TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Florida lawmakers settle into the 2026 legislative session, Republican leaders say the approaching weeks will likely be outlined by acquainted themes of property tax aid, speedy inhabitants development, fiscal restraint and public security, alongside newer debates over synthetic intelligence and spiritual expression.
In a collection of interviews Tuesday from the Capitol on Florida’s Voice Radio with host Drew Steele, high Senate leaders and rank-and-file lawmakers described a fast-moving session formed by Florida’s continued development and its function as a coverage bellwether for conservative states.
Senate President Ben Albritton emphasised continuity below Republican management and Gov. Ron DeSantis, whereas framing the work forward as a possibility to bolster what he known as Florida’s core values.
“Each session is totally different,” Albritton mentioned. “However I see this as an incredible alternative to seize the second, put our values to work and lead by instance.”
Albritton mentioned the Senate would stay centered on preserving taxes low, sustaining predictable regulation and addressing affordability for households and companies. He additionally spoke brazenly about religion as a tenet in his management, saying he sees no battle between non secular perception and constitutional governance.
.@Sen_Albritton: “We’re gonna proceed to be laser-focused on religion, household, freedom of alternative, and life. That basically is the inspiration of our celebration.” pic.twitter.com/9gFTbeOk3U
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) January 20, 2026
“There isn’t a query that evil exists on this planet,” Albritton mentioned, pointing to rising antisemitism and up to date protests at homes of worship. On the identical time, he mentioned his method could be rooted in bridge-building and peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” he mentioned.
Property taxes emerged as a recurring matter throughout interviews, although lawmakers differed in how shortly modifications ought to go.
Senate President-designate Jim Boyd mentioned there may be broad settlement that Floridians want significant aid, however he cautioned in opposition to calls to totally abolish property taxes, noting that native governments rely on that income to offer important providers.
“I don’t assume anyone proper now appears like abolishing property taxes fully will work,” Boyd mentioned. “There’s a number of native authorities providers that depend on them.”
Boyd mentioned the Senate is creating its personal proposal, separate from concepts floated by the governor and the Home, and he expects voters will in the end have the ultimate say.
“I imagine there’ll be a property tax proposal that we’ll have the ability to put earlier than the voters on the poll for subsequent fall,” he mentioned, including that any plan should stability aid with fiscal self-discipline. “Might we reside somewhat bit extra frugally as communities within the state? I feel we will.”
Sen. @JimBoydFL: “Most individuals that we speak to and ballot say SOME property tax aid is one thing we wish to see. Complete elimination of property taxes, most individuals do not assume that is actually potential.” pic.twitter.com/WFOlSIBofi
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) January 20, 2026
Boyd additionally pointed to current property insurance coverage reforms for instance of laws starting to point out outcomes. He mentioned reforms handed in late 2022 helped stabilize the market after years of rising charges and firm withdrawals.
“We mentioned then it will take 18 months, two years, and we’re seeing it,” Boyd mentioned. “17 or 18 new corporations right here. Charges have stabilized, and in lots of circumstances, are happening.”
Different lawmakers echoed the sense of urgency because the session positive aspects momentum.
Sen. Ralph Massullo mentioned Floridians shouldn’t should hold paying the federal government simply to stay of their houses, however warned that sweeping reforms should not undermine core providers similar to public security, roads and faculties.
“We have now to be extraordinarily cautious that we don’t compromise providers which might be required for us to simply reside,” Massullo mentioned, including that incremental modifications, similar to regularly elevating the homestead exemption, will be the most accountable path ahead.
Sen. @RalphMassullo: “In a free society, you should not should proceed to pay for the house you reside in. […] If our founders would ever assume that we must proceed to pay tax on our property to proceed to personal it, we’d not have even had the revolutionary battle.” pic.twitter.com/CZnNCfbhIU
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) January 21, 2026
Massullo additionally highlighted Florida’s function as a coverage pioneer, pointing to common faculty alternative and laws geared toward strengthening protections for non secular expression in public faculties. A proposed constitutional modification would make clear that prayer and faith-based expression are protected in the identical approach as different types of speech.
“The Institution Clause was by no means meant to silence particular person expression,” he mentioned. “It was meant to forestall a theocracy.”
Sen. Tom Leek mentioned the tempo of the session has already accelerated, warning that payments that fail to maneuver early are unlikely to outlive.
“Issues have to maneuver now, or they’re not going to make it,” Leek mentioned.
Leek argued that the property tax debate ought to focus much less on charges and extra on authorities spending, backing a taxpayer invoice of rights-style cap that may restrict native budgets to inhabitants development and inflation, with extra income returned to taxpayers.
He’s additionally sponsoring laws geared toward regulating synthetic intelligence, notably when it entails youngsters. The invoice would require AI bots to establish themselves and procure parental consent when interacting with minors, and would strengthen protections for an individual’s title, picture and likeness. The invoice handed with bipartisan assist on Wednesday in its first Senate committee cease.
“If an AI bot is speaking to your youngster, the dad or mum deserves to know that,” Leek mentioned.
🚨WATCH: Sen. @Leek_TJ needs to see Florida take the lead in protections for customers in opposition to synthetic intelligence
“Let’s take the half that’s the client safety half, and enact that NOW as a state. If we get a federal commonplace later, nice.” pic.twitter.com/24SEVAkLDY
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) January 21, 2026
Public security is one other precedence for Leek, who’s pushing the Jason Rayner Act, which might improve penalties when somebody kills a legislation enforcement officer whereas resisting arrest with violence.
In the meantime, Sen. Stan McClain described the session as a “whirlwind,” pushed partially by Florida’s relentless development. He famous that migration developments, together with retirees, households and tens of millions of annual guests, proceed to pressure infrastructure, housing and public providers.
“Florida’s not going to cease rising,” McClain mentioned. “Typically you’re a sufferer of your personal success.”
🚨WATCH: Florida will NOT cease rising, says @SenatorMcClain, so having the ability stability that development with Florida’s traditions in a accountable approach is essential for any policymaker pic.twitter.com/juLVGWKqR3
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) January 20, 2026
McClain mentioned lawmakers try to stability improvement with conservation, notably with regards to water provide and land safety. He additionally confirmed that property tax aid stays a high precedence, although he cautioned that significant modifications would require a constitutional modification authorized by voters.
“The invoice you see at this time most likely gained’t be the invoice you see on the finish of session,” McClain mentioned. “My dedication is discovering one of the best factor we will do for the most individuals.”
