Where local voices come together to identify the biggest challenges facing Florida's cities and protect their right to make local choices that are best for their communities.
Our Legislative Conference is held each Fall. The 2023 event will be held November 30 - December 1 at the Hilton Orlando (6001 Destination Parkway). Register today for the 2023 Florida League of Cities Legislative Conference! Register Online
Florida League of Cities President Greg Ross, Mayor of the City of Cooper City, will preside over the conference where he will rally the membership in support of the League’s 2024 Legislative Platform.
You are essential to the League’s legislative success. Join Florida's city leaders to discuss and learn about important issues, finalize and adopt our legislative priorities, and share ideas and strategies on collaborating with state legislators.
The registration fee for this event is $300 and covers admission to all conference sessions, continental breakfasts, refreshment breaks and Thursday’s luncheon and networking event.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Schedule of Events*
Pre-Conference Events: Wednesday – November 29, 2023
12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Orange Ballroom Foyer
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Florida League of Mayors Workshop: Deep Dive from Professionals - Mentoring, Mental Wellness and Veterans Affairs
Open to Mayors and Vice Mayors/Deputy Mayors only. Registration information is available here.
Florida Ballroom 4
This workshop brings together a panel of experts to discuss Florida League of Mayors’ President Scott Brook’s three main focus areas of his presidency. It features in-depth discussions on mentoring, mental wellness and veterans affairs. Hershel Lyons, On-Site Administrator for Education Management Consulting Services and the former chancellor for K-12 public schools at the Florida Department of Education, will lead the discussion on mentoring. He’ll share ways that cities can set up successful mentorship programs and provide guidance on how to be a mentor to other mayors. Bob Asztalos, Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, will focus on veterans issues and how mayors can provide more support to this group.
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Florida League of Mayors Reception
Open to Mayors and Vice Mayors/Deputy Mayors only. Registration information is available here.
Florida Ballroom 1-3
Thursday – November 30, 2023
7:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
Orange Ballroom Foyer
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Orange Ballroom Foyer
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Speed Networking
Orange Ballroom C
Grab some coffee and join colleagues from across the state for a fun, fast-paced and interactive start to the day! Get ready to meet, greet and swap ideas and information!
8:15 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Advocacy Committee Organizational Meeting
Florida Ballroom 1-3
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Ballot Campaign Do’s and Don’ts
Orange Ballroom AB
Take part in this informative discussion on how cities can successfully run local ballot campaigns on matters such as charter amendments and other local referendums. One of Florida’s premier ethics and election law authorities will shed light on the legal intricacies and limitations surrounding taxpayer expenditures used to influence ballot-related campaigns, while a communications and campaign expert will focus on effective messaging strategies for local governments to bolster their chances of passing ballot issues. This workshop promises to be a valuable resource for city officials looking to navigate the legal complexities surrounding taxpayer expenditures and master the art of winning local referenda and charter amendments.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Legislative Policy Committee Meetings
- Finance, Taxation and Personnel - Orange Ballroom G
- Land Use and Economic Development - Florida Ballroom 5-7
- Municipal Administration - Florida Ballroom 4
- Transportation and Intergovernmental Relations - Florida Ballroom 1-3
- Utilities, Natural Resources and Public Works - Orange Ballroom EF
12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Keynote Luncheon
Orange Ballroom D
Call to Order: Greg Ross, President, Florida League of Cities, and Mayor, City of Cooper City
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Presentation of the Employee of the Year Award
Presentation of the Defender of Home Rule Award
Keynote Presentation by Florida State Senator and Representative (To Be Announced)
2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Lobbying Like a Pro: Strategies for Success and Upcoming Session Highlights
Orange Ballroom AB
Whether you're a newcomer just starting out or a seasoned advocate with years of experience, you won't want to overlook this exciting and interactive chance to discover effective lobbying strategies from seasoned professionals. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the major issues we can anticipate in the upcoming session.
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Show Me the Money!
Orange Ballroom AB
Ever wondered how cities obtain funding from the State of Florida for their projects or programs? Do you have an appropriations request that is struggling to get funded? There is money available for projects and programs, but where do you start? In this session, you will get firsthand perspectives on what is trending in the legislative budget process and how to differentiate your projects from the rest.
4:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Florida League of Cities Board of Directors Meeting
Orange Ballroom EF
Presiding: Greg Ross, President, Florida League of Cities, and Mayor, City of Cooper City
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Networking Event
Florida Ballroom 1-3
Friday – December 1, 2023
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Membership Networking and Continental Breakfast
Orange Ballroom Foyer
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Orange Ballroom Foyer
8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Federal Action Strike Team Organizational Meeting
Orange Ballroom G
9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
How to Talk So Your Legislator Will Listen and How to Listen So Your Legislator Will Talk
Orange Ballroom AB
Join us for an informal chat with four legislators about effective communication strategies and how state and local officials can work better together to serve the shared interests of their constituents.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Legislative Committee Meeting and Business Session
Orange Ballroom D
* Schedule subject to change. Check back for additional updates.
Hotel Information
The 2023 Legislative Conference will be held at the Hilton Orlando, located at 6001 Destination Parkway, just off of International Drive. The group rate is $175/night, inclusive of a reduced $10/night resort fee. Self-parking is available at a discount of $17.50/night. Complete reservation instructions will be sent with your registration confirmation. If the hotel is sold out at the time of your registration, please contact Melanie Howe for a list of alternative suggestions.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be emailed to Melanie Howe by 5:00 p.m., Friday, November 17 to receive a refund of registration fees, minus a $25 administrative fee. Refunds will not be issued until after the conference and no refunds will be issued for early departure.
Select presentations from past conferences are available below.