The Florida Chamber’s Distinguished Advocate award recognizes lawmakers who fought tirelessly for the passage of pro-business legislation – no matter how difficult – and advocated for the Florida Chamber’s goals of securing Florida’s future and commitment to Florida’s business community through job creation, economic development and free enterprise.
“We are pleased to honor members of the Florida Legislature with Distinguished Advocate awards who put free enterprise principles for job creation above special interests,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
The 18 members of the Florida Legislature honored with a 2019 Florida Chamber Distinguished Advocate award include:
FLORIDA SENATE
Senator Jeff Brandes
Drove autonomous vehicle legislation that will help prepare Florida for the next generation of mobility, while also championing efforts to allow students to progress through school at their own pace based upon their mastery of concepts and skills.
Successfully passed assignment of benefits legislation, carrying a six-year Florida Chamber-led effort to protect homeowners from unscrupulous vendors across the finish line.
Fought the teacher unions tooth and nail to pass historic school choice reform, ensuring more Florida students’ educational opportunities are not defined by their income or zip code.
Partnered with the Florida Chamber Infrastructure Coalition to pass long-term infrastructure investments that will lead to increased investment and access to rural communities.
Carried half a dozen Florida Chamber-backed bills and policies on everything from targeted tax cuts and employer mandates preemptions, to long-term infrastructure investments and smart growth management, and the reauthorization of VISIT FLORIDA.
Sought to hold out-of- control local municipalities accountable for furthering a patchwork regulatory climate statewide and passed workforce education legislation to help bridge the talent gap facing Florida job creators and seekers.
Quarterbacked the fight to protect Florida’s constitution from out-of-state special interests and return the citizens’ initiative process to the citizens it was intended to serve.
Led the fight for tort reform, sponsoring accuracy in damages legislation and successfully passing an exemption for the dangerous instrumentality doctrine; also fought alongside the Florida Chamber to lower the Florida-only business rent tax.
Championed innovative technology policy by successfully passing bills to advance the deployment and integration of autonomous vehicles and 5G communication services.
Quarterbacked the fight to protect Florida’s constitution from out of state special interests and return the citizens’ initiative process to the citizens it was intended to serve.
Led the fight for tort reform, sponsoring accuracy in damages legislation and successfully passing an exemption for the dangerous instrumentality doctrine.
Was the architect of the legislature’s successful effort to protect Florida’s constitution from out-of-state special interests and billionaires as well as the House’s bold legal reform agenda. Also shepherded successful passage of an innovative shared health care savings program.
