TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s 2024 legislative session saw lawmakers approve a $117 billion budget and several high-profile bills addressing parental rights, public safety and the homeowner's insurance crisis.
“Congratulations to the members of the legislature, to the leaders for what they've done," Gov. Ron DeSantis said after the legislative session ended.
Bills passed include one banning homeless people from sleeping in public spaces. That bill would allow local governments to designate property for sleeping, which must be drug and alcohol free.
HB 1291 impacts teacher preparation programs that lead to educators getting their professional certificates. The bill bans lessons "based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities."
HB 3 prevents children under 16 from having social media accounts, but allows parents to give consent for 14 and 15-year-olds to have them.
The $117 billion budget is down from this year’s $119 billion budget and includes a $200 million investment into 'My Safe Florida' home program. The program provides funds to Florida homeowners to help decrease insurance premiums. The governor's office says homeowners have averaged $1,000 in savings.
“We delivered on results on real proper solutions for real problems for Floridians," said Florida House of Representatives Speaker Paul Renner.
Renner and Sen. Kathleen Passidomo said this session tackled real issues; House democrats disagree.
In a statement, House leader Fentrice Driskell said it was a missed opportunity. He explains that the legislature did not do enough to address high property insurance and rent prices, gun violence and unaffordable healthcare.
Notable bills that did not make it out of the session include one banning confederate monuments and another barring pride flags from government buildings.