Saucy! by KFC Accelerates Florida Expansion with Former PDQ Conversions
A fast-growing KFC spinoff focused on chicken tenders is preparing to expand its footprint across Central Florida and Tampa Bay. Saucy, a Yum! Brands–backed concept, currently operates only in Orlando but has confirmed plans to open additional locations throughout the region, including Tampa Bay. Yum! Brands Inc., the Louisville-based parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, has acquired multiple former PDQ Chicken properties across Florida and is converting select sites into Saucy restaurants. Two additional PDQ Chicken locations in the Orlando area—Altamonte Springs and Winter Garden—are closing and will transition to the new concept. In Tampa Bay, PDQ restaurants that previously closed in Hillsborough and Pasco counties are also slated to reopen as Saucy locations, with four restaurants planned in the region. The expansion is part of a broader agreement involving more than a dozen former PDQ locations statewide. PDQ, meanwhile, continues to operate dozens of restaurants across Florida and the Southeast. PDQ has not cited a specific reason for the closures, though the moves reflect an ongoing contraction for the chain, which has significantly reduced its national footprint since 2019. Additional Saucy openings are expected in Northeast Florida, where permits have been filed to convert former PDQ sites in the Jacksonville area. While no reopening timeline has been announced for the Tampa Bay locations, three Central Florida sites are expected to reopen as Saucy restaurants by the end of January 2026. Saucy debuted in Orlando in late 2024 as a test concept, offering chicken tenders paired with a wide range of bold sauces, including chimichurri ranch and spicy mango chutney. The brand is positioning itself to capitalize on growing consumer demand for sauce-forward, fast-casual chicken concepts.
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Solid breakdown of the lame duck dynamic. The Perez-DeSantis property tax fight is the real story here; when even a speaker from the same party starts positioning against a termed-out governor this early, it signals power's already moved on. I saw something similiar in another state where a governor tried pushing major tax reform in his final year and the legislature just slow-walked everything becuase they knew he had no real leverage left. The homestead elimination proposal sounds bold but honestly feels DOA when schools are involved.