The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recently approved the county’s 2026 state legislative agenda. Lisa Tennyson, the county’s legislative affairs director, outlined priorities for the upcoming legislative session, which will start Jan. 13.
The county said the priorities reflect its ongoing dedication to preserving the unique environment, economy and quality of life in the Keys, while also addressing challenges related to insurance affordability, property tax stability and flood resilience.
Highlights include:
• Property tax monitoring: Monitor any state or executive proposals that could reduce or eliminate property taxes, which serve as the county’s most reliable funding source for essential services like law enforcement, emergency response, and public health.
• Water quality protection: Advocate for a $20 million appropriation under the Florida Keys Stewardship Act and continued funding for Monroe County’s vessel pump-out program and other water quality projects that protect coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and canal systems vital to the Florida Keys’ tourism and fisheries economy.
• Land acquisition (Florida Forever): Support the continuation of the $5 million Florida Forever set-aside through 2036 for land acquisition to retire development rights and protect environmentally sensitive areas. The county is also requesting $2.5 million in appropriations for targeted land acquisition to mitigate military encroachment and support affordable housing initiatives.
• Affordable and workforce housing: Pursue state legislation to exempt Habitat for Humanity from construction performance bond requirements on county-leased land and seek authorization for property tax relief for long-term workforce rental properties.
• Wind and hurricane insurance affordability: Advocate for the restoration of the 10 percent annual rate cap on Citizens Property Insurance, an increase in coverage limits to $1.5 million, and the rollback of flood insurance mandates for properties outside designated flood zones.
• Resilience and flooding: Continue to secure Resilient Florida grant funding for county road elevation and flood mitigation projects that address tidal and storm-related flooding, which threatens homes, infrastructure and public safety.
• School readiness program eligibility: Support legislation to raise the income eligibility threshold for Monroe County families, allowing more working parents to access early education opportunities that prepare children for school success.
• Area of Critical State Concern and ROGO protection: Advocate for exemptions to state land-use preemptions that could override Monroe County’s Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO), comprehensive plan, or environmental protections that safeguard the Keys’ fragile ecosystem.
“Monroe County has benefited greatly from the leadership of our delegation members, Senator (Ana Maria) Rodriguez and Representative (James) Mooney, and the ongoing support from the Legislature and the governor’s office. Our successful collaboration with state leaders enables us to continue preserving the uniqueness of the Florida Keys and our unmatched environment,” said Tennyson. “This year’s agenda continues that partnership, addressing emerging issues and reinforcing our commitment to the sustainable future of the Florida Keys.”
More information is at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/legislativeaffairs.
