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Orlando the latest government to opt out of Florida ‘Live Local’ Act
Read full article: Orlando the latest government to opt out of Florida ‘Live Local’ ActThe city of Orlando on Monday joined the growing number of county and city governments opting out of a state law that is supposed to bring more affordable housing to communities.
Meet the candidates for Florida House District 45 in the November election
Read full article: Meet the candidates for Florida House District 45 in the November electionIncumbent Republican State Rep. Carolina Amesty is up against Democrat Leonard Spencer for the Florida House of Representatives’ District 45 seat.
Here is what Florida Amendment 5, annual adjustments to homestead exemptions, means for voters
Read full article: Here is what Florida Amendment 5, annual adjustments to homestead exemptions, means for votersThe amendment, if passed, would change the way some property taxes are calculated for Florida homeowners who have a homestead exemption. The amendment needs approval from 60% of Florida voters to pass. Here's what happens if it does.
Florida urges appeals court to uphold law banning rifle sales to people under 21
Read full article: Florida urges appeals court to uphold law banning rifle sales to people under 21Saying the restriction is “fully consistent” with “historical tradition,” lawyers for Florida are urging an Atlanta-based appeals court to uphold a law preventing people under age 21 from purchasing rifles and other long guns.
Florida Rep. Carolina Amesty is under felony indictment. Why she won’t be suspended from the House
Read full article: Florida Rep. Carolina Amesty is under felony indictment. Why she won’t be suspended from the HouseAs news broke Thursday about State Rep. Carolina Amesty’s indictment and arrest on forgery charges, questions immediately arose about whether the Windermere Republican would resign or be suspended from office.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando to celebrate first-ever Jimmy Buffett Day
Read full article: Margaritaville Resort Orlando to celebrate first-ever Jimmy Buffett DayMargaritaville Orlando's first-ever Jimmy Buffet Day will feature live music, family activities, raffles, and giveaways including a 2-night resort stay.
Orlando man waited more than 3 months for unemployment benefits
Read full article: Orlando man waited more than 3 months for unemployment benefitsAfter reviewing his records, Make Ends Meet confirmed salesperson David Catalano’s account is active and eligible for $3,300, but is on hold due to a “pending issue awaiting adjudication determination.”
Democrat Jennifer Adams will face incumbent US House District 7 Rep. Cory Mills in November
Read full article: Democrat Jennifer Adams will face incumbent US House District 7 Rep. Cory Mills in NovemberRepublican Rep. Cory Mills will face Democrat Jennifer Adams in the November election for U.S. House District 7.
‘It’s brutal:’ Central Florida workers await new extreme heat rules from Biden administration
Read full article: ‘It’s brutal:’ Central Florida workers await new extreme heat rules from Biden administrationWorking outdoors in Central Florida is more than just exhausting, it's dangerous. Apopka has many farms that hire workers to be outdoors in extreme heat.
Florida Gov. DeSantis OKs 5 more laws, blocks farm housing bill
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis OKs 5 more laws, blocks farm housing billIn his veto letter, DeSantis explained that local governments already have zoning powers, and expressed concerns that the bill could promote housing for illegal migrants.
DeSantis signs taking of bears, ethics changes and 12 other Florida bills into law
Read full article: DeSantis signs taking of bears, ethics changes and 12 other Florida bills into lawA controversial bill that creates a kind of “stand your ground” defense for shooting Florida black bears on a person’s property is now a law, along with a bill to make it tougher to file ethics complaints and 12 other bills that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Friday night.
Gov. DeSantis vetoes left-lane driving ban, 2 other Florida bills
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis vetoes left-lane driving ban, 2 other Florida billsA bill that would have banned left-lane “campers” on Florida highways will not become law after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed it and two other bills Friday.
Judge sides with local officials over Florida financial disclosure law
Read full article: Judge sides with local officials over Florida financial disclosure lawA federal judge has blocked a 2023 Florida law that required municipal elected officials to disclose detailed information about their personal finances, ruling that the law likely violated First Amendment rights.
Federal judge strikes down part of Florida gender health care law
Read full article: Federal judge strikes down part of Florida gender health care lawA federal judge has struck down part of a Florida law regarding gender-affirming care this week, calling it unconstitutional and claiming it was created based on animus, not a legitimate state interest.
Tense race for Florida Senate seat in Flagler, Volusia counties attracts former sheriff
Read full article: Tense race for Florida Senate seat in Flagler, Volusia counties attracts former sheriffIn what could be one of this year’s highest-profile legislative primary elections, former St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar has opened a campaign account to run for a seat that will be vacated by term-limited Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, according to News 6's partners at WJXT in Jacksonville.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill to give homeowners relief from HOA fines
Read full article: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill to give homeowners relief from HOA finesFlorida homeowners living in HOA communities may be able to take a breath this summer. A new law going into effect July 1 could give them some of their freedom back.
From Homeowners’ Associations to Sickle Cell Disease: The 8 new Florida laws signed by Gov. DeSantis
Read full article: From Homeowners’ Associations to Sickle Cell Disease: The 8 new Florida laws signed by Gov. DeSantisFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed eight more measures passed by the Florida Legislature into law on Friday.
Orange County’s tourist tax collections break records. Here’s what the money is used for and why
Read full article: Orange County’s tourist tax collections break records. Here’s what the money is used for and whyFlorida law dictates how tourist tax dollars can be used, and lawmakers have been reticent to make changes.
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 workLaws passed in several Republican-controlled states after the 2020 presidential election have criminalized much of the work done by voter outreach groups.
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 lawsuitProgressive civic groups have challenged how four congressional districts and seven state House districts in South Florida were drawn by the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature.
‘You can go to jail now over this:’ New Florida law increases street racing penalties
Read full article: ‘You can go to jail now over this:’ New Florida law increases street racing penaltiesA new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis this week increases penalties for street racing and “coordinated street takeovers” that involve 10 or more vehicles.
DeSantis touts wildlife corridor crossings, red tide research in Naples
Read full article: DeSantis touts wildlife corridor crossings, red tide research in NaplesFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke in Naples Tuesday afternoon at a wetlands research center, a day after announcing funding for environmental upgrades.
2 Orange County Black community leaders may face off in Florida Senate race. Why some say it’s a win-win
Read full article: 2 Orange County Black community leaders may face off in Florida Senate race. Why some say it’s a win-winWith two months to go before the deadline to qualify to run for office, a Florida Senate seat in Orange County is shaping up to be a battle between two heavyweights in the Black community.
Florida pausing program that sent migrants to Martha’s Vineyard due to lack of volunteers
Read full article: Florida pausing program that sent migrants to Martha’s Vineyard due to lack of volunteersThe state of Florida has paused a program that shipped migrants to other parts of the country because it was not getting enough volunteers.
DeSantis signed Florida education bill that includes book complaint changes
Read full article: DeSantis signed Florida education bill that includes book complaint changesFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping education reform bill that includes, among other things, limits on the number of book challenges a person can make if they are not a parent of a student in a school district.
Federal judges uphold congressional redistricting DeSantis pushed in legislature
Read full article: Federal judges uphold congressional redistricting DeSantis pushed in legislatureA three-judge federal panel Wednesday rejected a constitutional challenge to a congressional redistricting plan that Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed through the Legislature in 2022, saying opponents did not prove lawmakers acted with “racially discriminatory purpose.”
Florida lawmakers approve stripper age limits in human trafficking bill
Read full article: Florida lawmakers approve stripper age limits in human trafficking billOn Friday, Florida lawmakers approved a bill that would raise the age limit for adult entertainers and push back against human trafficking efforts.
Florida bill on shooting bears in self-defense goes to DeSantis
Read full article: Florida bill on shooting bears in self-defense goes to DeSantisIn an issue stemming from complaints about bears in Northwest Florida, the state House on Thursday gave final approval to a bill that would bolster self-defense arguments for people who kill bears on their property.
Florida bill replenishes program to upgrade homes against hurricanes
Read full article: Florida bill replenishes program to upgrade homes against hurricanesA bill headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis would put new money in the coffers of a popular Florida program to help homeowners pay for hurricane-related home improvements.
Florida lithium-ion safety measure championed by News 6 heads to Gov. DeSantis
Read full article: Florida lithium-ion safety measure championed by News 6 heads to Gov. DeSantisThe Florida Legislature passed a final version of a bill that would allow the state fire marshal to create new rules regarding the storage of lithium-ion batteries, something a News 6 investigation showed is sorely needed in the state.
Florida lawmakers approve new anti-communism class in schools
Read full article: Florida lawmakers approve new anti-communism class in schoolsThe bill would require public schools to teach about the history of communist groups in the U.S. and abroad, as well as the problems with communist principles.
Florida bill to ban homeless people from sleeping in public goes to DeSantis
Read full article: Florida bill to ban homeless people from sleeping in public goes to DeSantisA controversial proposal designed to prevent homeless people from sleeping in public places while requiring local governments to address the issue is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Florida Senate passes new social media bill with parent permission provision
Read full article: Florida Senate passes new social media bill with parent permission provisionA new version of the measure to force children off social media passed the Florida Senate Monday, setting up a final vote in the Florida House before the end of the legislative session this week.
Florida passes bill to compensate victims of decades-old reform school abuse
Read full article: Florida passes bill to compensate victims of decades-old reform school abuseRestitution for decades of abuse at two now-shuttered reform schools where boys were beaten, raped and killed is now in the hands of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
How many times have black bears attacked people in Florida? Here’s the count
Read full article: How many times have black bears attacked people in Florida? Here’s the countThe issue gained traction last year after Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith complained about several bear encounters in the area.
Florida House passes bill to lower gun buying age
Read full article: Florida House passes bill to lower gun buying ageWhile the issue has not moved forward in the Senate, the Florida House on Friday passed a controversial bill that would lower the minimum age from 21 to 18 to buy rifles and shotguns.
Renner, DeSantis near deal on Florida's social media bill, Senate president says
Read full article: Renner, DeSantis near deal on Florida's social media bill, Senate president saysWith a Friday deadline looming, House Speaker Paul Renner said Wednesday that he and Gov. Ron DeSantis are trying to work out differences on a bill aimed at keeping children under age 16 off social-media platforms.
Gov. DeSantis signs bill to make 2006 Jeffrey Epstein grand jury materials public
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs bill to make 2006 Jeffrey Epstein grand jury materials publicFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday morning signed a bill in Palm Beach that he said would greenlight the disclosure of grand jury materials regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case that are nearly two decades old.
Florida Senate panel revamps teen worker bill, sets up floor vote
Read full article: Florida Senate panel revamps teen worker bill, sets up floor voteA controversial proposal to loosen work restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds is ready to go to the full Senate after changes Monday night drew at least some labor-union support.
Florida lawmaker pulls bill on wrongful death of unborn children after Alabama IVF ruling
Read full article: Florida lawmaker pulls bill on wrongful death of unborn children after Alabama IVF rulingA Florida bill to allow people to file wrongful death lawsuits over the death of a fetus is being shelved because of the political fallout from an Alabama Supreme Court decision that frozen embryos are legally protected children.
New safety rules for lithium-ion batteries headed for Florida House, Senate votes
Read full article: New safety rules for lithium-ion batteries headed for Florida House, Senate votesThe Florida State Fire Marshal’s office will be able to create new rules for safely storing lithium-ion batteries under bills now headed for votes before the full Florida House and Senate.
Alzheimer’s training for law enforcement officers OK’d by Florida House
Read full article: Alzheimer’s training for law enforcement officers OK’d by Florida HouseThe state would have to provide training to law enforcement officers on how to interact with people who have Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia under a bill the Florida House approved.
Florida Legislature passes bill to release state grand jury's Jeffrey Epstein investigation
Read full article: Florida Legislature passes bill to release state grand jury's Jeffrey Epstein investigationThe transcripts of a 2006 grand jury that investigated Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual assaults of underage girls would be released to the public under a bill heading to Florida’s governor after it was unanimously passed by the Legislature.
Property insurance premium tax break could make Florida tax package
Read full article: Property insurance premium tax break could make Florida tax packageA tax package that began moving forward Tuesday in the Senate and a revised tax proposal in the House could provide some assistance to homeowners with property-insurance costs.
Florida senators combine social media ban, age-verification bill
Read full article: Florida senators combine social media ban, age-verification billA Florida Senate panel on Thursday revamped a bill aimed at keeping children under age 16 off social media, as a debate continued about the proposal’s constitutionality and whether it would infringe on parental rights.
Florida monuments, flags bills could be dead for legislative session
Read full article: Florida monuments, flags bills could be dead for legislative sessionControversial bills aimed at preventing local governments from removing historical monuments and restricting the types of flags flown at schools and other public buildings appear to be dead in the Florida Senate.
‘I know it’ll save lives,’ Florida bill creates youth conflict resolution pilot program
Read full article: ‘I know it’ll save lives,’ Florida bill creates youth conflict resolution pilot programA local bill meant to reduce violence and get results for kids in and out of the classroom is making its way through committees in Tallahassee.
Florida lawmakers want to make constitutional amendments harder to pass
Read full article: Florida lawmakers want to make constitutional amendments harder to passShould it be harder for a ballot initiative to pass in Florida?Right now for an amendment to be enshrined in the Florida Constitution, it needs to be approved by 60% of the state’s voters. But Florida lawmakers are proposing to increase that threshold to 66.67%. To do that, they’d need to ask voters via a ballot initiative.
Florida bill could impose fees on people objecting to books in schools
Read full article: Florida bill could impose fees on people objecting to books in schoolsOn Tuesday, lawmakers in a Florida House committee voted for a massive public education bill — HB 7025. Among its provisions, the bill allows school districts to impose a $100 “processing fee” for failed book challenges.
State guard could get go-ahead to operate outside Florida
Read full article: State guard could get go-ahead to operate outside FloridaThe 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.
As Florida Senate moves on social media ban, Instagram issues new teen restrictions
Read full article: As Florida Senate moves on social media ban, Instagram issues new teen restrictionsA bill banning social media for Florida children under 16 will be heard in the Florida Senate, according to the chamber’s president.
Parents of medically fragile children still waiting for Florida-approved assistance
Read full article: Parents of medically fragile children still waiting for Florida-approved assistanceParents and relatives caring for medically fragile children 21 years of age and younger will have to wait to apply for medical training and financial compensation provided under a new state law approved in the last legislative session.
Florida House bill restricting teens on social media heads for final vote Wednesday
Read full article: Florida House bill restricting teens on social media heads for final vote WednesdayA bill that would restrict Florida teens from using social media appeared headed for passage in the Florida House after a second reading of the bill on Tuesday.
Florida bill loosening work rules for 16, 17-year-olds headed for House vote
Read full article: Florida bill loosening work rules for 16, 17-year-olds headed for House voteA bill that would loosen work rules and allow 16 and 17-year-olds to work more hours is headed for a full vote on the Florida House floor.
Trump could get money for legal bills from state of Florida if bill became law
Read full article: Trump could get money for legal bills from state of Florida if bill became lawA bill in the Florida Senate would create a grant program to pay for the legal bills of “victims of political discrimination” who are running for president. Supporters in particular say the bill would help former President Donald Trump.
Florida House ready to OK social media restrictions for minors
Read full article: Florida House ready to OK social media restrictions for minorsThe 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.
Florida GOP lawmakers seek to ban rainbow flags in schools, saying they’re bad for students
Read full article: Florida GOP lawmakers seek to ban rainbow flags in schools, saying they’re bad for studentsFlorida Republicans advanced a bill Wednesday that would ban teachers from wearing a rainbow flag lapel pin in public schools and universities.
Florida restricts funding for DEI in state colleges, replaces ‘woke’ sociology course with US history
Read full article: Florida restricts funding for DEI in state colleges, replaces ‘woke’ sociology course with US historyThe Florida Board of Education has implemented new regulations that it says will restrict the use of public funds for DEI programs within Florida College System institutions.
Meet the candidates in the Florida House District 35 special election
Read full article: Meet the candidates in the Florida House District 35 special electionVoters in parts of Orange and Osceola counties can go to early voting locations starting Saturday and choose their candidate for Florida House District 35.
Florida Senate scales back, OKs school ‘deregulation’ plan
Read full article: Florida Senate scales back, OKs school ‘deregulation’ planThe Florida Senate on Wednesday passed a suite of bills aimed at “deregulation” of public schools, with one measure undergoing a significant change that nixed a provision related to the state’s third-grade literacy policy after it was heavily criticized by former Gov. Jeb Bush.
‘They’re not children:’ Florida bill to loosen work rules for teens advances
Read full article: ‘They’re not children:’ Florida bill to loosen work rules for teens advancesA controversial proposal that would loosen regulations on the numbers of hours that 16-year-old and 17-year-old Floridians can work continued moving through the state House on Wednesday.
Volusia County leaders call for changes to Florida’s affordable housing law
Read full article: Volusia County leaders call for changes to Florida’s affordable housing lawAs Florida's population has rapidly increased over the years, demand for housing has reached an all-time high and the supply of affordable housing has not kept up.
Stand your ground? This Florida bill would allow you to shoot bears. Here are the details
Read full article: Stand your ground? This Florida bill would allow you to shoot bears. Here are the detailsPeople would be allowed to kill bears on their property without permits if they feel threatened but would face more rules about reporting the incidents, under a proposal that received an initial approval Wednesday in the Florida Senate.
DeSantis targets New York, California and Biden in his Florida State of the State address
Read full article: DeSantis targets New York, California and Biden in his Florida State of the State addressRepublican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered messages about California, New York and President Joe Biden during his State of the State address.
You want Florida lawmakers to lower property insurance rates. Why that likely won’t happen
Read full article: You want Florida lawmakers to lower property insurance rates. Why that likely won’t happenFlorida is the most expensive state for homeowners insurance premiums in the country, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
10 issues we’re watching in the 2024 Florida Legislative Session
Read full article: 10 issues we’re watching in the 2024 Florida Legislative SessionFlorida’s annual legislative session starts Tuesday. The session only lasts 60 days and in that time lawmakers will consider over 1,600 bills, with no duty to pass any of them save one — the budget.
DeSantis’ State of the State address might be as much for Iowa voters as it is for Floridians
Read full article: DeSantis’ State of the State address might be as much for Iowa voters as it is for FloridiansRepublican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ upcoming State of the State address is supposed to be about Florida’s future.
Early voting starts Saturday in Florida House District 35 special election
Read full article: Early voting starts Saturday in Florida House District 35 special electionVoters in parts of Orange and Osceola counties can go to early voting locations starting Saturday and choose their candidate for Florida House District 35.
Orange County lawmakers to seek Disney district redo
Read full article: Orange County lawmakers to seek Disney district redoOrange County lawmakers Friday backed a longshot proposal that could essentially return to the Walt Disney Co. control of a special taxing district that was revamped after Gov. Ron DeSantis got into a feud with the entertainment giant.
As unwanted pet rabbits overrun Florida neighborhoods, bunny bill seeks to curb sales
Read full article: As unwanted pet rabbits overrun Florida neighborhoods, bunny bill seeks to curb salesA bill in the Florida legislature would restrict the sales of pet rabbits in a bid to curb the growth of colonies of unwanted domesticated rabbits around the state.
Paying with cash? Florida bill would ban most businesses from going cashless
Read full article: Paying with cash? Florida bill would ban most businesses from going cashlessMore businesses are going cashless, and so are more consumers. But in Florida, most businesses may soon be required to accept cash payments no matter what.
DeSantis asks for millions to fight lawsuits challenging new laws
Read full article: DeSantis asks for millions to fight lawsuits challenging new lawsFlorida lawmakers are preparing to return to Tallahassee, where they will decide how much money will be spent defending lawsuits challenging some laws they passed last legislative session.
What issues do you want Florida lawmakers to tackle in the Legislative Session?
Read full article: What issues do you want Florida lawmakers to tackle in the Legislative Session?Florida lawmakers will start the annual 60-day legislative session on Jan. 9, with Gov. Ron DeSantis giving his State of the State address.
These 4 new laws go into effect in Florida on Jan. 1. Here’s what to know
Read full article: These 4 new laws go into effect in Florida on Jan. 1. Here’s what to knowThe Florida Legislature starts the 2024 legislative session on Jan. 9. Nine days before, the last new laws of 2023 will go into effect.
Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis wants to ‘right size’ insurance consumer services
Read full article: Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis wants to ‘right size’ insurance consumer servicesFlorida’s chief financial officer is asking the state legislature for more money to increase the size of the division that helps Floridians with insurance issues.
Florida mother fears her family will be devastated as trial on trans health care ban begins
Read full article: Florida mother fears her family will be devastated as trial on trans health care ban beginsA Florida mother tearfully testified that her family could be torn apart if the state's ban on trans health care for children is allowed to take effect.
1st Florida subcommittee OKs bill to roll back teen labor rules
Read full article: 1st Florida subcommittee OKs bill to roll back teen labor rulesA Florida House subcommittee passed a bill Wednesday that would allow some teens to work more hours, and work earlier or later in the day. It’s the first big step in making the bill a law.
School recess will stay the same after Florida lawmakers proposed ending mandate
Read full article: School recess will stay the same after Florida lawmakers proposed ending mandateBills to make several reforms to Florida public schools are on the fast track in the Florida Senate, but a provision that would have fundamentally changed school recess rules is being left behind.
Florida bill would ban preferred pronouns in workplaces, may hurt LGBTQ charities
Read full article: Florida bill would ban preferred pronouns in workplaces, may hurt LGBTQ charitiesSeveral local organizations, nonprofits, and lawmakers are blasting a plan to take the gender identity debate from classrooms to the workplace.
Florida may be short nearly 18,000 doctors by 2035. Lawmakers are working on solutions
Read full article: Florida may be short nearly 18,000 doctors by 2035. Lawmakers are working on solutionsWith Florida’s population growing and an anticipated shortfall of nearly 18,000 physicians by 2035, a research arm of the Legislature is suggesting ways that lawmakers could increase the retention of new doctors.
Second Harvest Food Bank had to buy food to help hungry Central Floridians. Now they’re asking the state for help
Read full article: Second Harvest Food Bank had to buy food to help hungry Central Floridians. Now they’re asking the state for helpSecond Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida are asking Florida lawmakers to their Food Cost Mitigation Program.