Public Policy & Advocacy
Your Voice in Policy. Your Partner in Growth.
The voice of business - creating bold opportunities and solutions for our community.
At the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, we are your voice in the halls of government—advocating for policies that support businesses, foster economic growth, and strengthen our local economy. Through strategic partnerships, legislative engagement, and direct advocacy, we work to ensure that the needs of our business community are heard and addressed. Whether it’s championing pro-business policies, providing key insights on legislative issues, or keeping you informed on regulatory changes, your Chamber is actively working to create an environment where businesses can thrive.
2025 Legislative Priorities
To download a PDF version of the 2025 Sarasota Chamber's Legislative Priorities, click here.
- Support affordable housing solutions through the alignment of public-private partnerships and zoning changes.
- Support the full utilization of the Sadowski Trust Fund revenue solely for market solutions that return assistance to affordable housing.
- Support a sound public policy and rational investment in infrastructure, both locally and regionally, that protects the Gulf of Mexico and local estuarine resources.
- Support funding all Florida's Public Technical College/Centers Workforce Education Programs at a minimum funding level of 100% of the state model as developed and approved by the State FLDOE Workforce Education Funding Committee.
- Support full funding for expedited training, such as Fast-Track, Rapid Credentialing, and Quick Response to meet employer high demand, entry-level positions while providing a living wage, benefits, and career opportunities to local talent.
- Ensure State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) students are funded relative to and in alignment with the Florida College System institutions, including $17 million in additional recurring funding and support their request for $9 million to complete Phase I of its new Parrish campus.
- Support mental health funding to address the mental health crisis occurring at VPK through high school levels.
- Support policy that promotes pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and internship opportunities that develop a talent pipeline that reflects the needs of industry.
- Support operational funding for the University of South Florida and fixed capital outlay of $20 million for the Nursing/STEM Building on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus.
- Support legislation that reduces the digital divide and expands reliable and affordable access to the devices, signals, and skills to all areas of Sarasota County.
- Support increased access to childcare benefits for working families.
- Support solutions to property insurance reductions for businesses and residents.
- Support fixing lawsuit abuse issues in Florida and improving Florida’s legal climate.
- Support modifications to the social benefits system that will allow for a gradual exit path for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) families.
- Support additional funding for local multimodal transportation and mobility projects for our workforce that create mobility access to major employment centers in a regionally efficient and collaborative effort.
- Support policies that allow public private partnerships in economic development initiatives, infrastructure investment, job creation, business development, and relocation.
For questions regarding our legislative agenda, please contact Marlon Brown, Director of Government Affairs at mbrown@sarasotachamber.com.
Contact Your Representatives
The Florida Scorecard, developed by our partners at the Florida Chamber of Commerce, provides real-time data on the key economic and community metrics shaping Sarasota and the state as a whole. This powerful tool helps business and community leaders track trends, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions that drive long-term growth and prosperity. Explore the data and see how Sarasota compares as we work toward a stronger future.
