Florida Legislature advances crackdown on recreational nitrous oxide
Florida lawmakers are debating new restrictions on the retail sale of nitrous oxide, a gas commonly used for legitimate culinary and medical purposes but increasingly abused recreationally.
Florida lawmakers are debating new restrictions on the retail sale of nitrous oxide, a gas commonly used for legitimate culinary and medical purposes but increasingly abused recreationally.
Florida bill could allow armed volunteers at houses of worship
A bill that unanimously passed through the Florida Senate last week could change how churches, temples and mosques handle security.
A bill that unanimously passed through the Florida Senate last week could change how churches, temples and mosques handle security.
Florida agriculture bill causes concern about free speech, sponsors defend it
House Bill 433 (Section 47) and Senate Bill 290 (Section 48) spell out a new non-disparagement law for agriculture. This would mean that Floridians could be sued if they knowingly spread false information about agricultural products or practices.
House Bill 433 (Section 47) and Senate Bill 290 (Section 48) spell out a new non-disparagement law for agriculture. This would mean that Floridians could be sued if they knowingly spread false information about agricultural products or practices.
Advocates head to Tallahassee to push for continued cancer funding
A bus filled with cancer patients, survivors, doctors and researchers left Moffitt Cancer Center’s McKinley Campus early Wednesday, headed for the Florida Capitol.
A bus filled with cancer patients, survivors, doctors and researchers left Moffitt Cancer Center’s McKinley Campus early Wednesday, headed for the Florida Capitol.
Florida lawmakers revisit hurricane law after critics say it froze local planning
A state senator from Tampa Bay is trying to fix a hurricane recovery bill that he sponsored last year.
A state senator from Tampa Bay is trying to fix a hurricane recovery bill that he sponsored last year.
Florida lawmakers weigh new contracts, pay rules as teacher vacancies grow
Wednesday marks the second day of Florida’s 2026 regular legislative session, and lawmakers are turning their focus to Florida’s growing teacher shortage.
Wednesday marks the second day of Florida’s 2026 regular legislative session, and lawmakers are turning their focus to Florida’s growing teacher shortage.
Florida Gov.
Florida’s ‘Schools of Hope’ program expected to be major focus as lawmakers head back to Tallahassee
Florida lawmakers are heading back to work as the legislative session begins, and education is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched issues.
Florida lawmakers are heading back to work as the legislative session begins, and education is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched issues.
Florida lawmakers to consider mandatory recess for middle schoolers
A new proposal filed in Tallahassee aims to give older kids a break during the school day.
A new proposal filed in Tallahassee aims to give older kids a break during the school day.
Tampa high school students' bill on e-bike safety officially filed after losing classmate
Students from Freedom High School have taken legislative matters into their own hands. State Representative Susan Valdes recently introduced a bill aimed at enhancing safety measures for young riders, a proposal that originated from some determined teens.
Students from Freedom High School have taken legislative matters into their own hands. State Representative Susan Valdes recently introduced a bill aimed at enhancing safety measures for young riders, a proposal that originated from some determined teens.
New proposal could fast-track grocery stores in Florida’s 'food deserts'
State Rep. Michele Rayner has introduced House Bill 337, which would allow local governments to streamline zoning rules and expedite approvals for small-footprint grocery stores offering nutrient-dense foods in food-insecure areas.
State Rep. Michele Rayner has introduced House Bill 337, which would allow local governments to streamline zoning rules and expedite approvals for small-footprint grocery stores offering nutrient-dense foods in food-insecure areas.
Florida handicap parking now open to pregnant women with a permit
From morning sickness to swollen feet, pregnancy creates all kinds of challenges for expectant mothers. State lawmakers are making sure finding a parking spot will not be one of them. A new Florida law that took effect on July 1 allows pregnant women to get a handicap parking permit.
From morning sickness to swollen feet, pregnancy creates all kinds of challenges for expectant mothers. State lawmakers are making sure finding a parking spot will not be one of them. A new Florida law that took effect on July 1 allows pregnant women to get a handicap parking permit.
New Florida laws take effect Jan. 1: Here’s what to know
From banning children under 14 from having social media accounts to not harassing first responders, there are nine new laws taking effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
From banning children under 14 from having social media accounts to not harassing first responders, there are nine new laws taking effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
Florida proposal would make it tougher for local governments to ban fertilizers during rainy season
Over the weekend, Florida legislators added a new item to the state budget proposal that would block local governments from banning restrictions on fertilizer use during the rainy season.
Over the weekend, Florida legislators added a new item to the state budget proposal that would block local governments from banning restrictions on fertilizer use during the rainy season.
Florida House set to pass concealed weapons change
A controversial proposal that would allow people to carry guns without state concealed-weapons licenses is poised to pass the Florida House on Friday.
A controversial proposal that would allow people to carry guns without state concealed-weapons licenses is poised to pass the Florida House on Friday.
Florida bill will make it easier for law enforcement to penalize slow left-lane drivers
A Florida lawmaker is sponsoring a bill that would crack down on drivers who cruise in the left lane of a highway.
A Florida lawmaker is sponsoring a bill that would crack down on drivers who cruise in the left lane of a highway.
Florida's 6-week abortion limit bill to get first hearing Thursday
A Florida House panel Thursday is scheduled to take up a bill that seeks to prevent abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
A Florida House panel Thursday is scheduled to take up a bill that seeks to prevent abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
Florida Republicans file bill banning abortion after 6 weeks of pregnancy
On the first day of Florida's 2023 legislative session, state Republicans introduced a bill that would ban abortion after six weeks.
On the first day of Florida's 2023 legislative session, state Republicans introduced a bill that would ban abortion after six weeks.
Florida lawmakers report to Tallahassee for special session on Disney's Reedy Creek, other issues
Florida lawmakers will start a special legislative session Monday that is expected to lead to state control over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which Gov. Ron DeSantis targeted last year after the Walt Disney Co. criticized a controversial education law.
Florida lawmakers will start a special legislative session Monday that is expected to lead to state control over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which Gov. Ron DeSantis targeted last year after the Walt Disney Co. criticized a controversial education law.
Zephryhills senator proposes adding social media safety courses in public schools
One Florida state senator is proposing a bill in the 2023 legislative session that, if passed, would require schools to teach a social media safety class.
One Florida state senator is proposing a bill in the 2023 legislative session that, if passed, would require schools to teach a social media safety class.