June 5, 2023
News Service of Florida
Governor Signs Renter Fee Bill
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a heavily debated bill that could lead to landlords collecting monthly fees instead of security deposits from renters.
The bill (HB 133), which lawmakers...
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Published on 6/4/2023
Boating Accidents Down, Deaths Up
Boating accidents in Florida decreased in 2022, but deaths from the accidents were up, according to a new report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The state recorded...
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Published on 6/4/2023
Florida jobless claim totals see little change
Florida continues to see relatively little change in the pace of unemployment claims.
The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday released a report that estimated 5,523 first-time unemployment claims were...
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Published on 6/1/2023
Florida Tapped for Space Force Programs
Patrick Space Force Base in Brevard County has been named the “preferred” location for two parts of the growing U.S. Space Force — the Space Training and Readiness Command Headquarters...
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Published on 6/1/2023
FAU Shutdown Case Goes to Supreme Court
A lawsuit stemming from the shutdown of Florida Atlantic University’s campus early in the COVID-19 pandemic has gone to the state Supreme Court.
An attorney for students filed a notice...
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Published on 5/31/2023
Battle of constitutions looms in Florida redistricting case
TALLAHASSEE — When Florida voters in 2010 passed a constitutional amendment setting rules for congressional redistricting, they barred drawing districts that would “diminish” the ability of minorities to “elect representatives...
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Published on 5/31/2023
Florida tourism officials set to compete more aggressively for U.S., foreign visitors
TALLAHASSEE --- Visit Florida staff members have crafted a tourism-marketing plan intended to combat increased competition from states that in the past few years imposed tougher COVID-19 restrictions.
With restrictions...
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Published on 5/31/2023
Enterprise Florida Closure Teed Up
A bill that would close Enterprise Florida, the state’s business-recruitment agency since 1996, was formally sent Tuesday to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The bill (HB 5), a priority of House Speaker...
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Published on 5/31/2023
Miami, Tampa Top Housing Price Hikes
Miami and Tampa continued to top other metro areas nationally in home-price increases in March when compared to a year earlier, according to a report released Tuesday.
Miami remained atop...
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Published on 5/30/2023
Federal appeals court gives the go-ahead for a hospital payments case
A federal appeals court Thursday cleared the way for eight South Florida hospitals to pursue a lawsuit against a health insurer in a dispute about payments for emergency-room care.
A...
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Published on 5/29/2023
Lawmakers shielded in redistricting fight
TALLAHASSEE — A panel of federal judges Thursday shielded eight current and former legislative leaders from having to testify in a challenge to a congressional redistricting plan that Gov. Ron...
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Published on 5/26/2023
DeSantis, Cabinet Sign Off on Land Deals
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet on Tuesday approved spending nearly $100 million on land deals that will secure about 36,000 acres as part of a growing wildlife corridor....
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Published on 5/24/2023
DeSantis Names Sasso to Supreme Court
TALLAHASSEE — Continuing to mold a conservative Florida Supreme Court, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday named Meredith Sasso to succeed former Justice Ricky Polston, who stepped down in March.
Sasso,...
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Published on 5/23/2023
School Start Time Changes Raise Questions
TALLAHASSEE — School officials will soon be gearing up to push back start times for many high schools under a new law that mandates changes to the beginning of the...
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Published on 5/22/2023
Florida moves to shield space companies from lawsuits
A measure now before Gov. Ron DeSantis would extend liability protections to private aerospace companies if crew members are injured or killed in spaceflights.
The legislation (SB 1318) was among...
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Published on 5/18/2023
Wildlife Corridor Expansion Eyed
TALLAHASSEE --- State officials next week could direct nearly $100 million to secure more than 35,500 acres of primarily ranchland for the growing statewide Wildlife Corridor, while keeping agricultural operations...
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Published on 5/17/2023
DeSantis Signs Bill Targeting 'DEI'
TALLAHASSEE — Continuing an effort to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from Florida’s higher-education system, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a measure aimed at prohibiting colleges and universities...
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Published on 5/17/2023
New FGCU President's Contract Eyed
TALLAHASSEE — As Florida Gulf Coast University prepares to usher in a new era with President-elect Aysegul Timur, one member of the state university system’s Board of Governors suggested Wednesday...
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Published on 5/17/2023
Small details fill big Florida budget
TALLAHASSEE --- Florida lawmakers this month passed a record $117 billion budget that covers more than 500 pages and includes high-profile issues such as money for schools, health care, environmental...
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Published on 5/17/2023
Florida recreational marijuana drive to get Supreme Court review
TALLAHASSEE — Attorney General Ashley Moody on Monday formally submitted a proposed recreational-marijuana ballot initiative to the Florida Supreme Court, and she signaled she will argue that the proposal doesn’t...
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Published on 5/16/2023
Florida citrus growers expected to deliver smallest orange crop in almost 90 years
TALLAHASSEE --- Production numbers for Florida’s orange crop continue to decline as the citrus industry’s storm-battered season nears an end.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday issued a forecast...
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Published on 5/14/2023
Florida Jobless Claims Hold Steady
The number of first-time unemployment claims showed little change last week, as concerns about the labor force continue.
The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday released a report that estimated...
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Published on 5/11/2023
DeSantis signs bill restricting teacher, public sector unions
TALLAHASSEE — Potentially setting the stage for a legal fight, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed a bill that will place additional restrictions on public-employee unions, including preventing dues from...
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Published on 5/10/2023
Florida abortion rights supporters are launching a campaign to put the issue on the ballot
After the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a law to prevent abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, abortion-rights supporters want to take the issue to voters.
Floridians Protecting Freedom,...
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Published on 5/8/2023
Florida speeds up work on 20 highway projects, per DeSantis' request
As Florida lawmakers put the finishing touches on this year’s legislative session, they approved a request from Gov. Ron DeSantis to help speed 20 highway projects across the state under...
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Published on 5/8/2023
