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WEATHER ALERT

A coastal flood advisory and a rip current statement in effect for 6 regions in the area

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE


DeSantis' redistricting map in Florida is unconstitutional and must be redrawn, judge says

A judge says that a Florida redistricting plan pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis violates the state constitution.

How Florida uses hurricane simulator programs to prepare for the next storm

Planning for a hurricane means high-stakes decisions must be made quickly, especially when you're the person or organization responsible for people's lives and preparedness.

State senator says Gov. DeSantis needs to โ€˜come home,โ€™ call special session to address property insurance crisis

There are new calls for accountability from lawmakers as Florida homeowners face record-breaking property insurance hikes and outright cancellations of their policies.

Curtisโ€™ Law: Mother who lost 16-year-old son spurs Florida law to support families of crime victims

Curtis Law, which officially takes effect Saturday in Florida, gives victims' families more rights during investigations, something Patricia Ward said she wished she had 26 years ago when her 16-year-old son, Curtis Williamson, was killed.

Florida to become 26th state to implement permitless carry law on Saturday

More than 200 new laws will go into effect in Florida on Saturday, and one of the new laws will allow guns to be carried almost anywhere in the state, without a permit.

โ€˜Good first stepโ€™: Florida resident applauds new law raising legal age to drive golf cart on public roads

A new law will increase the legal age to drive a golf cart in Florida.

3 civil rights groups file federal lawsuits over new Florida election laws championed by Gov. DeSantis

Three organizations have filed federal lawsuits, claiming Floridaโ€™s Senate Bill 7050 violates First Amendment rights and harms efforts to sign up Black and Hispanic voters.

Largest US gay rights group issues Florida travel advisory

The largest LGBTQ+ rights organization in the U.S. has joined other civil rights organizations in issuing a travel advisory for Florida.

NAACP issues travel advisory for Florida, says state is โ€˜openly hostileโ€™ toward Black, LGBTQ people under Gov. DeSantis

The NAACP on Saturday issued a formal travel advisory for Florida saying that the state is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Disney scraps plans for new Florida campus as fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis continues

The Walt Disney Co. says it's scrapping plans to build a new campus in central Florida and relocate 2,000 employees from Southern California to work in digital technology, finance and product development.

Gov. DeSantis signs digital currency bill at news conference in Fort Myers

Gov. Ron DeSantis will appear for a news conference at 10:15 a.m. Friday in Fort Myers.

Bill aimed at making changes to FHSAA awaits DeSantisโ€™ signature

A bill that gives high school athletes greater options than ever in choosing where they want to play cleared the Florida Legislature and now awaits the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis, another blow for the embattled Florida High School Athletic Association.

Florida students walk out of classrooms to protest education policies; DCPS students not allowed to participate

The district said Duval County students failed to provide principals with notice or get approval from the superintendent.

Florida students plan to walk out of classrooms to protest education policies

High school and college students across Florida plan to walk out of their classrooms on Friday to protest the stateโ€™s rapidly changing education policies.

Gov. Ron DeSantis holds news conference in Lake Buena Vista

Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Monday afternoon in Lake Buena Vista to discuss the ongoing dispute between the state and Disney World over the governing of the theme park and its 27,000-acre property.

Florida Immigration Coalition joins Equality Florida, NAACP in asking for Florida travel boycott

Florida is proposing some of its toughest immigration laws in years, backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. One bill proposes prosecuting legal resident who hide or transport those in the country illegally. As a result of that, another group has come out with a travel advisory for people coming to state. The Florida Immigrant Coalition wants people to know they might face problems if the law is passed. They join two other groups Equality Florida and The NAACP which has come out with similar warnings...to not come to Florida.

Florida lawmaker sparks outrage, apologizes after calling transgender people โ€˜mutantsโ€™

There was outrage on Tuesday from advocates of the LGBTQ community after a Florida lawmaker compared transgender people to โ€œdemonsโ€, โ€œmutantsโ€ and โ€œimps.โ€

Do you think Florida lawmakers should regulate drag performances?

The Florida Legislature is voting on a bill that would allow the state to revoke the licenses of restaurants and other establishments that allow children to attend drag shows.

Florida Senate to vote on bill that would allow state to revoke venue license if children attend drag shows

The Florida Senate is expected to vote Tuesday on a bill that would clear the way for the state to revoke the licenses of restaurants and other establishments that allow children to attend drag shows.

Florida lawmakers propose raising age for operating a golf cart

Some Florida teenagers may not be able to drive golf carts around their neighborhoods anymore if lawmakers pass a bill under discussion that would raise the age to operate a golf cart and add some additional requirements.

Florida grounds millions of dollars in government agency drones over fears of spying

Police, fire and other government agencies across Florida must ground millions of dollars in aerial drones because of a new state rule banning the agencies from using devices made by China-based DJI.

Florida lawmakers propose bill to crack down on catalytic converter thefts

Florida lawmakers are trying to crack down on thieves stealing catalytic converters from vehicles. This is happening more and more often, even in broad daylight.

Florida Senate set to vote on 6-week abortion limit

Proposed changes to abortion access in Florida are expected to draw emotional debate in the state legislature on Monday.

Gov. DeSantis signs affordable housing bill at news conference in Naples

Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to sign the affordable housing bill Wednesday that was passed by the Florida Legislature.

Breaking down state, local efforts to tackle affordable housing crisis in Florida

A $711 million plan to make housing more affordable statewide is headed to the governorโ€™s desk, and there is also help on the way for people in Jacksonville who are struggling to pay bills.

Florida Legislature moving quickly on DeSantis priorities

From expanding gun rights to going after โ€œwokeโ€ investors, the Florida Legislature is quickly moving on a list of bills that will give Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis conservative-pleasing policy successes as he prepares to launch a presidential campaign.

Proposed legislation renews old issue: Could JEA be sold?

The new JEA building is up and running, but the question of if the electric company is going to be sold still looms.

Florida House passes school voucher expansion

The Republican-controlled House on Friday passed a measure that would make every Florida student eligible for taxpayer-backed school vouchers, as Democrats and other critics slammed the expansion as a โ€œcoupon for millionaires.โ€

Florida may ban girlsโ€™ period talk in elementary grades

Legislation moving in the Florida House would ban discussion of menstrual cycles and other human sexuality topics in elementary grades.

Bill allowing Floridians to carry concealed firearms without license heads to full Senate

A Senate panel on Thursday moved Florida one step closer to allowing people to carry concealed firearms without licenses, as critics on opposite sides took aim at the proposal.

Florida lawmakers eye later school start times

Itโ€™s a scenario that many families know all too well. Early each morning, parents struggle to rouse sleepy teenagers, get them in the car or to the bus stop and then hope they are prepared for the school day.

Florida lawmakers address school zone speeders with new bill

Florida lawmakers will look at a plan to stop people from speeding through school zones. If this bill passes, speed detection cameras would go up and people who are caught speeding would have to pay $100.

Florida lawmakers to consider 6-week abortion limit

As the 2023 legislative session began Tuesday, Senate and House Republicans proposed measures that seek to prevent abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

Florida senator nixes proposal to ban dogs from sticking heads out of car windows: report

Florida Sen. Lauren Book filed a bill intended to protect animals, and the legislation included a proposal that would make it illegal to let a dog stick its head out of a window of a moving car. But after getting feedback on that proposal, Book reportedly plans to amend the bill and remove that ban from the legislation.

DeSantis takes over Disney district, punishing company

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill that gives him control of Walt Disney Worldโ€™s self-governing district.

Voucher expansion backed in Florida Senate

The Senate began moving forward Tuesday with a proposal that would make every Florida student eligible for state-backed vouchers that could be used for private-school tuition and various other expenses, while opponents argued the measure would harm traditional public schools.

Florida bill would ban dogs from sticking heads out of car windows

A new Florida bill would make it illegal to let a dog be in a driverโ€™s lap or stick their head out of a window of a moving car.

Florida lawmaker from St. Johns County files bill to raise age for driving a golf cart from 14 to 16

Florida Representative Cyndi Stevens filed House Bill 949 Monday, a bill that would improve safe operation of golf carts and other utility vehicles.

Jacksonville advocate applauds new affordable housing bill; critics decry doing away with rent control

Florida lawmakers are trying to address the affordable housing crisis with a new bill that would put millions toward creating more options in the state.

LIVE: Critics speak out against โ€˜cruelโ€™ migrant relocation program after Gov. DeSantis signs bill

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed bills to expand his migrant relocation program and enhance the prosecutorial power of his election police unit.

Partisan school board races backed

A Florida House panel on Tuesday took a first step toward shifting to partisan school-board elections and backed a proposal that would limit school-board members to eight years in office instead of the current 12.

Local students meet with lawmakers in Tallahassee

Three local high school students traveled to Tallahassee Wednesday morning to take their message of prevention directly to lawmakers.

Florida House speaker wants to expand school voucher program

Florida would make every student eligible for vouchers to attend private school with taxpayer money under proposed legislation House Speaker Paul Renner said will be a priority for the session that begins in March 7.

How the Mega Millions jackpot helps Florida schools

Friday nightโ€™s Mega Millions Jackpot is flirting with $1 billion at $940 million. A portion of the money from the lottery goes to education.

โ€˜Freedom lives here in our great Sunshine Stateโ€™: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sworn in to start 2nd term

Gov. Ron DeSantis was sworn in Tuesday for a second term, offering a theme of โ€œfreedom lives here in our great Sunshine Stateโ€ to counter โ€œfaddish ideologyโ€ nationally.

Officials must choose between jobs or office with new law

A new Florida law is forcing some public officials to choose between their day jobs or holding office.

New year brings new Florida laws, including toll breaks

Beefed up lobbying restrictions and breaks for motorists who frequently use toll roads are among state laws and other changes that will arrive with the new year.

New property insurance legislation to take effect Jan. 1 in Florida

When the new year starts in less than a week, a number of new laws will take effect in Florida.

New rules for Florida landlords, property managers to start Jan. 1

New rules for Florida landlords and property managers take effect next week as the new year begins.

Local state Rep. Angie Nixon not running for Jacksonville City Council seat

The race for one Jacksonville City Council seat is a little less crowded for now.

Florida Senate president considering expanding โ€˜Parental Rights in Educationโ€™ law to middle school students

Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said she is considering expanding the stateโ€™s โ€œParental Rights in Educationโ€ law to additional grade levels in schools,

TELL US: What has been your experience with homeowners insurance?

Florida lawmakers are in a second special session devoted to the topic of homeowners insurance. Lawmakers are considering legislation to help private insurance companies.

Lawmakersโ€™ solution to property insurance โ€˜crisisโ€™ wonโ€™t solve issues right away, expert says

Insurance experts are calling it the most groundbreaking property insurance reform legislation ever introduced in the state of Florida.

Tax breaks teed up for hurricane damage

Nearly 50,000 property owners forced from their homes for more than a month by Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole could be eligible for tax relief under a bill that was being prepared Friday for a special legislative session next week.

Legislators to address property insurance, tax relief, financial assistance in special session next week

The Florida Legislature will hold a special session on Monday to tackle the property insurance issues in the state.

Florida lawmakers set to meet on ailing insurance market

The Florida Legislature will meet next week for a special session on property insurance and property tax relief in the wake of damage caused by Hurricane Ian.

Florida lawmakers representing Jacksonville share thoughts on โ€˜resign to runโ€™

High rents, skyrocketing insurance premiums and inflation are hot topics with the Florida Legislature.

Florida governor issues executive order to extend property tax deadlines for homes, business damaged by Hurricane Ian

The Florida Legislature will hold a special session before the end of the year to consider providing property tax relief for people and businesses whose property was destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

Florida governor blocks $250K grant for USS Orleck

State money that would have gone to help the USS Orleck naval museum prepare for its permanent home has sunk.

Gas tax break, new Florida laws set to take effect

Prices at the pump for Florida motorists should go down Saturday as part of a temporary gas-tax break, as 27 new laws kick in this weekend.

Amendment 3: Increase homestead exemption for teachers, first-responders, military

The third proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that the Florida Legislature voted to place on the ballot this November this year would increase the homestead exemption for teachers, law-enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child-welfare services professionals and active-duty members of the military and Florida National Guard.

Florida Constitution Amendment 1

The first of three proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution that the Florida Legislature voted to place on the ballot this November is an effort to help homeowners fight the effects of rising sea levels and climate change

Florida National Guard members to work at short-staffed prisons

Pay hikes, shorter shifts and shuttering facilities are some of the strategies Florida has employed to try to rehabilitate a prison system that leaders have said is in crisis.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis seeks to expand toll discounts

After establishing a six-month program to save certain commuters about $10 a month on tolls, Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to expand the program next year.

Results: Senate District 5 & other notable Florida legislative races

Hereโ€™s a look at some of the results Tuesday from notable races in the Florida Legislature..

Results: Senate District 5 & other notable Florida legislative races

Hereโ€™s a look at some of the results Tuesday from notable races in the Florida Legislature..

Jacksonville City Council, District 9

When Councilman Garrett Dennis resigned to run for a seat in the Florida Legislature, three candidates signed up to run in a special August election for District 9, Jacksonville City Council. Democrat Tyrona Clark-Murray received 53% of the vote and was elected to fill the seat through next June. She must run for re-election next spring to win a full four-year term.

Analysis: Florida Supreme Court will have 3 options to consider with Floridaโ€™s abortion ban

The new law is in effect for now because the judgeโ€™s order wonโ€™t have an impact until he puts the ruling in writing.

Connecticut governor invites Florida businesses to move to his state โ€˜that supports rights of womenโ€™

As the battle continues in Florida over a 15-week abortion ban that was slated to take effect Friday but is being blocked by a state judge, an open letter went out to Florida businesses from the governor of Connecticut.

Judge to temporarily block Floridaโ€™s 15-week abortion ban

A Florida judge on Thursday said he would temporarily block a 15-week abortion ban from taking effect, following a court challenge by reproductive health providers who say the state constitution guarantees a right to the procedure.

New Florida laws: From big budget to strawberry shortcake

Nearly 150 laws that Florida legislators passed this year are set to hit the books Friday.

U.S. Supreme Court ruling adds fuel to Florida abortion battles

The U.S. Supreme Courtโ€™s decision Friday to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling drew fiercely polarized reactions in Florida, with Gov. Ron DeSantis saying the state will โ€œwork to expand pro-life protections.โ€

DeSantis touts budget increases, signs Alzheimerโ€™s education bill

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Thursday that will require the Florida Department of Health to improve education and community outreach programs related to Alzheimerโ€™s and dementia-related disorders.

Historic โ€˜Old Stantonโ€™ High School to be renovated

An iconic downtown Jacksonville landmark thatโ€™s currently boarded up is about to get a makeover.

Disney delaying Florida campus but not because of tensions

The Walt Disney Co. is delaying by more than three years the opening of a campus in Florida to which 2,000 workers were being relocated from Southern California to work in digital technology, finance and product development.

Florida abortion law hit with 2nd challenge

A South Florida Jewish congregation has challenged a new state law that blocks abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, contending the measure violates privacy and religious-freedom rights.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signs school safety bill

Two weeks after the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1421, a bill that is designed to improve school safety in Florida.

Floridaโ€™s โ€˜red-flagโ€™ law eyed as example amid gun debate

As a national debate rages over gun laws after last monthโ€™s mass shooting at a Texas elementary school, proponents of โ€œred-flagโ€ policies point to a Florida law as a model for states seeking to strip deadly weapons from people who could cause harm.

Insurance changes hit with second lawsuit

A contractors group and an Orlando-area roofing firm Thursday challenged the constitutionality of a new law that combines a property-insurance change with efforts to bolster the safety of condominium buildings.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs budget, vetoes $3.13 billion

Pointing to a need to further brace the state against a potential recession, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued $3.13 billion in vetoes Thursday as he signed a record $109.9 billion budget for the fiscal year that will begin July 1.

Florida abortion restriction law challenged with lawsuit

Reproductive health providers have sued Florida over a new law banning abortions after 15 weeks.

Contractors challenge new insurance law

Less than a week after Florida lawmakers rushed to make property-insurance changes, a contractors group Tuesday filed a constitutional challenge that targets a new restriction on attorney fees in lawsuits against insurance companies.

Appeals court blasts redistricting injunction

An appeals court Friday said a circuit judge issued a โ€œpatently unlawfulโ€ temporary injunction against a congressional redistricting plan pushed through the Legislature by Gov. Ron DeSantis, giving another sign that the controversial plan likely will be used in this yearโ€™s elections.

Florida lawmakers leave out Citizens insurance issues

With more than 850,000 policies, the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has become an 800-pound gorilla in Floridaโ€™s troubled insurance market.

Florida passes condominium safety bill in wake of Surfside

A bill has been sent to Florida's governor that would require statewide recertification of condominiums over three stories tall, in response to the Surfside building collapse that killed 98 people.

Property insurance changes going to DeSantis

Supporters said the plan will stabilize the property-insurance market. Critics said it doesnโ€™t do enough to help homeowners.

Florida Senate passes property insurance package

The Florida Senate has approved a sweeping legislative package meant to combat rising property insurance rates and other problems in the stateโ€™s turbulent insurance market, creating a $2 billion reinsurance fund and writing new rules around coverage denials and attorney fees.

One of the biggest takeaways so far from special session: Thereโ€™s no quick and easy fix to property insurance crisis

Lawmakers are trying to find a way to lower home insurance premiums for Floridians.

Florida lawmakers take up condo bill in wake of Surfside

People who owned condominiums in the Florida building that collapsed nearly a year ago but didnโ€™t suffer a loss of life will together collect at least $96 million from a court settlement.

Florida insurance bills clear committee, move to Senate

The Florida Legislature on Monday began a special session focused on fixing the state's turbulent property insurance market.

Property insurers seek hefty rate hikes

Roof-damage claims. Lawsuits. Reinsurance costs. For tens of thousands of homeowners, those issues could add up to large property-insurance rate increases if state regulators sign off on proposals presented Tuesday.

State appeal puts redistricting ruling on hold

Little more than an hour after a judge issued a temporary injunction against a new congressional redistricting plan, Gov. Ron DeSantisโ€™ administration Thursday launched an appeal that put the ruling on hold.

New tax incentive aims to make homes more resilient to storms, provide opportunity for owners to save on insurance

Starting this summer, the home hardening incentive removes sales tax from storm resistant windows, exterior doors and garage doors.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis takes wait-and-see stance on abortion ruling

Gov. Ron DeSantis was noncommittal Wednesday about whether he will ask lawmakers to further restrict abortion in Florida, as the nation awaits a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion rights decision.

FDOE reinstates more textbooks previously rejected over โ€˜prohibitedโ€™ content; questions remain over examples released

The Florida Department of Education has reinstated more math textbooks that were previously rejected because the state said they contained โ€œprohibitedโ€ content such as critical race theory, social emotional learning and Common Core frameworks.

Floridaโ€™s education department reinstates 9 textbooks previously rejected over โ€˜prohibitedโ€™ content

The Florida Department of Education reinstated nine math textbooks that were previously rejected because the state said they contained โ€œprohibitedโ€ content such as critical race theory, social emotional learning and Common Core frameworks.

Florida seeks to end lawsuit after redistricting plan passes

As a new round of legal battling begins about congressional redistricting, the state is asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit that has urged judges to draw new district lines.

DeSantis tests limits of his combative style in Disney feud

In taking on Disney, Floridaโ€™s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is testing the limits of his combative leadership style while sending an unmistakable message to his rivals.

Governor DeSantis signs redistricting map passed during special session

Governor Ron DeSantis announced Friday he signed a new congressional redistricting bill.

DeSantisโ€™ push to end Disney self-government would impact Bradford County

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants the state Legislature to revoke a provision that gives Walt Disney World autonomy in governing areas near its theme parks.

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