State representative reviews 2025 session, cites housing, budget wins and threats to local control

State Rep. Deborah Tendridge told the West Palm Beach City Commission on June 9 that the 2025 Florida legislative session produced both victories and setbacks for the city and region.

Tendridge, who represents central Palm Beach County and part of West Palm Beach, said one of her bills passed and that the Legislature adopted a measure recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27. “Moving forward, on January 27 from now on, the state of Florida will recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day,” Tendridge said.

The state representative also described several budget items she said were secured for area programs, noting that final funding remains subject to the governor’s approval and final budget reconciliation. She listed $257,000 for fire‑rescue gear for the city, $250,000 for Jewish Family Services to create childcare scholarships, a $500,000 grant for Digital Vibes, and a pending request for a Patriot Pass to allow veterans free public transit in Palm Beach County.

Why it matters: Tendridge framed the session as consequential for local public safety, housing and social services, but warned that some statewide bills could curtail municipal authority and civic participation.

Tendridge described an affordable‑housing proposal she sponsored — meant to prevent mid‑lease rent increases on certain subsidized units — that cleared two committees unanimously but was ultimately blocked. She urged local governments to consider adding lease language for new affordable developments to prohibit mid‑lease rent increases, saying that measure would not be retroactive but would protect future tenants.

Tendridge also highlighted HB 365, the My Safe Florida condominium program, which creates matching grants to harden condominiums to reduce insurance costs and increase transparency in condo financial reporting. She said the bill would help cover improvements such as roofs, windows and doors that can lower insurance premiums.

Not all outcomes were positive, she said. The representative named HB 1205 as a bill that changes the process for citizen‑led ballot petitions and said it will make citizen initiatives significantly harder to complete. She also raised an ongoing investigation tied to the Hope Florida matter and related nonprofit funding, describing it as an item to follow in news reports.

Mayor Keith James thanked Tendridge and asked her to keep protecting municipal home‑rule authority in Tallahassee. “We need to protect the city's home rule, authority,” the mayor said. Tendridge replied that defending home rule is an ongoing priority.

What’s next: Tendridge encouraged residents to contact her district office for follow‑up and noted staff available to help constituents. She reminded commissioners that many bills considered this year will continue to affect local policy debates in coming sessions.

Ending: The commission did not take formal action on the report. Tendridge concluded by offering contact information for her district office and staff.