Florida House Votes to Block Gainesville from Regaining Control of GRU

The bill now heads to the state Senate after passing the House 81-26.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 9:48pm

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The Florida House of Representatives voted 81-26 to approve House Bill 1451, which includes an amendment that would prevent Gainesville city leaders from regaining control of Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU). The bill has been transmitted to the state Senate for consideration.

Why it matters

This is the latest development in a long-running dispute between state lawmakers and Gainesville city officials over control of the public utility. Last year, Gainesville voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum to return control of GRU to the city, but a legal battle has delayed the transition.

The details

House Bill 1451 includes an amendment that would block Gainesville city leaders from retaking control of GRU, despite last year's voter referendum. The bill passed the Florida House with a vote of 81-26. It will now move to the state Senate for consideration.

  • The Florida House voted on House Bill 1451 on March 3, 2026.
  • Gainesville voters approved a referendum to return control of GRU to the city in 2025.

The players

Florida House of Representatives

The lower chamber of the Florida state legislature, which voted to approve House Bill 1451.

Gainesville City Leaders

City officials in Gainesville, Florida who have been fighting to regain control of the Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) public utility.

GRU Authority Board

The state-appointed board that currently controls Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU).

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What they’re saying

“The Florida House voted to approve House Bill 1451, which includes an amendment that would block Gainesville city leaders from retaking control of Gainesville Regional Utilities.”

— WCJB Staff

What’s next

The bill will now move to the Florida State Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This vote by the Florida House represents the latest chapter in the ongoing battle between state lawmakers and Gainesville city officials over control of the city's public utility. The outcome could have significant implications for the future governance and operations of GRU.