Florida Legislature 2026: Fortifying the courts ahead of a redistricting fight

January 15

31 mins

Episode Description

In this episode: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis just replaced a justice on the Florida Supreme Court who couldn’t participate in redistricting cases with a new judge who has defended partisan gerrymandering. The switch comes just as DeSantis and the Florida Legislature prepare to redraw to the state’s Congressional districts to give Republicans an even greater advantage in the 2026 elections — an issue with national consequences that will almost inevitably end up before the Florida Supreme Court. Meanwhile, special interests and government agencies are teaming up to cut the public out of public hearings. And in the Florida Senate, we don’t talk about Big Sugar. An update from Day 2 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session.

Show notes:

The bills discussed in today’s show:

House Bill 655 — Pub. Meetings/Attorney Meetings to Discuss Private Property Rights Claims

Passed the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee by a 17-0 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 7009 — OGSR/Public Service Commission

Passed the House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee by a 15-1 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 290 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Passed the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee by a 17-3 vote (vote sheet)

Stories referenced in today’s show:

Florida court upholds DeSantis’ congressional redistricting map

Florida Supreme Court upholds congressional district maps

Trump judicial nominee “indefinitely” stalled by criminal probe