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 411 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!

Sales Tax Fairness

The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation to update Florida’s sales and use tax laws that apply to online/e-commerce sales from out-of-state retailers. Changes are needed to ensure instate retailers are treated equitably and that the Florida sales and use tax law is equally enforced. 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, are properly licensed and insured, and comply with state and local taxation requirements as well as industry-accepted safety practices. The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation clarifying that existing, grandfathered municipal short-term rental ordinances can be amended without penalty. View Issue Background │ View Talking Points

Discharges to Surface Waters

The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that establishes reasonable time frames for utilities to eliminate, to the extent possible in compliance with regulatory requirements and with specified exceptions, discharges to surface waters unless a utility demonstrates it is not environmentally, technically or economically feasible. View Issue Background │View Talking Points

Affordable Housing

The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that requires all monies from the Sadowski State and Local Housing Trust Funds be used only for Florida's affordable housing programs. View Issue Background │ View Talking Points

Annexation

The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that facilitates the municipal annexation of unincorporated areas while protecting private property rights and respecting municipal boundaries. View Issue Background │ View Talking Points

Cybersecurity

The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation dedicating state resources for the development and enhancement of municipal cybersecurity by providing funding for technical assistance, threat assessments, employee training, infrastructure improvements and data protection. View Issue Background

Digital Divide

The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that reduces the digital divide and expands broadband internet access to all areas of the state. View Issue Background

Mobility Plans

The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that defines mobility plans and fees in order to provide the clarity and consistency needed to assist Florida’s cities in implementing alternative modes of transportation. View Issue Background

Resilient and Sustainable Florida

The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that promotes a resilient and sustainable Florida, including funding for water quality improvements and establishing policies and funding for alternative water supply development. View Issue Background

Transportation Funding

The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that will allow cities to have greater local decision-making and flexibility on transportation funding to ensure we meet our ever-changing transportation demands. View Issue Background