Representative Rita Harris

I had the opportunity to meet Izzy this evening and hear his story firsthand.

What he endured was horrendous. While I am incredibly grateful that he is finally home, no one should have to experience what he went through.

In a nation founded on constitutional rights and due process, stories like his should give us all pause. We can be thankful for his return while also recognizing that what happened should not be happening in a country like ours.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/06/23/i-lost-everything-orlando-resident-returns-home-after-months-in-ice-custody-in-pa/

🎙️ Season 2 of In Session with Rep. Rita is here!

Episode 1, Back in Session, is now live. I’m talking about the 2026 Legislative Session, what we’ve been working on since, and what’s next for our community.

Give it a listen and let me know what topics you’d like covered this season! 🎧💙

https://bit.ly/4vY9ONs

It’s worth remembering that “Alligator Alcatraz” was built and operated through the Florida Division of Emergency Management using emergency authorities and funding mechanisms that largely bypassed normal legislative oversight. Those emergency resources are intended to help Floridians prepare for and recover from actual disasters and emergencies.

For months, Florida taxpayers were asked to shoulder significant financial risk while the state awaited federal reimbursement. Even now, questions remain about the full cost of the project and the long term impact on taxpayers. Reports estimated operating costs at more than $1 million per day, with total costs approaching $1 billion.

Government works best when major expenditures are transparent, accountable, and subject to legislative oversight. Floridians deserve nothing less.

https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-alligator-alcatraz-closing/

Stopped by the office yesterday to catch up on a few things: checking email, responding to constituent casework, and getting organized for the busy weeks ahead. Some of the most important work we do happens behind the scenes, making sure residents get answers, problems get solved, and no request falls through the cracks.

Always grateful for the opportunity to serve District 44. 💙📧🏛️

please sponsor us 🤣🤣🤣🤣 We are CLEARLY enjoying your product

Stopped by this morning to welcome Massey Cadillac to the Nona Hood!

Their new facility not only offers vehicles for sale and lease, but also provides regular maintenance services, including oil changes and l**e services, for all vehicles regardless of make or model.

It’s great to have them in the district, and I appreciate their investment in South Orange County. Welcome to the community! 🚗✨

Had a great time celebrating Father’s Day at Medieval Times! It had been a while since I’d been there, and I’d forgotten how much fun it is. We were rooting for the Blue Knight (which seemed especially fitting 💙), but he didn’t make it very far. Win or lose, we had a fantastic time and made some wonderful Father’s Day memories. ⚔️🏰👑💙

We cant wait to show our PURR-IDE!

🌈 🌈

How wonderful it was to join Juliana Jamison in celebrating her 40th birthday! She could have chosen anywhere to mark this milestone, but she chose to celebrate right here in the Taft community at the Chopped Community Center.

I’m so grateful I could be there to help celebrate someone who gives so much of herself to our community every day. It was a joy to take a moment to honor Juliana and all she does to make our community stronger.

Happy 40th Birthday, Juliana! 🎉💙💜🩷♊️