Stories by News Service of Florida
Stories by News Service of Florida
Catalytic converter theft bill heading to DeSantis
April 20, 2023
The House on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill aimed at curbing thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles. The House voted 105-2 to pass the bill (SB 306), which the Senate approved unanimously early this month.
FPL bills to dip slightly in May
April 4, 2023
The state Public Service Commission has approved a plan that will provide a break to Florida Power & Light customers because of lower-than-expected natural gas prices.
The plan, which the commission unanimously supported without discussion, will reduce customers’ monthly bills starting in May — and partially offset increases that took effect in April.
DeSantis signs concealed weapons bill
April 3, 2023
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a measure that will allow Floridians to carry guns without concealed-weapons licenses.
The Republican-controlled Senate gave final approval to the measure (HB 543) on Thursday, about a week after the House passed it.
Major Voucher Expansion Headed to DeSantis
March 23, 2023
TALLAHASSEE — A massive expansion of Florida’s school-choice programs that would make all students eligible for taxpayer-backed vouchers is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis, after the Republican-controlled Senate passed the measure Thursday amid warnings from Democrats.
Panel backs lowering age to buy guns
March 14, 2023
Tallahassee — With backing from Speaker Paul Renner, a House panel last week approved a bill that would lower the minimum age to buy rifles and other long guns in Florida from 21 to 18.
The bill (HB 1543) would reverse part of a 2018 law that set the minimum age at 21 after a gunman killed 17 students and faculty members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Nikolas Cruz, then 19, used a semi-automatic rifle to carry out the attack.
Gas prices could face roller coaster ride
January 2, 2023
As average gasoline prices have moved back above $3 a gallon in Florida, a tech company that monitors the fuel industry foresees prices above $4 a gallon in 2023.
Toll Relief Program begins Jan. 1
December 30, 2022
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Dec. 15 signed Senate Bill 6A, establishing the Toll Relief Program through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which will provide account credits to frequent commuters using toll roads across the state. The program will give Floridians with 35 or more toll transactions per month a 50% credit to their account.
The legislation, originally proposed by DeSantis in September of this year, was successfully passed during the recent Legislative Special Session. The Toll Relief Program begins on Jan. 1, 2023, and runs through Dec. 31, 2023.
DeSantis signs bill aimed at expanding toll relief
December 21, 2022
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Dec. 15 signed Senate Bill 6A, establishing the Toll Relief Program through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which will provide account credits to frequent commuters using toll roads across the state. The program will give Floridians with 35 or more toll transactions per month a 50% credit to their account.
The legislation, originally proposed by DeSantis in September of this year, was successfully passed during the recent Legislative Special Session. The Toll Relief Program begins on Jan. 1, 2023, and runs through Dec. 31, 2023.
The legislation, originally proposed by DeSantis in September of this year, was successfully passed during the recent Legislative Special Session. The Toll Relief Program begins on Jan. 1, 2023, and runs through Dec. 31, 2023.
Gas prices to jump as ‘holiday’ ends
October 31, 2022
Florida motorists can expect to pay more at the pump as the state’s month-long gas tax “holiday” ends.
The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas Monday stood at $3.29, about a dime cheaper than at the start of October. But the AAA auto club said that likely will change quickly when the state’s 25.3-cent-a-gallon gas tax returns Tuesday, after being suspended in October by lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Electric bills likely to increase in 2023
September 13, 2022
Florida residents and businesses likely will get hit with higher electric bills in 2023 as utilities continue to struggle with increased costs of natural gas.
Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric Co. filed petitions Friday at the state Public Service Commission that detailed expected costs in 2023.