Florida Government News

POLITICS

4:53

POLITICS

Florida House wraps Hope Florida investigation

The investigation marked yet another riff between Gov. DeSantis and House Republicans.

4:53

Florida2 days ago

POLITICS

Traveling on Interstate 4. (Spectrum News)

2:44

POLITICS

Proposed bills would raise speed limit on some highways in Florida

Speed limits could be increased from 70 to 75 mph.

2:44

Tampa1 week ago

STATE POLITICS

First Lady Casey DeSantis’ charity, Hope Florida, is under scrutiny after the state directed $10 million in settlement money to the organization, a possible state law violation. (Spectrum News)

2:59

STATE POLITICS

Hope Florida faces funding scrutiny

First Lady Casey DeSantis spearheaded Hope Florida in 2021.

2:59

Florida2 weeks ago

FLUORIDE DEBATE

Person at a tap, filling a glass of water.

2:47

FLUORIDE DEBATE

Statewide ban on fluoride in local water advancing in Florida Capitol

The proposal comes as federal, state and local governments debate fluoride's benefits.

2:47

Tallahassee2 weeks ago

IMMIGRATION LAWS

In this, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 photo, workers monitor tomatoes as they are boxed, in Florida City, Fla. A Florida bill mandating that private companies verify each new hire's eligibility to work in the U.S. is worrying farmers in the agriculture-rich state. The growers complain they are struggling to find farm workers as the unemployment rate reaches record lows. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

2:06

IMMIGRATION LAWS

All Florida employers may soon be required to use E-Verify

As part of the proposed law, three violations could result in a $1,000-a-day fine.

2:06

Florida2 weeks ago

WEATHER MODIFICATION BAN

2:30

WEATHER MODIFICATION BAN

Florida Senate OKs weather modification ban

The bill creates a report line, where Floridians may log and document sightings to the state.

2:30

Florida3 weeks ago

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Florida lawmakers in Tallahassee debate a proposal. (Spectrum News)

2:50

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Florida sales tax cut clears 1st legislative hurdle on path to passage

Florida's house speaker says the plan may save Floridians roughly $5 billion a year, making it the largest cut in state history.

2:50

Florida3 weeks ago

POLITICS

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visits the University of South Florida in 2022. This week, state lawmakers are discussing tuition rights for migrants. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

2:35

POLITICS

Florida Republicans could focus on property tax reform over sales tax

Others want to focus on property tax reform.

2:35

Florida4 weeks ago

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

FILE- In this June 15, 2018, file photo, twenty dollar bills are counted. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)

2:12

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Florida House proposes ‘historic’ cut to sales tax

Florida's house speaker says the plan may save Floridians roughly $5 billion a year, making it the largest cut in state history.

2:12

Florida1 month ago

POLITICS

FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2013 file photo Hank Johnson displays his handgun, in Springboro, Ohio. (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File)

1:49

POLITICS

College campus carry bill dies in Florida Senate

The Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee rejected a bill that would’ve legalized concealed weapons on college and university campuses.

1:49

Tallahassee1 month ago

POLITICS

2:00

POLITICS

Florida bill advancing in the Senate would modify school safety rules

Florida lawmakers agreed Monday to give schools more leeway when it comes to locking doors on school campus.

2:00

Florida1 month ago

POLITICS

2:29

POLITICS

Floridians may soon vote whether to impose tougher term limits

Two proposals in the Florida Legislature may raise the question to voters in 2026 if approved.

2:29

Florida1 month ago

POLITICS

Florida lawmakers are advancing education legislation as their annual session closes at the state capitol in Tallahassee. (Jeff Allen)

3:07

POLITICS

Bills in Florida Legislature threaten local control over land development, spark urban sprawl concerns

State Rep. Kevin Steele says the proposal is about giving landowners full control over what they want to do with their land.

3:07

Tallahassee1 month ago

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Republicans in the Florida Legislature are working to reduce the age to purchase a long gun in the state from 21 to 18. (AP Photo/Lisa Marie Pane, File)

2:29

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Florida Republicans embark on renewed attempt to lower gun-buying age

The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee advanced the proposal Wednesday.

2:29

Florida1 month ago

BALLOT INITIATIVES

Florida lawmakers are considering the addition of what they are calling safeguards to the ballot initiative process, including the requirement of a $1 million bond and background checks for signature gatherers. (File Photo)

2:42

BALLOT INITIATIVES

Push for ballot initiative reform underway in Florida House

The purported reforms come after a pitched battle in Florida over initiatives in 2025.

2:42

Florida1 month ago

POLITICS

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis came out this week in favor of a proposal to end property taxes in the Sunshine State. (File Photo)

2:14

POLITICS

Florida lawmakers consider measure to end property taxes in the state

If the plan is successful, Florida would become the first state in the nation to eliminate property taxes.

2:14

Florida1 month ago

IMMIGRATION

2:12

IMMIGRATION

Florida agencies gain more power to police illegal immigration

A new agreement empowers state police to assist federal law enforcement and interrogate individuals suspected of illegal entry.

2:12

Florida2 months ago

POLITICS

DeSantis signs immigration package bills into law. (Spectrum News)

1:57

POLITICS

DeSantis signs immigration package aimed at increasing criminal penalties and reducing in-state tuition access

The bills were passed hours before he signed them.

1:57

Florida2 months ago

POLITICS

Lawmakers consider immigration proposals during the special session. (Spectrum News)

2:22

POLITICS

DeSantis signs law mandating the death penalty in certain cases related to immigration

A similar requirement was ruled unconstitutional in 1976.

2:22

Florida2 months ago

POLITICS

Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez speaks during a campaign rally for Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, in Hialeah, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

1:56

POLITICS

FIU trustees vote put forward Lt. Gov. Nunez as university's next president

She will serve as interim president for now, clearing the way for DeSantis to replace her as Florida's lieutenant governor.

1:56

Florida2 months ago

CITRUS INDUSTRY

1:58

CITRUS INDUSTRY

Citrus industry leaders highlight production concerns to Florida lawmakers

Severe weather and disease are squeezing the industry.

1:58

Florida2 months ago

POLITICS

2:11

POLITICS

DeSantis announces support for tax holiday on gun purchases

The proposed holiday would make guns, ammunition and firearm accessories tax-free.

2:11

Florida2 months ago

IMMIGRATION POLICY

10:12

IMMIGRATION POLICY

Gov. DeSantis cranks pressure on GOP lawmakers amid immigration in-fighting

DeSantis has said legislators who don't back his immigration plan are "dead on arrival" come primary season.

10:12

Florida2 months ago

POLITICS

2:28

POLITICS

Gov. DeSantis outlines immigration crackdown ahead of special session

GOP legislative leaders are urging DeSantis to pump the breaks.

2:28

Florida3 months ago

POLITICS

2:15

POLITICS

Legislative leaders rebuke DeSantis' special session order

A memo by two legislative leaders underscores an unprecedented reluctance toward DeSantis' will.

2:15

Florida3 months ago

CALIFORNIA FIRES

Fire crews battle the Eaton Fire Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

1:49

CALIFORNIA FIRES

Florida offers manpower, resources to assist California in wildfire battle

Wildfires in the region are damaging structures and displacing thousands.

1:49

Florida3 months ago

POLITICS

Florida minimum wage will rise in 2025

The crash course program gets freshman up to speed, while also familiarizes veteran lawmakers.

Florida3 months ago

POLITICS

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, one of 30 Florida GOP delegates. Photo courtesy of Jimmy Patronis.

1:10

POLITICS

Florida delegates certify Trump win

Florida was home to 30 of the nation’s 538 electoral votes this year.

1:10

Florida4 months ago

FLORIDA POLITICS

The Florida Senate during a welcome event. (Spectrum News)

2:04

FLORIDA POLITICS

Florida GOP leader open to using state resources to support Trump deportation plan

Florida is home to roughly 1.2 million undocumented migrants.

2:04

Florida4 months ago

STATE GUN LAWS

2:10

STATE GUN LAWS

Florida lawmaker wants to lower gun purchase age

State Sen. Randy Fine proposed legislation that would lower the minimum age to buy rifles and shotguns from 21 to 18.

2:10

Florida4 months ago

POLITICS

Florida Capitol at dusk in Tallahassee, Fla. (File Photo)

2:08

POLITICS

Florida legislator's proposal puts in-state tuition waiver for undocumented immigrants on chopping block

The proposal would reverse a decade-old law allowing in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants that meet certain criteria.

2:08

Florida4 months ago

POLITICS

1:29

POLITICS

Florida lawmakers attend Legislator University course in Tallahassee ahead of 2025 legislative session

The crash course program gets freshman up to speed, while also familiarizes veteran lawmakers.

1:29

Tallahassee4 months ago

POLITICS

Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez won reelection to her post Tuesday. (Spectrum News)

1:05

POLITICS

Suzy Lopez retains Hillsborough State Attorney job, defeats Andrew Warren

Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez won reelection to her post Tuesday.

1:05

Florida5 months ago

DECISION 2024

State Attorney Monique Worrell won reelection to her post Tuesday. (Spectrum News)

6:54

DECISION 2024

Worrell retakes 9th Circuit State Attorney seat

State Attorney Andrew Bain came in second.

6:54

Florida5 months ago

DECISION 2024

FILE - Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. speaks during a town-hall style meeting, Sept. 3, 2024, in Braselton, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

3:27

DECISION 2024

Scott wins Florida Senate race

Democratic challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell came in second.

3:27

Florida5 months ago

DECISION 2024

Rep. Cory Mills won reelection to the U.S. House. (File Photo)

DECISION 2024

Mills wins race for Florida's Congressional District 7

PREVIEW TEXT, SHOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM HEADLINE

Florida5 months ago

PROPERTY INSURANCE

Florida Democrats are calling for an investigation after a 60 Minutes report suggested that at least one property insurer in Florida has been underpaying claims related to Hurricane Ian in 2022. (File Photo)

1:51

PROPERTY INSURANCE

Florida Democrats call for grand jury probe of allegations against property insurer

Roughly two years after Hurricane Ian, some 50,000 homeowners are still navigating claims.

1:51

Florida6 months ago

CONDO COSTS

2:30

CONDO COSTS

Gov. DeSantis wants special session to address rising costs for condo owners

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo has already said she does not support calling a special session to address the issue.

2:30

Florida7 months ago

POLITICS

1:44

POLITICS

Florida to launch independent investigation into apparent Trump assassination attempt

Gov. DeSantis questioned the credibility of federal investigators, who are leading the probe into the assassination attempt against Trump.

1:44

Florida7 months ago

POLITICS

1:57

POLITICS

Former President Trump backs recreational marijuana in Florida

Trump’s endorsement puts him at odds with Florida Republicans, including Gov. Ron DeSantis.

1:57

Florida7 months ago

POLITICS

Tennessee state lawmaker Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) (right) visits Tallahassee Friday in support of the Harris-Waltz presidential ticket. (Spectrum News)

2:05

POLITICS

'Tennessee Three' lawmaker touts Harris ticket in Florida

The North Florida visit comes as Florida Democrats face an uphill battle against former President Donald Trump.

2:05

Florida7 months ago

POLITICS

This photo from Nov. 16, 2011 shows a cooling canal (foreground right) and the 2 nuclear reactor containment buildings at the Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant in Homestead. That is one of the two remaining operational nuclear plants in Florida. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

1:37

POLITICS

Florida exploring more nuclear energy options

A state panel must deliver a research report to the Florida Legislature.

1:37

Florida7 months ago

SMOKING BAN

1:34

SMOKING BAN

Florida lawmakers propose public smoking ban that could impact Amendment 3

Sarasota Republican Sen. Joe Gruters is spearheading the proposed public smoking ban.

1:34

Tallahassee8 months ago

HOME INSURANCE

2:00

HOME INSURANCE

Florida's Citizens Insurance seeks double-digit rate hike

The rate increase needs to be approved by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation by Aug. 26.

2:00

Florida8 months ago

RNC 2024

2:36

RNC 2024

Gov. DeSantis praises former President Donald Trump at RNC

Florida Democrats accuse Gov. DeSantis of prioritizing publicity over the state's problems.

2:36

Florida9 months ago

VACATION RENTALS

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis listens during a press conference to sign several bills related to public education and teacher pay, in Miami, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)

3:15

VACATION RENTALS

Gov. DeSantis vetoes vacation rental bill

Gov. DeSantis took issue with the bill's "one-size-fits-all approach."

3:15

Florida9 months ago

ABORTION AMENDMENT

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during an April 2022 news conference after signing a bill limiting abortions after 15 weeks. (Spectrum News)

1:50

ABORTION AMENDMENT

Florida Democrats fix eyes on abortion protections ahead of 2024 election

Florida Democrats are fixing their eyes on an ammendment that would protect abortion access up to roughly 24 weeks.

1:50

Florida10 months ago

POLITICS

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs the 2024 legislative state budget in Tampa. (Spectrum News)

2:49

POLITICS

Gov. DeSantis signs state budget, vetoes $1 billion in spending

“Some of the stuff I don’t think was appropriate for state tax dollars,” said DeSantis.

2:49

Florida10 months ago

EDUCATION POLICY

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced he plans to approve a rise in teacher pay this year. (Office of the Governor)

3:49

EDUCATION POLICY

DeSantis approves $1.25 billion to increase teacher pay

The state budget funding would increase starting salaries to $48,000.

3:49

Florida10 months ago

RESIDENCY DISPUTE

1:52

RESIDENCY DISPUTE

Longtime Orlando lawmaker threatened with lawsuit in political residency dispute

Orlando Democratic Sen. Geraldine Thompson denies allegations, saying she indeed lives within the district.

1:52

Florida10 months ago

View More Florida Government News

MORE LOCAL POLITICAL NEWS

POPE FRANCIS

Gavin Gamber worked at the White House for the President George W. Bush administration as the senior advance representative. One big event that Gamber helped organize was the former president’s visit to the Vatican for the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005. (Spectrum News/Julia Hazel)

2:05

POPE FRANCIS

Former White House representative describes intricacies of presidents attending pope funerals

Gavin Gamber worked as a senior advance representative for the President George W. Bush administration.

2:05

Manatee County1 day ago

BUDGET IMPASSE

Florida lawmakers say they don't expect to come to an agreement on the state budget in time for the May 2 end of the legislative session. (File)

2:55

BUDGET IMPASSE

Budget disagreement forces Florida lawmakers into overtime

The Florida House and Senate have not yet come together to agree on a state budget.

2:55

Florida1 day ago

POLITICS

4:53

POLITICS

Florida House wraps Hope Florida investigation

The investigation marked yet another riff between Gov. DeSantis and House Republicans.

4:53

Florida2 days ago

POLITICS

Al Lang Stadium, seen here being repaired from hurricane damage. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Angie Angers)

POLITICS

St. Pete to explore downtown waterfront makeover, demolition of Al Lang

Plans would include the amphitheater, a new building for The Florida Orchestra and a 400-car parking garage.

Pinellas County2 days ago

POLITICS

3:01

POLITICS

New Port Richey OKs agreement between police department, ICE

The city council approved the measure earlier this month. Mayor Chopper Davis supports the move.

3:01

Tampa4 days ago

50501 PROTESTS

Protest held in St. Petersburg at Williams Park on April 19, 2025. (Spectrum News)

2:23

50501 PROTESTS

Hundreds rally against Trump administration in St. Petersburg

It was part of protests held nationwide as part of the 50501 movement.

2:23

Pinellas County1 week ago