2025 Florida Legislative Session Recap

This year’s legislative session was marked by unusual disunity between the Florida House, Senate, and Governor’s Office. For the first time in years, the Legislature failed to finalize the state budget by the end of the 60-day session. As a result, numerous policy bills, many of which were directly tied to the budget, ultimately died without a vote.

While an extension was granted to reach a budget agreement by July 1, any policy bills must now be refiled for the 2026 session, which is set to begin on January 13.  Pre-session committee meetings are slated to meet in September.

Florida CDF was in Tallahassee meeting with lawmakers, offering encouragement and support for key legislation that aligns with our mission.

Key Bills That Passed:

• HB 1205: Strengthens the constitutional amendment process, adding new restrictions on petition collection and increased penalties.

• SB 700: A sweeping regulatory bill; notably bans fluoride and other non-essential additives from public water systems.

• HB 1105: Expands on 2023 cell phone restrictions in schools by banning student device use throughout the entire day in elementary and middle schools. A pilot program will test full day bans in all grades across six districts.

  
  

Significant bills that passed the House, but died in the Senate:

• Fetal Personhood (HB 1517): Would have allowed parents to seek damages for the death of an unborn child.

• Materials Harmful to Minors (HB 1539): Sought to close loopholes allowing explicit content in school libraries.

• E-Verify (HB 955): Proposed mandatory E-Verify for all businesses, not just public employers.

• Parental Rights Expansion (HB 1505): Included opt-outs for health surveys and consent requirements for biofeedback and birth control—ultimately died in the Senate.

• HB 1255: Originally required instruction on embryological development and passed the House. However, that requirement was but was stripped to gain Senate support.

Several strong conservative initiatives addressing DEI, pronoun mandates, and political displays in public institutions also failed to advance.

This year’s challenges highlight the importance of staying engaged, informed, and prayerful as we continue to advocate for policies that defend life, uphold parental rights, safeguard Florida elections, and protect our children. Looking ahead to the 2026 legislative session, we remain committed to equipping citizens, building coalitions, and working with leaders who share our values to advance God-honoring legislation in Florida.