Statewide News

The bill to regulate vacation home rentals at the state level was a point of contention among the legislative delegation from Osceola County, called the "Vacation Home Capital of the World." PHOTO/GLOBAL RESORT HOMES

The bill to regulate vacation home rentals at the state level was a point of contention among the legislative delegation from Osceola County, called the "Vacation Home Capital of the World." PHOTO/GLOBAL RESORT HOMES

DeSantis vetoes controversial vacation rental bill

News Service of Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed a measure aimed at regulating vacation rentals, saying the proposal would create “bureaucratic red tape” for local officials.
The tax “holiday” will allow shoppers to avoid paying sales taxes on a wide range of recreational items and activities throughout July.

The tax “holiday” will allow shoppers to avoid paying sales taxes on a wide range of recreational items and activities throughout July.

‘Freedom Month’ sales tax breaks start in July

News Service of Florida — Retailers hope outdoor enthusiasts planning to buy canoes, fishing gear or tickets to ball games have become more aware of an upcoming tax-free shopping period that lawmakers have dubbed “Freedom Month.
At Tuesday’s Osceola Legislative Delegation Update presented by the Osceola Chamber, from left, Walt Disney World Senior Government Advisory Manager Leticia Adams, Osceola County legislators Sen. Victor Torres and state Rep. Kristen Arrington, Paula Stark and Tom Keen engaged in conversation about the 2024 session. PHOTO/KEN JACKSON

At Tuesday’s Osceola Legislative Delegation Update presented by the Osceola Chamber, from left, Walt Disney World Senior Government Advisory Manager Leticia Adams, Osceola County legislators Sen. Victor Torres and state Rep. Kristen Arrington, Paula Stark and Tom Keen engaged in conversation about the 2024 session. PHOTO/KEN JACKSON

Osceola’s delegation updates legislation at Chamber’s update event

The Osceola Chamber can still pack a room, especially when it brings the area’s Tallahassee legislators together for an update on the 2024 legislative session and the bills passed, and signed by the governor, and how they will affect the county.
Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed about $950 million in funding projects — including a few local ones — in signing the $116.5 billion budget. NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA FILE PHOTO

Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed about $950 million in funding projects — including a few local ones — in signing the $116.5 billion budget. NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA FILE PHOTO

DeSantis signs $116.5 billion budget — local projects vetoed

Late Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a $116.5 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, after vetoing close to $950 million in spending approved by lawmakers in March.
In the past, municipal officials were required to file what is known as a “Form 1,” which provided less-detailed financial information. The law required them to file a more-detailed “Form 6,” the type of disclosure filed by state elected officials.

In the past, municipal officials were required to file what is known as a “Form 1,” which provided less-detailed financial information. The law required them to file a more-detailed “Form 6,” the type of disclosure filed by state elected officials.

Elected official financial disclosure law blocked

News Service of Florida — A federal judge has blocked a 2023 Florida law that required municipal elected officials to disclose detailed information about their personal finances, ruling that the law likely violated First Amendment rights.U.S.
The Florida Supreme Court Thursday upheld Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to suspend 9th Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell. FILE PHOTO

The Florida Supreme Court Thursday upheld Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to suspend 9th Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell. FILE PHOTO

Supreme Court justices back DeSantis' Monique Worrell suspension

News Service of Florida -- The Florida Supreme Court Thursday upheld Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to suspend 9th Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell, saying he made adequate allegations of neglect of duty and incompetence.
Step Up for Students, an organization that administers vouchers for the state, will continue to accept applications through the beginning of the school year.

Step Up for Students, an organization that administers vouchers for the state, will continue to accept applications through the beginning of the school year.

Vouchers for home education set to increase

News Service of Florida -- A state voucher program that began in the 2023-2024 school year is on pace to double in size — at least — as applications roll in from families who educate children at home and are seeking funds to make a range of purchases.
Lawmakers have touted the proposed 2024-2025 budget as being a reduction from the $119.1 billion budget plan for the current year, which ends June 30, but that doesn’t take into account money included in separate bills.

Lawmakers have touted the proposed 2024-2025 budget as being a reduction from the $119.1 billion budget plan for the current year, which ends June 30, but that doesn’t take into account money included in separate bills.

State spending draws scrutiny of TaxWatch

News Service of Florida -- Florida TaxWatch has raised concerns about 450 items in the state’s proposed budget for next fiscal year and called for additional scrutiny into 1,600 local projects backed by lawmakers.The budget, passed by the Legislature in March and awaiting action by Gov.
Democrats say a Florida ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy could galvanize their voters in Florida this year. FILE PHOTO

Democrats say a Florida ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy could galvanize their voters in Florida this year. FILE PHOTO

Kamala Harris visit puts spotlight on politics of abortion

News Service of Florida -- As a Florida law took effect Wednesday preventing abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned in Jacksonville -- another sign of the political importance of abortion issues in the 2024 elections.
E-sports and online gaming could be coming to the Florida High School Athletics Association after discussion at an FHSAA board meeting. PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

E-sports and online gaming could be coming to the Florida High School Athletics Association after discussion at an FHSAA board meeting. PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

Florida High School Athletics mulls adding E-sports

News Service of Florida — The Florida High School Athletic Association could potentially sanction competitive video gaming, or e-sports, as an official sport, amid growing interest from member schools.