Campaign Blog

Policy, voters, and FL-14.

Cornerstone posts on the issues that matter to Hillsborough County families: the economy, healthcare, veterans, schools, insurance, and the choice voters face in 2026.

The cornerstone posts below are organized by policy cluster. For the policy positions in full, see Where John stands on the issues. For the geographic footprint (the Hillsborough County communities the post-HB 1D seat now represents), see the FL-14 communities page.

Campaign

Campaign · July 16, 2026

New to Hillsborough County? The Civic Checklist That Counts

Moving to Riverview or Brandon? Florida's 30-day license rule, the 10-day vehicle clock, voter registration by October 5, and the homestead deadline — in order.

Campaign · July 15, 2026

Florida Amendments 2026: What's on the November Ballot

Three amendments are on Florida's November 2026 ballot: the rainy-day fund, farm equipment taxes, and Save Our Homes. What each does — and what's NOT on it.

Campaign · July 15, 2026

Florida District 14 Special Election? What's Actually in 2026

Searching for a Florida District 14 special election in 2026? The state Senate one happened in March. The congressional FL-14 race is a regular election.

Campaign · July 15, 2026

Hillsborough County Sample Ballot 2026: What's on August 18

What's on the Hillsborough County ballot August 18, 2026? Every race by ballot type — the FL-14 congressional primary, U.S. Senate special, governor, and more.

Campaign · July 15, 2026

Hillsborough School Board Election 2026: Who's Running

Hillsborough school board districts 2 and 6 are on the August 18, 2026 ballot. Who qualified, who votes in each race, and the superintendent referendum ahead.

Campaign · March 22, 2026

2026 Midterm Elections: Why FL-14 Is a Race to Watch

FL-14 is one of the most consequential 2026 House races. Here is what is at stake and how Hillsborough County voters set the November ballot.

Campaign · March 12, 2026

What Does a U.S. Congressman Actually Do? An FL-14 Guide

What does a U.S. congressman actually do? A plain-English guide to lawmaking, appropriations, and constituent services for FL-14 voters in Hillsborough.

Campaign · March 9, 2026

FL-14 Traffic and Infrastructure: Federal Funding

Hillsborough County's growth has outpaced its highways. Here is what federal funding can fix on I-75, I-4, the Selmon Expressway, and beyond for FL-14.

Campaign · February 22, 2026

Fentanyl Crisis in Florida: Congress and FL-14

Fentanyl is killing Floridians across Hillsborough County. John Peters lays out what Congress must do — on the supply side and on treatment — to stop it.

Campaign · February 14, 2026

Hurricane Season in FL-14: Helene, Milton, and FEMA Reform

After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, FL-14 needs serious FEMA reform and a workable National Flood Insurance Program. Here is what Congress must do.

Campaign · February 11, 2026

How to Vote in Florida's 2026 Primary: An FL-14 Guide

Florida's 2026 primary is August 18 and the general is November 3. Here is the FL-14 voter's guide — registration, mail ballots, early voting, and ID.

Campaign · February 8, 2026

Border Security and Immigration: Congress and FL-14

Border security is a Florida issue, not just a border state issue. Here's how an unsecured border affects FL-14 families — and what John Peters will do.

District

District · July 15, 2026

Does Brandon FL Have a Mayor? Who Runs Your Community

Brandon and Riverview have no mayor or city hall — they're unincorporated Hillsborough County. Here's who actually governs your community and represents you.

District · July 15, 2026

Florida Golf Cart Laws 2026: The Sun City Center Guide

Florida golf cart laws, explained for Sun City Center and 55+ communities: age and ID rules, insurance, where carts can drive, and the truth about new laws.

District · July 15, 2026

Florida HB 1D Explained: The 2026 Congressional Map Law

Florida HB 1D redrew 21 of the state's 28 congressional districts in May 2026. What the law did, how it passed, its court status, and what changed in Tampa Bay.

District · July 15, 2026

Florida's New Congressional Map: Before and After in Tampa Bay

Florida's new congressional map vs the old one: what changed in 2026, district by district, with a Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay focus on cities and lines.

District · July 15, 2026

Who's My Florida State Rep? Every FL-14 Community, Mapped

Which Florida House and Senate district is Brandon, Riverview, or Sun City Center in? Every FL-14 community mapped to its state legislators, splits included.

District · July 15, 2026

Hillsborough Evacuation Zones Changed for 2026: Check Yours

Hillsborough County redrew its hurricane evacuation zones for 2026. Zone A expanded, new Zone E areas were added — here's what changed and how to check yours.

District · March 22, 2026

Brandon, Florida: Community, Growth, and Congress in 2026

Brandon, Florida is the economic and commercial heart of FL-14. Here's what makes Brandon great, what it needs from Congress, and John Peters' fight.

District · March 22, 2026

Riverview, Florida: One of the Best Places to Live in FL-14

Riverview, Florida is one of the fastest-growing Tampa Bay communities — and it's in FL-14. Here's what makes Riverview great and what Congress must do.

District · March 22, 2026

Sun City Center, FL: America's Premier Retirement Community

Sun City Center, Florida is one of America's premier active retirement communities — and home to thousands of FL-14 voters. What Congress owes its seniors.

District · March 20, 2026

Best Places to Live in Florida — Why FL-14 Leads the State

From Riverview to Brandon, Sun City Center to Apollo Beach, here is what makes FL-14 one of Florida's best places to live — and how Congress can protect it.

District · February 15, 2026

Why I'm Running for Congress in Florida's 14th District

After HB 1D redistricting, FL-14 deserves new representation in Washington. Why John Peters is running and what is at stake against Kathy Castor in 2026.

Economic Growth

See John's plan on Economic Growth →

Economic Growth · July 16, 2026

Why Did My Mortgage Payment Go Up? Florida Escrow, Explained

Your fixed-rate mortgage payment rose anyway — that's escrow. Florida escrow costs are up about 70% in five years. What happened and what you can actually do.

Economic Growth · July 15, 2026

CDD Fees in Florida: The Hillsborough Homeowner's Guide

What is a CDD fee in Florida? What it pays for, how long it lasts, whether it's deductible, and why so many Hillsborough communities have one on the bill.

Economic Growth · July 15, 2026

Hillsborough Impact Fees and the Big Bend / US-301 Projects

What impact fees new Hillsborough homes pay, and the real status of every Big Bend Road and US-301 project in Riverview and south county — finished or not.

Economic Growth · July 15, 2026

Your Hillsborough TRIM Notice: What It Means, How to Appeal

Hillsborough TRIM notices arrive in August. What the notice means, the 25-day appeal clock, the $50 VAB fee, and how to challenge your property value.

Economic Growth · March 22, 2026

The Big Beautiful Bill: What It Means for FL-14 Families

The One Big Beautiful Bill reshapes taxes, overtime, tips, Social Security, Medicaid, and student loans. Here is what FL-14 families need to know.

Economic Growth · March 22, 2026

No Tax on Overtime and Tips: What FL-14 Workers Save

Did no tax on tips and overtime pass? Yes — here's how the deduction actually works, what FL-14 nurses, tradespeople, and servers save, and when you see it.

Economic Growth · March 22, 2026

Tariffs Explained: What Trump's Tariffs Mean for FL-14

A tariff is a tax on imports paid by U.S. companies and often passed to consumers. Here is how the new tariff regime affects FL-14 families and businesses.

Economic Growth · March 21, 2026

Florida Minimum Wage 2026: What It Means for FL-14 Workers

Florida's minimum wage rises to $14 per hour in 2026, heading to $15. Here is what that means for FL-14 workers, small businesses, and tipped employees.

Economic Growth · March 6, 2026

Rising Utility Bills: Congress and FL-14 Solutions

Florida utility bills keep climbing for Hillsborough families. Here's what drives the cost — and what Congress can do to deliver lower energy rates in FL-14.

Economic Growth · February 5, 2026

Why Is Everything So Expensive? Inflation and FL-14 Families

Inflation has reshaped budgets across Hillsborough County. Here's what actually drives it, what Congress can do, and what John Peters will fight for in FL-14.

Economic Growth · February 2, 2026

Florida Amendment 3: Hillsborough Property Tax Guide

Florida's Amendment 3 would raise the homestead exemption to $250,000. What a Hillsborough homeowner would save, what stays the same, and why bills are high.

Fiscal Responsibility

See John's plan on Fiscal Responsibility →

Fiscal Responsibility · July 15, 2026

Hillsborough's Half-Cent Sales Taxes, Untangled for 2026

Hillsborough charges 7.5% sales tax: three separate half-cents on Florida's 6%. What each funds, the 2024 CIT renewal, and the school tax on the 2026 ballot.

Fiscal Responsibility · May 6, 2026

Earmarks and Pork Spending: FL-14 Taxpayer Cost

Congressional earmarks add billions to federal spending. What pork barrel spending costs FL-14 taxpayers — and how to fix the appropriations process.

Fiscal Responsibility · May 6, 2026

Federal Program Sunset Clauses for FL-14 Accountability

Sunset clauses force Congress to re-vote on federal programs. The fiscal-discipline tool that would hold Washington accountable to FL-14 taxpayers.

Fiscal Responsibility · May 6, 2026

National Debt 2026: How Interest Payments Hit FL-14 Families

Federal interest payments now exceed the entire defense budget. What $36 trillion in national debt actually costs FL-14 families in 2026.

Fiscal Responsibility · March 21, 2026

DOGE, Government Waste, and What It Means for FL-14

DOGE found massive federal waste. Here is what every dollar of debt costs FL-14 households — and the structural fix Washington keeps refusing.

Fiscal Responsibility · March 4, 2026

Why Congress Needs a Balanced Budget Amendment in 2026

The U.S. national debt is over $36 trillion. A Balanced Budget Amendment would force Congress to live within its means — here's why FL-14 families should care.

Insurance Costs

See John's plan on Insurance Costs →

Insurance Costs · July 15, 2026

Got a Citizens Takeout Offer? What Hillsborough Owners Do Next

A Citizens depopulation packet means a private insurer wants your policy. The 20% rule, the do-nothing default, and whether you can return — explained plainly.

Insurance Costs · July 15, 2026

Flood Zones in Hillsborough County: Is Your Home in One?

Is Riverview in a flood zone? Is Sun City Center? What FEMA zones X, AE, and VE mean for Hillsborough homes, insurance rules, and how to check your address.

Insurance Costs · March 22, 2026

Florida's Homeowners Insurance Crisis and FL-14 Families

Florida's homeowners insurance crisis is devastating Hillsborough families. Premiums have doubled and tripled. Here's what John Peters will fight for.

Healthcare

See John's plan on Healthcare →

Healthcare · March 3, 2026

Medicare Advantage vs Traditional: FL-14 Retirees

Medicare Advantage now covers most Florida seniors. Here is the side-by-side with traditional Medicare and what Congress can do to protect FL-14 retirees.

Healthcare · January 30, 2026

Social Security and Medicare: What FL-14 Seniors Should Know

Will Congress cut Social Security or Medicare? Here's the honest answer for FL-14 seniors, the 2033 trust fund timeline, and what real reform looks like.

Veterans

See John's plan on Veterans →

Veterans · July 16, 2026

Florida Veterans Benefits 2026: The Verified FL-14 Guide

VA disability rates for 2026, Florida's property-tax exemptions, and the 100% disabled veteran perks that are real vs rumored — every claim verified to statute.

Veterans · July 16, 2026

VA Care Near Brandon and Riverview: Where FL-14 Veterans Go

Searching for a VA clinic in Brandon FL? None has a Brandon address — but the South Hillsborough VA Clinic in Riverview and Sabal Park clinic serve the area.

Veterans · March 10, 2026

Florida VA Benefits: A Guide for FL-14 Veterans

VA healthcare, disability compensation, the PACT Act, VA home loans, and GI Bill education — what FL-14 veterans in Hillsborough County need to know.

Education

See John's plan on Education →

Education · March 22, 2026

Student Loans and the Big Beautiful Bill: FL-14 Borrowers

The Big Beautiful Bill ended the SAVE plan, capped Parent PLUS, and reinstated collections. Here is what FL-14 student-loan borrowers should do now.

Education · March 7, 2026

What School Choice Really Means for FL-14 Families

Florida has the strongest school choice framework in the country. Here is what FL-14 families need to know about Step Up, ESAs, charters, and homeschool.

Constitutional Rights

See John's plan on Constitutional Rights →

Constitutional Rights · March 15, 2026

Florida Election Integrity: How Your FL-14 Vote Counts

Florida has some of the strongest election security laws in the nation. John Peters will fight in Congress to protect them and FL-14 voters' ballots.

Constitutional Rights · February 17, 2026

Second Amendment: Why Congress Must Protect FL-14 Floridians

Florida passed constitutional carry in 2023. John Peters will fight in Washington to protect FL-14 Floridians' Second Amendment rights — without apology.

Term Limits

See John's plan on Term Limits →

Term Limits · February 26, 2026

Why Congress Has No Term Limits — and Why It Must Change

Congress refuses to impose term limits on itself. Here's why career politicians block it — and what John Peters will do for FL-14 to deliver real reform.

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