Property tax reform, insurance costs, and healthcare top the list as legislators line up dozens of proposals aimed at cutting expenses
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) — Florida lawmakers are gearing up to tackle affordability concerns with dozens of proposals designed to lower everyday costs for residents as the 2026 legislative session approaches.
Affordability has emerged as a key issue for both Republicans and Democrats at the state capitol ahead of the session, which begins Jan. 13.
House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell said rising costs dominate conversations with constituents.
“It is a need the community is expressing,” said Driskell, D-Tampa. “My constituents and neighbors talk to me about affordability. Grocery prices are too high, Florida has some of the highest property insurance rates in the country, auto insurance is expensive, and utility costs keep rising.”
Property tax and insurance reform
House Speaker Daniel Perez has made property tax reform a top priority in his effort to address affordability, forming a special committee focused on the issue. That group has developed seven proposed constitutional amendments, with one expected to be ready for a House vote when the session begins.
“He has been very adamant about making sure, number one, we do the research, number two, we talk to our partners, number three, we go out across the state of Florida and talk to all kinds of folks, and number four, we come up with proposals,” said Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm Bay.
Democrats are also filing bills in both chambers aimed at easing financial pressure, including proposals centered on homeownership and property insurance.
“Focusing on homeownership. We need to make it easier for first-time homebuyers to purchase a home. We have a great bill that can lower property insurance rates by up to 30 percent,” Driskell said.
Healthcare and redistricting initiatives
Perez is also introducing a healthcare plan called Florida’s New Frontier in Healthcare. The proposal seeks to bring certain federal healthcare reforms to the state level, including joining interstate licensure compacts and allowing independent practice for advanced registered nurse specialties.
In addition, the speaker has made mid-decade redistricting a priority by creating a new committee dedicated to the issue. Committee chair Mike Runado declined to answer reporter questions following both December meetings.
Perez’s office did not respond to multiple requests for an interview.
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