Statewide News

The Florida House is again moving to pass a controversial bill that would lower the minimum age to purchase rifles and other long guns from 21 to 18, though the Senate has not given any public sign that it is on board.

The Florida House is again moving to pass a controversial bill that would lower the minimum age to purchase rifles and other long guns from 21 to 18, though the Senate has not given any public sign that it is on board.

Florida House aims again to change gun law

Jim Turner
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
News Service of Florida — The Republican-controlled House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on Tuesday voted 11-5 along party lines to approve the bill (HB 133), which now only needs to clear the House Judiciary Committee before it could go to the full House during the 2026 legislative session.The bill...
State leaders have offered up different ways to lower the taxable values property owners pay one while while looking to shield funding for schools and law enforcement.

State leaders have offered up different ways to lower the taxable values property owners pay one while while looking to shield funding for schools and law enforcement.

House offers menu of property tax cuts

Jim Turner
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
The Florida House of Representatives has rolled out a series of proposed constitutional amendments to cut property taxes, while looking to shield funding for schools and law enforcement.House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, outlined the menu of proposals, which came as Gov. Ron DeSantis has made a...
State Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia’s department sent law officers to a Largo home over a postcard that criticized Ingoglia. (Photo/Colin Hackley, News Service of Florida)

State Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia’s department sent law officers to a Largo home over a postcard that criticized Ingoglia. (Photo/Colin Hackley, News Service of Florida)

CAPITOL COLUMN — State shouldn't send cops to bully critics

Bill Cotterell
Friday, October 17, 2025
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia ought to take a break from barnstorming across the state and arrange a mandatory conference call to remind all his division directors and bureau chiefs that Americans still have a right to talk back to their government.But first, he ought to dash off...
With races in 2026 for governor, a U.S. Senate seat and Florida Cabinet offices, Secretary of State Cord Byrd has expressed confidence in the integrity and security of Florida’s election system.

With races in 2026 for governor, a U.S. Senate seat and Florida Cabinet offices, Secretary of State Cord Byrd has expressed confidence in the integrity and security of Florida’s election system.

State touts election safeguards

Jim Saunders
Friday, October 17, 2025
News Service of Florida — With races in 2026 for governor, a U.S. Senate seat and Florida Cabinet offices, Secretary of State Cord Byrd has expressed confidence in the integrity and security of Florida’s election system.“Our elections are open and transparent,” Byrd said during an Oct. 8...
Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, was formally designated Tuesday to become Senate president after the 2026 elections. Photo/Colin Hackley, News Service of Florida)

Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, was formally designated Tuesday to become Senate president after the 2026 elections. Photo/Colin Hackley, News Service of Florida)

Garrison gets nod as next House speaker; Boyd backed to become Senate President

Jim Turner
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
News Service of Florida — House Republicans have formally designated Rep. Sam Garrison to succeed House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, after the 2026 elections, and Jim Boyd, a veteran lawmaker who heads an insurance and investment firm in Bradenton, was formally selected Tuesday by Senate...
A lawsuit has been filed that states a new state law that blocks cities and counties from approving "more restrictive or burdensome" changes to growth plans is unconstitutional.

A lawsuit has been filed that states a new state law that blocks cities and counties from approving "more restrictive or burdensome" changes to growth plans is unconstitutional.

Growth state law draws another challenge

Jim Saunders
Thursday, October 9, 2025
News Service of Florida — The growth-management group 1000 Friends of Florida and an Orange County resident have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new state law that blocks cities and counties from approving "more restrictive or burdensome" changes to growth plans.The lawsuit,...
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

Bill Cotterell
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
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. Ron DeSantis and other Republicans have been promoting the idea of doing away with property taxes for homeowners, or...
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

News Service Of Florida
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
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.“At a university of nearly 70,000 students, this accomplishment is truly remarkable and unprecedented...
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

News Service Of Florida
Monday, September 22, 2025
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.Jolly, a former congressman and the father of two young...
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

Jim Saunders
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
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. Supreme Court rulings on Second Amendment issues, said the open-carry ban is...
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