5 Issues We’re Watching During Florida’s Upcoming Legislative Session

The Republican-controlled Legislature will make important decisions on issues affecting all Floridians.

Florida lawmakers will be back in Tallahassee on March 7 to kick off the legislative session.

These are some of the top issues that the Republican-controlled Legislature will discuss during 60 days.

1. Affordable Housing  

Since last year, Florida Democrats have been urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to address the state’s housing crisis after rents skyrocketed in some areas. One bill could provide incentives for investments in affordable housing and encourage mixed-use developments in struggling commercial areas.

RELATED: Florida Democrats in Legislature Get Ready to Fight for 2023 Goals, Including Affordable Housing

2. Guns 

Last year DeSantis announced his intention of signing an open-carry gun law that will allow people to carry concealed weapons without obtaining state licenses or training. The proposal has drawn opposition from gun-control groups.

3. Protections for Insurance Companies

In December, during a special session on property insurance, lawmakers imposed restrictions on Floridians looking to sue their insurance companies over payment disagreements. Now, the GOP majority wants to pass measures that will protect even more insurance companies, businesses, and healthcare providers against lawsuits.

4. School Boards

Over the past few months, DeSantis has been handpicking members of school boards and higher education to further his conservative agenda.

Republican lawmakers want to amend the state Constitution to change school-board races from non-partisan to partisan. Also, lawmakers are considering eight-year term limits for school board members, down from the current 12.

RELATED: DeSantis’ Handpicked Trustees Eliminate New College of Florida’s Diversity Office

5. School Vouchers 

This spring, lawmakers could make every Florida student eligible for taxpayer-funded vouchers that could be used for private-school tuition and other expenses. The proposal would end income requirements for vouchers and also make vouchers available to home-schooled students. But the state’s biggest teachers union, the Florida Education Association, among other opponents, warned the shift will steer billions of dollars away from public schools.