Jun 28, 2022
New Laws: From big budget to strawberry shortcake
By Jim Turner
Nearly 150 laws that Florida legislators passed this year are set to hit the books Friday. The new laws range from a record $109.9 billion budget to naming a state dessert.
Some of the measures face legal challenges, such as a bill that would prevent abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy and a bill that would restrict how race-related concepts are taught in schools and workplace training.
In all, lawmakers sent 280 bills to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Of that total, 149 that were signed or were awaiting signatures Monday had July 1 effective dates. Seventy-five took effect immediately when signed. Others are slated to take effect Oct. 1, Jan. 1 or at other times.
Apr 14, 2022
Above-normal hurricane season on the horizon
Researchers have put forward a second above-normal forecast for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season. Colorado State University researchers on Thursday predicted 19 named storms, with nine growing into hurricanes, for the season that runs from June 1 to November 30.
Apr 6, 2022
New Florida law aims to recruit law enforcement officers
Florida will provide $5,000 bonuses among other incentives to recruit new in-state law enforcement officers and current out-of-state officers under a bill signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday.
Feb 25, 2022
House Passes Measure on Race-Related Instruction
Overriding objections from Democrats who called the measure “wrong on all levels,” the Republican-controlled Florida House on Thursday passed a bill that would limit how race-related concepts are taught in schools and in workplace training sessions.
Feb 8, 2022
Transgender Athlete Legal Fight Put on Hold
A challenge to a controversial state law that bans transgender females from participating on girls’ and women’s sports teams has been put on hold while another Florida case plays out in a federal appeals court.
Feb 8, 2022
Dentists, Hospitals Wary of Medicaid Changes
Florida House members Monday backed a proposal that would revamp the managed-care system that serves about 4 million Medicaid beneficiaries, but key parts of the plan are fueling opposition from dentists and hospitals.
Jan 25, 2022
Lawmakers seek inspections after condo collapse
nspections would be required for many condominium buildings and other multifamily residences statewide under “minimum” steps lawmakers are considering in response to last year’s deadly Champlain Towers South collapse in Miami-Dade County.
Jan 19, 2022
By the Numbers: Bright red counties
Republicans last year overtook Democrats in registered voters in Florida.
Jan 4, 2022
Feds ease requirements for school bus drivers
Federal transportation officials on Tuesday announced a plan to ease licensure requirements for school bus drivers in an attempt to relieve driver shortages in Florida and other states.
Jan 4, 2022
DeSantis racing feds on at-home COVID tests
Saying that the “federal government is not going to come through” on a plan to distribute at-home coronavirus tests, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday said the state is honing its own strategy to send tests to vulnerable Floridians.