What Did Florida’s Legislators Actually Do? & A Turning Point in the Strait of Hormuz – Top 3 Takeaways – March 17th, 2026
Takeaway #1: What exactly did the Florida legislature do?
In the days following the end of this year’s state legislative session, the biggest question that might come to mind isn’t what Florida’s legislature did, but what instead, the things it didn’t do. Namely, pass a budget which is the only thing that legislators are compelled to do...or pass a proposed amendment eliminating property taxes for homesteaded properties...which is without a doubt the issue that gained the most attention publicly preceding this year’s festivities. Instead, the budget and property taxes are going to be taken up in a special session in April. But while the highest profile issue has yet to be addressed, it doesn’t mean the legislature didn’t pass a lot of things that will end up impacting you and me. In total 185 bills passed during the state session and are on their way to Governor DeSantis’ desk. That is a number that’s less than what we typically see during the annual 60-day fast and furious session in Tallahassee. One of the higher profile bills that passed through the session this year was Florida’s version of the federally proposed SAVE Act. Florida’s Election Integrity bill, which will take effect on January 1st of next year, should Governor DeSantis sign it into law as he’s expected to do – would close one potential loophole left in Florida’s voter registration law. While a government issued photo ID is required to vote in Florida, what currently isn’t is documented proof of citizenship. On Florida’s voter registration forms currently, one must only check a box stating that they are legal/eligible citizens. Beyond that bill you might recall that the legislation that would rename Palm Beach International Airport for President Trump also made it through. But ultimately did the state session produce much of anything that’s potentially impactful for you? According to Florida’s Chamber of Commerce...
Takeaway #2: The answer is yes
Florida Chamber CEO Mark Wilson said this: Florida continues to outpace much of the nation because of a united business community that is focused on the right things happening in Florida. This year, lawmakers took incremental steps in strengthening Florida’s business climate without backtracking on policies that have led to Florida’s nationally-recognized pro-business environment, ensuring job creators and families can continue to thrive. And while the rhetoric is nice, what the chamber outlined illustrates that perhaps a lot more happened during the session that perhaps meets the eye. The Chamber highlighted these legislative wins from their perspective: Public sector union transparency and accountability by preventing taxpayer dollars from being used on union or political activity; Providing certainty and clarity on the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit under the Florida Civil Rights Act; Expanding affordable workforce housing options and opportunities; Lowering costs on new development by reining in abusive fees charged by local governments, expanding opportunities to address healthcare workforce shortages, strengthening resiliency of Florida’s coastal and inland communities, streamlining Florida’s building permit process, furthering Florida’s leadership in mobility innovation, attracting high-value economic development projects. Now, the Chamber’s goals may not necessarily be your goals (for example they’re excited about the proposed AI-data centers many locally are currently opposing), however they are a good barometer for whether Florida’s top ranked economy is likely to remain that way. Based on their assessment, and states like California that continue to chase businesses and wealthy investors away, the Free State of Florida’s economy is likely to continue to lead the way even if the most anticipated legislation hasn’t yet taken place.
Takeaway #3: A Turning Point?
While the U.S. continues to bomb, bomb, bomb...bomb, bomb, Iran – the daily question that comes up is what’s going to be happening with gas prices. Yesterday proved to be a better day with oil prices declining in part due to what the United States is allowing Iran to do...ship oil. On Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC: The Iranian ships have been getting out already, and we’ve let that happen to supply the rest of the world. That included a confirmed Indian ship getting through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday with another that’s making its way through today. India said they now have 22 ships that are ready to go through the strait. The word is China is now on the move as well. China and India are the two biggest consumers of energy that travels through the Strait of Hormuz with 55% of everything ending up in one of those two countries. If their energy supply is coming back online, that will greatly ease pressure in the worldwide oil market. Yesterday may have marked the turning point with the war in Iran and specifically it’s impact on what we pay at the pump. On the war front here’s the update for where we stood as of Monday... Operation Epic Fury had produced: 13,600 targets struck in Iran, a total that was 4,300 higher over the past three days. In other words, 46% of everything the U.S. has done in bombing Iran has taken place over the prior three days. But as for Iran – the most interesting thing is that they’ve only managed 3,310. And as for what those 3,310 targets have actually hit? Only 58, or 1.7% have made their way through allied defenses. In fact, Iran didn’t hit a single target over the past day. It’s a good sign that they may be near their end of what they’re still able to produce militarily.