Statewide News

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday called a state appellate court’s decision to expunge the Hope Florida grand jury report “death by firing squad" and demanded those responsible for leak of the report be held accountable. (News Service of Florida file photo)

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday called a state appellate court’s decision to expunge the Hope Florida grand jury report “death by firing squad" and demanded those responsible for leak of the report be held accountable. (News Service of Florida file photo)

DeSantis claims victory over Hope Florida scandal, demands ‘Accountability’

Ana Goñi-lessan
Friday, October 9, 2026
News Service of Florida -- Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday called a state appellate court’s decision to expunge the Hope Florida grand jury report “death by firing squad" and demanded those responsible for leak of the report be held accountable.DeSantis praised the 19-page ruling by the 1st District...
The Florida Department of Education is considering a new dress code policy for employees that puts restrictions on religious head coverings, Crocs and short skirts.

The Florida Department of Education is considering a new dress code policy for employees that puts restrictions on religious head coverings, Crocs and short skirts.

Florida Department of Education eyes dress code for employees

Ana Goñi-lessan
Friday, October 2, 2026
News Service of Florida — The Florida Department of Education is considering a new dress code policy for employees that puts restrictions on religious head coverings, Crocs and short skirts.In a draft sent to employees and obtained by the News Service of Florida, the DOE would require approval for...
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, pictured in Kissimmee earlier this year, has filed suit to stop OpenAI from developing its products until they are safe enough for the general public. (File Photo)

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, pictured in Kissimmee earlier this year, has filed suit to stop OpenAI from developing its products until they are safe enough for the general public. (File Photo)

AG Uthmeier seeks halt to OpenAI development

Gray Rohrer
Monday, September 28, 2026
News Service of Florida — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is already suing OpenAI over its alleged harms to children and abetting acts of violence.
A key part of the recent legislative changes targeted lawsuit costs incurred by insurers, which Cerio said “really exploded” after Hurricane Irma ran up the state in 2017.

A key part of the recent legislative changes targeted lawsuit costs incurred by insurers, which Cerio said “really exploded” after Hurricane Irma ran up the state in 2017.

Citizens Property Insurance President: ‘Market is working’

Jim Turner
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
News Service of Florida—Citizens Property Insurance President Timothy Cerio encouraged policyholders to “shop the market” if their renewal notice includes a sizeable increase.Addressing the state-run company’s Board of Governors on Wednesday, Cerio also proclaimed that “the market is working” due...
Among the new laws taking effect next week on Oct. 1 are changes in how police identify criminal gang members, a new penalty for those who involve minors in animal fighting, and a clarification on license plate frame rules.

Among the new laws taking effect next week on Oct. 1 are changes in how police identify criminal gang members, a new penalty for those who involve minors in animal fighting, and a clarification on license plate frame rules.

New laws, final $1 minimum wage hike arrive with October

Jim Turner
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
News Service of Florida — Among the new laws taking effect next week on Oct. 1 are changes in how police identify criminal gang members, a new penalty for those who involve minors in animal fighting, and a clarification on license plate frame rules.The final $1 increase in the state’s...
“Artificial intelligence is already in the classroom, and the rules before you today are about keeping Florida in front, rather than reacting,” said Education Commissioner Henry Mack.

“Artificial intelligence is already in the classroom, and the rules before you today are about keeping Florida in front, rather than reacting,” said Education Commissioner Henry Mack.

Fla. Board of Education approves AI guidelines for schools, colleges

Ana Goñi-lessan
Thursday, September 17, 2026
News Service of Florida — The Florida Board of Education Wednesday passed rules for the use of artificial intelligence in K-12 public schools and state colleges.At a meeting at Polk State College in Winter Haven, the board approved policies requiring school districts to amend their regulations on...
Gov. Ron DeSantis, shown releasing his proposed budget, wants a state “DOGE” to look for waste in government. (News Service of Florida Photo/Tom Urban)

Gov. Ron DeSantis, shown releasing his proposed budget, wants a state “DOGE” to look for waste in government. (News Service of Florida Photo/Tom Urban)

DeSantis splits with state GOP on Reserve Fund Amendment

Gray Rohrer
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
News Service of Florida — Gov. Ron DeSantis eventually got the Legislature to put his property tax cut measure (now called Amendment 3) on the ballot, but he’s not on board with a different amendment backed by GOP leaders in his party.DeSantis on Monday evening came out against Amendment 1, which...
Florida State University's football team plays at Doak Campbell Stadium. (News Service of Florida File Photo/Tom Urban)

Florida State University's football team plays at Doak Campbell Stadium. (News Service of Florida File Photo/Tom Urban)

State university leaders seek rule changes on paid athletics

Jim Turner
Friday, September 4, 2026
News Service of Florida -- Legislators could be asked to impose a “commercially reasonable” registration fee on athletic agents as state university leaders seek changes to address the rapidly evolving landscape of college sports.The State University System Board of Governors on Thursday accepted a...
Gov. Ron DeSantis and Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue repeatedly referenced “the Jetsons” to highlight that testing on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft will be underway by the end of the year at the SunTrax test facility in Polk County. (Photo/Governor's Office Twitter)

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue repeatedly referenced “the Jetsons” to highlight that testing on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft will be underway by the end of the year at the SunTrax test facility in Polk County. (Photo/Governor's Office Twitter)

Where Florida’s going, ‘We Don’t Need Roads’

Jim Turner
Thursday, September 3, 2026
News Service of Florida — As schools open across Florida, state officials envision the opening to the 1960s animated series ‘The Jetsons,’ where Elroy Jetson is ejected outside Little Dipper School in a small bubble-top pod from the family’s flying car.Gov. Ron DeSantis and Transportation Secretary...
Shoppers will be able to avoid paying sales taxes on gun purchases from Monday through the end of the year. (News Service of Florida Photo Mike Exline)

Shoppers will be able to avoid paying sales taxes on gun purchases from Monday through the end of the year. (News Service of Florida Photo Mike Exline)

Guns, Outdoor Goods Tax Holiday starts Sept. 1 — find out more

Jim Turner
Sunday, August 30, 2026
News Service of Florida — An upcoming four-month sales tax “holiday” on certain camping and hunting gear, including guns and ammunition, is back to round out the year.The retail industry is hoping people are becoming more conscious of the discount period that begins Sept 1 and ends Dec. 31.“It's...
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