It is hard to believe it is almost March, especially with the unseasonable cold temperatures we have faced these last few months.  As March arrives, so does the 2010 legislative session and the hope for warmer weather and some rays of sunshine peaking out from all the grey clouds our state and our legislators continue to face.  Opening day is this coming Tuesday, March 2, and legislators will immediately get to work on a multitude of challenges facing Florida.  First up on their agenda will be bringing businesses relief from the large increase in the unemployment tax rates.  The House and Senate are slated to pass out legislation in the first week of session that will hold down these drastic increases in unemployment rates for businesses over the next two years.
 
In January, state economists reported to the legislature that Florida's expected budget shortfall has grown to $3 billion for 2010-2011.  With limited expected growth in tax receipts and anticipated increases in many areas, including Medicaid, legislators will be faced with tough choices to develop a balanced budget and still provide for a multitude of services such as education and healthcare.  After already raising certain fees last year and making cuts in many areas, lawmakers will have to put everything under the microscope in order to streamline the budget; this will include looking at state agencies.  Senate President Atwater created a Senate Budget Office that will report on state government agency operations after a careful review of their functions.  Other groups, such as Florida TaxWatch are also looking into ways for the State to save on costs without cutting imperative services.  Additionally, in order to provide the public with access to state government spending and the budget process, the legislature has created the Transparency Florida Web site, www.transparencyflorida.gov.
 
Although the budget will be the focus this session, as it was last year, expect to also see contentious issues such as expanding gambling within the state and oil drilling off the coast on this year's agenda.  These ideas, along with other ways to increase revenue without raising taxes, will be examined.  Another key focus will be Jobs, Jobs, Jobs - look for initiatives to stimulate Florida's economy and attract firms to Florida, bringing employment opportunities to our citizens.  Other important issues for our industry specifically to watch will be building code and licensing legislation, as well as energy efficiency and conservation efforts.  Make sure to watch for legislative reports and alerts throughout the next 60 days, the legislature is slated to end on April 30.