| The Florida Legislature concluded its 2021 Session at 2:40pm on Friday, April 30th. This is the first time since 2016 that the legislative session has finished on time. Considering the challenges with access to the Capitol Complex and restrictions on attending and testifying before legislative committees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is an achievement. Governor Ron DeSantis signed two executive orders on May 3, 2021 (EO 21-101 and EO 21-102) that immediately suspended and invalidated all local emergency orders related to COVID-19. Surgeon General Scott Rivkees issued an April 29th public health advisory rescinding previous advisories regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, expansion of vaccine eligibility and resumption of in-person government operations and services throughout Florida. The Governor signed a gaming compact on April 23rd between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which will generate at least $2.5 billion over five years. It must be approved by the Legislature, the Seminole Tribal Council and the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Legislature will be returning to Tallahassee for a May 17-21 special session to ratify the Compact and address other proposed legislation on gaming. |
