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. 

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. 

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.