This the second week of the 2016 Florida Legislative Session and homebuilder issues are beginning to gel. Our eventual success will largely depend upon our members letting legislators know how they feel about certain issues. Legislators and Capitol observers will use our “Day on the Hill” as a barometer of FHBA member intensity about our legislative initiatives. The more members who attend and walk the halls, the more intense support we portray. I hope to see you all February 8-10 in Tallahassee for our FHBA Legislative Conference.
This week, Governor Scott signed the overarching water policy bill. Environmental groups criticized the bill as too business friendly. In reality the bill provides a framework that relies upon research scientific findings in lieu of top-down statewide mandates.
We anticipate the building code bill to be considered by the House Governmental Operations Appropriations Committee this week. The Senate is likely to take up this bill in the following week. Several legislators, including Reps. Porter and Perry, are working on creating a task force on Construction Workforce Issues. The public corruption bill is being postured so that it does not interfere with the normal business relationships. Finally, Rep. Perry’s bill to define when the statute of repose begins to toll continues to enjoy strong support in the House. Draft House and Senate budgets are expected to be released in the next few weeks. Once available, we will have a better understanding of the legislature’s commitment to affordable housing.
Bottom Line: There is much at stake in the 2016 legislature. To be successful, we need you to show your support for FHBA priorities. Attend FHBA’s Legislative Conference and PLEASE, respond to all legislative alerts.