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Sen. Dennis Baxley headshot

Dennis Baxley Voting Record & Scorecard | Christian Employers Alliance

FL Senator

District: 13 • Republican

2024 Alignment:

77.42%

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Sen. Dennis Baxley (R-FL-13) earned a 77% Christian Employers Alliance score for 2024, showing strong alignment with biblical business policy positions. Dennis Baxley voted on 15 of the 20 key bills CEA scored in 2024. Dennis Baxley represents the 13th District in the Florida State Senate. Highest category scores: Workforce Freedom (100%), First Freedom (100%), and Operational Freedom (75%).

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 1241Senate 20242x

Increasing Crime and Weakening Public Safety Through a Criminal Justice "Reform" Which Reduces Accountability within the Parole System.

Against CEA
This bill makes a series of changes to the parole system, generally reducing penalties on offenders who violate the terms of their probation. For example, the bill reduces judicial discretion by now placing a limit on the amount of time a court may hold an offender in jail for certain parole violations. Additionally, offenders can no longer be held accountable for previous parole violations that were addressed through the "alternative sanctioning program" in the event the offender's parole is revoked due to additional offenses.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
Psalm 82:3-4 – "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
Leadership Insight
God commands leaders to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Justice is not passive - it requires intervention. Leaders who ignore the vulnerable betray their calling. Advocacy for the powerless is not optional; it's obedience.
HB 1347Senate 20243x

Expanding Borrowing and Lending Opportunities by Raising the Maximum Allowable Interest Rate on Consumer Loans from 30% to 36%.

With CEA
This bill makes a number of reforms to the state's Consumer Finance Act, including raising the maximum allowable interest rate on consumer loans by 6% at each tier and raising the maximum rate from 30% to 36%. The bill is designed to slightly loosen government restrictions and price controls on interest due to high inflation and national interest rates.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Matthew 20:13-15 – "But he answered one of them, 'I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'"
Leadership Insight
Jesus affirms the landowner's absolute right to manage his property without external interference. Economic freedom is rooted in the biblical principle that owners - not governments or envious neighbors - determine how resources are allocated. Leaders who defend property rights protect the foundation of free enterprise: voluntary agreements honored without coercion.
HB 1365Senate 20242x

Strengthening Public Safety by Prohibiting Localities from Allowing Homeless Encampments on Public Sidewalks and Streets.

With CEA
This bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinance which allows individuals "to regularly engage in public camping or sleeping on any public property." Under the bill, counties are permitted to designate areas on public property for this purpose for up to 1 year, if approved by the Department of Children and Families, but must provide restrooms, prohibit illegal drug and alcohol use, and meet other requirements. Homeless encampments on sidewalks and streets present many health and safety concerns, including increased crime rates, open drug use, and sanitary concerns.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Nehemiah 2:17 – "Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.'"
Leadership Insight
Nehemiah surveyed the ruins and mobilized rebuilding - a model for restoring operational freedom. Today, businesses operate in ruins of regulatory overreach, litigation abuse, and government interference that have burned through the gates of free enterprise. Leaders must honestly name this disgrace and mobilize to rebuild the frameworks that once protected operational freedom. Markets don't restore themselves; they require leaders who see the damage and call for reconstruction.
HB 1645Senate 20243x

Strengthening Property Rights by Repealing Overreaching Energy and Climate Regulations Thorugh an Omnibus Energy Bill.

With CEA
This bill contains several provisions related to energy and the environment. Among the provisions is an increase, from 15 miles to 100 miles, in the maximum length of natural gas pipelines, before certification is required under the Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Siting Act. The bill also prohibits the construction or expansion of offshore wind energy facilities, wind turbines and wind energy facilities within 1 mile of the coastline or intercoastal waterways and in state waters, among other restrictions. Additionally, the bill repeals the Florida Energy and Climate Protection Act, repeals the Florida Green Government Grants Act, and the Energy Economic Zone Pilot Program.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Genesis 1:28 – "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"
Leadership Insight
The dominion mandate establishes human authority as divinely ordained, not culturally negotiated. Leaders who honor this calling protect family, life, and liberty as sacred responsibilities. Subduing the earth means cultivating, not exploiting - stewarding with purpose.
HB 433Senate 20243x

Expanding Employment Opportunities by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing Various Excessive Employment Regulations.

With CEA
This bill contains several provisions related to local employment regulations. Notably, the bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinances which regulate employee scheduling for private employers, unless allowed or required under state or federal law. Localities are also prohibited from using "purchasing or contracting procedures" as a means to control or affect the wages or employment benefits provided by its vendors, contractors, service providers, or other parties. Finally, the bill prohibits localities from adopting any ordinances which impose "heat exposure requirements" on private employers, unless required under state or federal law. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control," our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role of any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals and interfere in private contracting arrangements.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Proverbs 29:2 – "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."
Leadership Insight
Righteous leadership protects workers' freedom to negotiate, associate, and prosper; wicked rulers empower coercive unions, mandate participation, and trap workers in systems that benefit bosses over laborers. Workforce freedom means workers rejoice in opportunity; workforce oppression means workers groan under mandates, dues extraction, and forced representation they never chose.
HB 49Senate 20243x

Expanding Employment Opportunities for Minors by Reducing Excessive Regulations on Work Hours.

With CEA
This bill contains several provisions generally reducing regulations on the hours minors may be employed. Most notably, for minors 15 or younger, the 15-hour per week maximum only applies when school is in session, while for minors 16 or 17, the 30-hour per week maximum may be waived by a parent or school superintendent.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Proverbs 10:4 – "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth."
Leadership Insight
God blesses action, not apathy. Diligence is not busyness; it’s focused obedience to your calling. Prosperity follows stewardship, not luck.
HB 549Senate 20243x

Strengthening Law and Order by Increasing Penalties for Retail Theft.

With CEA
This bill contains several provisions related to retail theft. For example, the bill makes retail theft a felony of the third degree if a group of six or more people act together "for the purpose of overwhelming the response of a merchant, merchant's employee, or law enforcement officer." The bill also lowers the threshold, from $100 to $40, for making "porch piracy" a felony of the third degree.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Psalm 82:3-4 – "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
Leadership Insight
God commands leaders to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Justice is not passive - it requires intervention. Leaders who ignore the vulnerable betray their calling. Advocacy for the powerless is not optional; it's obedience.
HB 705Senate 20243x

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting Prevailing Wage Requirements in Local Public Works Contracts.

With CEA
This bill largely prevents a local government from forcing a contractor to pay the "prevailing wage" rates. This is accomplished by expanding the definition of public works projects to also include projects using local funds. The prevailing wage is an above-market rate typically linked to labor unions. Prevailing wage mandates needlessly drive-up taxpayer costs by imposing significant additional costs onto government contractors.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Matthew 20:13-15 – "But he answered one of them, 'I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'"
Leadership Insight
Jesus affirms the landowner's absolute right to manage his property without external interference. Economic freedom is rooted in the biblical principle that owners - not governments or envious neighbors - determine how resources are allocated. Leaders who defend property rights protect the foundation of free enterprise: voluntary agreements honored without coercion.
SB 1286Senate 20241x

Strengthening Property Rights by Requiring Seized Firearms to be Returned if Not for Evidence or Forfeited.

With CEA
This bill requires weapons and arms taken by police during an arrest to be returned to the owner after their release from jail, rather than after a trial, unless the weapons are evidence or forfeited under state law. The weapons must be returned within 30 days of a request if the person is released from jail and completes a background check. The bill also ensures that a firearm taken by police without a search warrant is returned (a judge previously had to order it be returned).
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Luke 22:36 – "He said to them, 'But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.'"
Leadership Insight
Jesus affirms the right to self-defense. Preparedness is not paranoia - it's stewardship of safety. Leaders who defend the Second Amendment defend the biblical principle that protection is both a right and a responsibility. Security begins with the citizen, not the state.
SB 1420Senate 20241x

Expanding Cronyism Through a New "Supply Chain Grant Program" and Increasing Subsidies for Government-Favored Entities.

Against CEA
This bill contains several provisions pertaining to the Department of Commerce. Most notably, the bill creates the "Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program", which awards grants to certain companies and projects selected by employees within the Department of Commerce and the Department of Transportation. Additionally, the bill extends the repayment period for loans under the Local Government Emergency Revolving Bridge Loan Program, which provides interest-free loans, from 5 to 10 years.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
Deuteronomy 17:14-20 – "The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself... He must not take many wives... He must not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites."
Leadership Insight
God restricts leaders to protect their integrity and the people's freedom. Limits on power preserve liberty. Leaders who reject accountability invite corruption. Humility before God and equality before the people are marks of righteous governance.
SB 1526Senate 20242x

Strengthening Property Rights by Overriding Local Bans on Building Demolitions which Prevent New Development.

With CEA
This bill, the Resiliency and Safe Structures Act, blocks localities from enacting any ordinances that would prohibit a property owner from demolishing an unsafe building in disrepair and redeveloping the property with a new structure, if the property is on the water side of the "coastal construction control line." While some may argue this bill undermines "local control," our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Exodus 1:17 – "The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live."
Leadership Insight
The Hebrew midwives ran small businesses providing essential services - and Pharaoh demanded they weaponize their commerce against the innocent. Economic freedom includes the right to refuse government mandates that violate conscience or harm others. When the state commands businesses to participate in evil, faithful entrepreneurs must resist. Economic liberty is not unlimited - it is bounded by moral duty to God, not government.
SB 184Senate 20241x

Strengthening Law and Order by Criminalizing Harassment of First Responders.

With CEA
This bill makes it a crime to approach within 25 feet and harass on-duty first responders, after being warned not to approach. This includes law enforcement, probation officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. A violation is a misdemeanor of the second degree (up to 60 days in jail and/or up to a $500 fine). While police should be held accountable for their actions, this measure provides a critical protection to ensure safety in dangerous situations.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Deuteronomy 16:18-20 – "Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you."
Leadership Insight
Moses commands impartial justice - judges who follow "justice alone" without showing partiality. First Freedom depends on courts that protect religious liberty impartially, without favoring secular ideology over sincere faith. When judges show partiality against religious conviction, accepting the cultural bribes of elite approval, they pervert the justice God demands. First Freedom requires judges who fear God more than cultural pressure.
SB 7018Senate 20241x

Worsening Government Central Planning by Establishing a Crony Health Care Innovation Council to Enrich Certain Healthcare Providers.

Against CEA
This bill establishes the "Health Care Innovation Council" to hold public meetings on healthcare innovation and develop ways to improve healthcare such as "best practice recommendations." The bill then appropriates $50 million annually through FY 2033-2034 for loans to select healthcare facilities, including certain hospitals and nursing homes, to implement such "innovative solutions." Not only does this measure further grow the size of government and central planning, but also worsens corporate welfare and cronyism by providing taxpayer-subsidized loans.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
Deuteronomy 17:14-20 – "The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself... He must not take many wives... He must not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites."
Leadership Insight
God restricts leaders to protect their integrity and the people's freedom. Limits on power preserve liberty. Leaders who reject accountability invite corruption. Humility before God and equality before the people are marks of righteous governance.
SB 7028Senate 20242x

Expanding Wealth Redistribution Through Another $200 Million for "Hurricane Mitigation" Inspections and Projects with Priority Based on Income and Age.

Against CEA
This bill appropriates $200 million to the Department of Financial Services for the "My Safe Florida Home Program" for FY 2024-2025. This program provides grants for "Hurricane Mitigation" inspections and projects. The bill also requires priority be given to low-income individuals 60 or older, then low-income individuals, then moderate-income individuals 60 or older, then moderate-income individuals, and then remaining individuals.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
2 Corinthians 9:7 – "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Leadership Insight
Generosity must be voluntary, not coerced. God values the heart behind the gift more than the amount. Leaders who defend economic freedom protect the right to give joyfully without government compulsion. Forced redistribution replaces worship with resentment.
SB 994Senate 20241x

Encouraging "Taxation Through Citation" by Allowing School Bus Camera Companies to Receive Funds from Fines.

Against CEA
This bill allows companies that install, operate, or maintain school bus traffic infraction cameras to receive a portion of the fines from violations. The bill also allows school districts to use the fines for, among other uses, "driver recruitment and retention stipends." Additionally, the bill allows the photos and videos recorded by the system to be used to enforce other traffic violations. This measure fuels policing for profit by allowing companies to keep a portion of the fines from violations.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
Luke 16:10-11 – "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"
Leadership Insight
Jesus connects economic stewardship to spiritual trustworthiness. Economic freedom is built on this principle: individuals who manage small resources faithfully should be trusted with more - not have government confiscate their increase through taxation or redistribute their success. When government punishes productive stewardship through progressive taxation, it contradicts Christ's teaching that faithful management of "very little" qualifies you for "much." Economic freedom rewards faithful stewardship.
SB 1036Senate 20242x

Strengthening Law and Order by Increasing Penalties for Deported Illegal Immigrants who Reenter and Commit Crime.

Neutral
This bill provides that if an individual has previously been convicted of "reentry of removed aliens" under federal law, and commits a felony, the offense classification is increased one level. The bill also provides for a one-level classification increase for any misdemeanor or felony committed "for the purpose of benefiting, promoting, or furthering the interests of a transnational crime organization," such as organizations regularly involved in drug or weapon trafficking or human trafficking or smuggling. The promotion of an open-border immigration system places an immense strain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources, ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious national security and human trafficking issues.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Psalm 82:3-4 – "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
Leadership Insight
God commands leaders to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Justice is not passive - it requires intervention. Leaders who ignore the vulnerable betray their calling. Advocacy for the powerless is not optional; it's obedience.
SB 1600Senate 20242x

Reducing Employment Barriers and Improving Access to Healthcare by Expanding Occupational Licensing Reciprocity.

Neutral
This bill contains several provisions which expand occupational license reciprocity. Most notably, the bill enacts the Mobile Opportunity by Interstate Licensure Endorsement (MOBILE) Act, which requires the Department of Health to issue an occupational license within 7 days to individuals who hold a license in another state, has passed a national examination or is nationally certified, has practiced for 3 of the past 4 years, and meets other requirements.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Galatians 5:1 – "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Leadership Insight
Freedom is not the absence of restraint; it is the presence of divine purpose. Christ purchased liberty not for comfort but for courage. A free leader under God becomes unshakable, even when culture shifts.
SB 1628Senate 20243x

Combatting Local Government Overreach by Reducing Loopholes to the "Business Impact Estimate" that Protect Businesses from Overregulation.

Neutral
This bill requires localities to produce a "business impact estimate" for ordinances related to land development and zoning, which were previously exempt from this requirement. The report must summarize the regulation and provide an estimate of the economic impact, such as costs and fees for businesses. Additionally, the bill requires that a local referendum authorizing a locality to issue bonds (debt) over $500 million must take place at a general election.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Proverbs 16:12 – "It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness."
Leadership Insight
Righteous governance sustains authority; evil erodes it. Leaders who embrace corruption forfeit moral legitimacy. God establishes thrones through justice, not power. Character determines whether influence endures or collapses.
SB 1746Senate 20243x

Strengthening "Right to Work" Protections for Public Employees Through Reforms to the Union Membership Authorization Process.

Neutral
This bill contains several provisions related to public employee unions. Most notably, the bill requires that, to join a union, public employees must fill out an authorization form from the Public Employee Relations Commission and send it to the union, rather than a form from the union. Additionally, a union must petition for recertification if less than 60% of employees submit an authorization form and pay dues (previously only required if less than 60% paid dues). Finally, the bill allows the Commission to revoke the certification of a union for refusing to allow the inspection of authorization forms and revocations.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
2 Thessalonians 3:10 – "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat."
Leadership Insight
God honors productivity, not passivity. Work is not punishment - it’s purpose. A culture that rewards laziness erodes dignity and independence.
SB 1746 (Amd. 645598)Senate 20243x

Weakening "Right to Work" Protections for Public Employees by Undermining Reform of the Membership Authorization Process.

Neutral
The Gruters amendment #345598 to a bill related to public employee unions. This amendment modifies a provision in the bill that requires a union to petition for recertification if less than 60% of employees submit an authorization form and pay dues (previously only required if less than 60% paid dues). The amendment eliminates language pertaining to authorization forms, requiring a petition for recertification only if less than 60% pay dues.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
2 Thessalonians 3:10 – "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat."
Leadership Insight
God honors productivity, not passivity. Work is not punishment - it’s purpose. A culture that rewards laziness erodes dignity and independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sen. Dennis Baxley's voting record?

Sen. Dennis Baxley (R-FL-13) earned a 77% Christian Employers Alliance score for 2024, showing strong alignment with biblical business policy positions. Dennis Baxley voted on 15 of the 20 key bills CEA scored in 2024. Dennis Baxley represents the 13th District in the Florida State Senate. Highest category scores: Workforce Freedom (100%), First Freedom (100%), and Operational Freedom (75%).

How aligned is Dennis Baxley with biblical business policy positions?

Dennis Baxley earned a 77% Christian Employers Alliance score in 2024, showing strong alignment with biblical business policy positions.

What is Dennis Baxley's CEA score?

Dennis Baxley has a 77% CEA score for 2024.

Where does Dennis Baxley serve?

Sen. Dennis Baxley (R-FL-13) represents the 13th District in the Florida State Senate as a Republican.

What issue categories does Dennis Baxley score highest on?

Dennis Baxley's strongest categories on the Christian Employers Alliance scorecard are: Workforce Freedom (100%), First Freedom (100%), Operational Freedom (75%).

Where can I see Dennis Baxley's full voting record?

View the full list of scored bills, category breakdown, and year-over-year voting record above. Christian Employers Alliance updates this scorecard as new key votes are scored.

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