Top Ten Issues to Watch in Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session

Florida TaxWatch: Top Ten Issues to Watch in Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session 

Bottom Line: Today Florida’s 60-day state legislative session kicks off with an ambitious final year agenda outlined by Governor DeSantis in his “Floridians First” agenda he recently presented to the legislature. While the governor will state his case with his final State-of-the-State address today, Florida’s top independent watchdog, Florida TaxWatch, has outlined their top Taxpayer Priorities for this year’s session. Here’s a breakdown of those priorities which commonly are in line with the governor’s agenda:  

1. Fair and Equitable Taxation: TaxWatch emphasizes the need for a more equitable tax system. This includes evaluating property taxes — especially non-school homestead property taxes — to reduce burdens on homeowners. It also calls for fair treatment of new technologies and services, like ensuring electric vehicles pay their fair share for road use, and communications services are taxed appropriately.  
2. Transparency, Accountability & Efficient Government: A priority is strengthening transparency and accountability across state and local governments. TaxWatch suggests reforms to budgeting and spending processes, aiming to control waste, improve performance, and ensure taxpayer dollars result in better services statewide.  
3. Healthcare Access, Quality & Affordability: Improved healthcare access and affordability is a key focus. TaxWatch supports policies that enhance outcomes and reduce cost barriers for Floridians, particularly addressing long-term health challenges and aging populations.  
4. Water Quality & Environmental Protection: Preserving Florida’s water resources remains a priority. TaxWatch backs initiatives for sustainable water project funding, septic-to-sewer conversion programs, and better project selection processes to protect the environment.  
5. Property Insurance Market Stability: Stabilizing the state’s property insurance market is highlighted, with attention on reducing litigation costs, increasing competition among insurers, and expanding home hardening programs to lower premiums and protect homeowners.  
6. Protecting Infrastructure Funding: TaxWatch opposes excessive “utility revenue sweeps” — the transfer of public utility profits to general funds — which it says jeopardize infrastructure quality. The group supports limiting such transfers and requiring voter approval for them.  
7. Public Safety & Child Drowning Prevention: Public safety is another priority, notably expanding water safety efforts. TaxWatch supports programs like “Every Child a Swimmer” to reduce Florida’s high drowning rates through access to swimming education.  
8. Economic Growth & Workforce Development: Strengthening Florida’s economy is also key. TaxWatch encourages workforce development, including support for manufacturing through targeted grants and even creation of a Chief Manufacturing Officer position to expand industry capacity and competitiveness. 
9. Childcare Expansion: Recognizing childcare as crucial for families and workforce participation, TaxWatch promotes policies to improve access to quality childcare services and align them with economic needs.  
10. State Health Insurance Trust Fund Solvency: TaxWatch warns the State Employees’ Health Insurance Trust Fund could face significant deficits in coming years. It highlights the importance of fiscal reforms to ensure the fund remains solvent and sustainable for state workers and retirees. 

Following last year’s often contentious session with public dissent of Governor DeSantis’ agenda being regularly voiced by Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez – that dynamic will be in focus at the onset of this year’s session.