TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Senate on Wednesday unanimously permitted a sweeping measure aimed toward revitalizing rural communities throughout the state. The 138-page Rural Renaissance package deal, sponsored by Republican Sen. Corey Simon and co-sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, handed 39-0 with bipartisan help.
“This invoice is 138 pages, as a result of rural points are broad, interconnected, and overdue for consideration,” Simon mentioned on the Senate flooring earlier than the vote. “Briefly, this invoice goals to develop and diversify what financial growth can appear to be in rural Florida, strengthen the infrastructure that helps homegrown companies and legacy farms and citrus operations, and improves entry to schooling, well being care, and employment so households can keep and thrive within the communities they love.”
HAPPENING NOW: Dwell from the Florida Senate the place lawmakers are taking over the $199.8M Rural Renaissance plan, a sweeping invoice aimed toward revitalizing rural communities with investments in farms, roads, colleges, healthcare, and extra.
Sen. Corey Simon @csime90 is the invoice’s sponsor… pic.twitter.com/U0hFFUZWWI
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) January 14, 2026
The laws establishes the Workplace of Rural Prosperity throughout the Division of Commerce to assist native governments navigate state and federal applications. It creates the Renaissance Grant Program to focus on rural counties dealing with inhabitants decline, funds rural roads and transportation networks, expands housing and broadband entry, and supplies new funding for colleges and rural hospitals.
Senate President Ben Albritton praised the invoice as a mannequin for rural prosperity. “This effort celebrates Florida’s farming heritage and ensures our rural communities are seen, supported, and positioned to develop,” he mentioned.
Simon highlighted the impression of current federal grants, noting that Florida was awarded $209.9 million over 5 years, with complete investments exceeding $1 billion when federal funds are included. The laws was rigorously amended to keep away from conflicts with these federal applications.
Different senators emphasised the invoice’s tailor-made strategy, which lets every rural group chart its personal path. “Rural prosperity is just not a partisan subject. It’s a statewide duty,” Democratic Sen. Ana Berman mentioned. “This invoice makes certain Florida’s rural communities are now not an afterthought.”
The invoice now heads to the Florida Home of Representatives for consideration. If handed by the Home and signed by the governor, it will take impact July 1, 2026.
