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 2027 Legislative Platform
Support Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) Special Act Changes
- Support amending the PPC Special Act to prepare for a potential regional, consolidated MPO.
- Special Act changes also include a revised membership structure and streamlined regulatory processes.
- Clarify PPC responsibilities to include advancing housing affordability, high-wage job creation, and other planning needs of countywide significance in partnership with the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners.
Protect Home Rule
- Maintain local governments’ authority to govern their own communities.
- Maintain local government authority to implement state housing policies in ways that reflect local land use patterns and economic conditions, including control over site design and building form.
- Maintain local government authority to regulate continued and emerging uses of interest, such as vacation rentals and data centers.
Improve Transportation Safety and Efficiency
- Advance data-driven planning and project prioritization to reduce fatalities and serious injuries across all modes.
- Focus state investments on operational and safety improvements to existing corridors.
- Preserve local authority to implement context-sensitive safety measures, such as signal timing and crosswalk enhancements, on state and local roads.
- Support stronger enforcement and penalties for dangerous driving.
Support Regional Transportation Decision-Making
- Strengthen incentives for regional cooperation among local governments to accelerate transportation projects that serve both regional and community needs.
- Increase feasibility of transportation funding options to support regionally recognized projects.
- Allow multi-county MPOs to require approval by a majority of representatives from each member county, in addition to overall majority, when adopting or amending Long Range Transportation Plans.
- Require regional transportation authorities to open governing board membership to all voting member local governments.
Support Disaster Preparedness and Resilient Recovery
- Support increased state funding for resilient infrastructure that reduces long-term risk and recovery costs.
- Streamline state processes to accelerate post-disaster recovery and redevelopment while maintaining local control over land use decisions.
- Support enhanced coordination and accessibility of state and federal emergency resources, and support enhanced training and programs that strengthen preparedness and recovery.
Ensure Dedicated Funding for Transportation and Housing
- Maintain full and consistent funding of state trust funds for transportation and housing.
- Oppose the diversion of these revenues to non-designated purposes and promote transparency and accountability in their use.