As the 2025 Florida Legislative Session gets started, a lot of important decisions are being made in Tallahassee that could affect everyone in Florida. While Governor Ron DeSantis is still a key player, there’s been a bit of tension between him and other lawmakers. This year’s session covers a lot of issues, from taxes to gun laws to immigration, all of which could impact local communities in big ways.

Tougher Immigration Laws

One of the hot topics this session is immigration. DeSantis and other lawmakers passed tough laws on illegal immigration earlier this year, but some feel those laws don’t go far enough. Senator Joe Gruters has introduced a new bill that would require state IDs and driver’s licenses to show whether a person is a citizen or not. On top of that, there are other bills that would make all businesses use a system called E-Verify to check if employees are legal. These measures could have a big effect on Florida’s economy, especially in industries like agriculture that depend on immigrant workers.

Gun Laws: Expanding Access

Another big issue this year is guns. DeSantis has shown support for expanding gun rights in Florida. Some of the new proposals include allowing people to carry guns openly in public and lowering the legal age for buying guns from 21 to 18. There’s also a bill that would allow guns on college campuses. These changes would make it easier for more people to carry firearms, which could raise concerns about safety in places like schools and universities.

Property Taxes: A Possible Cut

Governor DeSantis has been talking about cutting property taxes, but that’s a tough goal to reach. However, lawmakers are looking at ways to reduce taxes for homeowners. One proposal would increase the homestead exemption from $25,000 to $75,000. This would reduce property taxes for many Floridians, especially in lower-income areas. While it could bring some relief to homeowners, it might also impact school funding and other local services that rely on property tax revenue.

Spending and Oversight Issues

There’s also a lot of talk about government spending. The Florida House has been critical of how DeSantis and his administration have been spending state money, especially when it comes to things like travel expenses for state employees. The House wants to make sure that taxpayer dollars are being spent efficiently. They’re also looking at proposals to make sure that state agency leaders live in Tallahassee instead of working remotely. This back-and-forth between DeSantis and the legislature could change how the state operates, and it’s something that Floridians should keep an eye on.

Rural Communities Get Attention

Senator Corey Simon, from Tallahassee, is sponsoring a bill that could have a big impact on rural Florida. The “Rural Renaissance” bill would provide almost $200 million for improvements in rural areas. This money would go towards things like better transportation, healthcare, and schools, making life easier for people who live outside the big cities. If passed, this bill could help lift up some of Florida’s most underserved areas.

What’s at Stake?

As this year’s legislative session plays out, it’s clear that a lot of important issues are on the table. Whether it’s tougher immigration laws, expanded gun rights, or changes to taxes and government spending, the decisions made in Tallahassee will affect everyone in Florida. The next few months will be crucial in determining how the state’s future will unfold and how local residents will be impacted.