Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed a speed limit for electric bicycles, a measure that passed the House and Senate unanimously, calling it an “overreach.” The bill would have capped e-bikes’ speed at 10 miles per hour within 50 feet of a pedestrian on ways shared with pedestrians.
Florida Legislature
Skepticism About Florida’s Homestead Tax Amendment Is Growing
Several municipal leaders, including some county tax collectors and property appraisers, are concerned that if the referendum is approved the reduction in revenues could complicate the repayment of municipal bonds. The concerns about the future of the stability of municipal bonds in Florida are getting so intense, daily trade newspaper The Bond Buyer has increased coverage the Sunshine State situation.
In Free State of Florida, DeSantis Moves To Target Muslim Groups and Critics Under Vaguely Defined Law
Florida is preparing to implement legislation granting top state officials broad authority to designate specific organizations and their supporters as domestic terrorists. Gov. DeSantis indicated law enforcement will target groups including CAIR, the Muslim civil rights organization, and antifa. Critics argue the vague statutes lack requirements for individual criminal convictions. The overreach threatens first amendment rights, inviting widespread state abuse to suppress political dissent and campus activism.
New Florida Laws Mandate Driver’s License Tracking Marks For Convicted Habitual Career Offenders
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a series of law enforcement-related measures Tuesday, with many of them designed to increase penalties for criminals and give police and prosecutors more options to pursue them. The bills range from making it easier for police to identify an individual as a gang member to requiring criminals deemed “career offenders” have the designation on their driver’s license.
New College Takeover of USF Sarasota-Manatee: The Legislature at Its Worst
Florida legislators used private budget conference negotiations to strip the University of South Florida of its Sarasota-Manatee campus, transferring the property to New College, bypassing public debate through the state’s 72-hour budget review rule. Originally intended to promote legislative transparency, the rule now effectively prevents lawmakers from proposing spending amendments during the final days of the session.
Two Former Florida Mayors File Lawsuit Challenging Misleading Ballot Language On Property Tax Amendment
Two former Florida mayors and a nonprofit organization filed a lawsuit challenging a November property tax amendment that would sharply reduce homesteaded property taxes. The plaintiffs allege the ballot summary illegally advocates for the measure rather than explaining its actual impact. A House staff analysis indicates the proposed homestead exemptions could reduce local government revenues by $8.4 billion annually.
Florida’s Budget Fails Citizens But Delivers Overdue Justice For Groveland Four
Florida lawmakers approved a $115 billion budget packed with corporate handouts, political propaganda, costly special sessions and fiscal waste on private legal fights and environmental liabilities, but at least the Legislature agreed to allocate $4 million to compensate families of the Groveland Boys. The gesture provides financial restitution to the descendants of four Black men subjected to a notorious 1949 racial injustice.
Florida’s Bathtub Hoax on Homesteaded Taxpayers
The Florida Legislature’s proposed constitutional amendment to expand the homestead tax exemption is a hoax that claims the homesteaded are overtaxed and local governments are wasteful. The proposal, if it passes, threatens to severely cripple local government budgets, starving infrastructure, emergency medical responses, social programs, and community safety initiatives. Homeowners will ultimately absorb higher out-of-pocket costs for neglected public services. The current system already unfairly shifts tax burdens onto local businesses and renters.
Trump Nominates Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez as Ambassador to Brazil
Perez, R-Miami, has long been a Trump supporter and recently helped pass a redrawing of Florida’s congressional districts, after the President had called on GOP-led states to pass new maps to help Republicans maintain control of the U.S. House.
Flagler County and City Officials Warn of Severe Cuts to Government Services if Voters Approve Measure to Cut Homestead Taxes
The Florida Legislature approved a constitutional amendment ballot measure scaling back homesteaded property taxes and capping non-homesteaded property valuations. Flagler County faces a projected first-year loss of $35 million, climbing to $60 million in year two. Local administrators and elected officials warn that this shifting tax structure will trigger severe, programmatic budget cuts for essential municipal services, including parks, libraries, and animal control, and speak with dismay at lawmakers’ silence on alternative funding sources.
Flagler Emergency Director Jonathan Lord Warns Dual Fiscal Storms Could Wipe Out Local Hurricane Recovery
Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord warned that local governments potentially face a severe financial crisis as proposed federal policy changes to FEMA would restrict disaster designations and shift recovery costs to local municipalities. Simultaneously, a state special session may result in a constitutional amendment proposal eliminating or reducing homestead property taxes. The loss of local revenue would directly threatens the funding required for emergency infrastructure, personnel, and vital community protection services.
Vetoes Are Next as Lawmakers Shift from $114.5 Billion Budget to Special Session on Eliminating Property Taxes
The Florida Legislature approved a $114.5 billion state budget only to immediately face a special session to debate Gov. Ron DeSantis’s controversial homestead property tax exemption proposal. He’s expected to use his veto power as leverage.
DeSantis Plan to Eliminate Homesteaded Property Tax Would Hit Public Safety, Schools, Health and Local Governance
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday announced his plan for a homestead property tax exemption that could crimp local governments’ ability to fund schools, health care, and public safety. Simultaneously, he called for lawmakers to return to Tallahassee and address his plan in a three-day special session starting Monday.
Last in Teacher Pay, Florida Continues to Dismantle Public Education, Alienate Teachers and Fund Scandal-Ridden Vouchers
Florida ranks last nationwide in teacher pay, forcing educators to take multiple jobs or leave the state entirely. Instead of addressing the crisis, lawmakers suppress public unions, enforces restrictive curriculum laws, and redirects vital taxpayer funds to unaccountable private voucher programs. Systematic political attacks are damaging classroom morale, lowering local school enrollment, and threatening the survival of the public education system. That, of course, is the end game.
Florida Legislative Leaders Strike Final Deal On $115 Billion State Budget, Ignoring Mismanagement of School Vouchers
House and Senate leaders reached a final deal on the state budget late Sunday night, the last step in an extended process that required a special session to complete for the second year in a row. The spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1 will be nearly $115 billion, less than the Senate’s preferred budget but not the $113.6 billion plan preferred by the House.
Florida House Committee Issues 1st Reprimand in 20 Years, to Rep. Angie Nixon Over Bullhorn Use
In an exceedingly rare move, a Florida House committee on Thursday reprimanded Rep. Angie Nixon for repeatedly blaring a bullhorn during a contentious fight over congressional redistricting. But the Jacksonville Democrat told reporters she’s unfazed — despite receiving the Florida Legislature’s first official reprimand in more than 20 years.
Florida Democrats Are Getting Giddy. They Should Beware.
Florida Democrats are experiencing rare optimism following competitive polling and recent special election victories as Republican incumbents Byron Donalds and James Uthmeier face scrutiny over controversial statements and legal issues. But the GOP maintains a supermajority and control over the judiciary, and Democrats have a history of failing in critical statewide elections.
With Democrat David Jolly’s Exception, Most Gubernatorial Candidates Oppose Legalizing Recreational Pot
The GOP’s Paul Renner, Byron Donalds and James Fishback all oppose legalizing recreational marijuana. Democrat David Jolly is one exception. He says the fact that a majority of Floridians voted to legalize cannabis in 2024 is why he supports making it legal.
Florida Redistricting Draws Second Lawsuit
The new congressional map signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday has attracted its second legal challenge in as many days. Equal Ground Education Fund, a voting rights group, and 18 Florida voters filed suit against the new map within hours of it becoming law.
Parents and Florida’s Teachers Union Sue State Over Universal Vouchers, Calling them Unconstitutional
Parents and the Florida Education Association argue in a 39-page filing in state trial court in Leon County that state dollars funding private school vouchers don’t conform to the Florida’s Constitution’s charge requiring “uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools.”
Lawsuit Calls Florida’s New Congressional Map ‘One of the Most Extreme Gerrymanders’ in US History
A lawsuit has been filed against the Florida congressional redistricting map signed into law Monday by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Equal Ground Education Fund, a Black-led organization that works to increase Black political power in Florida, filed a 71-page lawsuit in the Second Judicial Circuit in Leon County on behalf of 18 individual plaintiffs who live throughout the state. The suit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to stop the new map from going into effect.
Florida Capitol Protesters Denounce Special Session’s Secret Congressional Redistricting Maps
Approximately 150 protesters gathered outside the Florida Capitol Tuesday as the House of Representatives convened inside, chanting “Hey hey, ho ho, rigged maps have got to go.” The gathering of protesters countered the Florida House’s quick floor session on the first day of a special session called to debate congressional redistricting. (The Senate convened later in the day.)
As Florida Measles Cases Reach 134, DeSantis Again Orders Legislature to Loosen Vaccine Mandates
As the number of confirmed measles cases in Florida increases, so does Gov. Ron DeSantis’ passion to pass legislation to make it easier for parents to turn down the required vaccines for public school students. Florida this year has seen 134 confirmed measles cases as of April 23, the fourth most in the nation, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Florida’s Average Teacher Salary Is Lowest in the Nation
The national union’s annual rankings for teacher pay put Florida’s average starting salary of $49,435 at 19th in the nation. It’s overall average teacher salary of $56,663 ranks 50th among the 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Florida’s Bold Search For Terrorists Behind Every Bush
Environmentalists, religious groups, and even failing football programs could face state sanctions now that a new law giving Florida’s governor the authority to designate terrorist organizations is on the books. We can only conclude these organizations have been taken over by our enemies to sap our resolve.
DeSantis’s AI Bill of Rights Faces Steep Opposition From Republican Leaders as Special Session Nears
Gov. DeSantis seeks to pass his AI Bill of Rights during the Florida special session starting next week but faces significant resistance from House Speaker Danny Perez and federal Republican leaders who prefer almost nonexistent national standards. The proposed legislation restricts companion chatbots for minors and mandates parental consent in schools. High fines await non-compliant companies despite the growing national Republican trend toward deregulation of artificial intelligence.
Paul Renner Appropriates ‘Affordability’ as His Laggard Campaign Tours Florida
Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner took his “Affordability Now” tour to Tampa Bay Thursday, where the conversation focused on property insurance rates, property taxes, and growing discontent with condominium and homeowners’ associations.
GOP Rep. Ryan Chamberlin Launches Citizen Initiative To Eliminate Florida Property Taxes By 2028
Florida Republicans have struggled to pass property tax relief despite promises of a constitutional amendment for the November ballot. GOP Representative Ryan Chamberlin is now spearheading a 2028 citizen-led initiative to eliminate property taxes entirely as local officials express concern over lost revenue for essential services. Other states like Georgia and Ohio are similarly debating radical tax shifts.
Airport Renaming Aside, Florida Lawmakers Spent Two Months Perfecting Art of the Dither
The Florida Legislature concluded its 2026 session without passing a state budget. Lawmakers prioritized symbolic resolutions and voter suppression over insurance costs, housing affordability, or the climate crisis. Wasted money in the school voucher program and environmental protection were ignored as partisan infighting and petty distractions defined the two-month period.
Voting Rights Groups File Suit as DeSantis Signs Proof-of-Citizenship Law
While Congress remains deadlocked on the SAVE America Act that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, that requirement will soon become the law of the land in Florida now that Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the latest “voting integrity ” legislation. The governor signed the bill (HB 991) into law Wednesday in The Villages following its approval by the Florida Legislature last month. The law requires people who are registering to vote to produce evidence of citizenship, such as a valid passport or birth certificate. It will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Trump Gets an Airport in West Palm Beach, Taxpayers Get The $5 Million Bill
Gov. DeSantis signed legislation renaming Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump, a rebranding that’ll cost at $5 million for signage and marketing across the West Palm Beach facility. Republican supporters believe the honor reflects Trump’s presidency as Democrats criticize the wasted money as a political stunt that ignores many pressing state economic priorities for Florida.
Florida Democrats Flip Two Key Legislative Seats In Biggest Special Election Victory In Recent Years
Florida Democrats flipped two legislative seats during special elections held Tuesday. Navy veteran Brian Nathan secured a narrow victory in a Hillsborough County senate district. Emily Gregory won House District 87, which covers the Mar-a-Lago area. Republican Hilary Holley maintained GOP control of House District 51 in Polk County. These results represent significant momentum for the Democratic party within a traditionally Republican-leaning state legislative landscape.
DeSantis Signs Law Ensuring You Can Always Use Loud, Smelly Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers and Mowers
Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 290 to protect the use of gas-powered equipment against local government bans. The wide-ranging legislation also restricts housing density development in small municipalities and authorizes state officials to repurpose surplus conservation lands for agricultural production, a provision that has Democrats worried. Other provisions include stricter penalties for commercial license fraud and the repeal of a grocery assistance program.
At Least 205 Migrants Have Been Detained at Flagler County Jail So Far This Year as Part of ICE Sweeps
At least 205 individuals arrested as part of the Trump administration sweep of undocumented migrants have been detained at the Flagler County jail so far this year, based on a day-by-day analysis of jail bookings by FlaglerLive. Records remain heavily redacted despite state public records laws. Local deputies now act as federal agents through the 287(g) program, with significant activity continuing daily. The jail reportedly offers better conditions than federal holding centers, but verification and transparency remain difficult to impossible.
Florida Sheriffs Led by Polk’s Grady Judd Sharply Criticize Federal Mass Deportation Efforts
Florida law enforcement leaders on the State Immigration Enforcement Council now advocate for a path to legal status for undocumented residents without criminal records. Council chair Grady Judd expressed concerns that federal agents are sweeping up productive individuals who contribute to the economy. The group suggests a 5-year process involving civil fines and English proficiency. This shift contrasts with previous support for aggressive deportation.
Another Pass-Fail Session of the Florida Legislature: Here’s What Happened To Ten Key Issues
Significant gridlock between the Florida House and Senate left the state budget, property tax reform, and education voucher fixes unfinished. Legislators plan to reconvene in April to resolve fiscal disputes. Key successes included utility data center regulations and expanding armed campus security. Most high-profile proposals regarding medical malpractice and artificial intelligence rights failed to advance.
Florida Eagerly Turns Back the Clock to 1956
Florida’s Legislature is actively rolling back diversity initiatives, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ protections. New educational mandates target perceived Marxist influences in universities and grade schools. State leaders are prohibiting local climate policies to protect industrial interests, all of it intentionally retreating toward the restrictive cultural and environmental standards of 1956.
Florida Lawmakers Pass Bill To Arm University Professors
The Florida House passed a legislative package authorizing professors and university appointees to carry firearms on campus. This measure extends the School Guardian Program to public colleges. Lawmakers resolved a dispute regarding private religious school security by focusing exclusively on higher education. The bill mandates university threat-management teams and faculty training for behavioral warning signs.
Florida Legislature Approves Bill Banning Student IDs and Requiring Proof of US Citizenship for All Future Voters
The Florida Legislature approved HB 991, requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. The bill removes student and retirement IDs as acceptable forms of identification. Although there’s no indication or proof of voter fraud beyond isolated cases, Republicans argue the measure ensures integrity. The measure will disenfranchise eligible voters lacking specific documents. The law takes effect in 2027, requiring citizenship verification through motor vehicle department records.
Data Center Secrecy Clears Florida Legislature
The Senate on Friday voted 31-6 on a bill (SB 484) that imposes restrictions on proposed data centers, including reinforcing the ability of local governments to refuse them. But the House previously amended the measure to allow local governments to enter into non-disclosure agreements with tech companies for up to 12 months that would hide data center proposals from the public.
Florida Legislature Clears Latest Measure Aimed at Union-Busting
The Florida House approved SB 1296, a bill significantly increasing requirements for public sector union recertification. Unions must now secure votes from 50% of all eligible employees, rather than a simple majority of participants. Public safety unions remain exempt. The measure faces intense criticism from Democrats and labor leaders. They argue it is designed to dismantle organizations representing teachers and other government workers.
Florida House Passes Contentious Legislation To Ban Local Government Funding For Diversity And Equity Initiatives
The Florida House approved SB 1134, a bill banning local governments from funding or promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Passing 77-37, the measure allows citizens to sue officials and empowers the governor to remove those in violation. GOP legislators claim DEI wastes taxpayer funds. Critics warn the vague language threatens cultural celebrations and marginalized communities. The bill now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature.
Disagreements Over Education, Affordable Housing and Florida Forever Money Force Extended Legislative Session
Florida legislative leaders are at a stalemate over the state budget, requiring an extended or special session. House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton remain divided on total spending, with a $1.4 billion gap between their proposals. Key disputes involve K-12 education funding, state worker pay raises, environmental conservation programs like Florida Forever, and millions in funding for affordable housing initiatives.
Stricter E-Bike Rules Set for DeSantis Signature
Florida lawmakers unanimously passed SB 382, a measure tightening regulations on electric bicycles. The bill, now heading to Governor Ron DeSantis, requires e-bike operators to slow to 10 mph within 50 feet of pedestrians on shared paths. It also mandates audible warnings before passing and establishes a safety task force. Additionally, law enforcement must compile detailed crash data, including operator age and licensing status.
Florida Bill Banning Masking Identity of Law Enforcement and Immigration Agents Fails
Florida’s “Visible Act,” designed to ban masked law enforcement during immigration raids, has failed in the state legislature. Following fatal shootings by masked ICE agents in Minnesota, advocates like Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith argue for transparency. While Florida has historic anti-mask laws dating back to 1951 to combat the Ku Klux Klan, experts remain divided on whether these statutes can legally apply to federal officers.
Florida House Kills Bill to Expand Vaccine Exemptions
The Florida Senate is advancing a controversial bill to expand vaccine exemptions and allow over-the-counter ivermectin sales, despite House Speaker Daniel Perez stating the measure will not be heard. The bill excludes a total repeal of school mandates, but creates a new conscience-based opt-out category. The debate intensifies as Florida faces 124 measles cases in 2026, primarily linked to a university outbreak.
Worsening School Voucher Tracking Issues Ahead, a Senator Warns as Reform Bill Fails
Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez announced the House will not consider legislation lacking previous committee hearings, effectively killing Senate President Ben Albritton’s Rural Renaissance bill and Don Gaetz’s school voucher reform. While policy changes are stalled, a $144.8 million rural appropriation remains active in budget negotiations. Gaetz warned that failing to address voucher accounting shortfalls found in state audits will lead to further mismanagement.
Florida House Passes Bill Granting Immunity to Gun Manufacturers Amid Sig Sauer Lawsuit Concerns
The Florida House passed HB 1551, a bill providing gun manufacturers immunity from certain products liability lawsuits. The 75-29 vote follows over $500,000 in campaign contributions from Sig Sauer, which faces litigation over its P320 pistols. While the House approved the measure, the Senate version remains stalled in committee with only 1 week remaining in the current legislative session.
Bill To Allow Easier School Vaccine Opt-Outs Heads to Senate Floor Despite Rising Measles Cases
A Florida Senate panel approved SB 1756, a bill allowing parents to opt out of school-required vaccinations based on “conscience.” The move comes despite Florida ranking third nationally with 107 confirmed measles cases this year. Lawmakers also rejected an amendment that would have permitted private schools to maintain their own mandates. With 10 days left in the session, the House has yet to hear the proposal.
Day Of Celebration In Palm Coast Honors Local Heroes And Demands Urgency For State Black History Museum
The Day of Celebration at Palm Coast United Methodist Church highlighted the urgent need for the Florida House to approve the Museum of Black History in St. Augustine. Local leaders honored figures like the late Jim Guines and the Seeking Insights for Solutions Group and were brought to their feet by a pair of young performers who brought Black history to life. Despite unanimous Senate support, the project remains stalled in the House, prompting calls for legislative action to preserve Florida’s heritage.