TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida lawmakers have returned to Tallahassee to begin the legislative session with affordability at the top of their agenda, with some dubbing the issue "Florida-bility."
Both the state Senate and House met Tuesday morning to kick off the session, where the cost of living and housing dominated early discussions between legislators.
WPTV reporter Matt Sczesny is in Tallahassee speaking to lawmakers about their focus for the session.
WATCH BELOW: WPTV reports live from the Capitol as legislative session begins
Republicans are prioritizing efforts on property tax relief as their primary solution to the state's affordability crisis.
"As we work through the session we're going to have two bills in my opinion that will make it across the finish line, two separate resolutions on the ballot next year, not sure what that's going to entail but as you heard today not only the governor has a heavy appetite to get that situation complete," state Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Stuart, told WPTV.
Democrats, however, believe property insurance should be the priority for addressing affordability concerns.
"We feel like we should be discussing property insurance, that's the affordability issue," state Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton, said. "If you lower property insurance rates, people get money back in their pockets. If you lower property taxes, people lose services."
Democrats face an uphill battle with their insurance-focused bills, given the Republican majority in both chambers.
The property tax proposals are expected to receive significant attention, particularly regarding how potential changes could impact funding for cities and counties across the state.
"I'm looking forward to us both in the House and the Senate to provide relief for the residents so we can make it more affordable for the residents of this state," state Rep. Mack Bernard, D-West Palm Beach.
Meanwhile, other issues like electric bikes, health insurance, affordable housing and education are expected to be top of mind for lawmakers over the next 60 days.
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