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.”
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.
‘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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bill aimed at making changes to FHSAA awaits DeSantis’ signature
A bill that gives high school athletes greater options than ever in choosing where they want to play cleared the Florida Legislature and now awaits the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis, another blow for the embattled Florida High School Athletic Association.
Florida Immigration Coalition joins Equality Florida, NAACP in asking for Florida travel boycott
Florida is proposing some of its toughest immigration laws in years, backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. One bill proposes prosecuting legal resident who hide or transport those in the country illegally. As a result of that, another group has come out with a travel advisory for people coming to state. The Florida Immigrant Coalition wants people to know they might face problems if the law is passed. They join two other groups Equality Florida and The NAACP which has come out with similar warnings...to not come to Florida.
Florida Senate to vote on bill that would allow state to revoke venue license if children attend drag shows
The Florida Senate is expected to vote Tuesday on a bill that would clear the way for the state to revoke the licenses of restaurants and other establishments that allow children to attend drag shows.
Florida Legislature moving quickly on DeSantis priorities
From expanding gun rights to going after “woke” investors, the Florida Legislature is quickly moving on a list of bills that will give Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis conservative-pleasing policy successes as he prepares to launch a presidential campaign.
Florida senator nixes proposal to ban dogs from sticking heads out of car windows: report
Florida Sen. Lauren Book filed a bill intended to protect animals, and the legislation included a proposal that would make it illegal to let a dog stick its head out of a window of a moving car. But after getting feedback on that proposal, Book reportedly plans to amend the bill and remove that ban from the legislation.
Voucher expansion backed in Florida Senate
The Senate began moving forward Tuesday with a proposal that would make every Florida student eligible for state-backed vouchers that could be used for private-school tuition and various other expenses, while opponents argued the measure would harm traditional public schools.
Florida governor issues executive order to extend property tax deadlines for homes, business damaged by Hurricane Ian
The Florida Legislature will hold a special session before the end of the year to consider providing property tax relief for people and businesses whose property was destroyed by Hurricane Ian.
Amendment 3: Increase homestead exemption for teachers, first-responders, military
The third proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that the Florida Legislature voted to place on the ballot this November this year would increase the homestead exemption for teachers, law-enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child-welfare services professionals and active-duty members of the military and Florida National Guard.
Jacksonville City Council, District 9
When Councilman Garrett Dennis resigned to run for a seat in the Florida Legislature, three candidates signed up to run in a special August election for District 9, Jacksonville City Council. Democrat Tyrona Clark-Murray received 53% of the vote and was elected to fill the seat through next June. She must run for re-election next spring to win a full four-year term.