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On June 24, business leaders from across the Tampa Bay region gathered at The Tampa Club for the Tampa Bay Chamber's sold-out 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up breakfast, where members had the opportunity to hear directly from state legislators about the outcomes of Florida's 2026 Legislative Session.
Moderated by Alexis Muellner, Editor-in-Chief of the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the discussion featured a bipartisan panel of legislators representing Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties:
- Rep. Kevin Steele (District 55)
- Rep. Adam Anderson (District 57)
- Rep. Lindsay Cross (District 60)
- Rep. Michele Rayner (District 62)
- Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman (District 65)
- Rep. Fentrice Driskell (District 67)
Throughout the morning, attendees gained valuable insight into the legislative decisions that will shape Florida's business climate, local governments, and communities in the years ahead.
Property Tax Reform Takes Center Stage
One of the most significant topics discussed was the proposed property tax constitutional amendment, which emerged as one of the defining issues of the 2026 Legislative Session.
Panelists shared how the debate evolved throughout the session, the considerations that influenced their positions, and what voters should understand as the proposed amendment moves toward the November ballot.
The conversation highlighted the complexity of balancing meaningful tax relief for homeowners while ensuring local governments can continue providing essential services that residents and businesses rely upon every day.
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Balancing Tax Relief and Essential Services
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the relationship between property tax policy and the services funded through local government.
Legislators explored how potential changes could affect:
- Public safety, including law enforcement and fire rescue
- Infrastructure and transportation investments
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Community services that support quality of life
- Local government budgets and long-term planning
Attendees heard differing perspectives on how Florida can pursue tax reform while maintaining the resources necessary to support growing communities like those throughout the Tampa Bay region.
A Conversation That Matters for Tampa Bay
One of the hallmarks of the Chamber's Legislative Wrap-Up is the opportunity for members to engage directly with elected officials.
Following the panel discussion, attendees asked thoughtful questions and participated in a dialogue about the legislative priorities impacting businesses, employees, and communities across the region.
Events like these reflect the Tampa Bay Chamber's ongoing commitment to serving as a nonpartisan convener, bringing together policymakers and the business community to encourage informed discussion on issues that matter most.
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Continue the Conversation
For additional coverage of the Legislative Wrap-Up and perspectives shared during the discussion, read Alexis Muellner's recap in the Tampa Bay Business Journal:
Editor's Notebook: Legislators Sound Off on Property Tax Debate at Chamber Forum
Thank You
Thank you to our moderator, Alexis Muellner, and to Representatives Kevin Steele, Adam Anderson, Lindsay Cross, Michele Rayner, Karen Gonzalez Pittman, and Fentrice Driskell for sharing their perspectives with our members.
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We also extend our sincere thanks to our event sponsors for making this important conversation possible:
- Presenting Sponsor: TECO
- Gold Sponsor: AdventHealth
Your partnership helps the Tampa Bay Chamber continue bringing together business and community leaders for meaningful, nonpartisan discussions on the issues impacting our region.
Finally, a special thank you to the Chamber members who shared their event photos with us. Your contributions helped us capture and showcase the conversations and connections that made this event such a success!