Getting down to business

REVIEW SUMMARY
What. Legislators' bills affecting business in the session starting March 2.
Issue. Jobs bill and tax incentives competing for money and attention.
Impact. Effects of business and job growth bills could be limited by other threats.

In the midst of an historic recession and record unemployment, add more challenges for the Florida Legislature — an optimistic budget, major threats to the state's agriculture industry, and the potential economy killer Amendment 4.

Yet, local governments are suing the Legislature for passing an impact fee reform bill last year. That legislation leveled the playing field by shifting the burden of proof for fee calculations from challengers to the local governments initiating the fees.