by Nico Hohman
NextHome Discovery.
House of Representatives. The Senate Floor. Congressional districts. REALTOR® Block Party. Estoppel fees. Subcommittee meetings. Sweeping the trusts funds. YPN after party. Water regulation. Taxes on business rents.
Those were just some of the phrases I heard during the past two days while visiting the Florida Capitol during the Great American REALTOR® Days.
As a sophomore member of the Government Affairs Committee, I was fortunate enough to receive a full scholarship through GTAR to attend and participate in the meetings and events.
The jam-packed schedule was full of exciting visits to our local Representatives and Senators explaining some of the most important issues to us as REALTOR®, homeowners, and business owners. While in Tallahassee, we even saw the passage of one our supported bills pass on the Senate floor.
Some of the best takeaways from the trip include the knowledge that our Represnetatives and Senators are more than willing – and even excited – to talk to us and hear what is important to us. It is amazing what happens when you can place a familiar face to an issue that will effect everyone living, working, and visiting our great state of Florida.
One of the best examples comes from Representative Janet Cruz of Tampa. “The members of GTAR were the first to support me,” said Cruz. “And now I am 100% in support of your issues.”
Getting to mix and mingle with lawmakers and fellow REALTORS® around the state was another excellent benefit of this trip. This networking brought home the point that I am not alone in caring about the issues. Meeting new and reconnecting with existing REALTORS® was a fantastic nightcap to a wonderful day in session.
As someone already interested in policy and government, this trip was a fantastic opportunity for me to learn more about the legislative process. For anyone looking to get more involved or to see for themselves how they can have a voice at the state level, I highly encourage them to participate with our government affairs committee.
