Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet next week are expected to consider nearly $40 million in land deals that would help keep more than 17,000 acres from future development. Targeted sites range from 2.85 acres of hardwood hammocks in the Florida Keys to 932…
Read More Florida Gov. DeSantis, Cabinet Eye Conservation Deals
If Florida lawmakers hold a special session to deal with the troubled property-insurance market or to put additional requirements on condominium buildings, it won’t come from a directive by Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis, appearing Monday in Wellington, said he’d “welcome” the return of lawmakers to…
Read More Florida Gov. DeSantis Leaves Insurance, Condo Session Up To Lawmakers
Wildlife officials appeared optimistic Wednesday that an unusual feeding program for starving manatees in the Indian River Lagoon has provided some relief for the sea cows as the cold-water season nears an end. But feeding lettuce to manatees might be necessary again next winter because…
Read More Florida Manatee Feeding Offers Relief, But Deaths Hit 400
TALLAHASSEE, FL. – Gov. Ron DeSantis and his successors will have more power over some high-level state appointments under a bill headed to his desk. Without debate, the House on Wednesday voted 77-34, mostly along party lines, to approve a measure (SB 1658) that would…
Read More Florida Lawmakers Give DeSantis More Appointment Power
TALLAHASSEE, FL. – House and Senate negotiators agreed Wednesday night to use $200 million in federal stimulus money to give Gov. Ron DeSantis part of his request for a gas-tax break, as they wrapped up more of a budget that will send the annual legislative…
Read More Florida Motorists Could Get Gas Tax Break in October
TALLAHASSEE, FL. – Two proposed maps that would increase Republican seats in Congress are poised for approval Friday by the state House, as Democrats question the constitutionality of the dual-map plan. The bill (SB 102), which was positioned Thursday for a House vote, would feature…
Read More Florida House Eyes Primary, Backup Congressional Maps
TALLAHASSEE, FL. – The House is set to approve a proposed wide-ranging tax package that calls for four sales-tax “holidays,” including one carrying the name of a fictional handyman show. The package (HB 7071), which drew praise Tuesday from Democrats, will ultimately have to be…
Read More ‘Tool Time’ Florida Tax Break Teed Up In House
TALLAHASSEE, FL. – House Republicans advanced a map for new congressional lines Friday that includes a disputed North Florida district closer to what the Senate proposed than what Gov. Ron DeSantis has sought. Still, the Republican-controlled House Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee voted along party lines to…
Read More House Differs From DeSantis, Senate On Congressional Map
TALLAHASSEE, FL. – A proposal aimed at expanding investment in electric-vehicle charging stations started to move forward Tuesday in the House, despite concerns about state regulators being directed to set prices and work outside their jurisdiction. The House Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee voted 13-3…
Read More Electric Vehicle Charging Plan Gets Backing
TALLAHASSEE, FL.- Alligator hunting could become a 24/7 endeavor under a proposal going before Florida wildlife commissioners. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on March 2 will consider a staff proposal that would expand, at most locations, the daily hours for the next alligator…
Read More Florida Gator Hunts Could Get Longer Hours