Priority Legislative Issues

Florida's cities face a wide variety of issues on a daily basis. No two cities are the same, so one-size-fits all legislation does not work for our state's diverse communities.

The issues below reflect the priorities of 412 municipalities, as prepared by the League's five legislative policy committees and adopted by the full membership. Expand the menu below to learn more about each issue so you can tell your lawmaker why we need local voices making local choices!

Affordable Housing

The Florida League of Cities calls on the Florida Legislature to support legislation that requires all money in the Sadowski State and Local Housing Trust Fund be used only for affordable housing programs. View Talking Points

Municipal Cyber Security

The Florida League of Cities calls on the Florida Legislature to provide the resources necessary to keep cybercriminals from compromising data on citizens and businesses that is collected by cities. View Talking Points

Private Property Rights “Bert Harris Act”

The Florida League of Cities OPPOSES changes to the Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act that do not consider everyone’s property rights or that create one-sided lawsuits that shift inordinate financial burdens onto local taxpayers and limit the ability of cities to quickly resolve claims. View Issue Background │View Talking Points

Sales Tax Fairness

The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation to reform Florida’s sales and use tax laws that apply to online/e-commerce sales from out-of-state retailers. Changes are needed to ensure in-state retailers are treated equitably. View Issue Background │View Talking Points

Short-Term Rentals

The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation providing for a collaboration between the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and cities to ensure that short-term rental properties abide by state and local regulations and be properly licensed and insured. The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation clarifying that existing, grandfathered municipal short-term rental ordinances can be amended if the changes being made are equal to or less restrictive than the current regulation in place. View Issue Background │View Talking Points

Transportation Funding

The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that will provide local governments with new and innovative revenue options and resources to finance critical infrastructure, maintenance and construction needs to meet the ever-changing transportation demands driven by dramatic population growth and new technology (autonomous vehicles) throughout Florida. View Issue Background │View Talking Points

Water Resources

Water is an essential public asset that benefits Florida’s economy, residents, visitors and environment. Presently, Florida spends less than 1/10 of 1 percent of its entire state budget on water supply and water quality improvements. The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation to address Florida’s water quality crisis and water supply deficiencies. View Issue Background │View Talking Points