Capitol Update:

Greetings from Tallahassee-

We hope you all are having a great summer! It was an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to interact with many of you during the Federation’s Annual Conference in Orlando! It has been an absolute privilege to represent the Federation in Tallahassee and, we believe there are truly bright days ahead for every Florida Fair and Exposition! For the first time we are aware, we have several Legislators whom serve or have recently served on their local fair boards and we have a Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson who serve on the Pasco County fair board including a stint as President of the board. Commissioner Simpson continues to be an advocate for fairs and expositions and we look forward to a continued strong working relationship with the Commissioner and his staff as we blaze a broader path forward for the Federation and its members

The 2023 Legislative Session was relatively uneventful, inasmuch as, the Republicans have a super majority in the Senate and the House and, all four elected cabinet positions are held by Republicans. Legislators delivered on pretty significant “red-meat” issues ranging from school choice to immigration and gender issues and school curricula. The Legislature also stuck their toe in the water on the 2nd Amendment, specifically expanded the universe of individuals whom can carry concealed weapons legally.

During the Federation’s annual conference, we participated in a lunch discussion around the new gun law and the potential implication to federation members. While there were several great take-aways from the luncheon, it seems most important to note, the new law does not expanded nor contract the locations where you may legally carry. Federation members who previously could not prohibit an individual with a concealed carry permit from entering; still cannot prohibit them from entering. The challenge in implementing the new law is the universe of people who can legally carry “individuals whom have a concealed carry permit as well as those individuals who otherwise meet the criteria to qualify for a concealed carry permit”, creates the potential for the universe of individuals carrying a gun legally to increase dramatically. While the Federation is focusing on potential long term solutions, realistically a solution of this type will not realistically occur before fair season begins. To this end, we strongly encourage all members to reach out to their legal counsel to determine the best protocol you can implement at your show.

At the drafting on this update, the Governor has yet to receive the proposed state budget. Thus, numbers listed below are still subject to potential veto when the Governor ultimately signs the 2023-24 state budget. One specific grant program which many of our members apply and receive assistance from is the Agricultural Promotion and Education Facilities Grant program through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. As passed by the Legislature, there were 19 individual projects funded totaling $18,079,071. We certainly appreciate the importance of these grants to all federation members, and we strongly encourage all members to apply for funding when appropriate.

Again, we cannot thank you enough for the trust you place in our firm to be your eyes and ears, your voice in Tallahassee. We look forward to continuing working with the Federation and its members to make everyday in Florida an amazingly “Fair Day”!

Respectfully,

The CAS Governmental Services Team

Connie, Jim, Dale

2024 Regular Session Dates

August 4, 2023 Deadline for filing claim bills (Senate Rule 4.81(2))

January 9, 2024 Regular Session convenes (Article III, section 3(b), State Constitution) 12:00 noon, deadline for filing bills for introduction (Senate Rule 3.7(1))

February 24, 2024 Motion to reconsider made and considered the same day (Senate Rule 6.4(4)) All bills are immediately certified (Senate Rule 6.8)

February 27, 2024 50th day – last day for regularly scheduled committee meetings (Senate Rule 2.9(2))

March 8, 2024 60th day – last day of Regular Session (Article III, section 3(d), State Constitution)