Legislative Update

🏛️ Florida Legislative Update – June 2025

1. FY2025–26 State Budget & Business Tax Cuts

• Lawmakers passed a $115.1 billion budget and a $1.3 billion tax relief package, eliminating the business rent tax and enacting targeted sales tax breaks.
• The budget includes a proposal to build up to $750 million annually in emergency reserves—pending voter approval.
• A notable omission: the annual hurricane-preparedness sales tax holiday was removed.

2. Condo Owner Financial Relief Law

A new law effective July 1 now allows condominium associations to rely on loans or lines of credit for reserve funding, helping ease burdensome HOA fees that hit many older or income-constrained residents.

3. Charter School “Co-Location” Expansion

The final day of session saw approval of a measure allowing charter schools to share underutilized public school facilities, re-launching the “schools of hope” initiative amidst concerns from traditional public school advocates.

4. Gold & Silver Legal Tender Legislation

Florida now recognizes gold and silver coins as legal tender, exempting them from sales tax—aligning with a growing trend of alternative currency adoption.

5. Animal Cruelty Laws Enhanced: Dexter & Trooper’s Laws

New laws targeting animal cruelty took effect:

• Dexter’s Law (effective July 1) establishes a public registry for animal abusers and imposes harsher penalties.
• Trooper’s Law (effective Oct 1) enhances penalties for animal cruelty during natural disasters.

📌 Key Takeaways for Businesses & Community

Focus Area	Impact
Budget & Taxes	Businesses benefit from tax relief—especially the elimination of the rent tax—but should note ongoing costs like hurricane season taxes.
Housing Relief	Condo communities get regulatory flexibility; monitoring association practices remains crucial.
Education Policy	Business partnerships with schools may shift as charter schools expand access to public facilities.
Currency & Finance	Alternative payment methods gain legal footing.
Animal Welfare	Stronger animal protection laws reflect growing community welfare priorities.