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Lobbyist: Port Richey secured state funding as Moore warns of sweeping 2026 changes
Summary
Lobbyist Mike Moore told Port Richey council the 2026 session passed about 237 of 1,896 filed bills and that the city secured appropriations for a Grand Boulevard/US‑19 crossing and a Vactor truck; he reviewed several bills that could affect municipalities, including property‑tax reform and limits on DEI activities.
Mike Moore of the Southern Group briefed the Port Richey City Council on the 2026 Florida legislative session and the final state budget.
Moore said only a small share of introduced bills became law this year and described the final fiscal package: "The total budget was a $117,630,000,000," he told council, while noting alternate ways to count back‑of‑bill items. He said Port Richey had two member‑project appropriations make it through the process, including funding tied to the Grand Boulevard/US‑19 multi‑vehicle crossing and an appropriation for a Vactor truck.
Moore outlined proposals that could affect local government operations, including the November property‑tax amendment (Amendment 3) that would change homestead exemptions and non‑homestead assessment caps, sovereign immunity changes that were ultimately vetoed, and SB 1134 (DEI prohibitions) that would bar certain municipal DEI initiatives and allow civil suits against noncompliant governments. He also flagged municipal utility reporting requirements and a forthcoming uniform statewide permit application developed by the Florida Building Commission for adoption by July 1, 2027.
City members pressed Moore on local project details and implementation timelines; Moore said staff and the city attorney would advise council on any statutory changes that require local action. The presentation concluded with council thanking Moore and noting staff would follow up on appropriation and implementation steps.
