Kylee Bo, Government Affairs Advisor, GrayRobinson - November 2026
As Florida looks ahead to 2027, the political landscape is beginning to take shape. Several major policy issues are already emerging as priorities for the 2027 legislative session. Among the most significant issues expected to receive attention are artificial intelligence, data centers and property tax reform, along with continued discussions surrounding property insurance and growth management. Under Speaker Designate Sam Garrison and Senate President Designate Jim Boyd, legislative leadership has indicated a focus on quality education and schools, public safety and safer communities and maintaining a strong and resilient Florida economy.
The 2027 calendar will move quickly. The Governor will be sworn into office on January 5, 2027. Legislative committee weeks are scheduled throughout December, January and February with the regular legislative session beginning March 2 and concluding on April 30.
The state’s revenue performance will also play an important role in shaping the Legislature’s ability to fund major priorities, including education, health care and corrections. In August, Florida collected $3.81 billion in net general revenue, approximately $2 million below the state’s forecast, according to the Legislature’s Office of Economic & Demographic Research. The state’s largest source of revenue, the sales tax, came in below expectations, generating $2.99 billion, approximately $43 million less than forecasted. Meanwhile, corporate income tax collections outperformed expectations, reaching $113.8 million or approximately $25.4 million above the forecast. These mixed results underscore the importance of continued monitoring of Florida’s revenue collections as lawmakers prepare the 2027 state budget.
Florida’s broader economic outlook will also be an important consideration as lawmakers enter the next legislative cycle. In late September, the U.S. Department of Labor reported approximately 4,955 initial unemployment claims in Florida, down roughly 175 claims from early September and 329 claims from mid-September. Despite the recent decline, Florida’s unemployment claims fluctuate week to week and the unemployment rate remains around 4.5 percent above the national rate of approximately 4.1 percent. While Florida continues to experience economic growth and population expansion, employment trends and the state’s overall economic performance will remain important factors as policymakers consider tax policy, economic development, workforce needs and the state budget.
Taken together, the 2027 legislative session is shaping up to be an important one for Florida, with lawmakers balancing competing priorities around affordability, growth management, public safety, education and economic development while navigating the state’s evolving fiscal and economic landscape.
Kylee Bo, GrayRobinson, is a Government Affairs Advisor specializing in policy and appropriations at both the Florida Capitol and local levels. Based in Orlando, she offers clients strategic insights, summaries of state and local hearings and tailored government affairs updates and reports. Kylee works to strengthen relationships with elected officials across the state and represents GrayRobinson at key board meetings. She also delivers educational briefings to select groups, including college students pursuing careers in the legislative field.