FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2026
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Nicole Kiser
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The James Madison Institute Releases 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up
TALLAHASSEE – Today, The James Madison Institute (JMI) released their “2026 Legislative Wrap-Up,” outlining key policy wins from the 2026 Florida Legislative Session across education, free enterprise, healthcare, technological innovation, and more.
“JMI is pleased that the Legislature adopted a measure to preempt onerous zoning, land use, and fire code regulations that have been thwarting the rise (and expansion) of small schools,” said William Mattox, senior director of the Marshall Center for Education Freedom. “We are also glad that the House squashed a Senate measure that would have required K-12 scholarship recipients to file paperwork — every month! — confirming that they want to remain in the program.”
“Technology and innovation dominated Tallahassee in 2026, and lawmakers mostly got it right. From AI regulation to data centers, child and elderly protection to advanced air mobility, Florida’s tech agenda has never been broader. Many times this session, the Legislature moved in the right direction: keeping the state open for business, welcoming to innovators, and ready for what comes next.” Dr. Edward Longe, director of national strategy and director of the Center for Technology and Innovation
“This was a session of modest gains and missed opportunities. While lawmakers made incremental progress on housing affordability, the bigger fights, on property taxes, tort reform, and expanding healthcare access, were left unresolved or pushed to a special session,” Doug Wheeler, director of the Gibbs Center for Economic Prosperity, explained. “The Gibbs Center will continue working on these issues until the legislature delivers the kind of results that support Florida families and businesses.”
The 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up underscores JMI’s continued commitment to America’s founding ideals and the advancement of liberty and free markets in Florida. Highlights include:
- Protected the 2023 legal reforms.
- Expanded housing affordability.
- Deregulated education options for families.
- Defeated a monthly education tracking system.
- Defended First Amendment rights.
Read our 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up here.
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The James Madison Institute is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the ideals of limited government, economic freedom, federalism and individual liberty coupled with individual responsibility. The institute conducts research on such issues as education, health care, taxes and regulatory environments.
