Our weekly recap from Aaron DiPietro, Legislative Affairs Director, Florida Family Voice and Kevin Baird, Executive Director, Church Ambassador Network of Florida
FFV’s Aaron DiPietro provides a quick update on the first week of the Florida Legislative Session.
It is that time of year again! The 2025 Legislative Session has burst onto the scene in Tallahassee, igniting a renewed spirit of determination and optimism among our lawmakers.
On opening day, the energy in the Capitol was palpable—an inspiring start that set the stage for what promises to be a landmark session for Florida. Despite the challenges that come with any ambitious legislative agenda, our state leaders and advocates are charged with purpose and passion, ready to tackle the issues that matter most to our communities.
As Governor Ron DeSantis delivered his highly anticipated address, he celebrated the state’s hard-fought achievements from the past years while unveiling an even bolder vision for 2025. His remarks highlighted the unwavering commitment to family values, economic resilience, and the safeguarding of our cherished freedoms. The Governor’s inspiring words resonated deeply, reaffirming our state’s collective mission to protect life, secure parental rights, and ensure that our education and healthcare systems remain true to our principles.
As for our team at Florida Family Voice, we are extremely excited for the 2025 Session as a dynamic slate of legislative priorities is already emerging. We are rallying behind bills that fortify the sanctity of life—from strengthening legal protections for the unborn to expanding safe surrender options for newborns. Equally compelling are the initiatives designed to shield our children in schools and online from pornographic content. Additionally, transformative proposals targeting DEI policies with comprehensive government reforms designed to protect religious freedom, free speech and medical freedom are poised to reshape our state for the better.
For those eager to dive into the details, a comprehensive PDF with in-depth bill details and progress updates is available HERE.
Wins began very quickly as, on Thursday, The Initiative Petitions for Constitutional Amendments Reform Act (HB 1205) passed its first committee hearing 14-4. Sponsored by Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, HB 1205 increases regulations on the process of amending the state constitution via citizen-led ballot initiatives. It establishes stricter signature verification procedures, limits petition circulator activities, and enhances transparency requirements. The legislation aims to prevent out-of-state influence and ensure that constitutional amendments reflect the will of Florida residents.
FFV’s Aaron DiPietro testifying in committee on the need for reforms in the ballot initiative process.
I am honored and humbled to be on the ground in Tallahassee—engaging with legislators, testifying before committees, and serving as your voice for Biblical worldview principles and the prolife, profamily values that flow from it. We’ll keep you updated through our social media channels and weekly Insider Reports, so be sure to stay connected as we navigate this historic session. To stayed informed on the latest breaking 2025 session news, sign up for our email and text alerts HERE.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers, enthusiasm, and steadfast support as we drive forward these critical initiatives for Florida’s future. Stay tuned for an incredible session.
For Truth,
Aaron DiPietro
Legislative Affairs Director Florida Family Voice
PS. Below, you will find a streamlined overview of our legislative agenda—organized by category and clearly indicating where we lend our strong support and where we stand in opposition. For a more in-depth dive, download the complete PDF HERE.
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Protecting Life
SUPPORT
· The Unborn Child Parent’s Survivor Act
· Surrendered Infants Procedures and Baby Box Act
· Fetal Development Educational Awareness Act
· Stem Cell Therapy Regulations Act
OPPOSE
· Pregnancy Care Center Targeting Act
· Right to Unlimited Abortion Act
· Physician Assisted Suicide Act
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Gender and Sexuality
SUPPORT
· Gender Identity Government Employment Practices Act
· Prostitution and Human Trafficking Enforcement Act
OPPOSE
· Gay and Transgender Panic Legal Defenses
· Marriage Repeal Act
· Hate Crimes Act
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Culture and Government Reforms
SUPPORT
· The Local Government DEI Policy Repeal Act
· The Government Flag Reform Act
· Gambling Controls Act
· The Initiative Petitions for Constitutional Amendments Reform Act
OPPOSE
· Recreational Marijana Legalization Act
—
Faith Initiatives
SUPPORT
· Office of Faith and Community Act
· The Hope Florida Program Act
· Protecting Faith based Content in BIP Counseling Programs Act
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Protecting Parental Rights and Children’s Safety
SUPPORT
· Protecting Minors from Obscenity in Education Act
· Parental Rights in Education and Healthcare Act
· Smartphone Protection for Minors Act
· Parental Controls Over Minors’ Social Media Use Act
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Education Reform
SUPPORT
· The Religious Freedom Education and Classroom Act
· Political Activities on School Grounds Act
· Video Camera Public School Security Act
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Medical Freedom
SUPPORT
· The DEI-Free Medical School and Higher Education Act
· Public Health Emergency Actions Act
· International Health Organization Policy Reform Act
The 2025 Legislative Session is officially underway, and the Church Ambassador Network of Florida has pastors actively engaged in state government. The Church of Florida is present and involved, bringing faith into the heart of civic leadership.
The first day of the Legislative Session, known as Organization Day, is a special occasion where legislators are joined by their spouses, families, and friends to celebrate the start of a new session. During this time, the Governor shares his vision for Florida, and both legislative chambers prepare to shape public policy.
Historically, Organization Day has posed challenges for the Florida Capitol Project, as the day’s special events often leave little room to connect with representatives and senators. The Florida Capitol Project exists to engage civic officials across all branches of government—through prayer, partnership opportunities, and meaningful discussions on public policy. To better align with the day’s activities rather than disrupt them, we introduced a new initiative: “Gather at the Gate.”
Originally envisioned as a small gathering of pastors in the Capitol courtyard for prayer and intercession over the legislative session, Gather at the Gate quickly gained momentum. What began as a simple idea grew into a significant event, with approximately 50 participants joining together on the historic Capitol steps and courtyard for an hour of worship and prayer.
In attendance were pastors, state representatives, legislative aides, lobbyists, and members of the Governor’s Faith and Community Office. Both pastors and government officials led prayers during this meaningful time, helping foster divine connections that will shape this session. Given its profound impact, Gather at the Gate is likely to become an annual tradition preceding each legislative session.
This week, The CAN Network also launched an exciting Bible distribution initiative made possible by a generous donor. Our goal is to personally deliver 160 customized Bibles—one for each legislator this session. Each Bible is personalized with the recipient’s name, district, and the official seal of Florida, serving as a memento of their service to the state. It is our hope and prayer that this gift will remind our elected officials that their lives, legislative duties, and districts flourish best when guided by the wisdom of Scripture. We look forward to distributing these Bibles throughout the session.
Additionally, as the Executive Director of the CAN Network, I am honored to serve on the Governor’s Faith and Community Advisory Board. This week, we held one of our quarterly meetings, bringing together an incredible cross-section of faith leaders from across Florida. The board exists to hear directly from the Governor about his vision for faith-based partnerships that serve the residents of Florida. It also provides a platform for faith leaders to offer feedback, voice concerns, and present ideas for collaboration. The Church Ambassador Network is privileged to be part of this ongoing dialogue between faith and government.
As I close this update, I want to extend an invitation to pastors—if you would like to be part of the Florida Capitol Project, I encourage you to reach out and schedule a visit. You can find all the details, including available dates, on our website: https://
Finally, I ask you to consider making a financial contribution to Florida Family Voice, which supports and funds the work of the Church Ambassador Network. Your generosity enables us to provide these impactful opportunities for Florida pastors—strengthening spiritual leadership within government. Our ability to expand ministry outreach to civic leaders depends on the support of partners like you. Will you join us in this mission? I pray you will.
Thank you for your continued prayers for our team in Tallahassee. The next nine weeks will be busy, but we are eager to see how God moves!
Kevin Baird, D.Min.
Executive Director, Church Ambassador Network of Florida
