Statewide News

A map of the major redrawing of the state’s 28 congressional districts, approved Wednesday in a special session of the Florida Legislature. (Photo/Florida Senate, Office of Sen. Kristen Arrington)

A map of the major redrawing of the state’s 28 congressional districts, approved Wednesday in a special session of the Florida Legislature. (Photo/Florida Senate, Office of Sen. Kristen Arrington)

Legislature approves DeSantis’ Congressional districts

News Service Of Florida
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
By Gray Rohrer — Florida lawmakers approved a major redrawing of the state’s 28 congressional districts Wednesday, a move that could help Republicans retain control of the U.S. House in the midterm elections.The outcome was anticipated but still held much drama. The U.S.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office submitted a new congressional map to the Legislature on Monday — after first releasing the map to Fox News. (File Photo/News Service of Florida)

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office submitted a new congressional map to the Legislature on Monday — after first releasing the map to Fox News. (File Photo/News Service of Florida)

DeSantis submits Congressional district redraw to Legislature

News Service Of Florida
Monday, April 27, 2026
By Gray Rohrer — Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office submitted a new congressional map to the Legislature on Monday that would drastically alter several U.S. House districts in Central and South Florida.
More than one month after ending the regular session without passing a budget, legislative leaders said Thursday they have a deal on top-line spending levels. (News Service of Florida)

More than one month after ending the regular session without passing a budget, legislative leaders said Thursday they have a deal on top-line spending levels. (News Service of Florida)

Initial state budget deal reached, special session set for May

News Service Of Florida
Thursday, April 23, 2026
By Gray Rohrer More than one month after ending the regular session without passing a budget, legislative leaders said Thursday they have a deal on top-line spending levels.
Forrest Boone, director of regulatory affairs for the Florida Electric Cooperative Association, said changes are still being worked into the process from the 2024 season that saw three storms make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast. (Photo/News Service of Florida file photo)

Forrest Boone, director of regulatory affairs for the Florida Electric Cooperative Association, said changes are still being worked into the process from the 2024 season that saw three storms make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast. (Photo/News Service of Florida file photo)

STATE NEWS — Utility companies gear up For hurricane season

Jim Turner
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
News Service of Florida — Power companies and cooperatives in Florida continue to brace facilities and engage in mock storm training events in preparation for hurricane season, despite some forecasts of a “below normal” period with relatively few storms.
Florida’s unemployment rate ticked up in January to 4.5 percent, a jump of 0.2 percent from December, new data released from the Department of Commerce shows. (Photo/Metro Creative)

Florida’s unemployment rate ticked up in January to 4.5 percent, a jump of 0.2 percent from December, new data released from the Department of Commerce shows. (Photo/Metro Creative)

Jobless rate continues to grow in Florida

Jim Turner
Friday, April 17, 2026
News Service of Florida — Florida’s unemployment rate ticked up in January to 4.5 percent, a jump of 0.2 percent from December, new data released from the Department of Commerce shows.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has raised the possibility of a mid-decade redrawing of congressional districts in Florida. (News Service of Florida file photo)

Gov. Ron DeSantis has raised the possibility of a mid-decade redrawing of congressional districts in Florida. (News Service of Florida file photo)

Redistricting session delayed as DeSantis adds AI, vaccines to agenda

News Service Of Florida
Thursday, April 16, 2026
TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s special session on redistricting will be delayed one week, after Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a proclamation Wednesday postponing it and reviving a couple of his priorities that failed during the regular legislative session.
As soon as Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Wednesday requiring voters to prove their citizenship in future elections, voting rights groups filed a legal challenge against it.

As soon as Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Wednesday requiring voters to prove their citizenship in future elections, voting rights groups filed a legal challenge against it.

Lawsuit filed as DeSantis signs Florida’s version of the SAVE Act

Jim Turner
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
News Service of Florida — As soon as Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation Wednesday requiring voters to prove their citizenship in future elections, voting rights groups filed a legal challenge against it.The bill (HB 991) part of which takes effect Jan.
With the regular session in the rearview mirror, the calls for Gov. Ron DeSantis to apply his signature to bills or bring out the veto pen are just getting started.

With the regular session in the rearview mirror, the calls for Gov. Ron DeSantis to apply his signature to bills or bring out the veto pen are just getting started.

Tallahassee notes: Bill action time

Jim Turner
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
News Service of Florida — With the regular session in the rearview mirror, the calls for Gov. Ron DeSantis to apply his signature to bills or bring out the veto pen are just getting started.
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday proposed temporarily suspending state gas taxes next year. (News Service of Florida file photo)

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday proposed temporarily suspending state gas taxes next year. (News Service of Florida file photo)

Gov. DeSantis: no ‘simple fix’ For rising gas prices

Jim Turner
Monday, March 23, 2026
News Service of Florida — With average gas prices in Florida approaching $4 a gallon — $3.99 is a common price for regular unleaded around Osceola County — Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday there is no “simple fix” the state could enact.
Sen. Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, is slated Tuesday to be formally designated as the next Senate president. (News Service of Florida photo Colin Hackley/File)

Sen. Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, is slated Tuesday to be formally designated as the next Senate president. (News Service of Florida photo Colin Hackley/File)

Budget standoff means lawmakers will return amid ‘Animosity,’ ‘Mistrust’

News Service Of Florida
Friday, March 13, 2026
By Gray Rohrer News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — For the second straight year, lawmakers will need extra time to complete the budget – the one bill the Legislature is constitutionally required to pass each year.
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