Senate President Ben Albritton believes America’s international trade battles could be a boon to certain parts of Florida’s economy, but he’s less optimistic about how ongoing federal budget cuts will impact the state.

Albritton called President Donald Trump “a very smart man” and “good businessman” who “understands the principles and practices” of commerce. And while Trump’s tariffs will cause some goods and services to cost more, Albritton said wholly domestic products like Florida’s many farm-derived foods may soon gain more shelf space at the supermarket.

A citrus grower, Albritton used his trade as an example. Today, he said, single-strength orange juice from Mexico or Brazil is cheaper to import and buy in the Sunshine State than its homegrown counterpart.

“That’s a fact,” he said. “So, when I look at tariffs, I think, OK, there are certain commodities that will be USA commodities that are going to (benefit from) those tariffs because we’re at a competitive disadvantage.”

He added that Trump’s chaotic approach to tariffs in which U.S. trade deficits with other nations have determined the level of tariffs imposed on them hasn’t shaken his faith in the President’s economic motivations.

“I do not think for a second the President has any intentions in hurting this country,” he said. “I think they’re going to take a measured approach, and it will work out OK.”

Albritton’s comments came during an interview Sunday with CBS Miami’s Jim DeFede that also included discussions of possible state spending cuts, property tax rebates and the future of Hope Florida, First Lady Casey DeSantis’ charity, amid reports that the charity steered millions to other organizations to defeat last year’s marijuana ballot initiative.

The Wauchula Republican said that as state lawmakers refine Florida’s budget for next year, they need to be wary of cuts happening under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and avoid overcommitting federally derived dollars that may not be there to programs otherwise dependent on them.

Roughly a third of the state’s $115 billion budget — $38 billion — are federal passthrough dollars for myriad programs like Medicaid and medical research grants for universities.

He said Florida should be circumspect in counting on those funds.

“There’s every possibility we’re going to likely see cuts for federal funding that supports Florida programs and the programs we implement that we would cost share, essentially, with the federal government,” he said.

“It’s everywhere, (and it’s) the reason that I’m thinking about it in a cautious way, because we don’t know for sure (what will happen). We’re likely going to see a throttle back of federal spending.”

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As Rep. Michelle Salzman continues her work shepherding legislation to regulate hemp products, including THC-infused beverages, it is imperative for her to make decisions on the bill that make keeping products out of the hands of minors the top priority.

Her proposed amendment to tax THC-infused drinks and other products is appropriate, with a 20% proposed tax on the beverages that aligns with cigarette and wine taxes. But another part of the amendment she’s considering is dangerous, and should be reconsidered.

As it currently stands, the bill (HB 7029) would block sales of THC-infused beverages at gas stations and convenience stores, places easily accessible to kids and teens. While such stores can sell beer and wine, most do not carry liquor licenses to sell the harder stuff, and for good reason.

It makes sense to limit sales to establishments already licensed to sell liquor, such as at liquor stores, bars and certain restaurants. In the case of liquor stores, there are already rules in place that limit a minor’s access without a qualifying adult present.

The current version of the bill blocks sales of THC-infused beverages at convenience stores.

Salzman’s attempt to remove that restriction may have merit. Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a similar legislative package last year, writing in a veto message that regulations on the burgeoning hemp market would “impose debilitating regulatory burdens” on Florida retailers. Allowing sales at convenience stores may be an effort to ensure his support this year. But it’s foolhardy.

The measure, as well as a similar measure (SB 438) that has already cleared the upper chamber, rightly include various provisions to protect kids, including restricting packaging that may be attractive to children and, in the Senate version, signage that promotes the products.

It’s clear that sales of these products are appropriate — many consumers use them as an alternative to alcohol and, when used responsibly, they can be safe. But such sales should only be made under key conditions, including limiting THC dosage at 10 mg or less for single-use units or at 100 mg per package, as long as the serving size does not exceed 10 mg of THC.

There may be limited circumstances for which higher dosages are appropriate, but it is reasonable to expect that such sales be restricted to licensed medical marijuana dispensaries and not be readily available in liquor stores.

The legislation, for the most part, rightly seeks to regulate THC products derived from hemp — known as Delta-9 — similarly to alcohol. But unlike alcohol, which is often sold in attractive packaging, THC products should, as the bill currently insists, be sold without any imagery that could be attractive to minors and restricted to those 21 years of age or older.

And clear labels should be provided outlining the total THC content.

DeSantis was not entirely wrong for being concerned about retailers, but sensible regulation is critical in protecting our children, and it can be accomplished in a way that protects retailers such as liquor stores.

While it may be frustrating to convenience store business owners, kids simply must be prioritized over profit.

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Winter Garden lawyer Lee Steinhauer has filed to run in House District 45, setting up a Primary in arguably Florida’s hottest 2026 House race.

The President of The Steinhauer Group, a strategic government and legal affairs firm located in Central Florida, and author of “The Art of the New Cold War,” Steinhauer previously ran in House District 44 in 2020, before the last round of redistricting. But he withdrew from that contest before the Republican Primary.

The longtime lobbyist will face Orange County GOP Chair Erin Huntley, who announced her candidacy in January and has already raised more than six figures between her campaign and political committee. Allies of Steinhauer expect him to match or outpace that fundraising in his first quarter.

Steinhauer’s entry to the race will heighten interest in an already high-profile contest in 2026.

The winner of next year’s Republican Primary will face Rep. Leonard Spencer, a Gotha Democrat. Spencer last year unseated Republican Rep. Carolina Amesty, a Windermere Republican and the only GOP lawmaker in the Legislature to lose re-election in 2024.

Following two Democratic Representatives switching parties ahead of the Legislative Session, Spencer remains the only Democrat in the House currently representing a district where a majority of voters supported Republican Donald Trump in November.

That has Republicans eager to fight to take back the seat. But first, they will have to battle with one another.

Huntley will likely have significant support from the state party. Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power donated money to her campaign already, and as Chair of the Republican Party of Florida’s Chairman Caucus, she will have access to a statewide network of donor support.

But there has also been tension within the Orange County GOP, one of the few areas in Florida where Republicans have lost ground in recent years.

Now, it appears Huntley and Steinhauer will engage in what could be a lengthy Primary, giving both sides time to raise — and spend — heavy resources ahead of an Aug. 18, 2026, election date.

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