Statewide News

Four of five Osceola County Commissioners are in at least their fifth term. The state legislature is considering a bill limiting commissioners to two full terms of eight years. PHOTO/CENTRAL FLORIDA PUBLIC MEDIA

Four of five Osceola County Commissioners are in at least their fifth term. The state legislature is considering a bill limiting commissioners to two full terms of eight years. PHOTO/CENTRAL FLORIDA PUBLIC MEDIA

State lawmakers look at county term limits

Dara Kam
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
News Service of Florida — Rural officials are balking at legislation that would allow voters to decide whether county commissioners should be limited to eight years in office, arguing that the restriction would quash the voices of local residents.
Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, is sponsoring a bill aimed at using "granny flats" to help address the state's affordable housing problems. PHOTO/COLIN HACKLEY NSF

Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, is sponsoring a bill aimed at using "granny flats" to help address the state's affordable housing problems. PHOTO/COLIN HACKLEY NSF

'Granny Flats' eyed amid housing problems

Jim Saunders and News Service Of Florida
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
As Florida continues to struggle with a lack of affordable housing, lawmakers are looking at “granny flats” to help address the problem.
Those criticizing Gov. Ron DeSantis' State of the State speech Tuesday said it offered no solutions. FILE PHOTO

Those criticizing Gov. Ron DeSantis' State of the State speech Tuesday said it offered no solutions. FILE PHOTO

Meanwhile, DeSantis has his DeTractors ...

Staff Report
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Much like the Democratic Party's response to President Donald Trump's address to Congress Tuesday night, there were those who had a response to Governor Ron Desantis' State of the State address during the first day of Florida’s 2025 Legislative session on Tuesday.
Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke with reporters after his State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature. PHOTO/JIM SAUNDERS, NSF

Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke with reporters after his State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature. PHOTO/JIM SAUNDERS, NSF

DeSantis targets ballot initiatives, taxes in State of the State Address

Jim Saunders
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
News Service of Florida: While saying Florida has been a leader on issues such as cracking down on illegal immigration, Gov. Ron DeSantis Tuesday helped launch the 2025 legislative session by calling for revamping the ballot-initiative process, curbing property taxes and revisiting gun laws.
Florida lawmakers next week will start the annual legislative session, which will include considering hundreds of bills. Here are 10 issues to watch during the 60-day session. FILE PHOTO

Florida lawmakers next week will start the annual legislative session, which will include considering hundreds of bills. Here are 10 issues to watch during the 60-day session. FILE PHOTO

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA — 10 legislative issues to watch

Jim Saunders
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Florida lawmakers next week will start the annual legislative session, which will include considering hundreds of bills. Here are 10 issues to watch during the 60-day session:BUDGET: Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed a $115.6 billion budget for the fiscal year that will start July 1.
Florida gubernatorial hopeful Byron Donalds served from 2016-2020 in the Florida House, before getting elected to Congress.

Florida gubernatorial hopeful Byron Donalds served from 2016-2020 in the Florida House, before getting elected to Congress.

Republican Byron Donalds formally enters 2026 Governor’s race

Jim Saunders
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
News Service of Florida — After announcing his candidacy Tuesday night on Fox News, Florida Congressman Byron Donalds filed paperwork Wednesday to formally enter the 2026 race for governor.Donalds, a Naples Republican, became the first major candidate to enter the race to succeed term-limited Gov.
DeSantis' new panel would reportedly review some 900 state positions, university spending, local government spending and the need for about 70 state boards and commissions.

DeSantis' new panel would reportedly review some 900 state positions, university spending, local government spending and the need for about 70 state boards and commissions.

DeSantis touts Florida's own DOGE task force

Jim Turner
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Taking a page from billionaire Elon Musk’s push to cut federal spending, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday announced a new panel that will review about 900 state positions, university spending, local government spending and the need for about 70 state boards and commissions.
James Uthmeier is sworn in Monday as Florida attorney general. PHOTO/TOM URBAN, NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

James Uthmeier is sworn in Monday as Florida attorney general. PHOTO/TOM URBAN, NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

James Uthmeier takes reins as Attorney General

Jim Turner
Monday, February 17, 2025
News Service of Florida: With Gov. Ron DeSantis describing him as a “bulldog,” James Uthmeier was elevated Monday to become Florida attorney general after serving as the governor’s chief of staff.
The Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a suite of measures Thursday aimed at strengthening enforcement of illegal immigration.

The Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a suite of measures Thursday aimed at strengthening enforcement of illegal immigration.

State lawmakers pass illegal immigration crackdown

Dara Kam
Friday, February 14, 2025
News Service of Florida: President Donald Trump emerged as the biggest winner Thursday as the Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a suite of measures aimed at strengthening enforcement of illegal immigration.
Senate President Ben Albritton (shown in photo) and House Speaker Daniel Perez on Monday called a special legislative session to address illegal immigration. NSF PHOTO/COLIN HACKLEY

Senate President Ben Albritton (shown in photo) and House Speaker Daniel Perez on Monday called a special legislative session to address illegal immigration. NSF PHOTO/COLIN HACKLEY

New special session called on immigration

Jim Saunders
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
News Service of Florida — After a special session late last month spiraled into a clash between Republican legislative leaders and Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida lawmakers will meet in another special session Tuesday to pass a package of bills targeting illegal immigration — with DeSantis’ support.
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