County lobbyists report legislative ‘difficult’ session but secure funding for Port LaBelle, sheriff repairs and CDBG allocations

Dean Cannon of GrayRobinson, Hendry County’s Tallahassee lobbyist, told the board on Sept. 8 that the 2025 legislative session was “a little bit difficult” but that the firm secured several earmarks for the county.

“We were able to secure 2 and a half million dollars for the Port LaBelle utility system water treatment plant expansion,” Cannon said. He also told the board the county received $750,000 for the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office building repairs and $900,000 through Community Development Block Grant programs.

Cannon described the 2025 session as acrimonious at times, noting a January special session and multiple special sessions before the regular session convened. He said that the budget was completed by June 27 despite disagreements and vetoes, and cautioned commissioners that “property tax reform” is likely to be a major issue in the next session. Cannon said local governments must guard core infrastructure funding while the Legislature considers reform proposals.

He also said insurance-rate discussions are likely to appear in Tallahassee next session but cautioned outcomes are uncertain. Cannon thanked county staff for preparing priorities in advance and said GrayRobinson will continue to press the county’s requests in the upcoming session.

Why it matters: The lobbyists’ report explains how county capital priorities are advanced at the state level and identifies policy risks — notably property tax reform — that could affect local revenue streams and county operations.