The fourth week of the Legislative Session 2020 has already come to a close as bills are moving through the Florida House and Senate. Gunster’s Government Affairs team is working hard, closely tracking legislation and meeting with legislators to monitor and lobby on behalf of our clients.
Below is a weekly update from Gunster's Government Affairs Consultants with a summary of the issues of the week and how they may impact your business, a recap of bills that are moving through the Legislature and a close look at this week’s happenings around the capital city.
Legislation Watch
- HB 7051: Intercollegiate Athlete Compensation and Rights. The House Education Committee is continuing to advance a bill that would allow college athletes to generate revenue from their likeness. The universities would not be allowed to pay athletes but the athletes would be able to secure endorsements. The bill has one more committee hearing before it is heard on the House floor. Read more
- HB 7037: Constitutional Amendments Proposed by Initiative. This bill amends provisions related to constitutional amendments proposed by citizen initiatives. The bill would make getting proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot more difficult. Read more
- HB 1011: Vacation Rentals. This bill preempts regulation of vacation rentals to the state by shifting oversight to Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Under the bill, homeowners that use rental agencies such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO and MisterB&B would need to obtain a Vacation Rental Dwelling License form the DBPR and verify compliance quarterly. The bill also seeks $1.4 million to hire employees to oversee the licensing. Read more
State Budget Watch
This week the Senate and House Appropriations Chairs presented their budget proposals in each of their respective committees. The Senate Appropriations Committee adopted 70 budget amendments to the Chair’s proposal. The House Appropriations Committee adopted three amendments during their meeting this week.
Moving forward, the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and implementing bills expected to be considered can be found below:
HB 5001: General Appropriations Act
SB 2502: Implementing the 2020-2021 General Appropriations Act
HB 5003: Implementing the 2020-2021 General Appropriations Act
Senate Reunion 2020
Senate President Bill Galvano welcomed former legislators into the Senate Chamber for the annual Senate Reunion. This Reunion recognizes former Senators and their dedicated service to the State of Florida. Gunster's Joanna Bonfanti was in attendance with her father, former Senator Charlie Clary.
Lauren's Kids
State Senator Lauren Book founded Lauren’s Kids in 2007 to educate adults and children about sexual abuse prevention. Senator Book 
has led the organizations initiatives including the statewide “Walk in My Shoes” awareness walk from Key West to Tallahassee. The foundation has brought the walk to Tallahassee the past two years with the 42 hours for 42 survivors initiative to bring awareness statewide and nationwide.
As a victim of childhood abuse herself, Senator Book has made the issue a priority during her tenure as a legislator. She has aided in the passage of over two dozen legislative changes to protect children in the State of Florida. Thank you to Senator Book for being a champion for the children. Read more about Lauren's Kids
Florida Keys Day
Florida Keys Day is an annual event held in Tallahassee recognizing Monroe County. The event brings residents to the Florida Capitol to meet with legislators, discuss important issues and celebrate everything the Keys has to offer. Florida Keys Day is complete with a reception including seafood, key lime pie and cocktails. Learn more
Miami-Dade County Days
Miami-Dade County Days in Tallahassee is an annual event that includes over 1,000 attendees and 200 organizations. This event 
showcases Miami-Dade and allows the citizens to meet with legislators. The festivities end with the "Paella Fest" complete with food from local vendors. Learn more
For Further Information
- Keep up-to-date with our Legislative Session 2020 Weekly Updates: Subscribe now
- Learn more about our Government Affairs Practice.
