The Florida League of Cities recognized Councilperson Teresa Watkins Brown on Apr. 3 with the 2026 Home Rule Hero Award for advocacy during the 2026 Legislative Session. The award honors her efforts to promote local voices and provide lawmakers with insights and data from Florida’s cities.
The recognition highlights the importance of local decision-making in addressing community issues. By advocating for municipal perspectives, recipients help ensure that city governments can address problems specific to their areas.
Casey Cook, Chief of Legislative Affairs at the Florida League of Cities, said, “Local voices matter, and during the 2026 Legislative Session, these leaders made sure those voices were heard. By engaging early, often, and thoughtfully, they helped elevate the municipal perspective and reinforce the importance of local decision-making. We sincerely appreciate their dedication and are proud to recognize their advocacy on behalf of Florida’s cities.”
Home Rule allows city governments to solve local problems with minimal interference from state authorities. The Home Rule Hero Award is given to both elected and nonelected officials who respond consistently to requests from the League to communicate with legislators about issues affecting municipalities.
Watkins Brown’s recognition reflects ongoing efforts by city officials across Florida to advocate for policies that support self-governance at the municipal level.
