The Florida House and Senate passed a bill to redraw congressional district lines on Wednesday, with potentially big implications for the November election.

Florida stepped in last week to help manage the distressed finances of two rural school districts, and that could be just an inkling of what’s to come for school districts across the state, state leaders say, as enrollment continues to decline.

Legislation filed Thursday would set guidelines for local government rules involving the materials used for drinking straws and stirrers.

Citizen activists could find it harder to get initiatives on next year's ballot in some states.

Florida lawmakers have given final approval to creating new hurdles for getting citizen-driven initiatives on the ballot before voters.

The Florida Senate has unanimously passed a bill that would leave it up to local officials to decide when schools start.

Several states are considering moves to change how they compensate people incarcerated after wrongful convictions.

Lawmakers in 2023 approved the requirements, citing a need for older students to get more sleep. The requirements are slated to take effect in 2026, but as the deadline has neared, districts have said they are struggling to comply.

With Florida school districts facing a 2026 deadline, a Senate Republican files a proposal that would repeal requirements aimed at later start times for many high schools.

Florida condominium owners are looking at higher costs from condo associations in the new year.

Controversial 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.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida is one step closer to permanently allowing ‘to-go’ alcohol after a Senate committee unanimously passed the proposal Tuesday. 148, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) was put forth in front of the Commerce and Tourism Committee. The bill would allow restaurants to include alcoholic drinks or bottles as part of take-home meals. The bill, dubbed the “Alcohol to-go” bill would adjust Florida’s current beverage law and cap individual alcohol containers to 32 oz. It heads to the Senate Rules Committee next for discussion and a vote.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Driving home with sealed mixed drinks or other alcoholic libations as part of “to go” meals, an option allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic to help restaurants, moved closer Tuesday to becoming permanent in Florida. The Senate Regulated Industries Committee became the first legislative panel to support a proposal (SB 148) to put into law an executive order by Gov. Ron DeSantis that allows restaurants to include alcoholic drinks or bottles as part of take-home meals. The hospitality industry has been devastated by the pandemic,” said Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association General Counsel Samantha Padgett. A similar proposal (HB 329) by Rep. Josie Tomkow, R-Polk City, is scheduled to go before the House Regulatory Reform Subcommittee on Thursday.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Two state senators have uncorked proposals to make permanent a coronavirus emergency order that allowed restaurants and other food establishments with liquor licenses to include alcohol with “to-go” orders. The proposals would require the liquid to be in a sealed container and to be part of a food order. We think it is a process that should continue, so we are looking to establish it in state law,” Brandes said on Friday. Brandes isn’t seeking to alter existing law that requires restaurants to reseal partially consumed bottles before patrons leave. In a 74-page report, the RESET task force, co-chaired by executives from Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Florida Retail Federation and the National Federation of Independent Business Florida, called existing rules restricting carryout alcohol “antiquated and no longer necessary.”DeSantis in September backed the idea of allowing carryout alcoholic beverages to become permanent.