Florida Lawmakers Tackle 1,300 Bills in Session

Florida's 2025 legislative session begins on March 4, with lawmakers set to tackle over 1,300 bills that could significantly impact state policies and residents' lives. Key issues include Gov. Ron DeSantis' proposed $115.6 billion budget, which may see reduced local spending due to the end of federal pandemic funds, and potential changes to condominium laws following the 2021 Surfside building collapse. The session will also address education reforms, such as repealing later high school start times, and election laws, with DeSantis pushing to make it harder to amend the state constitution. Gun laws are under scrutiny, with proposals to lower the age for purchasing rifles and long guns and expansions of where firearms can be carried. Immigration remains a contentious issue, with bills to restrict undocumented students' access to state universities and revoke law licenses for undocumented immigrants. Additionally, Miami-Dade Democrats are pushing for healthcare reforms, including repealing the six-week abortion ban and establishing a task force to combat gun violence in marginalized communities.