State legislative update: drivers, budget size and $2 million for 13th Street revitalization

Ryan Matthews of GrayRobinson briefed the Fort Pierce City Commission on the major outcomes of the 2024 Florida Legislature and what they mean for the city. Matthews said roughly 1,900 bills were filed, about 325 moved through the process and the final budget totaled about $117 billion pending gubernatorial signature. He told commissioners the city should expect the governor to sign the budget soon and highlighted a $2,000,000 appropriation included for the city’s 13th Street revitalization project — a follow‑on to a prior appropriation made in 2023.

Matthews reviewed legislative priorities that may affect municipal operations and local revenue, including property‑insurance measures (an insurance‑premium‑tax exemption for certain policies), a $25,000 homestead exemption increase, and ongoing debates around municipal utilities, enterprise‑fund transfers and preemption measures that could require business‑impact statements. He also flagged large transportation and environmental appropriations: a roughly $7 billion transportation work plan affecting I‑95 and Turnpike projects, and a provision dedicating certain Indian gaming revenues to environmental funding over the coming decade.

Commissioners asked questions about municipal utilities and the unique governance structure of FPUA (Fort Pierce Utilities Authority). Matthews and city staff urged continued advocacy in Tallahassee to protect community‑owned utility revenues and to ensure local distinctions are recognized if state preemption or transfer caps are proposed.

Matthews thanked local state leaders Representative Trabulsi and Senator Grahl for championing the city’s appropriations. He advised the commission to prepare for continued policy fights around property taxation, municipal utility regulation and affordable‑housing programs in upcoming sessions.