Florida agriculture bill causes concern about free speech, sponsors defend it

House Bill 433 (Section 47) and Senate Bill 290 (Section 48) spell out a new non-disparagement law for agriculture. This would mean that Floridians could be sued if they knowingly spread false information about agricultural products or practices.

Advocates head to Tallahassee to push for continued cancer funding

A bus filled with cancer patients, survivors, doctors and researchers left Moffitt Cancer Center’s McKinley Campus early Wednesday, headed for the Florida Capitol.

Florida lawmakers weigh new contracts, pay rules as teacher vacancies grow

Wednesday marks the second day of Florida’s 2026 regular legislative session, and lawmakers are turning their focus to Florida’s growing teacher shortage.

Tampa high school students' bill on e-bike safety officially filed after losing classmate

Students from Freedom High School have taken legislative matters into their own hands. State Representative Susan Valdes recently introduced a bill aimed at enhancing safety measures for young riders, a proposal that originated from some determined teens.

New proposal could fast-track grocery stores in Florida’s 'food deserts'

State Rep. Michele Rayner has introduced House Bill 337, which would allow local governments to streamline zoning rules and expedite approvals for small-footprint grocery stores offering nutrient-dense foods in food-insecure areas.

Florida handicap parking now open to pregnant women with a permit

From morning sickness to swollen feet, pregnancy creates all kinds of challenges for expectant mothers.  State lawmakers are making sure finding a parking spot will not be one of them. A new Florida law that took effect on July 1 allows pregnant women to get a handicap parking permit.

New Florida laws take effect Jan. 1: Here’s what to know

From banning children under 14 from having social media accounts to not harassing first responders, there are nine new laws taking effect on Jan. 1, 2025. 

Florida House set to pass concealed weapons change

A controversial proposal that would allow people to carry guns without state concealed-weapons licenses is poised to pass the Florida House on Friday. 

Florida's 6-week abortion limit bill to get first hearing Thursday

A Florida House panel Thursday is scheduled to take up a bill that seeks to prevent abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

Florida lawmakers report to Tallahassee for special session on Disney's Reedy Creek, other issues

Florida lawmakers will start a special legislative session Monday that is expected to lead to state control over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which Gov. Ron DeSantis targeted last year after the Walt Disney Co. criticized a controversial education law.

Zephryhills senator proposes adding social media safety courses in public schools

One Florida state senator is proposing a bill in the 2023 legislative session that, if passed, would require schools to teach a social media safety class.

Same-sex marriage ban in Florida law targeted

While same-sex marriage has been legal in Florida for nearly eight years because of court rulings, a ban has remained in state law but has not been in effect. Now, a state lawmaker has filed a bill to remove it.

Florida lawmakers gather for special session focusing on property insurance, tax relief

Florida's special legislative session on property insurance begins Monday. State lawmakers will be together for a week-long special session and will be challenged with finding a way to make rates both affordable and available.