By Dara Kam, The News Service of Tallahassee TALLAHASSEE — All of the state’s 67 counties have entered agreements with federal immigration authorities to detain undocumented immigrant criminals in jails, the Florida Sheriffs Association announced on Monday as the state rushes to assist President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts. The agreements bring counties into compliance […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers next week will start the annual legislative session, which will include considering hundreds of bills. Here are 10 issues to watch during the 60-day session: — BUDGET: Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed a $115.6 billion budget for the fiscal year that will start […]
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Florida port leaders continue to point to supply-chain problems in recent years as they push lawmakers to increase transportation infrastructure funding. Appearing before the House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee on Thursday, a panel of port officials pointed to a need for improvements as a hedge against […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLHASSEE — Three days into his job, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Thursday announced a class-action lawsuit that alleges Target Corp. did not properly disclose to investors the risks of a 2023 LGBTQ Pride campaign that drew a consumer backlash and caused a drop in the […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Florida House members Wednesday began moving forward with a proposal that would raise limits on payments by state agencies, local governments, school districts and public hospitals in lawsuits over people getting injured. The House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee approved a bill (HB 301) that […]
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — With Gov. Ron DeSantis describing him as a “bulldog,” James Uthmeier was elevated Monday to become Florida attorney general after serving as the governor’s chief of staff. While DeSantis had said earlier he would appoint Uthmeier to succeed former Attorney General Ashley Moody, he made […]
By Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — President Donald Trump emerged as the biggest winner Thursday as the Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a suite of measures aimed at strengthening enforcement of illegal immigration. Quickly signed into law by the governor, the wide-ranging plan toughens penalties for crimes committed by […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — After a bipartisan uproar last year about a proposal dubbed the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” the Florida Senate on Tuesday began moving forward with a bill that would prevent building such things as golf courses, pickleball courts and hotel-style lodges in state parks. The Senate Environment […]
By Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers on Tuesday launched a third special session aimed at increasing enforcement of illegal immigration, putting aside an intraparty clash with Gov. Ron DeSantis over plans to help carry out one of President Donald Trump’s top priorities. Lawmakers are slated to vote Thursday on […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — After a special session late last month spiraled into a clash between Republican legislative leaders and Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida lawmakers will meet in another special session this week to pass a package of bills targeting illegal immigration — with DeSantis’ support. Senate President Ben […]