Florida’s James Madison Institute (JMI) has been praised for its focus on specific state issues that other groups often overlook.
The group just released some top issues they would like to see the Florida legislature address in its upcoming 2026 session.
Education on a State and Local Level.
Pre-empt zoning and land use restrictions that hinder the spread of microschools, hybrid programs, and other innovative education enterprises – and by ensuring that these start-up programs can lease unused public school classrooms during the school week (much in the way start-up churches lease unused classroom space on Sundays).
Ensure that students receiving Florida’s Personalized Education Program (PEP) scholarships can take “a la carte” courses (for a fee) at public schools.
Leverage Florida’s K-12 success to benefit students in other states via Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and via participation in the federal education tax credit scholarship program.
Make future performance funding for state universities conditional upon a school’s successful participation in the Board of Governors’ annual survey assessing how well each university cultivates respect for free expression and viewpoint diversity.
Reforms on Florida’s Property Insurance Market.
Resist efforts by billboard attorneys to weaken recent reforms that are stabilizing the market by reducing the state’s exposure through Citizens Insurance, bring new insurers into Florida, and reduce frivolous litigation.
Florida’s Housing Affordability Crisis.
Florida’s housing affordability issues can be addressed through policy solutions that remove government obstacles like burdensome and costly land-use regulations, regressive impact fees, and permitting processes that increase housing costs and discourage development. Housing supply solutions include Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), lot size and dwelling flexibility reforms, and building code adjustments that reduce obstacles to new construction.
Protect Interchange Fee Agreements.
Continue to protect Floridians from interference with business-to-business contracts benefiting consumers and small businesses. Resist government overreach efforts to sever state taxes from interchange fees as this will restrict the availability of credit for Floridians, weaken security protections, reduce card benefit programs, and impose new obligations on networks and providers.
Reforming Florida’s Property Tax.
Lead the charge on reforming Florida’s outdated property tax system (which punishes homeowners with continually rising assessments and burdens families with a perpetual tax on unrealized gains) by supporting policy solutions that promote housing affordability and homeownership, while reducing local governments’ unhealthy reliance on ad valorem taxes.
Increase Healthcare Choice and Competition.
Support efforts to supplement healthcare options for Floridians through expansion of certain medical functions, such as dental therapists, autonomous practice by certain psychiatric nurses, and other policies that reduce healthcare costs and expand access to services.
Tech & Innovation with Digital Freedom and Privacy Protection.
Oppose legislation requiring government ID verification for digital platforms, which creates cybersecurity risks while chilling free speech. Americans shouldn’t need government permission to participate in online discourse. Support alternative age verification methods that protect both minors and constitutional rights.
Modernize Communications Taxation.
Make permanent the prohibition on municipal Communications Service Tax (CST) increases and require transparent public reporting on CST revenue usage. Eliminate redundant telecommunications taxes that burden consumers and discourage broadband investment in underserved communities.
