Coral Springs Commissioner Joshua Simmons receives statewide recognition with the 2026 Home Rule Hero Award for advocacy during legislative session
Coral Springs, Florida – The City of Coral Springs is celebrating a statewide recognition after Commissioner Joshua Simmons was named a recipient of the 2026 Home Rule Hero Award by the Florida League of Cities (FLC). The award highlights his advocacy work during the 2026 Legislative Session and his efforts to defend local decision-making authority for Florida cities.
The honor is given each year to local government officials who show strong commitment to protecting “home rule,” a principle that allows cities to solve local issues with local solutions instead of relying on broad state-level mandates. For city leaders like Simmons, that work often happens behind the scenes during the legislative session in Tallahassee, where policy decisions can directly shape how municipalities operate.
According to the City of Coral Springs, Commissioner Simmons played an active role throughout the 2026 session, working closely with lawmakers and municipal partners. His efforts included sharing data, real-world examples, and policy insights intended to highlight how state proposals could impact local governments and the communities they serve.
Officials say that kind of communication is critical during the legislative process, especially when decisions affect funding, infrastructure, public safety, and other core city services. Simmons’ approach focused on making sure that the perspective of Coral Springs residents, along with other Florida communities, was clearly represented.
“Local voices matter, and during the 2026 Legislative Session, these leaders made sure those voices were heard,” said FLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “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.”
The Florida League of Cities, which presented the award, serves as a unified organization representing municipal governments across the state. It works to support cities through advocacy, education, and collaboration while promoting policies that strengthen local leadership and governance.
For Commissioner Simmons, the recognition reflects ongoing work that extends beyond any single legislative session. City officials noted that his efforts are part of a broader commitment to ensuring Coral Springs has a strong voice in state-level discussions that may affect local operations and residents.
Simmons himself expressed appreciation for the recognition, emphasizing that his focus remains on protecting the ability of local governments to respond to their communities effectively.
“I am honored to receive the Home Rule Hero Award from the Florida League of Cities,” said Commissioner Joshua Simmons. “Advocating for our community and protecting the ability of local governments to make decisions in the best interest of their residents remains a top priority.”
Local leaders in Coral Springs say the award underscores the importance of staying engaged in state policy discussions, even when the outcomes may not be immediately visible at the local level. Legislative decisions can have long-term effects on city planning, budgeting, and the flexibility municipalities have in addressing community needs.
Throughout the 2026 Legislative Session, Simmons worked alongside other city officials across Florida to track proposed bills, communicate concerns, and provide feedback to lawmakers. This type of advocacy, while often quiet, is considered essential by municipal organizations that aim to preserve local control.
The Home Rule Hero Award is not tied to a single action or moment, but rather to sustained involvement throughout the legislative process. It recognizes officials who consistently make the effort to represent their communities, attend meetings, share information, and help shape policy conversations at the state level.
City representatives in Coral Springs described Simmons’ recognition as a reflection of steady engagement and consistent attention to issues affecting residents. His work, they said, helps ensure that Coral Springs remains actively involved in shaping decisions that may influence city services, infrastructure projects, and long-term planning.
As Florida continues to grow and evolve, the balance between state legislation and local governance remains a recurring topic among city leaders. Awards like the Home Rule Hero recognition highlight those who actively participate in that ongoing dialogue.
The Florida League of Cities continues to encourage collaboration between municipalities and state lawmakers, emphasizing that effective governance often depends on communication between both levels. Through advocacy efforts like those recognized in Simmons’ award, officials aim to ensure that cities remain able to tailor solutions to their unique needs.
More information about the Florida League of Cities and its programs can be found at www.flcities.com.
