Today marks the first day of the 2026 Legislative Session. Throughout the summer and fall, AIF has worked diligently to position the business community at the center of major policy discussions that will shape Florida’s economic landscape. Our mission remains clear: protect Florida employers from harmful anti–free market policies and support legislation that strengthens our economy and allows businesses to thrive.
To date, many bills have been filed, many directly affecting the policy areas that matter most to our member companies. Three issue categories have emerged as the most significant in recent weeks:
Tort Reform:
The 2025 Session featured numerous proposals backed by the trial bar, and AIF fought hard to maintain a stable legal climate in Florida. Many of those same concepts have returned this year. Frivolous lawsuits continue to drive costs up for Floridians, and any rollback of recent tort reforms could exacerbate those costs. AIF will continue to stand firm against policies that undermine legal certainty while also advancing proactive measures to protect law-abiding companies from unnecessary liability exposure.
Elimination of Property Tax:
The proposal to eliminate homesteaded property taxes has become a major policy discussion point, drawing considerable attention from both the executive branch and the media. While AIF supports meaningful and responsible tax reform, we are urging lawmakers to consider the possible cost shift to businesses if local government budgets are significantly reduced. Tax changes that seem beneficial at first glance could ultimately result in higher prices for Floridians if the burden is shifted to the business community through additional local taxes or fees.
AI and Data Centers:
Artificial intelligence policy has gained momentum in recent Sessions, and this year it has fully come to the forefront. AI is critical to the future of American competitiveness, and while responsible guardrails are necessary, overly burdensome regulations risk stifling innovation and placing Florida at a disadvantage in the global race for technological leadership.
These are just a few of the many areas where AIF will be actively engaged this Session. Our Government Affairs team wanted to provide a brief overview of the landscape as we begin the year. As always, we encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas as Session progresses. We are committed to defending Florida businesses and working to ensure our state continues to grow in a strong, competitive, and economically sound direction.
Economic Development
SB 528 – Manufacturing
On Tuesday, January 13th,SB 528 by Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares) was heard by the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
This bill restructures Florida’s approach to encouraging manufacturing investments. At the Department of Commerce, the bill creates the role of “Chief Manufacturing Officer” to provide additional resources for manufacturers across the state. Additionally, the bill provides for a Florida Manufacturers’ Workforce Development Program designed to encourage small manufacturers with new technologies, cybersecurity protocols, and workforce training. The bill also creates a promotional campaign that promotes state-manufactured products to consumers.
SB 528 will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development for consideration.
AIF supports initiatives that drive new manufacturing investment to the state and the promotion of “Made in Florida” products.
Business Regulation
SB 806 – Consumers’ Right to Repair Certain Equipment
On Tuesday, January 13th, SB 806 by Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares) was heard by the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and was reported favorably. AIF spoke in opposition to this legislation.
SB 806 establishes new guidelines to mandate manufacturers share documentation, tools, and parts to device owners and independent repair providers to use on devices. The bill creates the Agriculture Equipment Fair Repair Act which mandates certain repair and manufacturing information be available to independent providers and owners. The bill prohibits original equipment manufacturers from excluding some security related functions.
SB 806 will now go to the Senate Agriculture Committee for consideration.
In its current form, AIF opposes SB 806 as it would allow intellectual property that is developed and owned by manufacturers, to be readily available for distribution by entities that are not associated with the manufacturer. These reforms could result in higher repair costs for products ranging from smartphones to heavy machinery.
Legal & Judicial
SB 266 – Public Adjuster Contracts
On Tuesday, January 13th, SB 266 by Senator Colleen Burton (R – Lakeland) was heard in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
SB 266 strengthens consumer protections around public adjuster contracts by expanding cancellation and rescission rights for vulnerable adults. The bill allows vulnerable adults or their legal representatives to cancel a public adjuster contract at any time without penalty. The bill also extends the cancellation period for insureds or claimants following a declared state of emergency and require clear contract language on these rights while clarifying disciplinary grounds for public adjusters who exploit vulnerable adults or violate other standards of practice.
SB 266 will now go to the Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee for consideration.
AIF supports strengthening consumer protections, increasing accountability in the public adjuster industry, and reducing fraud-driven costs in the insurance marketplace to drive costs down.
