Subject:
Title
2027 State Legislative Program.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the 2027 State Legislative Program to advance lobbying efforts in Tallahassee during the State’s Legislative Session.
• Allow staff to advance lobbying efforts in Tallahassee through partnerships with Pinellas County’s state contract lobbying firm, Johnston & Stewart, and key stakeholder groups.
• Directs lobbying efforts to narrowly focused guiding principles, legislative priorities, and legislative appropriation requests.
• Permits staff to lobby legislators, professional legislative staff, the Executive Office of the Governor, and State agencies on issues the Board of County Commissioners have prioritized.
• Maintain an active stance opposing State preemption and unfunded mandates.
• Maintain a role coordinating with the Florida Association of Counties and other key stakeholder groups to provide updates regarding any departmental impacts or benefits related to certain policy proposals outside the scope of the State Legislative Program.
• Delegate authority to the County Administrator to direct staff to act on bills or budget items of significant consequence to Pinellas County that fall outside the scope of the 2027 State Legislative Program.
• The 2027 State Legislative Program may have an indeterminate positive fiscal impact on Pinellas County in various funds and cost centers.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.1 Improve traffic flow efficiency.
1.2 Maintain and enhance County infrastructure.
1.3 Increase access to green space.
1.4 Improve environmental quality.
1.5 Strengthen resilience and adaptation.
1.6 Ensure sustainable water management.
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.2 Enhance community safety.
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.1 Increase the availability of attainable housing.
3.3 Increase workforce opportunities.
3.5 Foster business growth.
Smart Service Delivery
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement.
4.5 Develop and retain a highly skilled and efficient workforce.
Summary:
Summary
The 2027 State Legislative Program codifies operational recommendations from Pinellas County departments with prioritization expectations provided by the Board of County Commissioners.
The 2027 State Legislative Program narrows lobbying efforts and focuses on Board approved guiding principles, executive & legislative priorities, and legislative appropriation requests.
Staff will manage lobbying activities through active partnerships with Pinellas County’s state contract lobbying firm, Johnston & Stewart, and key stakeholder groups.
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Background Information:
On November 12th, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners had a Work Session to discuss and provide direction for the 2027 State Legislative Program. Prior to the meeting, staff worked with departments, the Board, and the County’s state contract lobbying firm, Johnston & Stewart, to finalize a recommendation for the Board to provide further direction for.
The Board approves a State Legislative Program every year, prior to the commencement of the Legislative Session in Tallahassee - beginning in early March of odd numbered years and early January of even numbered years.
The 2027 State Legislative Program will be in place throughout out the Legislature’s interim committee weeks, through the Regular Legislative Session, and last until a subsequent State Legislative Program is approved.
Fiscal Impact:
The 2027 State Legislative Program may have an indeterminate positive fiscal impact on Pinellas County in various funds and cost centers.
Staff Member Responsible:
Tristan Sommer, Intergovernmental Liaison, Office of the County Administrator
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
TBD