Legislative Priorities 2022
Published on October 01, 2023
Each year the Commission reviews and recommends legislative priorities for the upcoming legislative session. These priorities provide policy level guidance to respond to and advocate for the needs of the City to organizations and elected officials. The Commission provided City Staff with direction on Legislative Priorities on December 14, 2021.
The Florida Legislative Session began on January 11, 2022 and will run for approximately 60 day, ending on March 11, 2022. Senators and Representatives throughout the State begin filing bills as early as November of the previous year, which provides staff with insight as to which bills require tracking and may have impacts to the City. Filed bill can be reviewed in summary or in full language text by visiting: https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/bills.aspx.
The City of Dunedin and many other small municipalities support the authority of Home Rule, which means that local municipalities can enact laws specific to our unique communities as long as they do not conflict with state or national laws. Facing the City of Dunedin are some key bills impacting home rule or “preemption”. Preemptions are created when laws are passed at the state (or federal) level that remove the ability of City government to control or regulate specific issues at the local level.
Advocacy happens at all levels. The City closely watches advocacy groups like The Florida League of Cities, 1000 Friends of Florida, and the Florida Association of Counties. As citizens, the City encourages you to express your voice and reach out to your local representatives through letters, calls, and emails in support or opposition of any bills you feel impacting our delightful Dunedin. Talking with our elected officials, contacting the authors of the bills, and joining advocacy groups (like local PTA’s, Advisory Boards, or other organizations) are great ways to make your voice heard.
Elected state and federal officials representing Dunedin are:
View the City of Dunedin 2022 State Legislative Platforms
View the City of Dunedin 2022 Federal Legislative Platforms
For any questions regarding the 2022 Legislative Priorities or current bill watch, please contact Nicole Delfino, Assistant to the City Manager at ndelfino@dunedinfl.net.