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.
2026 Legislative Priorities
To download a PDF version of the 2026 Sarasota Chamber's Legislative Priorities, click here.
- Support the full preservation and allocation of the Sadowski Housing Trust Funds exclusively for affordable housing programs including the purchase of land.
- Support that counties and municipalities, respectively, must administratively approve affordable housing, including mixed-use residential, on any parcel owned by religious institutions by so long as at least 10 percent of the units included in the project are for housing that is affordable.
- Support the implementation of initiatives and incentives to encourage local businesses to provide or subsidize childcare for their employees.
- Support legislation that provides incentives for employers who are providing childcare for employees to qualify for license exempt status which are provided to church or parochial school childcare centers.
- 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 policy that promotes pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and internship opportunities that develop a talent pipeline that reflects the needs of industry.
- Support operational funding and fixed capital funds for USF Sarasota-Manatee, New College of Florida, State College of Florida and SCF Venice Collegiate School. development initiatives, infrastructure investment, job creation, business development, and relocation.
- Support public funding for arts and cultural programs that contribute to Sarasota’s economy and community vitality.
- Support the continued full preservation and allocation of the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) that supports jobs in hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other tourism-reliant businesses, including funding that goes towards improving resident quality of life through beach maintenance, beach renourishment, sports stadiums, capital improvements, arts and culture grants, and more.
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.
