The recent conclusion of the 2025 Florida Regular Legislative Session has resulted in the passage of various initiatives aligned with priorities set by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. President and CEO Mark Wilson remarked, “Florida remains the national model for economic growth, quality of life, and competitiveness.” Wilson acknowledged the role of Governor Ron DeSantis and legislative members in moving forward the Chamber’s competitiveness agenda while blocking bills that could have increased litigation.
The Florida Chamber remains committed to promoting policies within the Florida 2030 Blueprint, aiming to enhance the state’s competitiveness. Keith Koenig, Chairman of CITY Furniture and Volunteer Chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, expressed gratitude towards the Chamber’s members, local chambers, and trade associations for their collaboration, saying, “Advancing the Florida 2030 Blueprint remains our focus.”
A primary focus of this session was defending Florida’s Constitution from external influences seeking to alter it via paid petition initiatives. The Chamber supported HB 1205, enhancing transparency and accountability by requiring paid petition gatherers to be Florida residents and increasing penalties for fraud.
Additional legislative priorities supported by the Chamber included measures to address affordable workforce housing, improve permitting processes, broaden access to early learning and child care, and enhance work-based learning opportunities. Initiatives intended to further the agricultural and energy sectors, as well as the space and aerospace industries, were also highlighted.
Despite the progress, some threats to local businesses were identified and successfully mitigated, particularly those aimed at overturning previous reforms in lawsuit regulations. Frank Walker, Executive Vice President of Government and Political Relations, highlighted the efforts to keep Florida on the path to becoming a leading global economy.
The Chamber is currently reviewing approximately 5,000 votes from the session and will present its annual Legislative Report Card to showcase the voting records of Florida’s 157 legislators. This publication, How They Voted, will highlight who promoted private-sector job creation over special interests in pursuit of a stronger state economy.
