Statewide News

The rule will carry out part of a controversial 2022 law (HB 1467) that increased scrutiny of school library books and instructional materials, amid a broader push by state officials to weed out inappropriate content. PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

The rule will carry out part of a controversial 2022 law (HB 1467) that increased scrutiny of school library books and instructional materials, amid a broader push by state officials to weed out inappropriate content. PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

Library book objection list approved

Ryan Dailey
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
The state Board of Education has approved a new rule that will lead to Florida officials publishing an annual list of library books and instructional materials that have drawn public objections, in a move that the board’s chairman said will “provide transparency for our families.
Alt Text for ImageThe budget, which will take effect July 1, still needs approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has line-item veto power.

Alt Text for ImageThe budget, which will take effect July 1, still needs approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has line-item veto power.

Small details fill big state budget

Jim Turner
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
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 projects and road construction.
A crowd gathered Friday for a traditional hanky-drop ceremony marking the end of the legislative session. PHOTO/TOM URBAN

A crowd gathered Friday for a traditional hanky-drop ceremony marking the end of the legislative session. PHOTO/TOM URBAN

Lawmakers pass $117B budget, end session

Jim Turner And Ryan Dailey
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Florida lawmakers finalized a $117 billion budget and a $1.3 billion tax package to end a legislative session that carried out many of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ priorities.
Part of the $117 billion past by legislators includes expanded sales tax holidays on back to school items, storm preparations and a "Freedom holiday" around July 4.

Part of the $117 billion past by legislators includes expanded sales tax holidays on back to school items, storm preparations and a "Freedom holiday" around July 4.

Tax breaks teed up for shoppers, businesses

Jim Turner
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Florida lawmakers have negotiated a nearly $1.3 billion tax package for next fiscal year that includes expanding popular shopping sales tax “holidays,” trimming a commercial lease tax and cutting costs of diapers for babies and adults.
The courts will hear some of the next arguments between Walt Disney World and the board Gov. Ron DeSantis put in place to oversee it. FILE PHOTO

The courts will hear some of the next arguments between Walt Disney World and the board Gov. Ron DeSantis put in place to oversee it. FILE PHOTO

‘DeSantis vs. the Mouse’ moves to the courts

Ryan Dailey
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
The festering feud between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney shifted to the courts this week, in a move the governor slammed as “political” and “without merit.
The proposal (HJR 31) will go on the 2024 ballot and, if approved by voters, would do away with a requirement that school-board candidates run without party labels. Partisan elections could begin in 2026. FILE PHOTO

The proposal (HJR 31) will go on the 2024 ballot and, if approved by voters, would do away with a requirement that school-board candidates run without party labels. Partisan elections could begin in 2026. FILE PHOTO

Partisan School Board elections to go on ballot

Ryan Dailey
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
The Florida Senate on Wednesday gave final approval to a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to shift to holding partisan school-board elections.
Views in the House varied on the bill, from, “We value life from conception to the casket," to, "A devastating day for Floridians and especially for Florida’s women.”

Views in the House varied on the bill, from, “We value life from conception to the casket," to, "A devastating day for Floridians and especially for Florida’s women.”

Lawmakers pass 6-week abortion limit; DeSantis signs it

Jim Saunders And Tom Urban
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
The Florida House gave final approval to a bill that would prevent abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, setting up a showdown at the state Supreme Court that could determine the future of abortion rights in Florida.
House Bill 991, working its way through the Legislature, is a controversial proposal that would make it easier for people to sue news organizations for defamation.

House Bill 991, working its way through the Legislature, is a controversial proposal that would make it easier for people to sue news organizations for defamation.

Lawmakers support media defamation law changes

Dara Kam
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
News Service of Florida Ignoring arguments that the bill is unconstitutional, the Florida House of Representatives is working to approve a controversial proposal that would make it easier for people to sue news organizations for defamation.
While Gov. DeSantis called the massive expansion of Florida’s school-voucher programs a "game changer," it received criticism from Democrats and the state's teacher union. FILE PHOTO/STATE CAPITOL

While Gov. DeSantis called the massive expansion of Florida’s school-voucher programs a "game changer," it received criticism from Democrats and the state's teacher union. FILE PHOTO/STATE CAPITOL

DeSantis quickly signs voucher expansion

Ryan Dailey
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
News Service of Florida Calling the measure a “game changer,” Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday quickly signed a massive expansion of Florida’s school-voucher programs, while Democrats and other opponents continued to warn about the potential costs of the plan.
State Republicans say the bill "will forever change the course of education in Florida," while some Deomcrats criticized the possibility that wealthy families would receive vouchers.

State Republicans say the bill "will forever change the course of education in Florida," while some Deomcrats criticized the possibility that wealthy families would receive vouchers.

House passes major voucher expansion

Ryan Dailey
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
The Republican-controlled House has passed a measure that would make every Florida student eligible for taxpayer-backed school vouchers, as Democrats and other critics slammed the expansion as a “coupon for millionaires.” House members voted 83-27 along almost-straight party lines to pass the bill.
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