Florida League of Cities

Florida's cities face a wide variety of issues on a daily basis. No two cities are the same, so one-size-fits all legislation does not work for our state's diverse communities.

Commissioner Ortiz’ initiative Building Stronger Cities focuses on the importance of citizen education and engagement in support of Home Rule in Florida. Home Rule allows citizens and local governments to make decisions that are best for their communities. And a more knowledgeable community means more local voices making local choices that are unique to each of Florida’s cities, towns and villages.

The issues below reflect the priorities of 411 municipalities, as prepared by the League's five legislative policy committees and adopted by the full membership:

Sales Tax Fairness
The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation to update Florida’s sales and use tax laws that apply to online/e-commerce sales from out-of-state retailers. Changes are needed to ensure instate retailers are treated equitably and that the Florida sales and use tax law is equally enforced.

Short-Term Rentals
The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation providing for a collaboration between the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and cities to ensure that short-term rental properties abide by state and local regulations, are properly licensed and insured, and comply with state and local taxation requirements as well as industry-accepted safety practices. The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation clarifying that existing, grandfathered municipal short-term rental ordinances can be amended without penalty.

Discharges to Surface Waters
The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that establishes reasonable time frames for utilities to eliminate, to the extent possible in compliance with regulatory requirements and with specified exceptions, discharges to surface waters unless a utility demonstrates it is not environmentally, technically or economically feasible.

Affordable Housing
The Florida League of Cities calls on the Florida Legislature to support legislation that requires all money in the Sadowski State and Local Housing Trust Fund be used only for affordable housing programs.

Annexation
The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that facilitates the municipal annexation of unincorporated areas while protecting private property rights and respecting municipal boundaries. 

Cybersecurity
The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation dedicating state resources for the development and enhancement of municipal cybersecurity by providing funding for technical assistance, threat assessments, employee training, infrastructure improvements and data protection.

Digital Divide
The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that reduces the digital divide and expands broadband internet access to all areas of the state.

Mobility Plans
The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that defines mobility plans and fees in order to provide the clarity and consistency needed to assist Florida’s cities in implementing alternative modes of transportation.

Resilient and Sustainable Florida
The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that promotes a resilient and sustainable Florida, including funding for water quality improvements and establishing policies and funding for alternative water supply development. 

Transportation Funding
The Florida League of Cities SUPPORTS legislation that will allow cities to have greater local decision-making and flexibility on transportation funding to ensure we meet our ever-changing transportation demands.

To learn more about each priority, visit The Florida League of Cities website. To find your elected officials, visit the Florida House of Representatives website.