Tallahassee – “Fear and uncertainty” about a new law targeting the state’s ballot-initiative process has led to a significant drop in people working to collect signatures for 2026 ballot measures, groups challenging the law told a federal judge on Thursday.

Tallahassee – A federal judge Thursday rejected an attempt by Florida to scuttle a constitutional challenge to a 2021 state law that placed restrictions on social-media platforms.

(By Jim Turner) Amid support from hunters and warnings of a “slaughter” from animal-rights advocates, state wildlife officials Wednesday moved forward with Florida’s first black bear hunt in a decade. Before a crowd that spread into at least four extra rooms at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 4-1 for staff members to return with rules for a December hunt that would be held in four parts of the state and could lead to as many as 187 bears being killed.

Ocala – Amid support from hunters and warnings of a “slaughter” from animal-rights advocates, state wildlife officials Wednesday moved forward with Florida’s first black bear hunt in a decade.

Tallahassee – Records related to a state House probe of a nonprofit linked to First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature Hope Florida assistance program are part of an “open” investigation, Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell’s office said May 20.

Tallahassee – A federal judge Monday ordered the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to take a series of steps aimed at protecting manatees in the northern Indian River Lagoon, including requiring it to go through a federal permitting process and temporarily preventing new septic tanks in the area.

Tallahassee – A new state law targeting undocumented immigrants who enter Florida should remain blocked as a legal battle plays out, attorneys challenging the law argued in a filing Friday at a federal appeals court.

Tallahassee – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has gone to a federal appeals court after a U.S. district judge last month ruled that the state has violated the Endangered Species Act as manatees face threats in the Indian River Lagoon.

Tallahassee – After a mass shooting last month at Florida State University that killed two people, officials will look at building security on campuses across the state and hold a “safety summit” in October, university system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues said May 15.

Tallahassee – Citing parental rights, a Florida appeals court May. 14 ruled that a law that can allow minors to have abortions without their parents’ consent is unconstitutional.