Submitted by Jessica Gow, Cobb Cole & Cornerstone Committee Chair
This year’s Volusia Days, the annual advocacy visit to the Florida Capitol organized by the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, brought more than 50 local business and community leaders to Tallahassee to connect with state leadership and the Volusia County legislative delegation. The two-day field trip offered a mix of policy briefings, legislative updates, and direct advocacy, giving attendees a front-row seat to decisions that will help shape Volusia’s growth and development for years to come. Attendees ranged from local elected officials, business and community leaders, and chamber partners throughout Volusia County as we came together to hear directly from our legislative delegation and agency leadership on issues coming out of the 2026 legislative session that will impact Volusia County.
Attendees heard from members of our local delegation and hosted a meeting with the House of Representative’s Speaker Designate, Sam Garrison, who discussed the upcoming 2027 legislative session and key trends in Florida’s legislative process. Representatives Tramont and Partington welcomed the delegation to Tallahassee and provided insight into the current legislative session, which is wrapping up in the next few weeks with an eye on a special session (at least one!) on the issue of property taxes. Representative Gentry spoke to the group regarding current legislative priorities and spent time with the group answering questions about topics ranging from growth and development to budget priorities.
Secretary Melanie Griffin of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation provided a detailed update on industry growth and workforce development trends in Florida, including focused information on condominium development and construction guidance impacting coastal communities. She highlighted how DBPR is streamlining licensing and regulatory frameworks to support business expansion and job creation across sectors ranging from hospitality and professional services to trade occupations.
Michael Yaworsky, Florida’s Insurance Commissioner, discussed the state’s ongoing efforts to combat high insurance costs through significant legislative reforms adopted over the past several years. These measures, including the comprehensive tort and claims litigation reforms enacted in 2022 and 2023, benefited from strong engagement by the Volusia County delegation. In particular, Senator Tom Leek demonstrated thoughtful leadership and persistent advocacy in advancing balanced, meaningful reforms designed to stabilize the insurance market and deliver tangible relief to Florida families and businesses, including those in our local community. These reforms have reduced excessive litigation, improved market stability, and encouraged more carriers to enter Florida’s market, helping to increase competition and reduce premiums for consumers and businesses alike. Commissioner Yaworsky noted that these changes are producing tangible results, with insurers returning rebates to policyholders and a trend toward rate reductions statewide — a key objective of the new laws, and a priority that has topped the Chamber’s list of legislative priorities for the past few years.
Other speakers, including the FDEP Secretary and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, provided key updates to members regarding new legislation that may impact our community and how we continue to grow and tackle new industries. Agency representatives focused in on the key metrics that make Volusia County shine statewide, from our strong tourism economy to our approach to steady growth.
A significant part of Volusia Days is the engagement with local legislators in both the Florida House and Senate to discuss bills and policy issues directly impacting Volusia County. Volusia Days isn’t just about listening and learning about session; it’s about highlighting our members and Volusia’s community voice by bringing forward the legislative priorities voted on directly by our members each year. Chamber members had the opportunity to speak directly with delegation members and agency leaders about the issues that matter most locally, including workforce growth, insurance affordability, transportation investments, and public policy impacts on our business community.
Networking receptions and conversations at the Capitol allowed attendees to build meaningful relationships with elected officials, agency heads, and advocates - a benefit that often resonates long after the session ends. These connections are invaluable when discussing local priority projects and ensuring Volusia County’s needs are heard as the legislature finalizes funding.
As the 2026 legislative session moves toward budget adoption and final votes, the insights and relationships forged at Volusia Days will help local leaders stay informed and engaged. Continued dialogue with lawmakers and state officials ensures that Volusia County’s economic priorities, from job growth and infrastructure to housing and insurance relief, remain at the forefront of the state’s agenda.
