Statewide News

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

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.
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.