Today, after nine weeks, the 125th Regular Session of the Florida Legislature concluded. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo joined House Speaker Paul Renner and other legislators for the traditional Sine Die “Hankie Drop,” a ceremony marking the conclusion of session for
at least 100 years.
2023 Session Wrap-Up Webinar
Throughout session, the team at Florida Trust has been tirelessly advocating for historic preservation in Florida, and we have updates to share! This legislative session has seen some important developments that will have an impact on the future of historic preservation in the state. If you're curious about what these updates are, and what it means for the future of Florida's historic places, you won't want to miss our upcoming webinar.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 11 at 2 p.m. and join us for our legislative session wrap-up webinar!
Our webinar will feature a panel of experts, including:
Our CEO & President, Melissa Wyllie, and Government Affairs Committee Chair, Mark Zubaly, will provide insight into the status of a Historic Tax Credit in Florida.
Alissa Lotane, The Director of Florida's Division of Historic Resources & SHPO, will share her success advocating to Florida's Secretary of State Cord Byrd to create new staff positions in the Division of Historic Resources.
Daniel Ciraldo, the Executive Director at the Miami Design Preservation League, will provide an overview of HB 1317/ SB 1346: Local Regulation of Nonconforming or Unsafe Structures.
Lonni Mann, will discuss HB 49: Florida's Abandoned and Historic Cemeteries.
Matt Zackon, a Florida Tax Credit Alliance member, will share important information about the alliance's purpose and goals for the year ahead.
This is a unique opportunity to hear from experts in the field of historic preservation, gain valuable insights into the legislative session's developments and explore advocacy strategy options for next year's session.
We hope to see you there!
When: May 11, 2 p.m. Platform: Zoom Registration required |
Florida's Abandoned and Historic Cemeteries Given New Life!
House Bill 49: Abandoned and Historic Cemeteries is enrolled! An enrolled bill is a bill that passed both the Senate and House in identical form and is then converted into an act for presentation to the Governor. The companion bill, SB 430, was laid on the table and the house bill now awaits approval by the Governor. This bill will give dignity and closure to Floridians throughout the state. We are so thrilled that such an important piece of legislation was passed.
"This is about humanity, this is about how we give respect to the people who paved the way for us in this great state, this is not a partisan issue, it is a humanitarian issue. I am excited to bring honor and dignity back to these cemeteries"
- Minority Leader and Bill Sponsor Representative Fentrice Driskell
Please join us in sharing a huge thank you to House Sponsor Fentrice Driskell and Senate Sponsor Bobby Powell!
The FY2024 Historic Preservation Special Category Grant List
is fully funded!
The General Appropriations Act fully funds the FY2024 Historic Preservation Special Category Grants! Both the Senate and House proposed budgets provide full funding to the Florida Division of Historic Resources Historic Preservation Grant Program. The final step is for the governor to approve the finalized proposed budget.
We are thrilled that the legislature fully funded the grants for a second year and we hope this trend continues. These grants will preserve significant historic and archaeological resources, assist major archaeological excavations or research projects, and assist in the development and fabrication of major museum exhibits that will promote knowledge and appreciation of the history of Florida. Thank you to all of those who helped advocate for funding these important grants!
Check out our FY2024 Historic Preservation Special Category Grant booklet and explore the 33 statewide projects that will receive funding.
The Resiliency and Safe Structures Act
This year's battle to protect Florida's historic commercial and coastal areas is over! Floridians across the state were concerned about the ramifications of the bill on Florida's and the nation's most historic coastal communities. The National Trust For Historic Preservation explained the threat of the legislation: "If passed as written, these bills could lead to the demolition of historic structures and construction of oversized and inappropriate replacement buildings in Florida’s coastal historic districts, including treasured areas of Key West, Miami Beach, West Palm Beach, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, and Pensacola."
Although SB 1346 was read for a third and final time, its companion bill, HB 1317 never received its second reading. The House sponsor, Representative Roach, admitted that the bill is dead for this session, but vowed to bring it back next year.
Our historic coastal communities are safe... for now.
Strategic planning is crucial to defeating this legislation at next year's session successfully.
Join us and register for our Webinar on Thursday, May 11 at 2 p.m. to get started
