HB 167 – Former Phosphate Mining Lands
On Tuesday, January 27, HB 167 by Representative Lawrence McClure (R-Plant City) was heard in the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

Phosphate mining is a critical industry in Florida and is essential to providing sufficient fertilizers and agrichemicals for agricultural operations around the globe. HB 167 provides protections against bad actors who bring claims against producers and property owners of land previously used for phosphate mining. The bill requires the Florida Department of Health (DOH) to perform radiation surveys on land previously used for phosphate mining operations at the request of the landowner. Plaintiffs would be required to submit DOH reports as discovery evidence in causes of action against landowners.

HB 167 will now go to the Senate Floor.

AIF supports legislation that adds a transparent good faith clause to the strict liability statute to protect businesses and landowners following environmental guidelines from being held liable in frivolous lawsuits, allowing businesses to utilize thousands of acres of land for needed projects.

SB 1396 – Litigation Financing Consumer Protection
On Tuesday, January 27, SB 1396 by Senator Colleen Burton (R-Winter Haven) was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee and reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill will prohibit harmful lawsuit investing practices by establishing the Litigation Investment Safeguards and Transparency Act. Third Party Litigation Financing (TPLF) allows hedge funds and other financiers to invest in lawsuits in exchange for a portion of any settlement or verdict, effectively turning litigation into a profit-driven enterprise. Currently, these financers operate largely unregulated, creating serious risks without commonsense safeguards or transparency.

SB 1396 will now go to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration.

AIF supports any legislation that will continue to improve the litigious climate in Florida and end frivolous, unnecessary lawsuits. Businesses and consumers continue to pay a “tort tax”, or a higher price of goods, to mitigate frivolous lawsuits.

SB 806 – Consumers’ Right to Repair Certain Equipment
On Tuesday, January 27, SB 806 by Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares) was heard by the Senate Agriculture 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 Rules 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.

HB 405 - Commercial Construction Projects
On Tuesday, January 27, HB 405 by Representative Griff Griffitts (R-Panama City) was heard by the House Commerce Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

The bill makes reforms to Florida’s home construction process by regulating Florida’s permitting process and mitigating delays by local governments. The bill preempts certain building design elements that are purely aesthetic without any functional purposes. The bill will standardize construction processes and make it easier for responsible developers to build on the land they own.

HB 405 will now go to the House Floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that encourages responsible development and limits local government’s ability to deter development via permits and fees. Responsible development is key to assisting in mitigating the affordability issues in Florida. 

SB 948 - Local Government Land Development Regulations and Orders
On Tuesday, January 27, SB 948 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) was heard by the Senate Community Affairs Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill requires local governments to use uniform procedures for development applications and permits allowing streamlined processes statewide. The bill also creates the Florida Starter Homes Act which will further simplify home building procedures throughout the state. Finally, the bill will cap certain development fees.

SB 948 will now go to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

AIF supports laws that make it faster and easier to receive permits so homes can continue to be built across Florida. With housing costs rising, building more homes can help increase supply and keep prices affordable for families. 

SB 1434 - Infill Redevelopment

On Tuesday, January 27, SB 1434 by Senator Calatayud (R-Miami) was heard by the Senate Community Affairs Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill allows environmentally impacted land in dense urban counties to be used by streamlining redevelopment and removing local regulatory barriers that restrict housing supply. The legislation preempts restrictive zoning rules, limits local interference, and creates uniform development standards.

SB 1434 will now go to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.

AIF supports laws that make it faster and easier to receive permits so homes can continue to be built across Florida. With housing costs rising, building more homes can help increase supply and keep prices affordable for families.