The Golden Age, 1967-1987

But the Golden Age of Florida politics lasted only 20 years. It ended in 1987 with failure to expand Florida’s regressive, consumer-dependent sales tax. Intense pressure from the real estate industry and print and broadcast media forced the repeal of a new tax on advertising, professional fees and other services. To replace the money, the Legislature took the easy way out and taxed the people again.

It continues. Last year, the Legislature diverted the taxes that Florida consumers now pay on internet and other out-ofstate sales to reduce taxes on the business community. From your pocket to theirs.

Today’s lawmakers no longer pay even lip service to local home rule, which was a major reform in the 1968 Constitution. Last year, they enacted 11 laws to overturn or block local actions by preempting the issues to the state.

The most notorious overturned Key West’s attempt to bar large cruise ships. Obnoxious proposals this year would ban communities from regulating vacation rentals, pet sales, tobacco products and plastic straws and from enacting nondiscrimination ordinances. Another, SB 620, would entitle businesses to cash compensation for lost revenue they blame on local regulations. That is pernicious.

Why has the Legislature fallen so far? Why are expectations so low for the annual session that convenes Jan. 11?

Part of the answer is ideology, inflamed by increasing partisanship. Term limits has left members more obedient to lobbyists and narrowly-focused interest groups. But by far the major reason is campaign money. The more there is, the uglier campaigns become, and the more legislators are obligated to those who give it.