Legislative Conference
The annual Legislative Conference brings city leaders together to discuss and learn about important issues, finalize and adopt FLC’s legislative priorities, and share ideas and strategies for collaborating with state legislators. The FLC President presides over the conference and rallies the membership to support the League’s annual Legislative Platform.
2025 Conference Information
The 2025 Legislative Conference will be held December 4-5 at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®, located at 6677 Sea Harbor Drive in Orlando.
Florida League of Cities President Holly D. Smith, Vice Mayor of the City of Sanibel, will preside over the conference where she will rally the membership in support of the League’s 2026 Legislative Platform.
You are essential to the League’s legislative success. Join Florida’s city leaders to discuss and learn about important issues, finalize and adopt our legislative priorities, and share ideas and strategies on collaborating with state legislators.
The registration fee for this event is $325 and covers admission to all conference sessions, continental breakfasts, refreshment breaks and Thursday’s luncheon and networking event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Schedule of Events
Thursday – December 4, 2025
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | Continental Breakfast Peninsula Prefunction |
| 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Registration Desk Open Peninsula Registration Desk |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Advocacy Committee Meeting Canaveral |
| 9:20 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. |
Behind the Curtain: A Lobbyist’s View of the Legislative Process Peninsula Ballroom 1-3 Ever had a question you wanted to ask an insider, but never felt comfortable doing so? Here’s your chance. This workshop will guide you through the basics of the legislative process while providing candid insights into the realities of lobbying today—and where it’s headed in 2026 and beyond. Moderator: Sam Wagoner, Legislative Advocate, Florida League of Cities Speakers: Jeff Branch, Director of Field Advocacy & Emergency Management, Florida League of Cities; David Cruz, Deputy General Counsel, Florida League of Cities |
| 10:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
Legislative Policy Committee Meetings Development, Code Compliance, and Redevelopment – Biscayne Finance and Taxation – Longboat Intergovernmental Relations, Mobility, and Emergency Management – Canaveral Municipal Operations – Peninsula Ballroom 5-7 Utilities, Natural Resources, and Public Works – Merritt |
| 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. |
Luncheon Peninsula Ballroom 4 Call to Order: Holly D. Smith, President, Florida League of Cities, and Vice Mayor, City of Sanibel Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Presentation of the Employee of the Year Award Presentation – Property Tax Pulse: What Voters Think Now—and What Cities Should Do Next Fresh polling on property taxes explores how residents view this increasingly complex and nuanced debate. In this presentation, you will receive a briefing on the latest property tax research: top takeaways, key messages, and the current state-of-play. You will leave with the best and most thorough data available in Florida. Speaker: Ryan Houck, Partner, Consensus Communications |
| 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Navigating Challenges Under Senate Bill 180 Peninsula Ballroom 1-3 Passed under the banner of improving local emergency response, Senate Bill 180 broadly restricts how Florida’s cities plan and respond to local needs. Gain insights from a legal expert and local officials on the implications of the law, the challenges cities are currently facing, and potential solutions on the horizon. Moderator: Dylan Rumrell, Mayor, City of St. Augustine Beach Speakers: BJ Bishop, Commissioner, Town of Longboat Key; Susan L. Trevarthen, Partner, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman; Ian Whitney, Associate Director of Governmental Affairs, City of Tampa |
| 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. |
Communicating Your Priorities and Your Budget Peninsula Ballroom 1-3 Learn strategies to explain your city’s budget decisions and priorities in a way that strengthens public understanding and trust. This session helps officials connect fiscal responsibility to community impact. Moderator: Charles Chapman, Legislative Consultant, Florida League of Cities Speakers: Katrina Hill, City of Winter Haven; Candice Temple, City of Palm Beach Gardens; Thomas Whitley, Ph.D., City of Tallahassee |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | Florida League of Cities Board of Directors Meeting Peninsula Ballroom 5-7 Presiding: Holly D. Smith, President, Florida League of Cities |
| 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Connect, Collaborate, and Caffeinate: Speed Networking for Municipal Officials Merritt Enjoy drinks and snacks as you engage in fun, fast-paced conversations and make meaningful connections with fellow local leaders. Facilitators: Mary Edenfield and Eryn Russell, Florida League of Cities |
| 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Networking Event Atrium CD |
Friday – December 5, 2025
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| 7:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Headshot Photography Hinalea (Second Floor) Pre-registration required |
| 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Registration Desk Open Peninsula Registration Desk |
| 8:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Membership Networking and Continental Breakfast Peninsula Prefunction |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Federal Action Strike Team Meeting Peninsula Ballroom 5-7 |
| 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. |
Looking into the Crystal Ball: What to Expect Next Legislative Session Peninsula Ballroom 1-3 Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent years. Hear from seasoned legislative experts as they explore the priorities, politics, and pressures likely to drive the conversation in Tallahassee. Moderator: Rebecca O’Hara, Deputy General Counsel, Florida League of Cities Speakers: Dean Cannon, GrayRobinson; Diana Ferguson, Rutledge Ecenia; Darrick D. McGhee Sr., Johnson & Blanton |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Legislative Committee Meeting and Business Session Peninsula Ballroom 4 |