Initiatives

Key Issues

As the voice of Tampa's business community, the Tampa Bay Chamber is at any given time engaged on a number of public policy fronts. Volunteer leadership and staff are actively participating in dialogue with elected officials to advocate on behalf of the Tampa Bay business community.

Issues are either identified by Public Policy Staff, Members, or Committees of the Chamber. Positions are developed by gathering available information regarding an issue, and then presenting the pro and con perspectives to the Policy Council for discussion and recommendation of a position. The recommended position is presented to the executive committee and ultimately to the Board of Directors for approval.

2026 Legislative Agenda

Key
F	Federal
S	State
$	State Funding Priority
L	Local

The Chamber Supports	Region
A comprehensive review of Florida's property tax structure to ensure competitiveness, fairness, and fiscal sustainability.	S
A regional Metropolitan Planning Organization that presents a collaborative priority list of projects for federal and state dollars.	S \| L
Federal and state investments in critical transportation infrastructure- including transit, airports, highways, and ports—through a reauthorization bill that increases formula funding and empowers states and municipalities to address diminishing gas tax revenues and prioritize their most urgent local infrastructure needs.	F \| $
Policies and initiatives aimed at addressing the affordability of childcare.	F \| S \| L
Establishing locality pay for federal employees in Tampa Bay to ensure competitive compensation and workforce retention.	F
Efforts that promote access to affordable, high-quality health care coverage for individuals and families.	F \| S
Including industry certification skills and soft skills training in school and district grade calculations as an additional student success measure.	S
Expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include military spouses as part of its benefited groups.	F
Efforts to preserve and protect 340B Drug Pricing Program.	F
Expanding deep water access and investing in infrastructure at Port Tampa Bay to enhance the transport of various goods while preserving the maritime industry and the high-wage blue-collar jobs it sustains, recognizing its significant economic impact on the Tampa Bay region.	F \| S \| L

Guiding Principles

Business and Economic Development

The Tampa Bay Chamber supports regional collaboration that strengthens economic development and business growth; policies that enhance quality of life for both businesses and residents; reasonable regulatory and tax environments; the preservation of right-to-work laws that protect our citizens; and market-based wages that sustain a competitive and thriving economy.

Disaster Resiliency

The Tampa Bay Chamber supports proactive policies and strategic investments that enhance community resiliency, safeguard economic stability, and protect the business community before, during, and after natural disasters. A resilient region is essential to long term economic growth, and businesses play a critical role in both disaster response and recovery. The Chamber will advocate for public and private investments that strengthen infrastructure, support preparedness, and accelerate recovery across the region.

Economic Inclusion

The Tampa Bay Chamber supports policies and practices that promote access to economic opportunities and inclusive growth from which everyone can contribute and benefit. Economic inclusion drives business competitiveness and job creation ensuring a workforce representative of our community.

Healthcare

The Tampa Bay Chamber supports increasing access to quality, affordable health care for all Floridians, and legislation that gives our healthcare providers the infrastructure and regulatory environment needed to serve our community best.

Military and Defense

The Tampa Bay Chamber supports advancing policies and investments that strengthen the region’s defense ecosystem. This includes supporting veterans and military spouses in their pursuit of meaningful employment and entrepreneurship, fostering economic growth by attracting and expanding the defense contractor community, and actively positioning MacDill Air Force Base as a top choice for future missions and strategic investments.

Transportation

The Tampa Bay Chamber supports access to reliable and connected transportation as a cornerstone of economic development and quality of life. The Chamber advocates for sufficient multi-modal transportation funding to build a robust regional network and urges elected officials to champion policies that invest in innovative roadway and transit projects essential to meeting the infrastructure needs of our growing community.

Workforce Development and Education

The Tampa Bay Chamber supports policies and innovative solutions that strengthen workforce development, education, and supportive access to transportation and housing. Through robust partnerships, the Chamber will advocate for adequate resources to help attract, develop, and retain talent in Tampa Bay. Plans must be in place today to train and employ the workforce of tomorrow.

Workforce Housing

The Tampa Bay Chamber supports the development of a sustainable inventory of workforce housing near centers of commerce and transit corridors to ensure the continued growth and success of Tampa Bay’s economy. Expanding attainable housing options for working families is essential to attracting and retaining talent, enhancing quality of life, and realizing the region’s full potential.

Events

An overview of our Policy & Advocacy events.

Candidate Interviews

Watch our interviews with candidates for local elections.

Committees & Councils

The function of our Policy Advisory Committee.

Key Issues

Our legislative agenda and policy initiatives.

Helpful Links

Useful links to our local government and advocacy organizations.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Invest in the Chamber and promote your brand at Policy & Advocacy events.