Feb 15, 2021
Judge to weigh lawsuit on unemployment problems
Nearly a year after the COVID-19 pandemic began tossing people out of work, a circuit judge is again poised to consider a potential class-action lawsuit stemming from major problems in Florida’s unemployment compensation system.
Feb 14, 2021
CDC school guidance may have little effect in Florida
New guidelines from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about reopening schools during the coronavirus pandemic might not change anything in Florida, as state Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran is urging districts to “stay the course.”
Feb 14, 2021
Data needed for redistricting delayed
Blaming coronavirus-related delays, the U.S. Census Bureau announced Friday that data Florida lawmakers will use to redraw legislative and congressional boundaries won’t be delivered until September.
Feb 12, 2021
Unemployment claims down but future’s uncertain
Florida posted its lowest weekly total of first-time unemployment claims since the start of the pandemic, despite mounting issues confronting the travel industry.
Feb 12, 2021
House seeks to tie school money to enrollment
House Republican leaders in the upcoming budget will seek to base public school funding on “actual enrollment,” after the state made a change this year that helped bolster districts financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Feb 11, 2021
Money sought for concealed weapons background checks
With a surge in people seeking concealed-weapons licenses, a legislative panel next week will consider approving an additional $4.34 million for processing background checks.
Feb 10, 2021
Judge sides with Iguanaland in license fight
An administrative law judge could help give a reprieve to Iguanaland. Judge Jodi-Ann Livingstone on Wednesday ruled that state wildlife officials should not have denied a license renewal for Iguanaland, a Charlotte County reptile facility.
Feb 10, 2021
Vacation rental fight revs up again
A years-long effort to block local governments from regulating vacation rentals is on the move again, as House and Senate leaders revive a proposal to prevent cities and counties from inspecting and licensing properties offered on platforms such as Airbnb.
Feb 10, 2021
COVID-19 legal protections for health industry backed
A measure that would provide broad immunity to nursing homes, hospitals and physicians from coronavirus-related lawsuits moved through a Florida Senate committee Wednesday, despite warnings from Democrats that the legislation would prevent people from pursuing legitimate claims.
Feb 8, 2021
Florida vaccine totals top $2 million
More than 2 million people in Florida have been vaccinated against COVID-19, with most ages 65 and older, according to numbers released Monday by the state Department of Health.