GAC January Report

Political Issues

Next Governor to have Significant Impact on Supreme Court

Florida’s race for Governor has already generated constant press coverage. However, one item that has not received a lot of attention until recently is the impact the next Governor will have on the Florida Supreme Court. Four members of the seven-member Florida Supreme Court reach their mandatory retirement in the next four years. This has become a big fundraising draw for both candidates – current Governor Rick Scott and former Republican Governor Charlie Crist, who is running as a Democrat. It has also led to speculation regarding uncertainty in Florida law, which requires the justices to retire at the end of the Governor’s term. Some are predicting that three of the justices could wait out the next Governor’s term and then hear the resulting lawsuit regarding their retirement. A similar situation occurred in 1998, but after Governor Bush threatened a lawsuit, Governors Chiles and Bush worked together to choose Peggy Quince.

Vehicle Fees Receive Hearing in Senate

The Senate Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee took up and passed SB 156 by Senatot Negron, which reduces vehicle registration fees that were increased in 2009.The proposal would save motorists approximately $12 per vehicle and it is a top priority of Senate leadership. Governor Scott has proposed an even larger decrease in the fees.

Legislative Issues

Public Private Partnership Guidelines Task Force

This task force was created during the 2013 Legislative Session in HB 85, for the purpose of issuing recommendations to the Legislature for creating a uniform process to establish public private partnerships at the local level. The task force held its fourth meeting in Tallahassee on January 9. Meeting materials, as well as video and audio recordings of previous meetings, are available here. Further legislation is expected on this issue during the 2014 Regular Session.

Additionally, HB 541 relating to Public Private Partnerships, was filed yesterday. This bill creates a framework for public private partnerships for state universities. It does not appear to have any adverse impact on landscape architects.

Landscape Architecture Month Resolution

Representative Ingram’s office is preparing to file our annual resolution declaring April Landscape Architecture Month. The resolution will be distributed to the GAC once it is filed.

Florida Economic News

In 2014, Economy to Continue Upswing, but at a Slower Pace

Economists are pointing to a relatively strong finish to 2013 as a sign that positive momentum will continue into 2014. However, most analysts warn that, while growth will continue in 2014, it will be at a slower pace.

The South Florida housing market improved significantly in 2013, including double-digit, year-over-year price spikes. Single-digit price increases are expected for 2014, according to the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness.

The University of Central Florida predicts 2 percent job growth for South Florida in 2014. Moody’s predicts a 2.4 percent increase in Broward County’s payrolls, compared to 2 percent nationally, 2.2 percent for South Florida, and just 1.8 percent for Miami-Dade County. Government employment remains the biggest anchor to employment in the region. For example, Miami-Dade’s public sector employment is down 5,000 from one year ago. Tourism jobs continued to climb in South Florida, as they have since 2009. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau reported that tourism industry jobs are up 3.5 percent from 2012.

The newly approved AA-US Airways deal will create the world’s largest airline. It should also expand Miami’s appeal as a cargo hub and is expected to increase international cargo shipments. Some trade analysts, such as WorldCity in Coral Gables, warn that this could be offset by falling gold values and other factors.

Consumer confidence had a rocky year in 2013, with sharp declines surrounding crises in Washington, such as the government shutdown and debt-ceiling crisis. However, 2014 is expected to be a quieter year in Washington, and consumer confidence is expected to remain more stable.

2014 Session Dates

January 13, 2014 Interim Committee Week

January 21, 2014 House Early Member-Bill Filing Deadline

January 24, 2014 Senate Bill Drafting Request Deadline

House Final Member-Bill Request Submission Deadline

January 28, 2014 Senate Bill Drafting Approval Deadline

February 3, 2014 Interim Committee Week

February 10, 2014 Interim Committee Week

February 17, 2014 Interim Committee Week

February 28, 2014 House Member-Bill Requests Deadline

March 4, 2014 Legislative Session Convenes

Final Bill Filing Deadline For Both Chambers – 12:00 pm

May 2, 2014 Legislative Session Scheduled to Conclude

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