Statewide News

State Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is leading efforts to scrutinize local spending.  (Photo/Colin Hackley, NSF)

State Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is leading efforts to scrutinize local spending. (Photo/Colin Hackley, NSF)

Capitol Column — ending property taxes sounds too good

There is probably nothing any officeholder likes more in an election year than a chance to cut taxes, a treat that will tempt Florida lawmakers in their 2026 legislative session.Gov.
The University of Central Florida announced Monday it has met standards to be designated as a “preeminent state research university,” which, in part, would lead to increased funding and recognition.

The University of Central Florida announced Monday it has met standards to be designated as a “preeminent state research university,” which, in part, would lead to increased funding and recognition.

UCF on path to ‘Preeminent’ status; Rollins ranked No. 1 in private school regional ranking

The University of Central Florida announced Monday it has met standards to be designated as a “preeminent state research university,” which, in part, would lead to increased funding and recognition.
David Jolly said he questioned "For a family, for a candidate with children, whether or not to stay committed to being in the public arena".

David Jolly said he questioned "For a family, for a candidate with children, whether or not to stay committed to being in the public arena".

Jolly weighed race, upped security after Kirk murder

Democratic candidate David Jolly told a News Service of Florida podcast last week that he considered dropping out of the 2026 Florida governor's race and beefed up security after last week’s assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk.
A state appeals court Wednesday ruled that Florida’s ban on openly carrying guns is unconstitutional.

A state appeals court Wednesday ruled that Florida’s ban on openly carrying guns is unconstitutional.

Court strikes down open carry ban in Florida

News Service of Florida — In a major decision, a state appeals court Wednesday ruled that Florida’s ban on openly carrying guns is unconstitutional.A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal, pointing to U.S.
DeSantis said from his talks with Trump, the president is more concerned with vote-by-mail rules used in states without “adequate safeguards." (Graphic/VoteOsceola.gov)

DeSantis said from his talks with Trump, the president is more concerned with vote-by-mail rules used in states without “adequate safeguards." (Graphic/VoteOsceola.gov)

Florida OK on mail-in voting?

News Service of Florida — Gov. Ron DeSantis this week dismissed concerns Florida’s voting process would be affected by President Donald Trump’s push to abolish mail-in voting before the 2026 midterm elections.
Shoppers will be able to avoid paying sales taxes on gun purchases from Monday through the end of the year. (Photo/Mike Exline, News Service of Florida)

Shoppers will be able to avoid paying sales taxes on gun purchases from Monday through the end of the year. (Photo/Mike Exline, News Service of Florida)

Tax breaks for guns, ammo teed up by Legislature

News Service of Florida — Starting Monday and running through the end of the year, Florida will provide a sales-tax exemption on a variety of hunting equipment, the first time a state tax “holiday” includes guns and ammunition.
State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo on Wednesday vowed to end vaccine mandates in Florida, putting the state in the middle of a growing national debate. (Photo/Florida Department of Health)

State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo on Wednesday vowed to end vaccine mandates in Florida, putting the state in the middle of a growing national debate. (Photo/Florida Department of Health)

State could end vaccine mandates — "All of them"

News Service of Florida — State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo on Wednesday vowed to end vaccine mandates in Florida, putting the state in the middle of a growing national debate.
Questions have swirled about whether newly appointed Lt. Gov. Jay Collins or Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis would also run for governor.

Questions have swirled about whether newly appointed Lt. Gov. Jay Collins or Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis would also run for governor.

Paul Renner enters race for Governor

Former state House Speaker Paul Renner on Wednesday launched a 2026 campaign for governor, becoming the first high-profile candidate to take on Congressman Byron Donalds — who has the backing of President Donald Trump — in the Republican primary.
The law (HB 3), which was one of the biggest issues of the 2024 legislative session, seeks to prevent children under age 16 from opening social-media accounts on certain platforms — though it would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts. Children under 14 could not open accounts.

The law (HB 3), which was one of the biggest issues of the 2024 legislative session, seeks to prevent children under age 16 from opening social-media accounts on certain platforms — though it would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts. Children under 14 could not open accounts.

Over two dozen states back Florida in social media fight

News Service of Florida — Pointing to a “significant interest in protecting children and youth from social media’s harms,” 27 states have backed Florida in an appeals-court battle about a law aimed at keeping kids off certain social-media platforms.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, and state and county legal and education leaders were in Sunbridge Tuesday to announce legal action against textbook publishers they say overcharged the School District of Osceola County. (Photos/https://www. clickorlando.com/news/politics/2025/08/19/florida-gov-ron-desantis-holdsnews- conference-at-st-cloud-school/)

Gov. Ron DeSantis, and state and county legal and education leaders were in Sunbridge Tuesday to announce legal action against textbook publishers they say overcharged the School District of Osceola County. (Photos/https://www. clickorlando.com/news/politics/2025/08/19/florida-gov-ron-desantis-holdsnews- conference-at-st-cloud-school/)

Governor, leaders: Publishers have overcharged Osceola for textbooks

Gov. Ron DeSantis came to Osceola County on Tuesday, to let people know its school district’s been overcharged for textbooks, and he and state leadership won’t stand for it any longer.