February 28, 2022

Pandemic fear, supply chain disruptions, and inflation have created many challenges for Florida small businesses. Despite that, Florida’s pro-business policies and smart approach to COVID have made its economy a national bright spot. But now, some state lawmakers are planning to make Florida more like California through House Bill 9, legislation that copies a California data privacy law that will add tens of billions of dollars in new costs onto Florida employers and job creators—with Florida residents picking up the tab.

Chairman of Consumer Action for a Strong Economy, Gerard Scimeca, issued the following statement:

“This legislation purports to protect consumer privacy, but all it does is add shocking costs and regulatory burdens to Florida businesses seeking to serve their customers. A much wiser approach is to target bad actors, those who break the law, abuse consumer privacy rights, and misuse or unlawfully distribute data. This would be true consumer protection and give teeth to law enforcement to punish those violating Floridians’ privacy rights and threatening their financial security. Floridians should call their state senator and tell them to say ‘no’ to importing California’s costly, job-crushing, big-government laws and instead keep Florida free. Tell them to oppose HB 9.”