Florida Legislature 2026 Session Update

Jim DeBeaugrine • February 16, 2026

Budget and Key Bills Take Shape



Wednesday, February 11, marked the halfway point of the 2026 Regular Session of the Florida Legislature—assuming adjournment occurs on schedule, which remains uncertain. Tensions between the House and Senate persist, with significant disagreements on major initiatives and even routine procedural matters such as budget timing. Although initial budget proposals typically appear in weeks three or four, both chambers released theirs at the end of week five.

Despite the noise, the legislative process is moving forward. A clearer picture is emerging of which bills are likely to pass and where each chamber is prioritizing funding.



Budget Highlights


iBudget Waiver

Both chambers allocate $22 million (with federal matching funds) to the iBudget waiver but differ in approach:

     House: Directs funds to reduce the waiting list.

     Senate: Applies funds to an across the board provider rate increase.

Each chamber also makes use of the $1 billion+ surplus accumulated in the iBudget waiver and reappropriated to APD:

     Senate: 
  • $45.3 million for workforce recruitment and retention
  • $27.5 million to address salary deficits at two state institutions caused by declining federal revenue
     House: 
  • Sweeps $300 million back into General Revenue through immediate reversion


iConnect System Replacement

Both chambers support replacing the iConnect system but propose different oversight and procurement strategies:

     House: 
  • $33.5 million with detailed proviso language
  • Requires a third party entity to assist with system specifications and procurement
  • Mandates project monitoring by a Department of Management Services professional
     Senate: 
  • $2.4 million for procurement support through iLab
  • Requires legislative approval in a future General Appropriations Act before issuing procurement

Both chambers retain language allowing providers to maintain required data in their own systems and electronically transfer it to iConnect, and both prohibit compliance monitoring or recoupments tied to iConnect.



Budget Conforming Bills Affecting APD


Conforming bills make permanent statutory changes needed to implement budget priorities.

     Senate:
  • Requires the Social Services Estimating Conference to forecast enrollment, utilization, and expenditures for the managed care pilot program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
  • AHCA must collect and report necessary data to support the conference.
     House: 
  • Directs DCF to establish a program helping individuals with disabilities obtain Medicaid, implemented through a qualified nonprofit
  • Authorizes funding transfers between iBudget and the Managed Care Pilot Program when individuals move between programs


Other Bills to Watch


Several nonbudget bills appear well positioned for passage:
  • HB 915 / SB 1016: Codifies income and asset limits for individuals with I/DD (House bill cleared; Senate bill in final committee)
  • HB 453 / SB 556: Allows Special Olympics participation to satisfy high school PE requirements (House passed; Senate nearing final action)
  • HB 565 / SB 794: Addresses APD operations, including core competencies for support coordinators (active in both chambers)
  • SB 418 / HB 365: Establishes a voluntary “Blue Envelope” program for individuals on the Autism spectrum and mandates law enforcement training (Senate passed; House progressing)
  • HB 859 / SB 1170: Requires video cameras in self contained exceptional education classrooms (House passed; Senate advancing)
This is not a comprehensive list, and bills unlikely to pass are intentionally excluded. For the status of additional legislation, visit our tracking page or contact us directly.

Jim's Blog

Jim DeBeaugrine • February 16, 2026