summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to the expenditure of public funds by local governments; creating s. 11.063, F.S.; providing a short title; providing definitions; prohibiting local governments from expending public funds for specified purposes; prohibiting the acceptance of public funds from local governments for lobbying; providing applicability; authorizing the filing of complaints with the Commission on Ethics alleging violations; requiring the commission to investigate and provide a report of its findings to certain entities; requiring the commission to adopt rules; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Federalism Protection Act," creates a new Florida Statute section that prohibits local governments from spending public funds, which are defined as money used for public purposes, on retaining lobbyists to represent them before state legislative or executive branches, and also prohibits individuals from accepting such funds for lobbying. It further restricts elected officials of local governments, such as county commissioners or city council members, from spending public funds on anything not specifically listed in their local government's budget, with an exception for hiring in-house staff. The bill allows anyone to file a complaint with the Commission on Ethics if they believe these provisions are violated, requiring the commission to investigate and report its findings to legislative leaders and the Governor, and to establish rules for these investigations, with the act taking effect on July 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Now in Rules & Ethics Committee (on 02/12/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1251 |
| Analysis - Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1251/Analyses/h1251a.IAS.PDF |
| Analysis - Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1251/Analyses/h1251.IAS.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1251/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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