Greetings NAIOP South Florida Members:

This Friday February 26, the chapter will hold virtual meetings with several key South Florida-based state lawmakers to discuss issues and proprieties for the region’s CRE sector in advance of the opening of 2021 Florida Legislature. Session starts March 2.

As you may be aware, our chapter delegation typically meets with local lawmakers when we go to Tallahassee each year. Since that didn’t happen this year, we are hosting these virtual lawmaker meetings and you are all invited and encouraged to participate. This is our chance as industry leaders to talk directly with state representatives and senators about CRE concerns and priorities. This is a vital part of the NAIOP mission and mandate and has netted numerous legislative wins over the past several years, including a $150 million tax cut for commercial lease holders and the waiver of witness requirements on leases. The virtual meetings will be from 9 am to 11 am with approx. 5 to 6 lawmakers hopping on a zoom call for 20 to 30 minutes increments.

So far, we have:

Rep. David Borrero

Rep. Chip LaMarca

Rep. Marie Woodson

Below are the NAIOP legislative priorities for 2021. If is vital for the continued vibrancy and success of the CRE sector that NAIOP forge strong relationships and continuous dialogue with our state legislators. Please join us if you can, even if you cannot stay on for all the lawmaker virtual meetings.

2021 Legislative Priorities, approved at Sept. 11 Legislative Planning Meeting:

1. Enacting the FAST Act to statutorily streamline and expedite permits, inspections, and governmental approvals for CRE development and construction projects
2. Eliminating the Business Rent Tax
3. Maintaining and boosting the effectiveness of the Commercial Real Estate Building Representative on Florida Building Commission
4. Improving the State Fire Code to address financial burdens placed on developers and building owners for the installation of bi-direction antenna systems for new and existing commercial properties
5. Monitor and maintain oversight legislation as now set by the state to address onerous Linkage and Impact Fees on CRE development
6. Support enforcement of the Internet Sales Tax
7. COVID 19 CRE Property Tax Relief Package

If you are a NAIOP South Florida member and would like to join us on our NAIOP SFL Virtual Day at the Capitol, please email Alba Garcia at alba.garcia@naiopsfl.org for more information