Overview
Forward Pinellas tracks state and federal legislation that affects local government planning and regulations. Leading up to the annual state legislative session, Forward Pinellas staff extensively monitors bills as they are filed and advance through the committee processes in both the Florida House and Senate. During the session, staff provides presentations with summaries and updates for bills of significance to our Planners Advisory Committee and Board.
Each year, the Forward Pinellas Board adopts Legislative Priorities. View our current list of legislative priorities.
Our Priorities
Protect Home Rule
Affirm local governments’ authority to govern their own communities, including allowing a variety of housing types, protecting land needed for high-paying jobs, regulating vacation rentals and determining community character through building design.
Foster Safety for All Transportation Users
Support safety for users of all transportation modes through expanded legislation to increase penalties for distracted driving, continued local authority over the use of pedestrian crosswalk signals, and state funding to address pedestrian, bicycle, and e-bike safety through roadway design and public education.
Provide State Assistance to Increase Housing Affordability
Support state funding and policy initiatives to help local governments address housing affordability challenges through incentives for the development of affordable housing, support for zoning reforms that enable more housing, programs to preserve the existing affordable housing stock, and insurance reform.
Maintain MPO Authority
Support the continued authority of Metropolitan Planning Organizations to determine their own structure and representation and offer state support and incentives for MPOs that choose to merge.
Provide State Assistance with Disaster Preparedness
Support state funding and technical assistance to help local governments better prepare for, respond to, and recover from hurricanes and other disasters through enhanced coordination of emergency response resources, support for resilient infrastructure improvements, expedited disaster recovery funding, and statewide training programs for disaster management.
Protect Trust Funds
Support fully funding state trust funds for transportation, affordable housing, and other clear purposes, and protecting those funds from being transferred to other sources or arbitrarily restricted.