Rep. Spencer warns of state preemption, outlines $3.2M in possible local projects in Winter Garden update

State Representative Spencer told the Winter Garden City Commission on March 26 that this year’s legislative session remains in overtime as lawmakers negotiate a budget of more than $113 billion and consider bills with direct implications for local governments.

Spencer told commissioners he has pushed against what he called state overreach on local decisions, citing a DEI prohibition he identified as House Bill 1,001 and its Senate companion SB 134. “I will consistently try to push back against state overreach,” Representative Spencer (S7) said, arguing that municipalities are best equipped to manage their own growth and local standards.

Spencer highlighted several measures he said could affect local control and community programs, including a requirement he described from the transcript as “House Bill 13 to 9” that would require a 10% budget‑cutting exercise at least 14 days before final adoption of a city or county budget. He also noted House Joint Resolution 203 to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot about homestead property taxes and urged the commission to consider the administrative and programmatic consequences if such a measure proceeds.

The representative described other legislation he worked on or supported: a corporate tax package he cited (transcript notation 7 0 3 1) to protect state revenue, liability cap changes in House Bill 145 for contractors doing government work, and House Bill 1093 establishing groundwork for so‑called vertical ports and next‑generation aviation. On local public‑safety and health matters he said the session included an ebike safety bill that would cap e‑bike speeds at 10 mph on sidewalks when pedestrians are nearby and create a nine‑member e‑bike safety task force, and a PFAS firefighting‑foam phase‑out (which he referred to as the “Joe Costello Act”).

Representative Spencer also summarized district funding his office has secured or sought in the budget negotiations — “we have approximately $3,200,000 in direct infrastructure investment” — and listed allocations mentioned in the session: $1,500,000 for an Oakland South Lake Apopka Boulevard extension; $784,000 for a Windermere roundabout at 6th and Main; $678,000 for improvements at Windermere Chase Road and Main Street; $170,000 for the Desiree Foundation’s work on food deserts; and $150,000 for youth mentorship.

The mayor (S1) pressed Spencer to think through the local operational burden of any property‑tax changes, saying staff and the finance department would need to plan for cuts and alternative fees. “I respectfully request that you… think about that a little bit more,” the mayor said, noting the potential need for staff time and public meetings if revenue mechanisms change.

Spencer closed by announcing constituent outreach events, including a town hall on April 9 (5:30–8 p.m.), library hours on April 24 and May 15, and a Horizon West town hall on May 6. He said he would continue following the budget negotiations and invited follow‑up conversations with local leaders.

What this means locally - Representative Spencer framed several bills as risks to local autonomy and described programs he supports that would deliver targeted funding or regulatory changes for safety, environment and infrastructure. The commission did not take formal action on the legislative matters during the meeting; discussion remained at the briefing and Q&A level.

Next steps - Spencer will hold constituent events in April and May and said he would continue conversations with the commission and mayor about the impacts of proposed state changes on Winter Garden.