Skip to main content

Legislative Update: Post-Session activity continues

April 10, 2026

By FICPA Governmental Affairs

With the 2026 Legislative Session in the rearview, attention turns to bill signings, the impending return of the Legislature and election season. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ review of legislation is ongoing, and conversations around a Special Session continue as lawmakers work toward a final budget agreement. 

Special Session Timeline Remains in Focus 

As the FICPA has shared in previous updates, the Legislature is expected to reconvene for a Special Session to finalize the state budget. Outstanding issues, including tax policy and property tax reform, may also re-emerge as part of those discussions.  

Late Wednesday afternoon, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez provided a brief memo with an update to members following the Easter break. Both presiding officers indicated that while negotiations on the budget framework continue, there is no need for members to make travel plans to Tallahassee for the week of April 13. They indicated that additional information will be provided as it becomes available.  

As previously shared by the FICPA, the Legislature is expected to reconvene during the week of April 20, as Gov. DeSantis has already called a Special Session on redistricting. However, this does not necessarily mean that the state budget will be taken up during that time. 

Given the fluid nature of the Special Session on the state budget, the FICPA Governmental Affairs team remains engaged and will provide timely updates as additional details are confirmed. 

Governor Continues Bill Review and Signings 

Following the conclusion of the 2026 Legislative Session, the bill-signing process is fully underway. As bills are formally presented, the Gov. Desantis continues to review and act on legislation passed by both chambers. 

As of Friday morning, of the 237 bills passed during the 2026 session, only 30 have been signed by the governor, with 11 bills pending on his desk and 195 still awaiting presentation.

Once a bill is presented to the governor, he has 15 days to take formal action by either signing or vetoing the bill. If no action is taken, the bill automatically becomes law after the 15th day. Once signed into law, state agencies begin the rulemaking process to implement the legislation. 

Gov. DeSantis has acted on a limited number of bills thus far, however, some of the large issues of Session have already been resolved with the governor’s signature. The governor has signed a series of election bills includingHB 991 – Elections by Rep. Persons-Mulicka and Trabulsy  that strengthens voter registration verification, tightens candidate eligibility and revises acceptable voter identification.  

The governor also signed bills dealing with health care reform, including HB 697 - Drug Prices and Coverage by Rep. Kincart Jonsson that revises the law around interactions between pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers.  

A number of bills tracked by the FICPA are still awaiting presentation to the governor, including HB 7031 - Internal Revenue Code, which would decouple Florida from portions of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Other key bills, such as those impacting local government budgets, also remain pending. 

Bills will continue to be delivered to the governor in phases over the coming weeks. The FICPA will track key legislation impacting the profession as final decisions are made and implementation begins at the agency level. 

Harrell Presents Tax Update During Countdown to Filing Series 

As part of FICPA’s “Countdown to Filing” Florida’s Tax Series, Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell recently delivered a legislative tax update, providing members with critical insights into this year’s state tax landscape. 

During the presentation, Harrell highlighted several key tax-related developments from the 2026 Legislative Session, including: 

  • The status of the Legislature’s annual tax package, which did not pass prior to adjournment.
  • Ongoing discussions surrounding property tax reform and potential future action during a Special Session.
  • The state’s decoupling from certain provisions of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”  

Harrell also emphasized the importance of staying engaged as tax policy conversations continue beyond Regular Session, noting that unresolved issues may still be addressed in the coming months. 

Members received the latest legislative insights and context to stay informed as these issues continue to evolve. 

How can you help? Join the KPC Program  

If you have a relationship with a member of the Florida Legislature or Cabinet and would like to participate in the FICPA’s strong advocacy strategy, join our Key Person Contact (KPC) program today. KPCs are FICPA members who have established relationships with local legislators or Cabinet officials. Whether it’s sending a quick message, making a phone call or participating in strategic outreach, these personal connections help advance the profession’s priorities when it matters most. Join our KPC Program here. 

Looking Ahead 

The FICPA Governmental Affairs team will continue to monitor the governor’s bill-signing activity, developments related to a potential Special Session, and updates on the 2026 election cycle. 

As always, the FICPA will keep members informed as these developments continue.