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  • BREAKING NEWS

BREAKING NEWS

LIVE: President Trump welcomes Florida Gators basketball team to the White House

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE


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Florida budget talks remain stalled; Democratic chair says Republicans are acting like ‘spoiled children’

Read full article: Florida budget talks remain stalled; Democratic chair says Republicans are acting like ‘spoiled children’

As budget talks remain stalled, House Speaker Daniel Perez said Tuesday the House has offered possibilities including a “lean, critical-needs budget with minimal spending and no tax cuts.”

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Duval County students continue fight to keep accelerated program funding in schools

Read full article: Duval County students continue fight to keep accelerated program funding in schools

Duval County students continued their fight on Tuesday to keep funding for accelerated programs, including advanced placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment and career and technical education.

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A legislative session like no other: Key issues that didn’t go in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ favor

Read full article: A legislative session like no other: Key issues that didn’t go in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ favor

For six years, Gov. Ron DeSantis had a firm grasp on Florida’s legislature. In his second-to-last legislative session, that is not the case.

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Florida lawmakers remain at odds over budget, taking the week off

Read full article: Florida lawmakers remain at odds over budget, taking the week off

Florida lawmakers are still nowhere close to agreeing on a budget for the next fiscal year. That means the legislative session that was supposed to wrap up Friday will not end on time.

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Proposed amendment would establish three Florida Black history museums instead of just one in St. Johns County

Read full article: Proposed amendment would establish three Florida Black history museums instead of just one in St. Johns County

A newly filed amendment in the Florida Legislature could reshape the state’s approach to honoring Black history.

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Florida House approves bill to shift ‘bed tax’ money from tourism marketing to property tax relief

Read full article: Florida House approves bill to shift ‘bed tax’ money from tourism marketing to property tax relief

The Florida House on Friday approved a $5.008 billion tax package after making a change to a controversial proposal about shifting money collected for tourism marketing.

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Bills moving through the Florida Legislature could benefit charter schools. Some say public schools will pay the price

Read full article: Bills moving through the Florida Legislature could benefit charter schools. Some say public schools will pay the price

Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature is moving forward with a series of proposals that would help charter schools, while Democrats argue the measures would chip away at traditional public schools.

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With Florida lawmakers at odds over budget, House takes Monday off & Dems lose party member amid turmoil

Read full article: With Florida lawmakers at odds over budget, House takes Monday off & Dems lose party member amid turmoil

Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, said philosophical differences are stalling progress with the state budget, specifically over tax relief plans.

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Another Douglas Anderson employee removed after ‘inappropriate conduct’ accusations

Read full article: Another Douglas Anderson employee removed after ‘inappropriate conduct’ accusations

A week after a bill sparked by controversy at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts passed unanimously in the Senate, the school confirmed yet another employee has been removed over reports of “inappropriate conduct.”

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Florida homeowners could use ‘reasonable force’ against spying drones under new bill

Read full article: Florida homeowners could use ‘reasonable force’ against spying drones under new bill

Homeowners in Florida would be allowed to ward off surveillance drones under a new bill pushed by lawmakers.

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‘Not going to replace Parkland’: Florida committee won’t take up House-approved bill lowering gun buying age to 18

Read full article: ‘Not going to replace Parkland’: Florida committee won’t take up House-approved bill lowering gun buying age to 18

Days after a mass shooting at nearby Florida State University, the state Senate appears poised to scuttle a controversial proposal that would allow people under age 21 to buy rifles and other long guns.

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Florida legislators pass bill that could reshape how universities select their leadership

Read full article: Florida legislators pass bill that could reshape how universities select their leadership

Amid fierce opposition from Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida House on Wednesday approved revamping laws about leadership of the higher-education system, including opening information about applicants to become college and university presidents.

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Florida Senate passes fluoride ban in water supplies

Read full article: Florida Senate passes fluoride ban in water supplies

As cities and counties across the state debate the issue, the Florida Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that would prevent local governments from adding fluoride to water supplies.

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‘Problematic situation’: Florida House signs off on bill that could force kids to put down phones during school day

Read full article: ‘Problematic situation’: Florida House signs off on bill that could force kids to put down phones during school day

An effort to keep students off cell phones throughout the school day passed the Florida House on Wednesday, though differences remain with a Senate proposal.

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Florida House passes bill to limit projects like golf courses, pickleball courts at state parks

Read full article: Florida House passes bill to limit projects like golf courses, pickleball courts at state parks

Development such as golf courses, pickleball courts and luxury lodges would be prohibited at Florida state parks under legislation passed Wednesday by the state House following a public outcry against such projects that were pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration.

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DeSantis officially signs bills enforcing ‘Gulf of America’ name change in Florida schools, geographic materials

Read full article: DeSantis officially signs bills enforcing ‘Gulf of America’ name change in Florida schools, geographic materials

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed two bills aimed at carrying out President Donald Trump’s directive to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, according to the Florida Senate.

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Own a tree? This Florida bill could hold you responsible if it falls — here’s how it works

Read full article: Own a tree? This Florida bill could hold you responsible if it falls — here’s how it works

With the Florida Legislature finally in the swing of things, one proposed bill could have a big impact on households with a tree in their yard.

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Proposed Florida bill aims to improve efficiency of DNA testing by law enforcement

Read full article: Proposed Florida bill aims to improve efficiency of DNA testing by law enforcement

A proposed Florida bill aimed at enhancing the efficiency of DNA testing by law enforcement is moving through the Florida Legislature.

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Jacksonville lawmaker pushes bill aiming to protect victims from deepfakes after former mayor’s daughter targeted

Read full article: Jacksonville lawmaker pushes bill aiming to protect victims from deepfakes after former mayor’s daughter targeted

A bill moving through the Florida Capitol could have significant implications for victims of deepfakes, with its roots firmly planted in Jacksonville.

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Florida House committee unanimously approves bill that would prevent development at state parks

Read full article: Florida House committee unanimously approves bill that would prevent development at state parks

A bill aimed at preventing a return of efforts to build golf courses, pickleball courts and resorts in state parks is ready to go to the full Florida House.

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‘More than a simple name change’: Florida House passes two bills supporting ‘Gulf of America’ name change

Read full article: ‘More than a simple name change’: Florida House passes two bills supporting ‘Gulf of America’ name change

Erasing the Gulf of Mexico from state laws and educational materials won Florida House approval Thursday. The Republican-controlled House passed two bills along party lines to carry out President Donald Trump’s directive to rename the gulf as the Gulf of America.

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Duval County superintendent warns of challenges from Senate Bill 140 on property sales

Read full article: Duval County superintendent warns of challenges from Senate Bill 140 on property sales

Senate Bill 140 could significantly impact how school districts buy or sell property, prompting reactions from Duval County parents and leaders.

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‘Citrus not going down on my watch’: Florida Senate President pushing to revitalize struggling citrus industry

Read full article: ‘Citrus not going down on my watch’: Florida Senate President pushing to revitalize struggling citrus industry

As the Florida House and Senate prepare to negotiate a new state budget, among the big issues they will face is a push by Senate President Ben Albritton, a citrus grower, to help the state’s struggling citrus industry.

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Florida Senate committee votes against concealed carry on college campuses

Read full article: Florida Senate committee votes against concealed carry on college campuses

A Florida Senate bill that would have allowed concealed carry on college and university campuses was voted down in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. Senate Bill 814, introduced by Sen. Randy Fine (R-Melbourne Beach), failed in a 3-4 vote.

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Florida House overwhelmingly approves bill allowing families to hold doctors, hospitals accountable for malpractice

Read full article: Florida House overwhelmingly approves bill allowing families to hold doctors, hospitals accountable for malpractice

The Florida House on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a proposal that could lead to more medical-malpractice lawsuits, while a similar bill cleared a major hurdle in the Senate.

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Automatic gratuity, service charges could become relics of the past if Florida bill is approved

Read full article: Automatic gratuity, service charges could become relics of the past if Florida bill is approved

A Florida lawmaker’s proposal to crack down on automatic gratuity and service charges at restaurants is now part of a bill going through the State House. HB 535 passed its first committee stop on Wednesday. The bill is meant to make it easier for restaurants or public lodging businesses like hotels to remove someone who is not paying their bill.

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Florida House, Senate move forward with bill that would allow pay below minimum wage for certain employees

Read full article: Florida House, Senate move forward with bill that would allow pay below minimum wage for certain employees

The Florida House and Senate on Tuesday continued moving forward with a proposal that would provide an exemption to the state’s voter-approved minimum wage for certain workers in on-the-job training.

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Florida House set to discuss bill that would lower minimum age to purchase guns from 21 to 18 this week

Read full article: Florida House set to discuss bill that would lower minimum age to purchase guns from 21 to 18 this week

The Florida House could move quickly to pass a controversial bill that would lower the minimum age to purchase rifles and other long guns from 21 to 18.

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Florida legislators approve bill to increase highway speed limit from 70 mph to 75 mph

Read full article: Florida legislators approve bill to increase highway speed limit from 70 mph to 75 mph

Highway speeds could increase under a bill that has started moving forward in the state Senate. The Republican-controlled Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday approved a wide-ranging measure (SB 462), filed by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, that includes boosting the maximum speed on interstates and Florida’s Turnpike from 70 mph to 75 mph.

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Florida Senate bill raises questions over future of bioethanol plant in Fernandina Beach

Read full article: Florida Senate bill raises questions over future of bioethanol plant in Fernandina Beach

A new bill in the Florida legislature has groups in Fernandina Beach concerned it could open the door again for a bioethanol plant in the city.

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Florida lawmakers target squatters again in new legislation

Read full article: Florida lawmakers target squatters again in new legislation

Florida lawmakers are targeting squatters once again in new legislation that is expected to soon become Florida law.

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Florida Senate panel approves measure adding restrictions to ballot initiative process

Read full article: Florida Senate panel approves measure adding restrictions to ballot initiative process

A key Senate panel on Monday approved a measure that would place a number of new restrictions on people and groups seeking to make changes to the state Constitution, the latest move in the Legislature’s years-long effort to curtail the ballot-initiative process.

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Florida legislators considering 15 bills to revive program that helps homeowners with storm prep work

Read full article: Florida legislators considering 15 bills to revive program that helps homeowners with storm prep work

While Florida homeowners anxiously await property insurance relief, legislators are considering more than a dozen bills that would revive the My Safe Florida Home Program, which provides financial assistance for storm readiness work.

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Florida lawmakers propose constitutional amendment to set county commission term limits, cement school board limits

Read full article: Florida lawmakers propose constitutional amendment to set county commission term limits, cement school board limits

House and Senate Republicans are proposing a constitutional amendment about eight-year term limits for county commissioners and school board members.

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‘Makes this process better and stronger’: Local lawmaker weighs in as bills to tighten ballot-initiative process advance

Read full article: ‘Makes this process better and stronger’: Local lawmaker weighs in as bills to tighten ballot-initiative process advance

After fierce — and expensive — political battles last year about abortion rights and recreational marijuana, Florida lawmakers Thursday began moving forward with a proposal that would place additional restrictions on the ballot-initiative process.

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Florida lawmakers approve bill that could place additional restrictions on ballot-initiative process

Read full article: Florida lawmakers approve bill that could place additional restrictions on ballot-initiative process

After fierce — and expensive — political battles last year about abortion rights and recreational marijuana, Florida lawmakers Thursday began moving forward with a proposal that would place additional restrictions on the ballot-initiative process.

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Local lawmakers push for statewide anti-DEI bills that would prohibit local government DEI policies

Read full article: Local lawmakers push for statewide anti-DEI bills that would prohibit local government DEI policies

As the Florida Legislative session enters its third day, developments are unfolding with the introduction of bills targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies at the local government level.

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Florida bill proposes lowering firearm purchase age from 21 to 18 with no exceptions

Read full article: Florida bill proposes lowering firearm purchase age from 21 to 18 with no exceptions

Senator Randy Fine has introduced a bill for the 2025 Florida legislative session that would permit individuals under 21 to purchase firearms. Senate Bill 94, aims to repeal a law that currently prohibits licensed firearms dealers from selling or transferring firearms to those younger than 21.

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Proposed Florida bill aims to create efficiency commissioner, remove lieutenant governor position

Read full article: Proposed Florida bill aims to create efficiency commissioner, remove lieutenant governor position

A newly filed bill in the Florida Legislature, House Joint Resolution 1325, proposes eliminating the office of lieutenant governor and replacing it with a new Cabinet-level position: the commissioner of government efficiency.

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Florida lawmakers file bill to repeal state’s 6-week abortion ban

Read full article: Florida lawmakers file bill to repeal state’s 6-week abortion ban

Senate minority leader Tracie Davis, who represents Jacksonville, and House minority leader Fentrice Driskell of Tampa filed a bill on Tuesday to repeal Florida’s six-week ban on abortion.

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Florida lawmaker proposes new bill to stiffen state’s laws on dangerous dogs

Read full article: Florida lawmaker proposes new bill to stiffen state’s laws on dangerous dogs

State Sen. Tom Wright filed Senate Bill 572 after an 8-year-old boy was mauled to death last month in Volusia County, which Wright represents.

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Here’s what to know about Florida’s special session on immigration

Read full article: Here’s what to know about Florida’s special session on immigration

Florida lawmakers are gaveling in another special legislative session on immigration, aimed at leveraging state and local resources to carry out President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda.

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DeSantis continues to criticize immigration bill from by Florida Legislature, hopes stronger bill will be passed

Read full article: DeSantis continues to criticize immigration bill from by Florida Legislature, hopes stronger bill will be passed

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday continued to blast an immigration bill passed by the Florida Legislature and expressed frustration over politicians' inaction and the need for strong border policies.

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‘Not going to get my signature’: DeSantis says he’ll veto Florida’s new ‘TRUMP’ immigration bill after calling it ‘weak’

Read full article: ‘Not going to get my signature’: DeSantis says he’ll veto Florida’s new ‘TRUMP’ immigration bill after calling it ‘weak’

As the Florida Legislature holds a special session this week tackling only one issue -- immigration -- Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a roundtable on Wednesday in Titusville signaling a possible veto of the bill that lawmakers passed on Tuesday night.

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Florida Legislature will tackle immigration bill in special session — but not the way DeSantis wanted

Read full article: Florida Legislature will tackle immigration bill in special session — but not the way DeSantis wanted

Florida lawmakers gaveled in the special session Gov. DeSantis asked for on Monday, then quickly gaveled out of it and started their own, News4JAX sister station WKMG reported.

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Gov. DeSantis calls for special session, proposes reform to petition, amendment process

Read full article: Gov. DeSantis calls for special session, proposes reform to petition, amendment process

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday morning announced plans to reform Florida’s petition and amendment process, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

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Florida Democrats are jumping ship and joining the GOP. What does it mean for state politics?

Read full article: Florida Democrats are jumping ship and joining the GOP. What does it mean for state politics?

Two Florida House Representatives, Hillary Cassel and Susan Valdés, recently announced they were leaving the Democratic Party to join the GOP.

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‘Ensuring health care shouldn’t be partisan': Florida House Minority Leader urges KidCare expansion

Read full article: ‘Ensuring health care shouldn’t be partisan': Florida House Minority Leader urges KidCare expansion

Rep. Fentrice Driskell, Democratic Leader of the Florida House of Representatives, is urging action on the expansion of the Florida KidCare program.

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Florida state senators have started filing bills for 2025. The new laws that could be coming

Read full article: Florida state senators have started filing bills for 2025. The new laws that could be coming

State senators are off to a quick start filing bills as they gear up for the 2025 legislative session, which begins March 4.

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Debbie Mayfield’s attempt to return to Florida Senate highlights loophole in state’s term limits

Read full article: Debbie Mayfield’s attempt to return to Florida Senate highlights loophole in state’s term limits

Florida Rep. Debbie Mayfield has announced her candidacy for Florida Senate District 19, a seat she previously held before reaching the state’s term limits.

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Lax helmet laws have killed more than 20,000 motorcyclists, study shows

Read full article: Lax helmet laws have killed more than 20,000 motorcyclists, study shows

State laws that allow motorcyclists not to wear helmets are costing lives every year, according to a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

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Courts grapple with Florida’s gun age laws

Read full article: Courts grapple with Florida’s gun age laws

With a federal appeals court poised next week to hear a challenge to a Florida law that bars people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns, the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday at least temporarily allowed a Pennsylvania gun restriction on young adults.

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2024 Voter's Guide: Alachua County & Gainesville ballot questions

Read full article: 2024 Voter's Guide: Alachua County & Gainesville ballot questions

All Alachua County voters will see two local ballot questions in the 2024 general election: a proposed charter amendment and a school district referendum on property taxes. Additionally, voters in Gainesville, which makes up about half of the county's population, will make a choice on a proposed charter amendment.

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2024 Voter's Guide: St. Johns County Port, Waterway and Beach District Commission

Read full article: 2024 Voter's Guide: St. Johns County Port, Waterway and Beach District Commission

Five at-large elected commissioners govern the district, each serving four-year terms, with staggered terms. Two seats on the board are on this November’s ballot.

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Incoming Florida Senate president calls for David Shoar to drop out of race against Tom Leek

Read full article: Incoming Florida Senate president calls for David Shoar to drop out of race against Tom Leek

On Tuesday at the RNC in Milwaukee, the incoming head of the Florida Senate called on former St. Johns County sheriff David Shoar to drop out of a Florida Senate race.

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New Florida law will dramatically impair anti-corruption efforts, Jacksonville ethics official says

Read full article: New Florida law will dramatically impair anti-corruption efforts, Jacksonville ethics official says

A new state law signed into effect Friday has the Jacksonville Ethics Commission sounding the alarm.

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Voter outreach groups targeted by new laws in several GOP-led states are struggling to do their work

Read full article: Voter outreach groups targeted by new laws in several GOP-led states are struggling to do their work

Laws passed in several Republican-controlled states after the 2020 presidential election have criminalized much of the work done by voter outreach groups.

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Groups claim South Florida districts are racially gerrymandered for Hispanics in lawsuit

Read full article: Groups claim South Florida districts are racially gerrymandered for Hispanics in lawsuit

Progressive civic groups have challenged how four congressional districts and seven state House districts in South Florida were drawn by the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature.

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Gov. DeSantis has ‘no plans’ to call for a special session, but some want one address property insurance — again

Read full article: Gov. DeSantis has ‘no plans’ to call for a special session, but some want one address property insurance — again

DeSantis previously said he wanted a special session to address immigration issues, but another issue that is on the minds of many Floridians is what some are calling a “property insurance crisis.”

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Judge to decide on Florida’s law restricting teachers’ use of personal pronouns

Read full article: Judge to decide on Florida’s law restricting teachers’ use of personal pronouns

A federal judge on Friday heard arguments in a court battle over a law restricting educators’ use of personal pronouns and titles in schools, in one of a series of challenges to Florida policies targeting LGBTQ people.

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New Florida bill could require sellers to disclose flood risk information at or before the time of the sale

Read full article: New Florida bill could require sellers to disclose flood risk information at or before the time of the sale

According to FloridaFloodInsurance.org, Florida is more likely to flood than any other state because of its flat terrain.

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Social media, insurance, hemp: 10 of the biggest issues in the just closed 2024 Florida Legislative session

Read full article: Social media, insurance, hemp: 10 of the biggest issues in the just closed 2024 Florida Legislative session

The 2024 legislative session ended Friday with an annual hanky-drop ceremony in the rotunda between the House and Senate chambers. Here are snapshots of 10 big issues from the session

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Gov. DeSantis to get bill that makes it easier to shoot bears, claim self defense

Read full article: Gov. DeSantis to get bill that makes it easier to shoot bears, claim self defense

A bill passed by the Florida House aims to make it easier for people to shoot bears on their property under the claim of self-defense. The bill would provide self-defense protections to individuals who kill bears, as long as they can reasonably prove that their actions were necessary to prevent imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury. Critics argue that the bill is based on fear rather than facts and does not include mechanisms to prevent excessive killings of bears.

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Activists rally in Tallahassee to call for changes in Florida prisons

Read full article: Activists rally in Tallahassee to call for changes in Florida prisons

Families, advocates and lawmakers will hold a rally Thursday at the state capitol to call for changes inside Florida prisons as two bills to address the issue are stalled in the Florida Legislature.

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Florida House, Senate to vote on new safety rules for lithium-ion batteries

Read full article: Florida House, Senate to vote on new safety rules for lithium-ion batteries

The state is hoping to cut down on dangerous fires sparked by exploding lithium-ion batteries that burn hotter and longer.

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Florida Senate likely to pass high-profile bill blocking children under 16 from social media

Read full article: Florida Senate likely to pass high-profile bill blocking children under 16 from social media

The Florida Senate is ready Thursday to pass a high-profile bill that seeks to prevent children under age 16 from creating accounts on what lawmakers say are “addictive” social-media platforms.

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‘Vile’ and ‘bigoted’: Local Republican lawmaker raises concerns over monuments bill after comments from supporters

Read full article: ‘Vile’ and ‘bigoted’: Local Republican lawmaker raises concerns over monuments bill after comments from supporters

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo on Wednesday raised questions about the fate of a proposal to protect historic monuments and memorials after several lawmakers voiced outrage over comments Tuesday by supporters of the bill.

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Proposed Florida bill aims to enhance penalties for illegal street racing

Read full article: Proposed Florida bill aims to enhance penalties for illegal street racing

A bill designed to crack down on illegal street racing in Florida is one step closer to a vote on the Senate floor.

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TELL US: Do you think Gov. DeSantis’ proposal to combat homelessness will work? Why or why not?

Read full article: TELL US: Do you think Gov. DeSantis’ proposal to combat homelessness will work? Why or why not?

Governor Ron DeSantis announced he's working with the Florida Legislature to combat homelessness by moving bills through the legislative session.

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Florida Senate advances bill banning social media accounts for children under 16

Read full article: Florida Senate advances bill banning social media accounts for children under 16

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7-2 to approve a bill (SB 1788) that is similar to a measure (HB 1) that passed the House last month and is a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast.

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‘It’s just gone too far’: Gov. DeSantis says he doesn’t support taking down Confederate monuments, renaming Jacksonville

Read full article: ‘It’s just gone too far’: Gov. DeSantis says he doesn’t support taking down Confederate monuments, renaming Jacksonville

A little more than a month after Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan removed a Confederate monument from a Springfield park, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he’s strongly opposed to taking down any historical monuments.

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Family says proposed Florida legislation that would cap some medical malpractice awards a ‘slap in the face’

Read full article: Family says proposed Florida legislation that would cap some medical malpractice awards a ‘slap in the face’

Florida lawmakers are considering a cap on the awards for things like pain, suffering, and loss of companionship when someone is killed or seriously hurt by medical malpractice.

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Florida State Guard could get go-ahead to help Texas with immigration issues under new bill

Read full article: Florida State Guard could get go-ahead to help Texas with immigration issues under new bill

The Florida State Guard, revived by Gov. Ron DeSantis, could operate outside Florida and be called into service anytime he “deemed necessary,” under a bill approved Thursday by a House panel.

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Florida House ready to pass social media restrictions for children, teens

Read full article: Florida House ready to pass social media restrictions for children, teens

The Florida House is poised to pass a bill aimed at preventing children under age 16 from using social media, as parts of the tech industry argue the measure could be unconstitutional and create data-privacy concerns.

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Tell Us: Do you think a law limiting social media for children will make a difference?

Read full article: Tell Us: Do you think a law limiting social media for children will make a difference?

Florida lawmakers will be pushing this session to keep children younger than 16 years old off social media.

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Florida lawmakers expected to move quickly to limit social media for children

Read full article: Florida lawmakers expected to move quickly to limit social media for children

Florida lawmakers will be pushing this session to keep children younger than 16 years old off social media.

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Would proposal to tax EV owners in Florida level the playing field?

Read full article: Would proposal to tax EV owners in Florida level the playing field?

Some are questioning whether a proposal to tax electric vehicle owners is trying to address the infrastructure issue or if it is politically motivated.

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Democrats call for more inclusivity on key issues like, housing, healthcare ahead of Florida’s legislative session

Read full article: Democrats call for more inclusivity on key issues like, housing, healthcare ahead of Florida’s legislative session

While Florida lawmakers are getting ready to begin work in Tallahassee as the next legislative session gets underway on Tuesday, some are calling for all members to come together and work as a government and not just for individual political parties.

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Proposal by Northeast Florida lawmaker would lower gun-buying age to 18 in Florida

Read full article: Proposal by Northeast Florida lawmaker would lower gun-buying age to 18 in Florida

It could potentially reverse part of a law that passed in the aftermath of the 2018 mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

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Florida CFO Patronis wants $5.5M to expand state’s Division of Consumer Services

Read full article: Florida CFO Patronis wants $5.5M to expand state’s Division of Consumer Services

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis wants to expand what he calls one of the state's best-kept secrets: The Division of Consumer Services.

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Fight over Florida congressional districts, Black representation not over after appeals court ruling

Read full article: Fight over Florida congressional districts, Black representation not over after appeals court ruling

The 1st District Court of Appeal reversed a lower court’s ruling that the map that rewrote U.S. Rep. Al Lawson’s district was unconstitutional because it diminished Black voters’ ability to elect a candidate of their choice.

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Appeals court takes DeSantis' side in challenge to a map that helped unseat a Black congressman

Read full article: Appeals court takes DeSantis' side in challenge to a map that helped unseat a Black congressman

An appeals court has ruled that the Florida Legislature didn’t violate the state constitution when it approved congressional maps pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis last year.

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Housing costs top issue for Floridians, support high for recreational marijuana, abortion amendments: UNF poll

Read full article: Housing costs top issue for Floridians, support high for recreational marijuana, abortion amendments: UNF poll

A new statewide poll found that the cost of housing is the most important problem facing Florida right now.

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Proposed bill would create free swimming lesson program for low-income Florida families

Read full article: Proposed bill would create free swimming lesson program for low-income Florida families

The State of Florida may soon be taking a brand-new approach toward preventing the drowning deaths of children.

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Recess, student testing requirements may look different if public school ‘deregulation’ bills are approved

Read full article: Recess, student testing requirements may look different if public school ‘deregulation’ bills are approved

A slate of bills aimed at reducing regulations on public schools began moving forward Wednesday, as a key Florida Senate panel signed off on changes such as eliminating testing requirements for earning high-school diplomas.

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Could a recess mandate for Florida students disappear? It may under new education proposal

Read full article: Could a recess mandate for Florida students disappear? It may under new education proposal

In 2017, Florida lawmakers signed an education bill that carried several mandates including one that said students in kindergarten through fifth grade were entitled to 20 consecutive minutes of free-play recess every day.

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New legislation would punish lawmakers who vote to take down Confederate monuments

Read full article: New legislation would punish lawmakers who vote to take down Confederate monuments

State Representative Dean Black has filed legislation that would punish lawmakers who vote to successfully take down Confederate monuments. If it is passed next year by the Florida legislature, it would have a big impact on what’s happening in Jacksonville with Confederate monuments.

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Could Florida be next state to legalize recreational marijuana? Supporters want you to decide

Read full article: Could Florida be next state to legalize recreational marijuana? Supporters want you to decide

The proposal aims to give voters the choice of legalizing recreational marijuana use for individuals aged 21 and older.

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Florida lawmakers to begin special session by expressing support of Israel

Read full article: Florida lawmakers to begin special session by expressing support of Israel

The Florida Legislature will return to the Capitol for a special session that will allow lawmakers to express their support for Israel and give Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis more talking points as he campaigns for president.

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Florida lawmakers begin special session to express support for Israel, further sanction Iran

Read full article: Florida lawmakers begin special session to express support for Israel, further sanction Iran

The Florida Legislature has returned to the Capitol for a special session where lawmakers will express their support for Israel and give Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis more talking points as he campaigns for president.

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

Read full article: 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.

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

Read full article: 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.

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State senator says Gov. DeSantis needs to ‘come home,’ call special session to address property insurance crisis

Read full article: State senator says Gov. DeSantis needs to ‘come home,’ 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.

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Curtis’ Law: Mother who lost 16-year-old son spurs Florida law to support families of crime victims

Read full article: Curtis’ 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.

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

Read full article: 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.

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‘Good first step’: Florida resident applauds new law raising legal age to drive golf cart on public roads

Read full article: ‘Good first step’: 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.

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

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

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

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Largest US gay rights group issues Florida travel advisory for anti-LGBTQ+ laws

Read full article: Largest US gay rights group issues Florida travel advisory for anti-LGBTQ+ laws

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

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NAACP issues travel advisory for Florida, says state is ‘openly hostile’ toward Black, LGBTQ people under Gov. DeSantis

Read full article: NAACP issues travel advisory for Florida, says state is ‘openly hostile’ 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.

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

Read full article: 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.

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