Endorsed by Mark Zuckerberg

In this episode: In Tampa, Big Tech giant Meta Platforms is funding last-minute mailers on behalf of a Democratic legislator who is locked in a tough primary for an open seat in the state Senate. And in Miami, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram is paying for digital ads promoting a Republican legislator who is in line to become speaker of the state House. It’s all part of a nationwide campaign by Meta to fill state Legislatures with candidates supportive of the artificial intelligence industry — and Florida is the latest front. Plus: New records reveal that lobbyists for two big homebuilders and Republican donors lobbied against legislation that would have repealed a state law that has made it much harder for cities, counties and towns across Florida to slow urban sprawl, protect the environment and manage population growth. Show notes To make a donation to Seeking Rents, click here. To sign up for the Sierra Club Central Florida Group’s Aug. 19 meeting at Leu Gardens in Orlando, click here. To register for the Florida Center for Government Accountability’s Aug. 20 Hope Florida webinar, click here. Stories discussed in today’s show: Facebook is meddling in Florida elections At the last minute, Facebook tries to tilt a tight Democratic primary for a Senate seat in Tampa Developer lobbyists secretly sought to maintain a law handcuffing local communities on growth Judge rules against impact fee increases in Palm Coast Manatee County in a legal fight with developers. Over $14 million is at stake A rebellion in Florida Will Manatee County cut wetland protections? Science and developer interests clash Bills discussed in today’s show: Senate Bill 180 (2025) — Emergencies Passed the House of Representatives by a 106-0 vote (vote sheet) and the Florida Senate by a 34-1 vote (vote sheet). Senate Bill 840 (2026) — Land Use Regulations for Local Governments Affected by Natural Disasters Questions or comments? Send ‘em to [email protected] Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify Watch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe