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 stateโs turbulent insurance market, creating a $2 billion reinsurance fund and writing new rules around coverage denials and attorney fees.
Federal judge refuses bond for Florida doctor facing child porn charges
Michael Mizrachy, 49, was charged in federal court on Friday and could face up to 20 years in prison. He was originally arrested Jan. 12 on identical state charges and had been free on a $30,000 bond. Investigators using search warrants also found photographs of young children and teens in their underwear, taken without their knowledge, on the doctor's iPhone and computer. AdBook noted that despite being charged with child porn in state court, Mizrachy has been able to hold himself out as a doctor. Investigators began looking at Mizrachy in June after the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip.
To-go alcohol in Florida moves closer to becoming permanent
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ Driving home with sealed mixed drinks or other alcoholic libations as part of โto goโ 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,โ 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.
Florida to consider parental permission for abortions
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ Girls under the age of 18 would need to get a parent's permission before having an abortion in Florida under a bill that received its final Senate committee approval Wednesday. Florida already has a law requiring the parents of a minor be notified before an abortion is performed, but bill sponsor Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel said it doesnโt go far enough. โI believe that parental notification is basically a child just saying, `This is what Iโm doing,'โ Stargel said. โThe bill continues a chipping away of womenโs rights and that is something we shouldnโt trample on,โ said Democratic Sen. Audrey Gibson. I think our young girls deserve better.โRepublican Senate President Bill Galvano said the bill will be heard on the Senate floor next week and voted on the following week.