Florida Legislature 2026: Baby steps

February 11

38 mins

Episode Description

In this episode: After fierce opposition from activists on both the right and the left, Florida senators backed down from a plan that would help the state’s sugar industry threaten defamation litigation against Everglades activists, wellness influencers, and news outlets. Senators also softened — very slightly — a bill to protect a gun manufacturer that has been making enormous campaign contributions from lawsuits over company-made guns that allegedly fire without anyone ever pulling the trigger. But both battles are still far from over. An update from Day 29 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session.

Show notes

The bill’s discussed in today’s show:

Senate Bill 290 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Passed the Senate Rules Committee by a 24-0 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1748 — Evidence in Civil Actions Relating to Firearms

Passed the Senate Judiciary Committee by an 8-3 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 1566 — Local Government Spending

Passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee by a 7-1 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 1177 — Space Florida

Passed the House Ways & Means Committee by an 18-1 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 1471 — Systems of Law and Terrorist Organizations

Passed the House Education & Employment Committee by a 16-4 vote (vote sheet)