‘We have a right to do this’: DeSantis wants Florida to move ahead with AI policies
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting states from passing artificial intelligence laws won’t stop Florida from pursuing policies like new safeguards for children. Florida, the GOP governor said, will forge ahead with consideration of AI regulations like his proposed “bill of rights” stuffed with protections for consumers and residents — all as the Trump administration prepares to unleash lawsuits and withhold funding for states that get in the way of federal AI action. [Source: Politico]
Ag Commissioner Simpson announces opening of application cycle for rural and family lands protection program
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Monday the opening of an application cycle for landowners to apply to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program partners with farmers and ranchers through rural lands protection easements to preserve working agricultural operations that contribute to Florida’s economy and produce our food and fiber. Landowners can now submit their applications online through January 23, 2026. [Source: Central Florida Ag News]
Why Florida is ground zero for coming ObamaCare storm
Florida will be hit harder than any other state if ObamaCare subsidies expire at the end of the year, which is looking increasingly likely as Republicans in Congress struggle to unite behind a plan to extend the tax credits. More than 1.5 million Floridians could lose health care as monthly payments skyrocket. Average premium costs could shoot up by 132 percent, or by $521 annually, for Floridians who currently receive enhanced ObamaCare subsidies, according to the Center for American Progress. [Source: The Hill]
New legislation from Florida lawmakers would let homeowners keep grandfathered rates
US Reps. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) have reintroduced legislation aimed at expanding access to private flood coverage while preserving key pricing benefits under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The Continuous Coverage for Flood Insurance Act is intended to let policyholders maintain qualifying private flood insurance without losing eligibility for NFIP grandfathered rates if they return to the federal program. [Source: Insurance Business Magazine]
Controversial $2.5 billion Florida toll road through sensitive land approved
Touting it as “a major milestone,” transportation officials on Tuesday approved a controversial $2.5 billion road project set to reduce congestion but also pave through environmentally sensitive land in southern Osceola County. The unanimous decision by the Central Florida Expressway Authority in favor of the Southport Connector, a 15-mile tolled expressway that will traverse the Florida Wildlife Corridor and pass near the Disney Wilderness Preserve, marks the final step in a project more than seven years in the making, overcoming lawsuits, public scrutiny and low toll projections. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Spirit secures $100 million in bankruptcy financing to support restructuring
Spirit Aviation Holdings Inc., the parent company of Spirit Airlines, said Dec. 15 it has reached an agreement with senior secured noteholders to amend its debtor-in-possession financing, unlocking an additional $100 million to support its ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring.
› American Society of Civil Engineers rates Florida infrastructure a C+
In its 2025 Report Card for Florida’s Infrastructure, the ASCE looked at 16 categories of infrastructure, and increased the overall grade for the state to a C+, up from a C. The C+ grade is tied for the highest cumulative grade any ASCE state-focused infrastructure report card has received. Additionally, Florida received a B in six categories, the most of any state.
› Fort Lauderdale tops Miami in renter popularity
According to Rentcafe.com’s Q3 2025 Renter Engagement Tracker, the city is ranked No. 14 nationally, up three spots from the same period in 2024. In 2025 alone, it has broken the top 30 list every quarter of the year. In the state ranking, Fort Lauderdale is directly followed by Orlando at No. 2.
› Democratic lawmakers push to close gun enforcement gap in domestic violence injunctions
A triple homicide in South Florida this year is driving a renewed push by Democratic lawmakers to strengthen state protections against domestic violence.
Boca Raton Sen. Tina Scott Polsky and Rep. Robin Bartleman of Weston have filed twin bills (SB 858, HB 729) that would require law enforcement to seize firearms when domestic violence injunctions are issued and impose tougher penalties on repeat violators.
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› As Hollywood turns 100, the hotel that anchored its founding is in a state of limbo
The City of Hollywood was imagined by its founder as a beautiful destination by the sea that could attract newcomers with glitz and glamour, like its California namesake. To anchor his newly founded city, Joseph Young conceived a luxurious hotel to welcome visitors and investors alike, and so embarked on a breakneck effort to build what would be the Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel.
› House committee advances bill expanding E-Verify to all Florida businesses
Rep. Berny Jacques is seeking to revive his legislation to expand E-Verify to all businesses after his similar bill last Session died in the Senate.
Jacques’ new measure (HB 197) took a step forward as the House Commerce Committee advanced it with a 16-5 vote.
› Florida firms rank on Deloitte Fast 500 list
There are 14 Sunshine State companies on this year’s North America Technology Fast 500 list put out by Deloitte, including several based in South Florida. Local companies that made the cut include businesses in the fintech, artificial intelligence and software and services sectors.
› Levine Cava, Estefan headline 2025 Hall of Fame induction
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Grammy award winning recording artist Gloria Estefan lead the class for the 2025 Miami-Dade County Women's Hall of Fame, which honors females who made significant contributions in the community.