By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — More than two years after the Legislature clamped down on lawsuits against property insurance companies, a House panel Thursday reopened a major debate about attorney fees when homeowners and insurers battle over claims. The House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee voted 16-1 to approve a […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLHASSEE — State higher-education leaders and university trustees have fired back at a lawsuit that alleges a 2023 law targeting diversity, equity and inclusion issues at universities violates the First Amendment. Professors at the University of Florida, Florida State University and Florida International University filed the lawsuit […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — As Florida continues to struggle with a lack of affordable housing, lawmakers are looking at “granny flats” to help address the problem. Senate and House panels Tuesday approved bills (SB 184 and HB 247) that would require cities and counties to allow adding what are […]
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — After fierce — and expensive — political battles last year about abortion rights and recreational marijuana, Florida lawmakers Thursday began moving forward with a proposal that would place additional restrictions on the ballot-initiative process. Gov. Ron DeSantis has made the issue a priority after he […]
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Expect an economic impact study as a first step as discussions ramp up about the future of property taxes in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis in recent weeks has called for cutting property taxes, while also criticizing spending by local governments. Meanwhile, lawmakers have proposed a […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — While saying Florida has been a leader on issues such as cracking down on illegal immigration, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday helped launch the 2025 legislative session by calling for revamping the ballot-initiative process, curbing property taxes and revisiting gun laws. DeSantis largely stuck to […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — With school districts across the state expressing support, Florida senators Monday started moving forward with a bill that would repeal requirements aimed at later daily start times in many high schools. Lawmakers in 2023 approved the requirements, citing a need for older students to get […]
By Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — A 2024 Florida law aimed at keeping children off of social-media platforms came under scrutiny Friday, as lawyers for the state told a federal judge the measure is addressing a “mental-health crisis” and attorneys for industry groups argued the restrictions violate First Amendment rights. The […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — After announcing his candidacy Tuesday night on Fox News, Florida Congressman Byron Donalds filed paperwork Wednesday to formally enter the 2026 race for governor. Donalds, a Naples Republican, became the first major candidate to enter the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. Donalds made […]
TALLAHASSEE — Taking a page from billionaire Elon Musk’s push to cut federal spending, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday announced a new panel that will review about 900 state positions, university spending, local government spending and the need for about 70 state boards and commissions. Embracing the rapid action by the federal Department of Government […]