Community Affairs — Closed Captions

>> The committee community Affairs will now come to order. Elizabeth, please call the roll. >> Chair McClain here, vice chair massullo Senator Jones. The senator leak here. Senator Passadomo senator Pizzo Senator Sharif here. Senator Trumbull. >> A quorum is present. Thank you. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to which it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> For those of you that are here for SB 1122, that bill has been temporarily will be temporarily postponed. Please silence all your electronic devices. Anyone wishing to speak before the committee should complete an appearance form and hand it into a member of the sergeants office. So you should you select to waive your speaking time. Your position will be included in the committee meeting records. Senators. We're going to move to Tab 9 SB 1342. On Transportation, Infrastructure, Land development regulations by Senator Rouson. Senator Rouson. You are recognized to explain your Bill. >> Thank you very much, Mister Chairman. Thank you for attending this matter. Senate Bill 13, 42 is about addressing how to housing affordability in Florida by building on the progress we made with the live local act and applying those same principles. Reducing red tape encouraging private investment in protecting property rights. 2 areas where Florida has already invested heavily our transit corridors. This bill recognizes that housing affordability and traffic congestion and land use policy are all deeply connected. Florida's home prices and rents have risen faster than incomes for more than a decade. At the same time we are experiencing chronic traffic congestion. It hurts families, workers and businesses. These problems are not accidental. They're often result of local land use regulations that artificially restricted housing supply. And this bill seeks to address that. And what I just explained, Mister Chairman was the dealer delete all 2, 1, 9, 3, 6, 0, to Senate Bill 1342. >> Thank you, Senator Rouson. So that senators we are on the amendment to 1, 9, 3, 6, 0, by Senator Reese on. Are there any any questions on the amendment? >> And there is an amendment to the amendment yesterday. >> Is there any questions on the amendment? Then there is an amendment to the amendment as it will take up amendment number 2, 5, 1, 2, 8, 8, by Senator Rouson. You're recognized to explain that Amendment. >> Amendment 2, 5, 1, 2, removes language related to compelling governmental interest standard from the bill's enforcement and a geisha in provisions removing the heightened standard avoids inviting constitutional style challenges then keep disputes in a more traditional land use framework and is intended to answer concerns raised by the Florida League of Cities surrounding the mitigation and that is the amendment to the amendment. >> Thank you, Senator Rouson other. Are there appearance forms on the amendment to the amendment? We know is there any debate on the amendment to the amendment? Senator Rouson you're recognized to close on the amendment to the amendment. Waive close all in favor of amendment say yea or nay. The amendment is adopted. Now we're back on the Main Amendment as amended. Are there questions on the amendment? Are there any appearance forms on the amendment? That would be the it yet. So and is there debate on the amendment? No, senator, you're recognized to close on that amendment waive close. Thank you. All in favor of amendment. The the amendment is adopted and now we're back on the bill as amended. Are there questions on the bill as amended? No. Are there appearance forms on the bill? Thank you, man. Recent recipient. It's going to speak. You're recognized. >> If you Chair McClain commitee members, my name is Lynn recipe, reversing Marion County Republican Executive Committee. First appreciate the legislative intent. Well, he's building located affordable developments near a transportation corridor us where is read the bill. Several questions and concerns arise. First question relates to to clarify the requirements of the bill. Well, that override local land use and zoning that it applies only where there's 6 trailer fix corridors, even though some lines in the bill say such as lines. 62 63 say such as further on it to find it again. So 3, 41 31, 2 of transportation, which Israel's and fix condo with. So there's a little confusion there as to where this applies where this won't override local zoning as with other bills. So we're very concerned when you override local, local land use and control and some of the specific said our concern when you look at Tier one and tier 2 requirements in this bill, it really sets up 0 lot line setbacks. It removes height restrictions and also imposes some interesting developments next. The single-family homes. So if you look at tier one tier 2 and apply the floor area ratio ratio, on just a 0, 2, acre lot, you could build the structure greater than 16,000 Square feet next to a single-family home. So that raises concerns. So basically in closing as a conservative organization, we believe in less government in home rule to manage growth. We believe the goals can be accomplished in collaboration with local government. Not override it. We appreciate your time. Thank you. Thank you. Rebecca o Hare Florida League of Cities. >> Rebecca, he did that to me when I was presenting a bill earlier today. So yeah, the pain of pay. No attention to that and you're recognized. >> Thank you. Chair McClain and members of the committee and good afternoon, Senator Pizzo. So first, let me start by thanking Senator Rouson for meeting and his office for meeting with us on this bill most several times and the amendment that you just adopted for flex that some of the discussions we've had and it is a considerable in considerable improvement to the bill. We do have some concerns. Unfortunately, I'm going to just walk through a few of them quickly. The bill establishes pretty arbitrary zoning standards for the roughly 500 acre area that will surround a transit stop. Not just transit station's, not just large transit hubs, but also rapid bus service bus stops as well. 1200 square foot. Lot specific building heights, no density requirements, no open space among other things. The thing is many Florida jurisdictions have established transit oriented development, transit oriented development districts, RTO tease or their functional equivalent based on state guidelines for tea OT TNT's and consistent with comprehensive plans, which means we are assured that there will be services and infrastructure available to support the increase, densities and intensities of the zones. Amazon will actually increase transit ridership and economic activity. All of this work has been accomplished with full public participation. Unfortunately, the bill in its current form discards all of this work that has been done. Every community that has already done transit oriented development will have to jettison their policies and start anew to accommodate the ridge and zoning mandates. The bill requires every T OD to be the same. But the fact is not every transit oriented development district. Not every station is the same. This conflicts with the state's own guidance for transit Orient Oriana developments. Some of these stations are regional. Some of them are community-based and some of them are neighborhood and each needs its own guidelines and standards to ensure that public investment is maximized and that he od flourishes. The league's supports transit-oriented development and multi-modal districts that are consistent with state law and local comprehensive plans that the legislature would like to mandate that local governments and act more transit oriented development zones. That's fine. But it should be required within the framework of the Community Planning Act and local government comprehensive plans should be based on data and analysis rather than someone's best. A guess about what sounds good. You already have good guidance out there from your own state agencies. So there's something there to follow for a framework in our conversations with Senator Rouson's office. It's clear that Senator resigned does not want to jeopardize the good work that's already been done. And even by his own city and other jurisdictions, his motives with this bill are very good and we know he's willing to work together to get to a good product and we look forward to doing that. Thank you. Thank you. Rebecca George Crease recognized. Thank you, Chair McClain. >> Every year Commissioner Manatee County, we hear that sprawl is happening. It's going further and further away from the very infrastructure that we're trying to protect and we're building more and more single family homes, bills like this. Good bills like this are encouraging infill location. By definition, the type of transit that this is being built around is already going to have the infrastructure in place. That's why the transit is there is dedicated lanes. It's it's fixed rail. This is where development should be. And I can appreciate that. Local government already has some of their own regulations. But to say this is against limited government, what this is doing is removing burden some regulations that are already in place where we should be encouraging more housing because affordable housing isn't fixing itself in the state of Florida. It's not fixing itself throughout the country. And this year, this body has a number of very good bills. The chairman, you yourself a starter Home Act, which is an excellent opportunity to build more housing. We've got some it further improvements to live local and we have the transit oriented development bill. All these collectively are going to allow all of our municipalities, all of our counties to provide housing affordability. We need without additional tax dollars without additional some cities. While we're working to create a lower property tax base and we're working to lower the cost of living for all of our residents, taking away regulations is the single best way to provide housing without using financing to do so. And this bill is putting housing exactly where it should be. This type of transit does not exist out in rural counties. This type of transit does not exist east of f deadlines. This kind of transit is in the in the urban areas of all of our communities and municipality's warehousing should be. I think this is a very good bill and I would encourage you to move this forward for continued conversation because we need to have more conversations how to allow for affordable housing without simply subsidizing both the supply and the demand side of it. Thank you. >> Thank you for your comments. Yvonne Fernandez. Aarp is waiving in support and Martinez is waiving in support. Those are all of the appearance forms that we have. Is there any debate on the bill as amended Senator Rouson you're recognized to close on your bill as amended. >> Thank you very much, Mister chairman. As speakers said, I'm willing to work together to get to a better product. And I'm willing to listen as I've listened all along to their concerns. But this is putting housing exactly where it needs to be in transit corridors that already developed. Thank you for your favorable consideration on this Bill. >> Elizabeth, please call the Roll on CS for SB 1342. >> Senator Jones, Senator Lee. Yes, senator passidomo senator pizzo Senator Sharif. Yes. Senator Trumbull, vice chair Massullo Chair. Mcclain. Yes. >> By your vote SB 1342, is reported favorably. Thank you very much, sir. We look at now. We'll move on to Tab 11 as the 16 14 by Senator Lee Senator Leek. You're recognized to explain your Bill. >> Thank you. Chair members, Senate Bill 1614, and services repairs to a storm water management system to the list of authorize uses in which local government can use excess funds received from enforcing the Florida building code. The bill provides a local government may not receive state funds through local funding initiative request to its legislative delegation unless it is does not have excess funds. The bill further provides a local government is ineligible for additional state. Funds of the local government has been subject to legislative committees audit within one year after the local governments request or if the local government does not submit an affirmation stating that it has expended all funds, it does not have access funds. Each appropriate. Legislative committee must report a list of all local governments that have been subject to an audit. We're which have submitted an affirmation of the presiding officers and the chairs of the Legislative Appropriations Committee. Mr. Chair. There is an amendment. >> Thank you. We will move on to the amendment of that questions once we get and find the right order. So we'll take up amendment 7, 7, 0, 2, by Senator leaks in early. You're recognized to explain the amendment. >> Thank you. The amendment removes the provisions that allow for excess funds to be spent on the storm water system and to pay for the construction of a building for code enforcement. Also suffice the language regarding if I ours it to require that the low governments are not eligible to run for legislative appropriations. If they have been the subject of a legislative committee audit within one year of the request with a local government does not submit an affirmation to the delegation that is no longer the subject of a state audit in short members. What this does is give Jay lack some teeth. >> Are there questions on the amendment? Are there appearance forms? No, no appearance forms. Is there debate on the amendment? It certainly you're recognized to close on the amendment. I waive close all in favor of amendment say yea, all opposed nay. The amendment is adopted. We're now back on the bill as amended. Are there questions on the bill as amended? Are there appearance forms for the bill? There is. Brendan Bird is waiving in support. Thank you. Those are the appearance forms. Is there debate on the bill as amended Senator Leek? You're recognized to close on the bill as amended. Thank you all. Waive close. Elizabeth, please call the Roll on CS for SB 1614. >> Senator Jones, senator leak. Yes, senator passadomo senator pizzo Senator Sharif. Yes. Senator Trumbull. Yes. Vice chair massullo and Chair McClain. Yes. >> By your Vote CS for SB 1614, is reported favorably. Senators now we will move to tab 2 by Senator SB 1548. On affordable housing by Senator Calatayud Senator Calatayud. You are recognized to explain your Bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> We are talking today about the 4th iteration of the live local act. Thank you. President Passadomo for your leadership in addressing one of our state's most pressing challenges as we continue to strengthen the policy that helping increase workforce affordable housing across the state. This particular bill allows local projects on land owned by counties, cities and school districts. It precludes local governments from using setbacks, indirectly limit building height in qualifying projects clarifies that agricultural and related uses otherwise non-commercial and on industrial land, not unintentionally trigger live local its ability allows of local projects near airports. One approved by applicable authorities and strengthens fair housing protections by clarifying the prohibition against discrimination in land use decisions involving affordable housing and waiting sovereign immunity to bad actors may be held accountable for those actions. That is the bill, Mister Chair. >> Thank you, Senator Calatayud for the explanation. Are there questions on the bill? Are there are other but there are appearance forms. Ken Ken Pruitt waiving in support Jeff Sharkey waiving in support. Those are the appearance forms that we have. Is there any debate on the bill? Senator Glenn, you're recognized to close on the bill with clothes was a bit. Please call the Roll on SB 1548. >> Senator Jones, senator leak. Yes, senator passadomo. Yes. Senator pizzo Senator Sharif. Yes. Senator Trumbull, vice chair massullo chair McClain. Oh yes. >> By your vote. Sb 1548, is reported favorably. Senator, Okay. I'm gonna turn the gavel over to Senator Passadomo to chair a portion of the meeting while I present a bill. Senator Passadomo. >> The Cavaliers. Thank you. Let's take up Tab for SB 968. On home backup power systems by Senator McClain. You're recognized to explain the bill. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, you get to my last but tough people to come anyway. Sb 1648. Is a home back home backup power systems braving the local government act in a technical amendment to Florida building Code 2, 2, which requires a permit or any functionally equivalent, local review or approval for certain backup power systems prohibits a local government that issues building person permits from acquiring and owner of a single-family dwelling or or such owners contract to obtain a building permit if the Costas under $7500 and that can only be on single family. Lots of prevents local law enforcement agency from requiring a permit or any functionally equivalent will review or approval for the installation relocation, replacement repair, Manila, Jabal residential backup power system. That is the bill senators. Are there any questions on the bill? >> There are several appearance forms of Brandenburg Florida Homebuilders Association. It might be on the wrong their 6.98. >> Somebodys got dyslexia. I 698 68. I'm not me in 68. All right. It's great. >> Daniel Martinez, Americans for Prosperity. We think late waives a certain waives in support. Steve Shell, Environmental Defense Fund waives in support. Jeff Sharkey, Tesla energy waives in support. Andy Palmer permit power waives in support. Is there any debate on the bill? Senator Clinton, you're recognize Close. Thank. Thank you. >> Madam Chair senators, I am currently working on a a some amendments for the bill. I agree. So that part that I do agree with is the $7500 no permit for jobs under $7500. Currently. That number is 5,000. Obviously, if any of you down a project lately, $5,000 doesn't buy very much as it relates to building materials. We have been acted. One of those exemptions and Marion County County where I'm from, there are other counties that have done that as well. There's 2 pieces in here that I'm working on. One is I don't necessarily agree that you don't need a permit for the home backup generator. And so we started on some language and will continue to refine that. What we would like to do probably just give you a flyer will probably try to have a single application from it because it normally takes 2 contractors to do that single application. Both contractors will be on it and then one inspection would be required back can be done by private providers. So that's kind of where we're headed. There's also windows and doors in here, my fellow building, my fellow friends, and then the the building industrial say I've got 2 kids now, but I have a little bit of heartburn because the windows and doors also have a structural component as it relates to them being in how they're attached year home. And so I'm working on some. The issue with that is I think most people want to be able to submit some paperwork, get a permit and be able to move on, get one inspection and that kind of move on to. So those are the things that we're working on. I'd appreciate it. If you support me today. Let me work on that a little bit. And I got to give seen. I got to go see Senator Passadomo to bring together. >> So thank you. Please call the Roll on SB 968. >> Senator Jones, senator leak. Yes, senator passadomo. Yes. Senator pizzo Senator Sharif. Yes. Senator Trumbull. Yes. Vice chair massullo Chair. Mcclain. Yes. >> By your Vote SB 968 is reported favorably because I'll turn the gamble for the and number 2 center. Mcclain. Thank you, Senator Passadomo for doing that. >> We are going to be in in in formal recess for a few minutes. We've got a lot going on today and there's senators present bills all over the building and we're waiting for a few to come come here. So we'll be in in formal recess it. All right. We are back in action. We will now take up Tab 2 CS for SB 698, on on-site sewage treatment disposal system permits by Senator Martin. Senator Martin, you're recognized to explain your Bill. Thank you, which I'm sorry. Chair of the over on 6, 9, 8, >> This legislation is intended to address the extended waiting periods for builders to obtain subject permits take over 100 days in some areas, creating unnecessary delays because builders can obtain a building permit without a subject permit. So this legislation does it a lot of building permits for single-family homes to be issued in advance of securing the building permit. As long as the builder demonstrates, they have applied for the subject in permits so they can the they have to apply for a subject for. But they don't wait for completely different government bureaucracy to sign off on 7 again permit before they then go apply for the building permit. 17 permit and final inspection are still required before installation and prior to issuance the certificate of occupancy, ensuring that we still can protect the public health and safety. >> That is the bill. Thank you for that explanation. Other questions on the bill. Are there appearance? There are parents full Long's Brendan Burke. You are recognized as this new speaking. Okay. Thank you, John Ribble. I'm speaking as a bike. Speak. You're wrecking. >> I don't play the game and hard to see around the senator there. Yeah. Chair McClain. You're everything doing for very my personal story about this bill. It's a very good bill by Senator Martin. I'm a builder in Central Florida, a member of the Florida Homebuilders Association and a past president of the Greater Orlando Builders Association. And my story is this. What the senator is doing is absolutely correct. I applied for a septic permit on a custom home on March. 26 of 2025 long story short. My septic permit was issued on September 5th 2025. in the meantime, I building permit went through all of its reviews through Orange County Building Department and was ready for approval by July 7th. However, my septic permit was not yet approved. And what that means is this is a builder. And for my my homeowner, he had to wait another to mine since I could put a shovel in the ground because Orange County building Department would not issue my building permit because the health department had not yet got to my permit. My story is not unusual. My waiting time was 22 weeks to get a septic permit and it's not about this. Bill is not about the what's going on to a septic to part of the Department of Health is more about allowing us to build these homes in an expedited manner which they should be. And when we get our septic permit while we're building a home and then we'll put in the tank. Thank you very much. Thank you for your comment, Sir. Stephen Miller is speaking. You're recognized. Thank you, Sir. >> Thank you. Committee Chair McClain. Thank you, Bill sponsor, Senator Martin for this good Bill. My name is Stephen Miller. And on the president, the Polk County Builders Association member of Florida Homebuilders Association. And I work as an owner, regional production manager for Clayton Homes doing business as Highland Homes and Polk County, Florida. Well said that permit delays and issue the PCB FHP and our industrial like his face is 2019 it to the summer and this his summit in the summer of 2025. since August of 2025, septic current times in Polk County and ballooned to 90 days or longer for the approval from sub middle current law requires that it approves septic permit from DOH before counties or municipalities can release residential permits as such highland homes and other builders alike could face cancellations at a loss of contracts due to lack of movement on new homes, waiting for permits to be approved. Our company alone is face cancellations. Totaling 1.2 million in total loss of revenue tracking back to August of 2025. when septic permit time spite I spent time explain to customers, state law, Department of Health delays all in vain efforts to retain their business. However, these delays caused customers get cold feet. We're not seeing construction physically start on their dream home all because we don't have a septic permit. It's my belief that the change this law and allowing residential permits to be released upon proof of application for septic permit in these instances would have been helpful to meet customer expectations and comfort customer concerns with actual tangible construction timelines. Thank you for your time. It's been an honor to share industries hardships. Will all of you? I hope you take my testimony consideration favorably for Senate Bill 698, but regardless of the outcome will continue to support. Appreciate what you all do for us daily. >> Thank you for your comments. Mark Jeffreys is waiving in support. Thank you. Those are all of the appearance forms that we have. Is there any debate on the bill? Senator Jones, you're recognized. Thank you so much chair at this. Be very quick and just thanking Senator Martin for this very good Bill. >> Yeah, my constituents have complained about this this issue that used to be summed up as those constituents. And so I really appreciate you for bringing this good bill for so thank you, Senator Martin. >> Senator Martin, you're recognized to close on the Senator Pizzo. You're recognized. We Senator Jones, nice way of saying we're probably gonna vote no on the next bill. Right on the other thing and we need I need for you to debate on the current bill in front of us. >> In the U.S.. >> I have. And you're recognized to close on your bill, sir, thank you. I was going to talk about his you subject of Florida, but I'll just waive close to us. I Lizbeth please call the Roll on CS for SB 698. >> Senator Jones, senator leak senator passadomo. Yes, senator pizzo Senator Sharif, Senator Trumbull. Yes. Vice chair massullo Chair McClain. >> Yes. And by your Vote CS for SB 698, is reported favorably. We will continue with the Senator Martin show and we'll move to Tab 8 SB 1320, on tax tax referenda by Senator Martin. Senator Martin, you're recognized to explain the bill. >> Thank you, chair. This bill requires a county referendum that proposes a tax increase to include a local government spending analysis prepared by the Department of Financial Services. If such an analysis exists that defined the local government spending analysis as a statement created by the Department of Financial Services or one of its agencies that evaluate how a county government spends taxpayer funds. It ensures voters receive standardize state produced fiscal information alongside the ballot question so they can better evaluate whether higher taxes are justified. It grants the Department of Financial Services rulemaking authority to establish the format standards and requirements for how the spending analysis has developed and presented. That's the bill. Thank you. Other questions on the bill question, Mister Hope. >> Senator Pizzo, you're recognized. Thanks and I I say something. It was very long and I realize it was a real estate. You're probably get through it. But I saw those yeah is rather redundant to what is it to 12 to 12 point 0, 5, 5, which really is lays out entire criteria requirements, scheduling number of days and everything as it relates to performance audit but entity especially before a referendum. >> You know, thank you. I'm happy to do a side-by-side comparison and talked about their done sees if any, but I always I think it was time to vote. More information is better for the voter. What the voter chooses to do with that information is up to them. But if this could help individuals make better choices or make him feel more comfortable about their choices, I'm all for it. And I encourage a no vote on this today. >> The other questions seeing them there is there are appearance forms just gala is speaking for information. >> You're recognized. Thank you. Chairman Jeff Scala, Florida Association of counties just being for information today as Senator Pizzo. You did mention chapter 2.12, 0, 5, 5, There is a performance audit process already in statute. And what happens there is that there's an independence. Epa Hooper performs that audit and then it goes to Oppaga Oppaga provide some review and then the local government for prior to that referenda has to post the findings on that website. So there's already a, you know, process of transparency. You know, we support the goal of this bill on transparency. So we would just say that there's already a process in place for the school motion granted Nest. If you find Senator Martin's bill >> to be a more restrictive grading criteria or the same or different or one. >> You're recognized chair. So we just I think right now as is in the bill, there are criteria and we don't know what that criteria looks like. It would be developed by the Department of Financial Services. So, you know, we would need to see more details of what that looks like. And thank you. I am a Christian and from Zappos office is waving in support. Those are the appearance forms we have, you know, debate what what we have in Staten as the debate. Thanks. Thank you. Welcome back. Season like all debate, you know and then the and then go yeah, is a we really haven't statue and what's a performance audit. I think this bill is supported the idea of performative audit behalf of the CFO. Respectfully, there's no criteria for this is more of a sound like this is more of a headline situation to continue. You know, it's already here. I'm not saying it's perfect about saying it's great, but they would just go over the existing statutes that it is creating something that's as I went and I'm now holding all 4.11, municipality's accountable for of mean, but I understand your position. We're in debate. That is the debate. Senator Martin, you're recognized to close on your Bill. Thank you. Good points. I've enjoyed this discussion on it. I think in this building with a little bit different as we move down the road. But I appreciate the discussion. I appreciate your support, northern discussions, but House, every discussion of thank you for that explanations was best. Please call the Roll on SB 1320. >> Senator Jones senator leak Senator Passadomo Senator Pizzo not Senator Sharif, Senator Trumbull. Yes. Vice chair massullo Chair. Mcclain. Yes. >> By your vote SB 1320. Is reported favorably. 1, 0, yeah. It's been a long day. Senator senators, we'll now move to tab one SB 484 on data centers by Senator Avila. Senator Avila, you're recognized to explain your bill. She went to the morning. >> Thank you, Mister Chairman and thank you. Senators centers throughout numerous state. Electricity costs are increasing mainly because of a spike in in electricity demand. A significant portion of in is from eye data centers and other super users. A recent Bloomberg News analysis found that some U.S. consumers have seen their monthly electricity bills skyrocket by up to 276% over the past 5 years. A separate analysis published by McKenzie in 2025 found that the global demand for data center capacity will triple by and it anticipates a 20 to 25% annual growth of data center capacity within the United States. During that time, this Bill revises Florida long regarding the regulation of large-scale data centers and certain other large electricity users. Specifically the bill maintains the authority of local governments to exercise the powers and responsibilities for comprehensive planning and land development regulation granted by law with respect to large load customers. It also specifies that agencies may not enter into nondisclosure agreements or other contract trust restricting the agency from disclosing information about potential data center development to members of the public. It also creates a requirement that the PSC develop minimum large low tariff requirements for public electric utilities. The tariff requirements must reasonably ensure that the large low customers such as large data centers pay for their own cost of service and that the general body of ratepayers do not bear the risk of non payment of such cost. Lastly, the bill regarding water usage, the bill provides that consumptive use permits for large-scale data centers may only be granted if there is no harm to area water resources and if not prohibited by local zoning and or comprehensive plans. That is the Bill, Mister Chairman. >> Thank you. I have to go present a bill so I will be turning the gavel over to my Vice Chair Chair Vice Chair Massullo. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair any questions on center villas Bill. All right. Seeing none. Do we have any? There's an amendment. Senator, Avila, you're welcome to present Amendment bar code 7, 8, 1, 7, 7, 4, >> Thank you, Mister Chairman and the amendment adds a knowledge element to the bill's prohibition on public electric utilities providing service to large low tariff customers associated with a foreign country of concern and enforces that prohibition through minimum tariff requirement. Specifically the bill makes the prohibition be part of the large load customer tariff requirements to be developed by the PSC and to be a violation of chapter 366. The public utility would have to knowingly provide a such prohibited service to a customer. That is the Amendment Mr. Chairman. >> Any questions on the amendment members questions on the amendment seeing none. Do we have any appearance cards? No appearance cards or any debate on the amendment seeing none all in favor of the amendment say yea, yea. We'll show that amendment adopted with out dissent. We're now on the bill as amended any questions on the bill as amended members seeing none any appearance cards on the bill as amended. We do have some Turner lows. Ale from the James Madison Institute. Is it lows? My saying that correctly? Yeah, was about to do the phonetic spelling and I got kind of nervous back there. So many people as put it in its lows lows. Well, I was close your right there. Yeah, okay. >> You're you're recognized. Thank you guys for having me today. My name is turning those on the policy and also the James Madison Institute focusing on technology. Innovation. First off. Thank you, Senator Avila, for taking time to meet for us to express our concerns. I think the the amendments kind of clarify some language and just continue that this goal is not to get data centers out of the state of Florida, but just to make sure that residential repairs have access to affordable energy and that the water resources are being taken away, we still us like an sermons as requires the additional permitting for data centres that is not required for any other large industrial user. And so we'll continue to work and senator and talk to that that can you move through the committee. Thank you. >> Very good. Next step we have Adam Basford Associated Industries of Florida. This bashford. Nice to see you as you. Mister Chairman. Thank you very much. >> Just want to say that we really appreciate their all bringing this bill forward. We appreciate that. This bill is really trying to strike a balance between protecting the environment at the same time, sending a message that Florida protecting the environment at the same time, sending that message that Florida is open for business and its thinking long term. That's exactly the right kind of conversation for us to be having around this issue. We know that Senator Avila has been meeting extensively with a lot of stakeholders, including many of our members. And we want to thank him for his dedication to working on this issue. Hyperscale data centers are critical infrastructure that support healthcare, logistics, finance and emergency services and the tools that businesses use every day. If Florida wants to remain competitive and to protect our national security, we need a clear, predictable framework that allows these investments to happen here in Florida. I do want to like some concerns about this bill, though. Nondisclosure agreements are standard practice across every sector involved in economic development, data centers can have a huge economic impact here in the state of Florida. And when we believe that they should be treated very similarly to other economic development projects. We also believe that the timing of the rule could the timing of the rule making process in this bill could have some issues with already approved to tariffs and pending tariffs. And so those are a few of the things that we like to work with you over the coming weeks. We also know briefly that the data center operators do pay their full electricity costs under structures, designed to prevent cost shifting to other customers. And many other concerns about water use and noise don't match how the facilities actually operate. We have a lot of education to do around these things. But working through formalize structure is always a good thing. Again, we want to thank Senator Obama for his work on this issue and look forward to working with him as we move forward. Thanks question, Sir. Yes, you're recognized. Senator Patton, quick question for you, sir. I'm going to presume you didn't fought us at appearance card for the public records. A portion did you do? Not? Okay. >> But you have to ask you to do feel like a local Sri hamstrung from being able to have conversations with their constituents locally about anticipated plans or board or designs for these data centers within their municipalities are within our local governments. >> There is a I'm sorry to hear. Curious. You can go back and forth. Go ahead. Yes, sir. We believe in the process. We just want that process to be to be beneficial. And and I'm sorry, I can't speak with the amount of intelligence it with regard to get back and forth with you on on the process at the local level. So thanks. Thank you. Thank you. To ask Bradley waives in support Vonn Fernandez, AARP waives in support Kevin Doyle, Consumer Energy Alliance waives in support, Peter Biello, Florida Association of counties waives in support. And that is all public appearance since that we have. We're now in debate debate on the bill as amended any debate on the bill. Any debate on the bill members. Senator Avila, I just want to let you know that I think that it's courageous. >> And and and very bold what you're doing because you're making a way for us to move into the future. And there's always fear of change. There's always fear of what's new and novel. But if we look at how technology has progressed and how how we've gone from, where a computer would fill half this room now, what we hold in our hands has 3 times the capacity of what that was just a generation ago. We have to make plans for our state to, as you said, advance what we would need for the future and protect our environment. And I think your bill, he's he's struck a good balance that hopefully can even get better as you move through the process you're recognized to close. >> Thank you, Mister Chairman and I couldn't have said that any better. Mister Chairman, thank you so much for your comments in debate. I know one of one of Adams concerns the second one dealing with the timing that was and I again, the fact sheet that was addressed in the amendment that that you all approved in when it was up just a little while ago. But to your point, Mister chairman, and it was brought up and testimony and there needs to be some parameters that in place, we certainly are very blessed to have the amount of natural resources in our state. >> Good a good part of that. That's that has been through Senator Passidomo President Passadomo through her efforts in these past 2 years. She has maintained and actually revitalize many of the waterways in parks and and trails to emphasize the importance of those natural resources. And that's why it's important to make sure that we have some parameters in place to protect those natural resources, especially as it pertains to water, but also maintaining that balance with being a leader in technology. You know, we've certainly seen how technology more Moore's is playing a pivotal role in our lives. And we want to make sure that Florida continues to lead the way, not just an in every economic initiative possible, but certainly as it pertains to technology. We want to maintain that we are at the forefront of technological advances. But again, we want to make sure we also strike that balance and make sure that we protect our rate payers from higher electricity costs, which is what we've seen in other states. With that senators, I ask for your favorable support on this pro Consumer Pro Repair an initiative. >> Having closed on his bill was Smith. Please call the Roll on CS for SB 484. >> Senator Jones, senator leak senator passadomo. Yes, senator pizzo. Yes. Senator Sharif, Senator Trumbull. Yes. Vice chair massullo yes. Chair McClain. >> Members by your vote will show Cs for SB 44 reported favorably. Thank you very much. And now we'll move to Tab 5 SB 1118, by Senator Avila, public records for data centers. You're recognized to explain your Bill. >> Thank you, Mister Chairman and senators. This bill allows a county or municipality to keep information concerning the plans, intentions interests of a person or company or proprietary information. Whereas the company is looking to locate a data center within the jurisdiction, confidential and exempt for no more than one year. The bill also protects a person or company's proprietary confidential business information related to a data center. These public records exemptions are similar to the current exemptions for economic development projects. That is the bill questions on the bill. Yes, Senator Pizzo, you're recognized next. >> Is there a similar provision in the law for franchisee of a McDonald's or Burger King or a CBS or a TD bank? They get to enjoy the same that of confidentiality and at a local level that the >> that you're proposing for data centers, you're recognized. Thank you, Mister Chairman and thank you, Senator Pizzo for that. I mean, I'm I'm it really depends on the size and scale of the project. I'm sure that you have specially as an example, Amazon with their warehousing. They have certainly a large logistical network and a lot of the the hubs that we have, especially in Miami. It's a it's a very large footprint. And as you know, with the cost of land in Miami, if if that information certainly were to be public as to a specific location where Amazon wants to locate that warehouse or that logistical hub, the prices for that land, no doubt would certainly go up. So to answer your question, I'm sure that there are, but it's it's mostly based on size and scale of the project and who that what what that company is is intending to do a follow-up. Yes, you're recognized. 3rd things is sliding scale when he hit a certain point. >> The larger the potential investment for the end user or investor, the more protection the got state government to give them against the appreciation of neighboring adjacent land parcels. >> You're recognized. Thank you, Mister Chairman and thank you for that. Senator Pizzo. And again, it really depends on what, what, what that company is, what they're doing the size and scale of it. You know, certainly if you're opening up a department store that is small in stature nature, you know, that's probably not going to require an economic development agreement. But if you're talking about something where it is intensive, manufacturing, space, defense, things of that nature where it requires a very significant footprint and has an impact on the local economy. I'm sure that at that point there are certainly economic development projects and agreements that are entered into whether by the state or the local government. >> You could okay any further questions. All right. I believe we have an amendment. You're recognized to explain Amendment bar code 3, 9, 9, 8, 4, 0, >> Thank you, Mister chairman and senators. This amendment is a technical amendment specifying the Senate Bill. 44 sorry for 8, 4, in its intent. >> That is the amendment. Any questions on the amendment, any appearance cards on the amendment? Any debate on the amendment? Any objection to the amendment? So we'll show that amendment approved without objection in adopted. We're on the bill as amended and the appearance cards on. Well, any questions on the bill as amended any appearance cards on the bill? Any debate on the bill? Senator Pizzo? Yeah. Just briefly. >> A long time ago wealthy guy. >> Sent a number of different people than 30 different groups to go assemble to do assemblage of a block of the area of property in Manhattan. He didn't say that he didn't sign any one of his last day was Rockefeller Center bunch of random people to assemble it to create what is now the United Nations. Because if anyone found out that Rockefeller looking at property, then neighboring property value would probably would have doubled. They ask for a double, then triple and so on so forth. I will tell you that that small pizzeria shop owners want to want the same kind of competitive protection against a neighboring pizza owner. We're coffee shop or a dry cleaner, a cobbler if we still have any of those for giving incredible protection in the inverse protection on the risk associated with with the value of a property probably to the groups that needed the least. And for that and consistently as I have in the last committee, the the greatest implication, a consequence of this bill is that local mayors and commissioners well, look like they took a kickback will make it impossible for them to convince their constituents that didn't take something from a billionaire developer data center, whatever, and keep it quiet and not share with their own neighbors, that one of these things were coming and it's impossible position to put local officials. And and it's one that if any of my local officials in my 20 cities happened violate, I will represent them for free. So I have to vote no further debate. >> Senator Avila, you know, in that Chick-Fil-A, which we all tend to know and love when they're looking for site when they're looking into an area and they're very secretive until the point where they actually purchase the land and break ground. And they do that for the very reasons that I think the year trying to protect the individuals in this bill through public records exemption. And also that Senator Pizzo is trying to argue is something that would hurt certain public officials in your close, if you might address how you may perhaps even further limit that time of the exemption, which I think may assuage a little bit of the concern individuals have. It seems to be that we we want the public to know as much as possible. But we also want to protect those individuals from an anti-competitive. The fact that exposure gives them. So it's a delicate balance that we're asking you to try to walk. You're recognized to close. >> Thank you, Mister Chairman and Undoubtably. It is a a tough, tight rope to walk. I will tell you, I and this goes back to the prior bill where we're saying, you know, and the A's, right? There's no there's no reason at least in the spirit of what is Florida. There's no reason why our elected officials should be signing and the A's, right. You look at other states and they're signing and the A's for multiple years. And that's that's the balance trying to strike with with this. And with the prior bill, you know, to to your questions, certainly, you know how I work. I'm open to any. And every suggestion I know that Senator Pizzo expressed some concerns that the prior committee meeting and I went directly to go see him right afterwards. So, you know, that's that's the way I work. And that's the way I'm going to continue to work. There's no there's no perfect product in this process. There's only a product that we can refine refined to the point where it's it's it's it's a good product. And that's that's my intent. I certainly want to make sure that protecting our local elected officials when they're making these decisions. But at the same time, making sure that, you know, we're not being too restrictive and having, you know, these men, these big economic drivers, potentially for some of these communities, you know, go elsewhere. We want to be a leader in technology, just like we want to be a leader in logistics. Just like we want to be a leader in in finance and private equity. There's a number of things that we want to be a leader in. And we just need to make sure we said the best environment possible in order for that to happen. There's a reason why our economy, you know, is is we're generating 1.8 trillion dollars in GDP for the 3rd largest state. And all of that has been through a lot of initiatives that have come through the legislature for the past 30 to 40 years. That has set up an environment that is conducive to business conducive to job growth and economic activity. And that's the balance trying to strike with these to these 2 bills, trying to make sure again that a lot of these important decisions are are are certainly they're in the discussion. But at the same time, it doesn't it doesn't lead to unintended consequences. So with that, our chairman, more than willing to sit down with you and have that conversation, just like with any any any of my other colleagues and in the Senate to make sure we have the best possible product. With that. I ask for your support. Very good. >> Having closed on his bill Lisbeth please call the Roll on CS for SB 1118. >> Senator Jones, senator leak Senator Passadomo senator Pizzo Senator Sharif, Senator Trumbull. Yes. Vice chair massullo yes. Chair McClain. >> Members by your vote will show Cs for SB 111. Reported favorably. Thank you, Senator Avila. Next up, members will go to Tab 3 Cs for SB 706, bye. Senator Mayfield on airports. Senator Mayfield recognized to explain your Bill. >> Thank you, Mister Chairman for putting on this on your agenda. The bill, the Senate bill 706, on the bill preempts the naming of major commercial service airports to the state. Major commercial service. Airports is defined in the bill as an airport which the Federal Aviation Administration classified as a medium are large hub airport. The bill provides names for each of the 7 airport which currently meet that definition, Orlando International, Miami International, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood International, Tampa International, southwest Florida International Palm Beach International Airport, which the bill designates as the Donald J Trump International Airport and Jacksonville International Airport. The name change from Palm Beach International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport is subject to approval of the Federal Aviation Administration. The execution of an agreement between Palm Beach County and the trademark holder authorizing the commercial use of the name Donald J Trump International Airport. If an airport no longer meets the criteria for major commercial service airport, the name will remain valid. The building knowledge is that airport names function as brand identities rather than separate legal entities. Finally, the bill allows a reasonable implementation period for a local government to implement a name change. And that is the bill. Very good. Having presented her bill. Any questions on the bill members questions on the bill? Yes, Senator Jones, you're recognized. Thank you so much here in just a quick question. And I know I've bit in Transportation committee on this. >> Senator Mayfield just used to just for those who might not understand does this mean that the airport and what you just made mention of Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Southwest Florida, in Jacksonville use. And that means is that the the preemption of the name of those airports are subject to the Legislature. A correct? That's correct. Okay. And I'm sorry, 8. Are you finished gauges, Senator? Sure if you're recognized. >> Senator Mayfield, I just wanted to make sure. And I don't know if you discussed as presented by Bill. So I just got back. But and for Broward County, we have the Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood International Airport. And for the purpose of this bill today, you're saying that that stays in place today, what down the line, somebody to come along and name it whatever as a state you're recognized. Thank you, Mister Chairman. >> If the legislature wanted to change the names of those airports, it would have to come to the legislative process for approval. >> Well, I mean, I'm just expressing a concern by my county, which is Broward, that they don't want their airport renamed. And so I just wanted to know if you might be open to maybe excluding. And I don't know if you but I I think that they don't want to be included in this bill. I mean, I do have a problem with renaming, you know, Palm Beach County, but our county wants to keep the name of their airport. You're recognized. Mister Chairman, thank you. >> Senator, if I you know, I hear your concerns on that. And I-5 with think that if someone was to come through the legislative process and want to change the names of those current airport, that it might be with resistance and that it would be the legislative will whether to do it or not to do it and being in this legislative process. I think that the member has a lot of a lot of sway on whether or not the bill would actually get through the process if someone came in and wanted to change it. But that doesn't mean that they would have the opportunity to do it. That just means that we could turn it down. If the legislature did not think that that was the the will of the people in the community are something that was a good, a good idea to do. >> Okay. Thank you. Appreciate that. And further questions, alright, any appearance cards? We have some, Alex, the House and or Marcus Stanley Palm Beach County waves in support Ashe Bradley waves against thank you in that and see appearance cards. And we're in debate debate on the bill members. Any debate on the bill. Yes, yes, Senator Jones, you're recognized. Thank you so much chair. I just want make a suggestion that Senator Mayfield, always take your suggestion. Appreciate it, too. Would you consider that? But when it comes to Ru is just a consideration and that even if it comes back to the legislature, that there would have been some conversations with the local government prior to coming to to the state become the come to the legislature just so there could be some type of input from from the local government. That would be my only suggestion you're recognized. >> In debate. >> I want to start a I don't know when the bill as it just for that. I just I would I would think and that, you know, in that is a good suggestion. And we will consider that we can talk about that. But, you know, it would actually be the local government would probably be one of the reasons that we, you know, if somebody came and want to do it, you know, we always try to take into account with the local government needs and wants are up here. So that would be the reason that we, you know, that we would do that. >> Backing backup. We're still in debate. I'm sorry, any further debate on the bill members? Well, Senator Mayfield, I'll tell you that you have worked with local government extensively on this bill and you have gotten all the stakeholders together to where there's consensus, not only consensus but agreement. >> That they like your bill. They want your bill and they came up to me a couple times told me how important your bill wise. And so I think that you did run all those traps. And I'm I'm glad you did. And I I think that it was your job to do it. And you did a great job at it. So you're recognized to close to waive close. Having waive closed was a bit. Please call the Vote on CS for SB 706. >> Senator Jones, senator leak senator Passidomo senator pizzo. Yes. Senator Sharif. Yes. Senator Trumbull. Yes. Vice chair massullo. Yes. Chair McClain. >> Members by your vote will show Cs for SB 706, reported favorably. Thank. Thank you, Mister Chairman. Thank you members. Thank you. Senator Mayfield. Next up, members will go to Tab 7 SB 1134 by Senator Yarborough official actions of local government. Senator Yarborough. You're recognized present your bill. >> In like for like for Mike Mike Clay. 1, 1, 2, no lights on a case. Mister Chairman, thank you. >> Good afternoon. Members Senate Bill 1134 prohibits counties and municipalities from funding promoting you're taking official actions such as adopting ordinances, resolutions, rules, regulations, programs or policies related to dei or diversity, equity and inclusion. The county or municipality may not expend funds regardless of the source or established support sustain or staff of diversity, equity and inclusion. Officer officer, the bill provides that a member of the county or municipal governing body acting in their official capacity violates the prohibitions, commits misfeasance or malfeasance in office. And action may be brought against the county or municipality the violates the bill's provisions by a resident of that county. The bill does not prohibit official action required for compliance with general or federal law or regulation and includes a series of exceptions. Further, the bill requires any potential recipient of a county or municipal contractor grant to certify before such award, but they do not and will not use local government funds to require employees, contractors, volunteers, vendors, we're agents to ascribe to study or be instructed using materials related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Mister chair members, the bill does not restrict diversity, equity and inclusion when the when each of those items are considered individually or even together, just when taken together as what we understand, the is an effort to be that would not be appropriate decisions related to individuals and action should be based on merit. And if we have officials and local government, whether it be elected officials, the procurement director, the HR manager, anyone else, if they are not basing their decisions on the merits, they need to be replaced. Further taxpayer dollars should not be used to promote inappropriate activities, especially for children under the guise of dei practices and just so Mr. Chair doesn't sound like I would the pointing a finger at anyone else speak about my own district in Duval County and Nassau County, namely the city of Jacksonville. The city of Jacksonville has chosen to fund an organization in the past. And so did the Duval County School board doesn't happen now. And that particular organization with city funds also thought it would be appropriate to hand out pornographic playing cards to teenagers under the under the age of 18. So not even teenager, not even teenagers, 18 years old and older. And it wasn't just a listing of particular body parts to be talking about this. But it happened. It was covered in local news and I will give credit where Credit's to. We had a former Democratic school superintendent and Duval County Public Schools. And she immediately cancel the contract with the organization because of the outrage publicly once that was exposed. The city, unfortunately, and I've served their previously years back has been a while before coming to Tallahassee. Now, 10 years ago, we were not funding at the time of the city. Even the current city, your budget is giving money to that organization that is put this in my opinion, putrid disgusting material in fron