Matt Forrest, a lobbyist presenting virtually for Ballard/Vald partners, told the Delray Beach City Commission on Dec. 8 that the Florida Legislature will reconvene Jan. 13 for a 60‑day regular session and that cities should be prepared for a fast‑moving bill flow. "We are currently in the last week of the pre session committee weeks," Forrest said, outlining the calendar and urging local staff to track filings and potential adjustments to city ordinances.

Forrest flagged three topics he said were particularly important to municipalities. First, he said House Bill 103 (local business taxes) is already moving through committee and could affect how local governments levy business receipts taxes. "This bill is one of those. It's not a matter of if; it's a matter of when," Forrest said. Second, he described renewed activity on legislation limiting suits against local governments and raising sovereign‑immunity caps, a measure he expects will return in some form. Third, Forrest said the house has filed multiple property‑tax bills with varying approaches to exemptions and reductions — but that as of early December none appeared likely to reach voters early in session.

Forrest also briefed commissioners on local appropriation prospects, telling them Delray had secured two budget items in the previous session totaling roughly $1.5 million and that staff have filed requests this cycle for items including a beach rescue drone program and road improvements on Swinton and Atlantic avenues. He cautioned that revenue forecasts through 2027 look tight, making funding competitive.

Commissioners thanked Forrest for the update and asked staff to continue coordinating on priority bills. "Thank you for accommodating me — we'll talk individually if needed," Forrest said, offering follow‑up meetings in Tallahassee.

The commission did not take action on specific legislative priorities during the session but directed staff to continue monitoring the bills Forrest described and to prepare any ordinance changes that would mitigate impacts if state measures move forward.