From education to strawberry shortcake, nearly 150 new Florida laws set to take effect July 1
Nearly 150 laws passed by Florida legislators this year are set to take effect Friday, though some face legal challenges, including the state's new 15-week abortion ban.
Florida race-related instruction bill goes to governor's desk
The Legislature formally sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis a controversial bill that would restrict the way race-related issues can be taught in schools and in workplace training.
State lawmakers eye $1 million for legal challenges against Florida redistricting plan
Anticipating legal challenges to a congressional redistricting plan proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Senate and House moved forward Tuesday with providing $1 million for litigation expenses.
Property insurance session in Florida legislature expected in late May
The state legislature is expected to address Florida's property insurance crisis in a special session next month.
Florida Legislature to vote on DeSantis' congressional map; Democrats blast redistricting plan
Florida lawmakers will return to the Capitol Tuesday to begin a special session to approve a new congressional map after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the previous GOP-backed boundaries that preserved minority districts.
Florida judge tosses challenge to state's abortion waiting period
Women will have to wait 24 hours before getting an abortion under a ruling by a Florida judge, who said the waiting period "is the minimum time needed to sleep on such an important decision."
DeSantis endorses special legislative session to address rising property insurance costs in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis is supporting one local lawmaker's effort to push for a special legislative session to address growing property insurance costs in Florida, as many private insurers have sought hefty rate increases and dropped customers to reduce financial risks.
New Florida law funds pro-fatherhood programs such as Tony Dungy's 'All Pro Dad'
From One Buc Place and with Tony Dungy in attendance, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new bill that will help fund pro-fatherhood organizations like the Hall of Famer's "All Pro Dad" non-profit.
Brandon mom of transgender child among those filing lawsuit to overturn new 'Parental Rights in Education' law
The mother of an 11-year-old elementary school transgender student in Hillsborough County is among the 13 plaintiffs suing the state to try to overturn the Parental Rights in Education law.
Florida senator in St. Pete pushes for property insurance special session
Sen. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg has previously argued for taking aggressive action to deal with Florida’s property-insurance problems. He says he intends to pursue polling lawmakers about holding a special legislative session.
Gov. DeSantis signs bill prohibiting gender identity, sexual orientation instruction in grades K-3
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the "Parental Rights in Education Act" into law during a visit to Classical Preparatory School in Spring Hill. The bill bars instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity for young public-school students.
Gov. DeSantis signs ‘curriculum transparency’ bill allowing parents access to selecting instructional material
A Florida bill that would place 12-year term limits on county school-board members and lead to more scrutiny of school library books and instructional materials was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Gov. DeSantis signs bill requiring financial literacy course as graduation requirement
Gov. DeSantis signed a bill unanimously passed by lawmakers, which will require high school students in Florida to take a financial literacy class in order to graduate. The course will include lessons on credit scores, managing credit card debt, types of bank accounts to open, and how to file your taxes.
Florida teacher pay increase in state budget will be approved, governor says
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday he's signing off on $800 million in this year's budget to raise minimum teacher pay and increase the salaries of veteran teachers in Florida.
Florida lawmakers pass $112.1 billion budget to end session
Florida's legislative session adjourned at 1:03 p.m. Monday, after votes on the budget and a series of related bills. Gov. Ron DeSantis touted Florida as the “best law and order state in the entire country."
Florida lawmakers hammer out deal on $112.1 billion budget
Florida lawmakers will vote Monday on a record $112.1 billion state budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, up 10.4 percent from a spending plan approved for the current year.
Bill aimed at ending Florida Standards Assessments exams heads to governor's desk
Lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a bill that would end the Florida Standards Assessments and replace the standardized exams with a "progress monitoring system" that would test students three times a year.
Florida cyber sex crimes bill passes after senator’s story of extortion by Broward County teen
The bill will now head to Gov. Ron DeSantis. If signed, it will be a felony to buy, sell or trade stolen sexually explicit images from someone’s phone or other digital devices.
Florida Senate expected to vote Monday on 'Don't Say Gay' bill during final week of legislative session
The Senate will hold a floor session Monday to take up the Parental Rights in Education Act, which critics have called the “Don't Say Gay” bill. Supporters say it would bolster parental rights.
Smoking restrictions at Florida's beaches, parks get green light
A measure that would let local governments restrict smoking at beaches and parks is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.