A Florida Senate proposal designed to pave the way for President Donald Trump’s presidential library in the state passed overwhelmingly on Wednesday with a 36-3 vote.
The bill, SB 118, prohibits local governments from imposing restrictions on the construction of presidential libraries, a move that could clear potential regulatory hurdles if Trump selects Florida as the site for his official archive and museum.
“As the home state to the 45th and 47th president of the United States, there is a high likelihood that President Trump will select Florida to be the site of his presidential library,” said bill sponsor Sen. Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford). “In anticipation of Florida’s first presidential library, we should roll out the welcome mat and offer the president maximum flexibility to construct this historic landmark in Florida.”
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According to NBC News, Trump’s team has already scouted possible locations, including Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, which is located south of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, as well as Florida International University (FIU) in Miami-Dade County.
While Trump has not officially announced his choice, Florida’s strong Republican support and Trump’s deep ties to the state make it a likely location for the library.
A House version of the bill (HB 69), filed by Rep. Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola), is set to go before the full House, where it is also expected to pass given the GOP-controlled legislature’s support.
The bill was not without dissent, as three Democratic senators—Lori Berman (D-Boca Raton), Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton), and Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando)—voted against the measure.
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Critics argue that presidential libraries should not receive special treatment under state law and have questioned the need for preempting local government oversight. Others raised concerns about the potential cost to taxpayers and the politicization of presidential libraries.
If the House passes HB 69, the bill will go to Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law.
Trump’s presidential library would serve as a museum, archive, and educational center, housing documents, exhibits, and artifacts from his time in office.
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