Clerk of Court Crystal Kinzel Update for June 2024

 

 

 


The Clerk’s Report – June 2023

Download a PDF of this Report

With season behind us and the school year wrapping up, now is the perfect time to take a break and enjoy what makes Southwest Florida such a special place to live!

Contractors are hard at work installing emergency beach berms, but several beaches and pools are open for enjoyment. Also, we invite you to bring your children by the Collier County Courthouse to take a stroll through the decades that helped shape our community.

Participate in the 2023 Board of County Commissioners Budget Workshop

Every year, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners conducts a Budget Workshop where proposed budgets are reviewed before the following fiscal year. This is a great opportunity to learn where your tax dollars will be directed for the upcoming year and more importantly, you can get involved and speak up for your community.

Fraud Alert: New Victims Surfacing  in Court Appearance Scam

A new round of telephone scams is emerging in Southwest Florida. I want to share the details with you so that you can stay vigilant and protect yourself.

Moments in Collier County’s 100-year History

History of Leadership Collier

As we celebrate our Centennial, we look back on the role that Leadership Collier has had in our county’s growth and development. I interviewed the founders of Leadership Collier, Scott Salley and Mike McComas. Find out how the Leadership programs started in Collier County.

Over Four Decades, A Donation of 1,061.5 Acres has Helped Fund Golden Gate Estates’ Infrastructure

On November 15, 1983, Avatar Properties Inc., formerly known as GAC Properties, Inc., entered into an agreement with Collier County, Florida, to donate 1,061.5 acres of land to the County. The lands deeded to the County under this agreement could only be used to provide governmental facilities for existing and future residents of Collier County.

Upgrading our Systems to Work Smarter & Protect Your Data

The Clerk, by state Constitution, is the County Comptroller.  Duties and responsibilities include custodian of funds, auditor, keeper of books and records and responsibility for financial reporting. From processing county payments to vendors and processing payroll for all of the Board’s employees, the men and women of the Clerk’s Office work to remain good stewards of taxpayers’ money.

Looking for a Rewarding Career?
Join the Clerk’s Courts Division!

The Court Division is a vital part of the local court system, maintaining the Criminal, Civil, Traffic, Probate, Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Family and Juvenile case types. The Clerk’s staff performs critical support to the courts by opening court cases, maintaining court records, collecting statutory-related court fees, and serving as the official record keeper in the courtroom.

Work for the Clerk! Meet Deputy Clerk Mikaela

e-Recording Becomes More Accessible in Collier

eRecording Partners Network (EPN) has joined Collier’s list of third-party e-recording partners including ICE/Simplifile and Corporation Service Company (CSC). This will allow EPNs e-recording customers to easily submit electronic documents for e-recording in Collier’s Official Records.

Providing Support and Protecting Victims
of Domestic Violence

While you may not think of the Clerk of the Courts in the domestic violence recovery process, we provide essential services to help victims in filing protective orders or injunctions, dissolution of marriage, and additional court filings. We’re proud of our partnership with The Shelter for Abused Women & Children in preventing, protecting, and prevailing against Domestic Violence in Collier County.

Did you know that you can search
court records online?

Searching for court records online has never been easier at CollierClerk.com. With just a few clicks, you can review:
  • Civil, Criminal, Probate & Traffic Cases
  • Non-Certified Copies
  • Court Date
  • Fees Owed
  • Case Status

Thank you to Pelican Bay Men’s Club for inviting me as a guest speaker!

I appreciate the opportunity to speak to organizations about the many roles and responsibilities of the Clerk of Court and Comptroller. I discuss the available services that we offer to the community, as well as how to easily access these services through our website. We offer protection measures to help prevent vendor fraud, real estate fraud, and current scams through our Risk Alert Notification Program. If you have a group that may be interested in these topics, or any other aspect of the Clerk’s Office, please give us a call to schedule an event. We are available for most hours of the day or day of the week, we work to make it fit your schedule.  Please sign up soon as we do begin filling dates for “season”, but summer is a great time to catch up with our full-time residents.  Our information is maintained for your use, we’re glad to let you know how to get the most from our systems.

We’re looking forward to more presentations with the Pelican Bay Men’s Club.

Would you like Clerk Kinzel to speak at one of your upcoming events?

Email cyndee.woolley@collierclerk.com to confirm a date!

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Website

Email

Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102
Naples, Florida 34112  USA
www.CollierClerk.com

Community Relations and Outreach
(239) 252-6879

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Florida Legislative Update – May 5 Kathleen Passidomo

Today was Sine Die for Florida’s 2023 Legislative Session. The Florida Senate and our colleagues in the Florida House worked together to craft meaningful policy and pass a balanced budget for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year. I was proud to join House Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Harbor) and other legislators for the traditional Sine Die “Hankie Drop,” a ceremony marking the conclusion of session for at least 100 years. The presiding officers also joined Governor Ron DeSantis to discuss the conclusion of the session.

We began session in the aftermath of a destructive hurricane season on the heels of two special sessions needed to help stabilize Florida’s freefalling property insurance market. While these issues alone could have easily monopolized the last 60 days, I am proud that with the tireless work of our Senators, and strong partnerships with the Florida House and Governor DeSantis, we are concluding today having passed significant legislation in nearly every area of public policy, along with a balanced budget, meaningful tax relief for families and seniors, and historic reserves.

This was truly the session of the Florida family as we tackled kitchen-table issues important to growing families and seniors. School choice is now a reality for every child, in every family. Education dollars follow the child, and the parents – not the government – decide where they are spent.

With our Live Local Act, more Floridians can afford to live close to good jobs, where they can raise their families in the heart of the communities they serve.

Insurance and litigation reforms with strong protections for consumers, coupled with permanent tax relief on key items will help eliminate hidden costs that increase the price of goods and services, keeping Florida affordable for those at every income level and stage of life.

We passed strong legislation to support unborn babies and parents, with safeguards to protect the innocence of childhood and let kids be kids.

And, by expanding Florida’s iconic wildlife corridor, current and future generations of Florida families will have the opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of Florida’s heartland.

From workforce housing, to school choice, to insurer accountability, to public safety, we listened to our constituents, incorporated ideas and feedback from our communities, and made our mark with historic reforms to keep our state affordable and her people free.

Balanced Budget Invests in Infrastructure, Education, Tax Relief & Historic Reserves

On Friday, Senate Bill 2500, the General Appropriations Act, a balanced state budget for the upcoming fiscal year passed the Senate and House floor.

We continue to be in a very unique situation with our budget. We are seeing increases in revenue and record-low unemployment, yet we know Floridians are suffering greatly from inflation, and nationally our economy is projected to face some challenges.

With increases in revenue, we have the amazing opportunity to make key generational investments in many areas of our infrastructure, from workforce housing to transportation, to clean water, to our iconic Wildlife Corridor. While this is positive, we cannot ignore the economic challenges already impacting Florida families and those clearly on the horizon nationally. Rather than spending all we have, this budget holds the line, setting aside historic reserves and providing tremendous tax relief opportunities that will reduce the cost of living for Florida families in a meaningful way.

We also make critical investments to further ongoing relief and recovery efforts as we work to help Southwest Florida and other impacted communities rebuild. Coupled with the significant legislation put forward by Senator Martin, Leader Albritton, and our Select Committee on Resiliency, this budget will help our state be even more prepared for future hurricanes and other significant weather events that come with living on our beautiful peninsula.

Live Local Statewide Workforce Housing Strategy

Senate Bill 102, Housing, by Senator Alexis Calatayud, was signed into law on March 29. The legislation, entitled the Live Local Act, contains a comprehensive, statewide workforce housing strategy designed to increase the availability of attainable housing options for Florida workers who seek to live in the communities they serve.

Floridians are ready to live local, and to spend less time commuting and more time building their lives and raising their families in the heart of the communities they serve. As I travel the state, availability of workforce housing is a top issue on the minds of hardworking Floridians and retirees in every community I visit. With this comprehensive legislation, we are shutting down affordable housing stereotypes and creating attainable housing options needed by the majority of our workforce, the backbone of Florida’s economy.

The Live Local plan is the product of discussions with stakeholders over many years. With their advice and input, we are tackling this complex issue from all angles –incentivizing private sector investment, funding both the SHIP and SAIL programs at historically high levels, providing new avenues for solutions in zoning, encouraging more mixed-use developments in latent commercial areas, and enhancing public access to information about expedited permitting and public property that may be suitable for workforce housing.

In total, I am confident our legislation will improve housing options for Floridians at all income levels and stages of life, so that families don’t have to spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing, and can have the margin needed to save and build the rest of their lives.

Expanding Access to Florida’s Wildlife Corridor

Senate Bill 106, Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network, by Senator Jason Brodeur, expands access to Florida’s iconic Wildlife Corridor. The bill, signed into law by Governor DeSantis on April 11, connects the corridor to Florida’s Greenways and Trails System and the SUN Trail Network, as well as recreational pathways to heritage small towns across Florida.

Our wildlife corridor provides a unique opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of Florida’s heartland. With this legislation, we have the chance not only to preserve this natural resource for future generations, but to expand access so more Floridians can walk, run, and bike from trail town to trail town, taking in all our great state has to offer.

I envision Florida’s Wildlife Corridor as a top destination for recreational tourists from across the country and around the world. As I have said before, I believe this will be Florida’s Central Park – a legacy we can be proud to leave for future generations of Floridians and visitors to enjoy.

Enhancing Public Safety, Codifying Constitutional Right To Keep And Bear Arms

Senate Bill 150, Public Safety, by Senator Jay Collins, was signed into law on April 3. This robust public safety package codifies the constitutional right of citizens to keep and bear arms and expand tools available to law enforcement and educators working to keep our communities and schools safe.

I stand with Governor DeSantis, Speaker Renner, and Senator Collins, decorated members of our military, who along law enforcement leaders from across the state, agree that eliminating the need for a concealed weapons license in the state of Florida will help more Floridians better protect themselves and their families.

This comprehensive legislation ensures our laws respect the constitutional rights of law-abiding Floridians while at the same time incorporating valuable tools recommended by law enforcement that will increase the safety of our schools and communities.

Historic School Choice, Parental Empowerment Legislation

House Bill 1, Education, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Corey Simon, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education Pre-K-12, was signed into law on March 27. HB 1 contains a comprehensive package of innovations that promote parental involvement and customized K-12 education in Florida. The legislation empowers parents to guide their children’s education by providing for an Education Savings Account for every student in the K-12 system. Incorporating recommendations from the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, the bill also takes the first step towards reducing onerous and excessive regulations on public schools.

The goal of making school choice a reality for every child across our great state has been a long time coming, and with the steadfast resolve and leadership of Governor DeSantis, Speaker Renner, Senator Simon, Rep. Tuck, and many others, school choice is here for every Florida family.

Additionally, this bill reduces some of the outdated, unnecessary, and quite frankly, burdensome regulations public schools have to abide by. By reducing red tape that burdens our traditional public schools, these institutions, which have served our communities for generations, will have a meaningful chance to compete right alongside other school choice options.

Career and Technical Education, Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Grades 6-12

Senate Bill 240, Education, by Senator Travis Hutson, furthers ongoing legislative initiatives that promote career and technical education (CTE), with a focus on work-based learning linked to local employment opportunities for Florida students in Grades 6-12.

More than a decade ago, Florida began the transformation to link education to the realities and opportunities of the economy. Under the leadership of Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford, in 2013 the Legislature passed the Career and Professional Education Act, which began the process of promoting industry certifications in K-12 education, with financial incentives for schools that help students learn skills that directly lead to jobs.

A decade later, under the leadership of President Wilton Simpson and Speaker Chris Sprowls, Florida transformed our workforce system, making it easier for consumers to access services and career planning, and to register for job training. This legislation builds on this tremendous progress by creating additional partnerships between local schools and businesses, expanding opportunities for students to gain on-the-job experience in meaningful, high-paying fields needed in our growing communities.

Increasing Consumer Protection and Insurer Accountability

Senate Bill 7052, Insurer Accountability, by Senator Hutson, contains various provisions intended to increase consumer protection and insurer accountability in Florida.

Over the last several years, during regular and special sessions, we have worked on reforms to strengthen the property insurance market in our state so policyholders have access to quality, affordable, private market property insurance. Ultimately, every homeowner needs property insurance that is reliable and affordable. When disaster strikes, we want to make sure impacted Floridians can successfully navigate the claims process and be compensated for losses in a timely manner.

This legislation continues our efforts to balance fair costs and protections for consumers while strengthening state review and analysis of the insurance market so that bad actors can be held accountable. I commend Senator Hutson for his diligence in bringing stakeholders together to put forward a strong and meaningful insurer accountability package that enhances consumer-friendly provisions of current law and increases transparency between homeowners and insurance companies.

Heartbeat Protection Act

Senate Bill 300, the Heartbeat Protection Act, by Senator Erin Grall, was signed into law on April 13. The legislation protects innocent, unborn life by prohibiting abortions after six weeks gestation, with exceptions for women who are victims of rape, incest and human trafficking, or whose baby has a devastating diagnosis of a fatal fetal abnormality.

The Heartbeat Protection Act builds on Florida’s strong track record of protecting the most vulnerable, especially the unborn, and strengthens state efforts to promote adoption and support families, with significant resources to benefit infants, young children, and parents, which we hope will encourage more Floridians in difficult and unplanned situations to choose life for their babies.

Our bill also includes strong and clear exceptions for rape, incest, and human trafficking, in addition to those already available for the life of the mother. We also clarify the existing exception for the horrible situation when parents are facing the heartbreaking diagnosis of a fatal fetal abnormality.

Comprehensive Legal Reforms

House Bill 837, Civil Remedies, sponsored by Senator Hutson, was signed into law on March 24. The bill reforms Florida’s tort laws to decrease frivolous lawsuits while protecting the rights of Floridians who suffer a loss.

When a horrible accident or incident occurs and people suffer a loss, they should be compensated quickly and fairly. The vast majority of attorneys work very hard to provide sound legal representation for Floridians in these difficult circumstances. Unfortunately, there are a few bad actors who are in the business to draw out civil cases as long as possible, collecting more and more fees from insurance companies.

Litigation drives up the basic costs of goods and services for everyone across all areas of industry and commerce.

Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, we have taken many steps to help keep Florida affordable for growing families and seniors. This legislation furthers those efforts striking the right balance and protecting the rights of Floridians who suffer a loss, while at the same time safeguarding everyone else against the hidden costs of prolonged litigation.

Protecting Children

Last session we defended and expanded parental rights in education, and the feedback from parents and teachers who appreciate appropriate guardrails on social issues being taught in schools is overwhelmingly positive. This year, we expanded on that good work.

Parents have the right to raise their children as they see fit, and government intervention should be a last resort. Unfortunately, all too often we are hearing about treatments for gender dysphoria being administered to children, often very young children. That’s just wrong, and we need to step in and make sure it isn’t happening in our state.

  • House Bill 1069, Child Protection in Public Schools, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Yarborough prohibits classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity in Pre-K through Grade 8 and expands the role of parents in reviewing and approving instructional materials, with a clear process when a parent wants to object to specific content.   The bill also protects students and teachers from being required to use language that violates their personal convictions. Specifically, the bill prohibits a school from requiring, as a condition of employment, that a teacher refers to a student or another teacher by a pronoun that does not correspond to that person’s sex. Similarly, students cannot be forced to refer to a teacher or to other students by pronouns that do not correspond to the person’s sex.
  • Senate Bill 1438, Protection of Children, by Senator Yarborough, authorizes the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to fine, suspend, or revoke the license of any public lodging establishment or public food service establishment if the establishment admits a child to a live adult performance that depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct, or lewd exposure.
  • Senate Bill 254, Treatments for Sex-Reassignment, by Senator Yarborough protects children from being subjected to sex-reassignment prescriptions and procedures. Exceptions are provided for patients with genetic or biochemical disorders as well as those with certain injuries or illnesses.

March 31 Legislative Update – Senate President Kathleen Passidomo

This week, I had the honor and privilege of joining Governor Ron DeSantis as he signed the Live Local Act into law.  This legislation implements a comprehensive strategy to increase housing options and make housing more attainable for Florida workers, families and retirees.

It is clear that the broad appeal of the free state of Florida has impacted our population and our housing needs.  Countless families and business owners have fled high-tax, lockdown states in search of a better life in Florida.

As our state continues to grow, our Live Local Act will make sure Floridians can live close to good jobs, schools, hospitals, and other critical centers of our communities, while fitting comfortably in their household budgets, no matter the stage of life or income.

Also this week, the Governor signed House Bill 1, Education, which expands school choice to every student in Florida.

It was an incredible week for Florida.  Because of these and many other priorities we’re working to pass this session, the Sunshine State will remain the best state in the greatest nation in the world.

Live Local Act Signed into Florida Statute by Governor Ron DeSantis this Week

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill (SB) 102, the Live Local Act, representing the largest investment for housing efforts in state history.

“This legislation provides record support for Florida’s workforce and their families to help them live where they work, while also providing historic support for our military communities and the families living near military bases,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I applaud Senator Passidomo for leading on this legislation and look forward to the support it will provide to Florida families.”

The Live Local Act invests a record $711 million for housing projects and assistance through the Florida Housing and Finance Corporation (FHFC) to create or build upon housing programs. This includes:

  • $259 million for the SAIL program to provide low interest loans to developers building workforce housing. $150 million of these funds are recurring for certain specified uses such as redevelopment of underused property and projects near military installations.
  • $252 million for the SHIP program to provide local governments with incentives to build partnerships with developers who are preserving available housing or producing more housing.
  • $100 million for the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Programto provide down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time home buyers with a focus on law enforcement, first responders, teachers, active duty military, and military veterans.
  • $100 million for FHFC to implement a loan program to alleviate inflation-related cost increases for FHFC-approved housing projects.

Additionally, this bill builds upon efforts to help Floridians afford to purchase their first home by codifying the Hometown Heroes program and increasing the borrowing limit per loan to $35,000 or 5% of the purchase price of a home. This bill will also broaden FHFC’s ability to invest in affordable housing for those that are currently in the foster care system or who are aging out of the system and expands eligibility for the Job Growth Grant Fund to authorize public infrastructure projects that support expanding housing opportunities.

This legislation also creates a new tax donation program to allow corporate taxpayers to direct certain tax payments to the FHFC, up to $100 million annually, to help fund the SAIL program and increases the amount of tax credits available through the Community Contribution Tax Credit Program from $14.5 million to $25 million annually. Additionally, the bill provides a sales tax refund of up to $5,000 on building materials for housing units funded through FHFC.

 

 

Historic Legislation Signed into Law to Expand School Choice Options to All Florida Students

House Bill 1, Education, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Corey Simon, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education Pre-K-12, was signed into law earlier this week by Governor Ron DeSantis.

HB 1 contains a comprehensive package of innovations that promote parental involvement and customized K-12 education in Florida. The legislation empowers parents to guide their children’s education by providing for an Education Savings Account for every student in the K-12 system. Incorporating recommendations from the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, the bill also takes the first step towards reducing onerous and excessive regulations on public schools.

The goal of making school choice a reality for every child across our great state has been a long time coming, and with the steadfast resolve and leadership of Governor DeSantis, Speaker Renner, Senator Simon, Rep. Tuck, and many others, today is the day school choice is here for every Florida family.

Additionally, this bill reduces some of the outdated, unnecessary, and quite frankly, burdensome regulations public schools have to abide by. By reducing red tape that burdens our traditional public schools, these institutions, which have served our communities for generations, will have a meaningful chance to compete right alongside other school choice options.

 

 

Yesterday, I stepped down from the President’s rostrum for the chance to debate in support of HB 543, specifically the Safe School Canine Program.  I worked with Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods on this innovative program.  This is just one component of the bill that will improve school and community safety. I also worked on this bill with Pinellas County Sherriff Bob Gualtieri, Chair of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission, and we included many recommendations of the commission to improve school safety.

HB 543 will help keep our schools safe by making sure we swiftly identify threats and get more kids the services they need to live a safe and successful life. Sheriff Gualtieri has shared with me that threat management is hands down the greatest opportunity we have in the State of Florida at prevention and keeping violent incidents from happening. Threat prevention is all about identifying behaviors, getting people help and keeping them off the pathway to violence. Silos create a void that adversely impacts public safety. With this bill, we are breaking down the silos and improving the flow on information. You can’t help what you don’t know about. When a behavior is identified, we want to make sure if the child relocates, the new school district knows about it so the student can stay on the right track.

We are also adding to the threat management team someone with personal familiarity with the child.  Someone who actually knows the child can provide valuable information that helps differentiate behaviors, which is critical to separating minor challenges that require correction from serious issues that require intervention.  Most importantly, we are creating a consistent, statewide operational process for threat assessments so they are done in the same way in every county.

 

 

Measure Protecting Innocent Life Presented on the Senate Floor

Thursday, Senator Erin Grall (R-Fort Pierce) presented Senate Bill 300 on the Senate Floor where she answered questions from fellow senators on her legislation. SB 300 builds upon previous pro-life legislation passed into law and provides further protections for unborn children.

With an unprecedented opportunity as lawmakers to protect innocent life, and to stand with the brave moms who choose life for their babies, this legislation provides for robust protections of innocent life by prohibiting abortions after six-weeks gestation.

As amended on the Senate floor, SB 300 maintains current law exceptions to the six-week abortion prohibition, which protects the life and health of the mother and for the devastating diagnosis of a fatal fetal abnormality. This legislation also expands exceptions and includes a 15-week exception for women who are victims of rape, incest, or human trafficking. In instances of any known or suspected human trafficking, the physician must report this to local law enforcement if the woman is 18 years old or older or to the Florida Department of Children and Families if she is a minor.

This legislation also promotes healthy families and supports parents who chose life for their babies by providing additional counseling or mentoring services as well as providing millions of dollars for nonmedical material assistance to families such as car seats, cribs, clothing, formula, and diapers.

This legislation will make Florida a beacon of hope for those who understand that life is sacred and must be protected.

 

Florida Senate Works to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs

Senator Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) presented Senate Bill 1550 in the Senate Committee on Health Policy where it passed with unanimous committee support. Cited as the “Prescription Drug Reform Act”, SB 1550 institutes comprehensive reforms of Florida’s prescription drug policy to increase transparency, eliminate predatory practices, and protect consumers.

This legislation requires that prescription drug manufacturers publish information on price increases in a public manner in order to address the transparency issue regarding prescription drug pricing. Provisions in this policy put a stop to predatory practices such as spread pricing and pharmacy clawbacks that increase costs for patients.

Further, this legislation holds pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) accountable under the Florida Insurance Code and requires disclosures regarding certain business activities. SB 1550 also prevents Pharmacy Benefit Managers from steering patients to certain pharmacies in order to increase profit.

These measures will lead to greatly improved transparency in the prescription drug marketplace and increased accountability for manufacturers and distributors. Florida’s health care consumers deserve the ability to obtain their critical medications without the shell game that the pharmacy benefit managers and drug manufacturers have created to profit off of Florida’s patients

Governor Ron DeSantis Proposes Protections for Floridians

Governor Ron DeSantis Proposes Protections for Floridians Against Federal Digital Currency and Surveillance

Governor DeSantis: 4,500 Teachers Earn Civics Seal of Excellence, Receive $3,000 Bonus

First Lady Casey DeSantis Expands Hope Florida Initiative

First Lady Casey DeSantis Holds Roundtable on Mental Health Education and Resiliency

Attorney General Ashley Moody Warns Spring Breakers About Dangerous Opiods

CFO Jimmy Patronis’ Interview on Newsmax on Biden’s Veto of Anti-ESG Legislation

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson Joins Lawmakers to Reform Hemp Laws

Senator Rick Scott Calls for Increased Accountability for Federal Reserve

2023 Legislative Session News

Bill Expanding School Choice Headed to Governor’s Desk

Republican Party of Florida News

Other News

State Senate President Kathleen Passidomo – Legislative update March 24

This week, the Florida Senate announced the proposed budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.  In crafting the budget, it was my priority to ensure Florida invests more to support our hurricane recovery. I am proud to announce that our budget, combined with other legislation, totals $3 billion in efforts to strengthen the state’s commitment to providing relief and recovery to communities impacted by hurricanes.

The Florida Senate and House passed House Bill 1, which offers parents universal school choice in Florida. Additionally, both chambers passed House Bill 837 this week. This legislation provides transformative tort reform legislation, which will help protect Floridians from inflated costs and protect Florida business and property owners from frivolous lawsuits. This afternoon, the Florida House passed our Live Local Act – the statewide workforce housing strategy I have been working on for years. This historic bill will now head to the Governor’s desk!

The Florida Senate continued to debate and discuss legislation both in committee meetings and on the Senate floor this week. The proposed policies provide protection for children from harmful treatments and more.

Florida Senate Budget Proposal is Released for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year

The Florida Senate Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Senator Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola), released Senate Proposed Bill 2500, the General Appropriations Act, a proposed state budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, as well as the implementing bill and conforming bills associated with a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Florida’s Executive Branch, led by Governor DeSantis, continues to mount an extraordinary effort in the state response to Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.

The Governor and First Lady are practically residents of Southwest Florida. In the roughly six months since these devastating storms, we have gained a deeper understanding of the long-term impacts on communities across our state.

The budget put forward by the Senate today furthers ongoing relief and recovery efforts as we work to help Southwest Florida and other impacted communities rebuild. Coupled with the significant legislation put forward by Senator Martin, Leader Albritton, and our Select Committee, I am confident our state will be even more prepared for future hurricanes and other significant weather events that come with living on our beautiful peninsula.

Florida Senate Delivers on Universal School Choice

Wednesday, Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee) presented House Bill 1 on the Senate Floor where, on Thursday, it passed with strong support. House Bill 1 expands Florida’s education voucher program to establish universal school choice for Florida students.

With a record investment into Florida’s K-12 educational system, this legislation provides every Florida student with the opportunity to thrive in an education customized to their individual needs, goals, and objectives.

Under this legislation, families will be eligible to receive an empowerment account that allows them to take education dollars earmarked for their child and choose among a variety of options to customize their child’s K-12 education. Families of students who fall below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL) will be prioritized, with a second priority for households with income below 400% of FPL. This legislation shifts the focus of education in Florida to ensure that we fund students, not systems.

House Bill 1 empowers parents and students to determine the course of their own educational journey and provides them with a full array of educational opportunities to choose from.

After already passing the Florida House of Representatives, House Bill 1 now moves to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Measure Protecting Children from Harmful Treatments Heads to Senate Floor

Thursday, Senator Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville) presented Senate Bill 254 in the Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy, where it passed with strong committee support. Senate Bill 254 prohibits gender reassignment procedures or prescriptions for minors.

This legislation establishes robust protections for Florida’s youth from permanent gender reassignment procedures and prescriptions. Senate Bill 254 also strengthens regulations on gender reassignment surgeries for all Floridians, requiring informed consent for all patients and prohibiting the use to telemedicine to deliver an initial prescription. This legislation will ensure that patients are fully informed on the associated risks and permanency of gender reassignment procedures.

Senate Bill 254 also prohibits the use of certain state funds to fund gender reassignment procedures and prescriptions.

Tort Reform Legislation Passes Florida Senate

Wednesday, Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) presented House Bill 837 on the Senate Floor where, on Thursday, it passed with strong support. House Bill 837 protects business and property owners from frivolous lawsuits and aligns many of our civil legal procedures with federal standards.

Florida’s legal system has long been plagued by frivolous lawsuits that often benefit lawyers more than those who are seeking restitution. House Bill 837 addresses this issue through a number of reforms including a significant limitation in fee multiplier incentives for lawyers to collect higher fees when they sue and the elimination of “one-way attorney fees” that incentivize fraudulent or inflated insurance claims. This legislation also streamlines the civil litigation process by reducing the statute of limitations from four years to two years and provides juries with more detail and transparency, ensuring that juries are aware of all facts pertaining to a case.

House Bill 837 institutes the most comprehensive tort reform in decades to decrease frivolous lawsuits and prevent predatory practices of trial attorneys that prey on hardworking Floridians. This legislation makes numerous changes to Florida’s arduous civil system that will provide transparency to jurors, shorten the time individuals’ toil away in civil court, and eliminate unfair practices that bad actors have

The transformative reforms in this bill will strike the right balance between protecting the rights of Floridians who suffer a loss, while at the same time safeguarding everyone else against the hidden costs of prolonged litigation.

 

 

 

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo March 17 Update

On Friday. the Florida Legislature wrapped the second week of meetings of the 2023 Legislative Session.

The Florida Senate debated and discussed proposed policy both in committee meetings and on the Senate floor this week. Legislation focused on rebuilding local communities that suffer damage from hurricanes, upholding the parent’s right to choose the best school for their children, addressing labor shortages in workforce revitalization and protecting Florida from foreign threats.

Rebuilding After Natural Disasters

Wednesday, Senator Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers) presented Senate Bill 250 in the Senate Committee on Community Affairs where it passed with unanimous committee support. Senate Bill 250 assists local communities impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole with the recovery process while ensuring that Florida is better prepared to respond to future natural disasters. Senator Yarbrough presents Senate Bill 254 to the Senate Committee on Health Policy

This legislation among other things allows residents of devastated areas to stay on their land while rebuilding their homes, encourages local governments to develop an emergency financial plan, and requires the Division of Emergency Management to assist local governments and residents with the debris removal process.

Senate Bill 250 lays the groundwork for Floridians to recover stronger and faster in the case of future natural disasters.

 

Funding Students, Not Systems

Thursday, Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee) presented Senate Bill 202 in the Senate Appropriations Committee where it passed with strong committee support. Senate Bill 202 establishes universal school choice across the State of Florida, ensuring that Florida students receives an education that meets their unique needs.

This legislation expands Florida’s educational voucher program and allows every student in Florida to receive an education in a setting fit to their own individual needs. Through this legislation, families of students who fall below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL) will be prioritized, with a second priority for households with income below 400% of FPL, to receive an empowerment account to take education dollars earmarked for their child and choose among a variety of options to customize their child’s k-12 education.

Senate Bill 202 puts parents in the driver’s seat regarding their child’s education, provides parents and students with the full array of educational opportunities, and ensures that a child’s future is not determined by their zip-code. Through this legislation, Florida will continue to lead the way in education, delivering positive educational outcomes that result in lifelong success.

 

Reimagining Workforce Development

Tuesday, Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) presented Senate Bill 240 in the Senate Committee on Pre-K – 12 Education where it passed with unanimous committee support. Senate Bill 240 reimagines and revitalizes workforce development programs hosted within Florida’s schools.

Through a comprehensive approach, incorporating local businesses, community boards, and public schools, this legislation expands opportunities for middle and high school students to receive valuable career training while still enrolled in a Florida public school.

Senate Bill 240 revises current high school graduation requirements to place a specific emphasis on educational curriculum that is focused on technical education and career training. Additionally, this legislation establishes a program that allows local businesses to assess the job market for their specified region and collaborate with local schools to ensure that roles found to be of a greater need are greater emphasized in our educational system.

As the entire nation attempts to address labor shortages in key fields such as nursing and logistics, Florida will lead through innovative educational policies that benefit individual students and the economy as a whole.

 

Defending Florida from Foreign Threats

Tuesday, Senator Jay Collins (R-Tampa) presented Senate Bill 264 in the Senate Judiciary Committee where it passed with strong committee support. Senate Bill 264 prohibits foreign adversaries and companies funded by adversaries from purchasing agricultural land in the State of Florida.

Due to the growing threat of the Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to weaken America’s national security through strategic land purchases, it is critical that we protect the health of our agriculture industry. Senate Bill 264 ensures that America’s enemies will be strictly prohibited from purchasing agricultural land in the State of Florida. This is a crucial step to protect Florida’s food supply and broader security interests.

 

RPOF Newsletter March 13

Governor Ron DeSantis Delivers State of the State Address


Governor DeSantis Exposes Book Ban Hoax


Attorney General Ashley Moody Secures Victory Over Planned Parenthood

 

AG Moody Wins Major Immigration Case; Federal Judge Sides with Florida, Agrees that Biden Broke the Border

CFO Jimmy Patronis Unveils 2023 Legislative Priorities

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Legislative Priorities

Republican Party of Florida News

 

2023 Legislative Session News

Other News

Kathleen Passidomo March 10 Legislative Update

On Tuesday, the Florida Legislature convened to mark to the start of the 2023 Legislative Session.

We wasted no time to pass bills that strengthen our state. On Wednesday, we passed Senate Bill 102, the Live Local Act, sponsored by Senator Alexis Calatayud. This measure will expand attainable housing for Florida’s workforce.

We also passed Senate Bill 106, by Senator Jason Brodeur, this week. This bill expands access to Florida’s iconic Wildlife Corridor by connecting the corridor to Florida’s Greenways and Trails System and the SUN Trail Network, as well as recreational pathways to heritage small towns across Florida. All Floridians will have the opportunity to enjoy the precious natural landscape of Florida’s heartland.

During his State of the State Address in a joint session, Governor Ron DeSantis detailed Florida’s success in protecting individual freedoms, rebuilding from recent natural disasters, and defending the rights of parents to be involved in their children’s education.

Visit the Florida Channel to watch my remarks from opening day and the Governor’s  State of the State Address.

 

While we accomplished a great deal this first week of session, there is more work to do:

  • We will make school choice a reality for every child in every family across our great state. We must invest in the education of every Florida student, no matter where they choose to go to school.
  • We will cut red tape on traditional public schools. These institutions – which have served our communities for generations – will have a meaningful opportunity to compete right alongside other school choice options.
  • We will enhance public safety by codifying the constitutional right of citizens to keep and bear arms. At the same time, we will expand tools available to law enforcement and educators working to keep our communities and schools safe.
  • We will promote career and technical education with a focus on work-based learning opportunities linked to local employment.
  • We will work to secure our borders because the federal government has failed to do so.
  • We are going to cut taxes on more essential items so Florida families can keep more of their hard-earned dollars where they belong – in their pockets.
  • And we’re going to pass meaningful tort reform to curb the practices of those attorneys who file frivolous lawsuits which increase the cost of living in our state.

Expanding Access to Florida’s Wildlife Corridor

Senate Bill 106, which passed with unanimous support on the Senate floor this week, will connect the corridor to Florida’s Greenways and Trails System and the SUN Trail Network, as well as recreational pathways to heritage small towns across Florida.

Our wildlife corridor provides a unique opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of Florida’s heartland. We have the chance not only to preserve this natural resource for future generations, but to expand access so more Floridians can walk, run, and bike from trail town to trail town, taking in all our great state has to offer. I envision Florida’s Wildlife Corridor as a top destination for recreational tourists from across the country and around the world. As I have said before, I believe this will be Florida’s Central Park – a legacy we can be proud to leave for future generations of Floridians and visitors to enjoy.

Florida’s Wildlife Corridor encompasses approximately 17.7 million acres, including almost 10 million acres of conservation lands. The corridor is being created through the state’s purchase of development rights of farmers, ranchers, and other landowners who will be able to continue their operations in perpetuity and the lands will never be developed.

 

Creating Workforce Housing

Senate Bill 102, Housing, by Senator Alexis Calatayud, also earned unanimous support from the Florida Senate this week. The legislation contains the comprehensive, statewide workforce housing strategy and is designed to increase the availability of attainable housing options for Florida workers who seek to live in the communities they serve.

Floridians are ready to live local, and to spend less time commuting and more time building their lives and raising their families in the heart of the communities they serve. With this comprehensive legislation, we are shutting down affordable housing stereotypes and creating attainable housing options needed by the majority of our workforce, the backbone of Florida’s economy.

 

Expanding School Choice in Florida

Senator Corey Simon presented Senate Bill 202 to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Education which passed with strong committee support. Senate Bill 202 expands Florida’s educational voucher program and implements universal school vouchers across the state.

Senate Bill 202 ensures that educational funding in Florida follows students, not systems. Florida’s students will now be able to receive an education in a setting that best fits their unique needs, abilities, and goals. Whether a student and their family wish to attend a public, charter, private, or home school, this legislation will give every Florida student the opportunity to excel and thrive through their educational journey regardless of their zip code.

This legislation also removes burdensome regulations on teachers that unnecessarily overcomplicate the recertification process.

With Senate Bill 202, Florida will offer dynamic educational opportunities that will improve educational outcomes for every student.

 

Protecting Students’ Privacy

This week, Senator Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) presented Senate Bill 662 to the Senate Judiciary Committee where it passed with strong committee support. Senate Bill 662, cited as the “Student Online Personal Information Protection Act,” establishes a secure shelter of students’ personal information.

This legislation will prohibit operators of websites, online services, or online applications from collecting, disclosing, or selling student data. Under this legislation, operators will only be able to collect information that is necessary for the operation of educational technology and will be prohibited from using student data to engage in targeted advertising.

Given the increased reliance upon the internet and other software programs in educational settings due to the pandemic, it is important that the personal information of Florida students is protected in a comprehensive manner. Senate Bill 662 ensures that when Florida students enter the classroom, the educational technology they operate is utilized solely for education, and not as a tool for third-party companies to profit off of a student’s personal data.

Florida GOP March Update – Disney – False Book Bans – More

Text

Governor DeSantis Shuts Down Disney’s Corporate Kingdom

Governor DeSantis Condemns False Rumors of ‘Book Bans’

Governor DeSantis Calls Out Media, Politicians, on Origins of COVID-19

Attorney General Moody Unveils Protection for Victims of Human Trafficking in Court

 

CFO Jimmy Patronis Welcomes New Residents from Blue States

 

Senator Marco Rubio Calls on Biden to Cancel Cuban Visit

 

Senator Rick Scott Introduces ‘Protect Our Seniors’ Act


Republican Party of Florida News

 

Other News

REMEMBER: Like @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state, and you are integral to making that happen.

 

Florida Republican Update

Governor DeSantis, RPOF, Moms for Liberty and Key Education Leaders Meet to Strategize on Removing Woke School Board Members

 

Governor DeSantis Proposes Legislation to Protect Floridians from Biden’s Border Crisis

 

Governor DeSantis Shares Florida Success in New York, Philadelphia and Chicago on “Back the Blue” Tour

 

First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces Cancer Connect Collaborative

 

Attorney General Moody to Ban ‘Frankenstein’ Opioids

 

AG Moody Looks to Protect Floridians from ‘Foreign-owned apps’

 

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson Highlights Importance of Farmers

 

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis Wants Maximum ROI

 

Senator Marco Rubio: Ohio Train Derailment Could Have Been Avoided

 

Senator Rick Scott

REMEMBER: Like @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state, and you are integral to making that happen.