Needing to finish a budget for the July 1 start of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the House and Senate on Tuesday began slowly rolling out proposals to resolve spending and policy differences.

President Donald Trump's team is looking at locations for a post-administration presidential library, and Florida may take that spot.

A Republican lawmaker in Florida wants bloggers who write about elected officials to register with the state.

A Republican lawmaker in Florida wants bloggers who write about elected officials to register with the state.

The Florida House has approved legislation that would revamp and improve the state’s unemployment system, but the two chambers are still far apart on increasing benefits for the unemployed.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said he doesn’t favor raising Florida’s unemployment benefits, which are some of the nation’s lowest, but is focused instead on getting people back to work.

The House Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.

The House Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.

The proposal (SB 1906), which cleared the Commerce and Tourism Committee, would lead to a range of unemployment benefits of $100 to $375 a week. During the pandemic, state unemployment benefits have been supplemented by federal aid. While the Senate committee vote Monday was a first step in increasing state benefits, it is unclear whether the House would go along. An increase in state benefits could increase employer contributions to the unemployment trust fund, but state economists have not projected the impact of Brodeur’s bill. The money would replenish the state’s depleted unemployment trust fund and help shield businesses from higher unemployment taxes.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Senate committee on Monday unanimously approved a bill that would allow counties and cities to restrict smoking on beaches and public parks they own. Before passing the bill (SB 334), the Environment and Natural Resources Committee approved an amendment by Chairman Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford. that would prevent local governments from banning cigar or pipe smoking on beaches or in parks. AdThe House Professions & Public Health Subcommittee is slated Tuesday to consider the House version (HB 239), sponsored by Rep. Thad Altman, R-Indialantic. A similar bill reached this point last year but died before reaching the Senate floor.