Local lawmakers outline priorities at legislative preview

The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual legislative preview Feb. 26, providing local business leaders an opportunity to hear from and engage with state lawmakers ahead of the 2025 legislative session.

The panel featured Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-18), Senator Darryl Rouson (D-16), Representative Lindsay Cross (D-60) and Representative Michele Rayner (D-62). The group discussed policy priorities, regional challenges and legislative goals. Topics included hurricane recovery, infrastructure, permitting delays, behavioral health funding, transportation and property insurance reform.

Hurricane recovery and infrastructure

DiCeglie, who represents parts of Pinellas County, emphasized the need for hurricane relief and improved permitting processes following Hurricane Helene, which caused severe damage in his district.

“We have thousands of residents on the barrier islands still waiting for permits. Many are seniors who can’t return home yet,” DiCeglie said. “Municipalities need coordinated training with the Florida Division of Emergency Management so they can respond efficiently.”

He also stressed resiliency efforts. “We need to talk about resiliency more in Tallahassee. We’ve fallen behind, and I want to ensure we focus on the projects that matter.”

Cross agreed, stating that disaster preparedness and recovery are key priorities. “We should have state-supported permitting teams to assist local governments after disasters,” Cross said. “Communities need resources to implement flood mitigation measures and upgrade wastewater treatment infrastructure.”

Behavioral health and local regulation

Rouson, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, outlined his work on behavioral health funding. “I’m focused on implementing the 30 recommendations from the statewide Behavioral Health Commission,” Rouson said. “I filed 11 bills addressing these needs and am working with legislative leadership to ensure real change.”

He also co-sponsored a bill with Cross to give local governments authority over crane regulation. “It was ridiculous that St. Pete couldn’t require crane operators to secure their equipment before a storm,” Rouson said. “This bill gives local control over these safety measures.”

Cross added that she is also working on transportation safety measures, including legislation to allow law enforcement to ticket drivers creating wakes in flooded streets, a concern in flood-prone areas.

Property insurance and affordability

The discussion turned to property insurance, an issue affecting homeowners and businesses across Florida.

Rayner criticized past insurance reforms, stating they have not helped consumers. “When we passed these reforms, they prioritized insurance companies, not Floridians,” she said. “We need real accountability for insurers denying or underpaying claims.” The tort reforms were designed to reduce frivolous suits with changes that included adjusting how maximum damages are calculated and reducing the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. 

Cross echoed this concern, noting that while litigation costs have dropped, policyholders are still struggling. “It’s unacceptable for someone with $250,000 in hurricane damage to be offered $14,000 by their insurance company,” she said.

DiCeglie, who voted for past reforms, acknowledged concerns but defended the changes. “We’ve seen litigation decrease and new companies entering the market,” he said. “That’s a sign of stabilization. But I’m open to improvements that better protect consumers.”

From left: Chris Steinocher, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce; Sebastian Leon, TECO Energy;
David Garcia, Spectrum/Charter; Copley Gerdes, St. Petersburg City Council Chair; Christie Bruner, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce; Matt Lettelleir, Orlando Health; St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch; Jeff Baker, Duke Energy; Kirby Wilson (moderator); Rep. Michele Rayner; Senator Nick DiCeglie; Senator Darryl Rouson; Rep. Lindsay Cross.

Transportation and regional collaboration

Regional transportation issues were also discussed. Lawmakers acknowledged challenges with inter-county collaboration, particularly between Pinellas and Hillsborough.

DiCeglie pointed to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) consolidation effort as a potential way to secure more federal funding. “If we act as one region, we can pull in transportation dollars more effectively,” he said.

Rouson, who represents portions of Hillsborough and Pinellas, agreed. “If I have to be in Apollo Beach, I flip a coin on whether to take the Skyway or drive through Tampa. We need bold solutions- whether it’s improved transit, ferries, or even gondolas over the Howard Frankland,” he joked.

State Budget and Arts Funding

The panel also addressed budget priorities. Rayner and Cross expressed frustration over cuts to arts and cultural grants, which impact nonprofits in Pinellas County.

“In Pinellas alone, 32 organizations lost $1.5 million in funding,” Cross said. “These grants create jobs and drive economic growth.”

Rouson, whose district includes numerous cultural institutions, emphasized the importance of restoring funding. “So goes the arts, so goes the health of our communities,” he said.

Lawmaking process and bipartisanship

Lawmakers ended the discussion by addressing misconceptions about the legislative process.

“Most of what we do is bipartisan,” DiCeglie said. “What makes the news is the heated debates, but the reality is we work together.”

Rouson agreed, adding, “I’ve learned to let the fringes fight while we stay focused on getting things done for our communities.”

Cross emphasized the role of constituents. “You help shape policy by bringing issues to us,” she told attendees. “We can’t do this without you.”

DiCeglie reassured the audience that the elected representatives would stand strong for their priorities and indicated that the legislature is more willing to override vetoes than in previous years. “We are a co-equal branch of government, and we exercised that authority last month,” he said.

The Florida legislative session begins March 4. Local lawmakers encouraged residents to stay engaged and advocate for their priorities throughout the session.