Florida lawmakers propose 'constitutional carry' bill to allow concealed weapons without licenses
Calling the proposal an effort to "remove the government permission slip," Florida House Speaker Paul Renner on Monday announced legislation that would allow people to carry concealed weapons without licenses.
Gov. DeSantis backs death penalty for child rapists in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis says he believes the "only appropriate punishment" for those convicted of raping children is the death penalty, adding that the state of Florida is exploring ways to have capital punishment for child rapists.
Andrew Warren does not regret signing pledge that cost him his job: 'I have done my job exceptionally well'
Twice-elected Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren was suspended from his office by Governor Ron DeSantis because, DeSantis said, Warren neglected his duties by picking and choosing which laws to enforce.
Florida's rejection of AP Black history course stirs debate
Gov. Ron DeSantis says his administration is rejecting an AP African American studies course because he says it pushes a political agenda: "We want education, not indoctrination." But one of the authors mentioned by the state is accusing the governor of doing the same thing: “Is Ron DeSantis claiming that Florida students are unable to formulate their own opinions?”
Environmentalist wants to see state funding used to restore water quality in Bay Area waterways
Governor Ron DeSantis announced this week that $20 million will be allocated for water quality improvements along the Indian River Lagoon on Florida’s Atlantic Coast helping to collect stormwater runoff and treat it, to reduce the number of pollutants that enter the waterways.
Warren vs. DeSantis: Ousted Florida state attorney cannot legally be reinstated by U.S. court, judge rules
A federal judge has dismissed Andrew Warren's lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis, months after he was suspended as Hillsborough State Attorney. The judge said this is a Florida matter and is unable to reinstate Warren under his jurisdiction.
DeSantis administration blocks new African American studies class in Florida public high schools
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration has blocked a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies from being taught in high schools, saying it violates state law and is historically inaccurate. Education officials did not specify what content the state found objectionable, but said, “As presented, the content of this course is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.”
Federal judge hands DeSantis admin win over 'Stop WOKE Act'
A federal judge ruled that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration did not violate a court order regarding the state’s "Stop WOKE Act," which prohibits colleges from promoting critical race theory lessons and targets other "woke" concepts prevalent on higher education campuses.
Gov. DeSantis tested on immigration as he weighs 2024 presidential run
Gov. Ron DeSantis sent dozens of immigrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard last year in a high-profile effort to highlight illegal immigration on the eve of the midterm elections. But as thousands of Cuban migrants have flocked to Florida's shores in recent weeks, he has adopted a more cautious approach — blaming the Biden administration while offering empathy to the Cubans, a community that typically favors Republicans in elections.
Governor DeSantis activates state guard as migrants flow into Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday mobilized the state national guard to help local officials respond to a large influx of Cuban migrants landing in the Florida Keys.
DeSantis-backed plan would replace Walt Disney World's self-governing powers with state-run board
There is now a plan to introduce a bill, backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, into the Florida Legislature that would replace Walt Disney World's self-governing power with a state-run board. The governor's staff says under the proposed legislation, Disney will no longer control its own government and will be responsible for their $700 million in outstanding debts.
Gov. Ron DeSantis officially enters second term in office with inauguration in Tallahassee
In Tallahassee, Gov. Ron DeSantis kicked off his second term on the steps of the Capitol after an overwhelming victory in November's election, where he won 60 percent of the vote.
Gov. DeSantis investigating Christmas drag show accused of exposing children to 'sexually explicit activity'
Gov. Ron DeSantis' office is investigating a Christmas drag show in South Florida accused of marketing a "sexually explicit performance" to children. "A Drag Queen Christmas" is on a national tour, with four stops in Florida — including a scheduled performance on Thursday at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.
These new Florida laws take effect January 2023
Here is a look at some of the new Florida laws that will take effect beginning January 1, 2023.
'Don't Tread On Me': Florida's newest license plate features Gadsden Flag design
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis first announced the new license plate's design back in July, saying it "sends a clear message to out-of-state cars, 'Don't Tread on Me' or Florida."
Florida Supreme Court OKs DeSantis' request for grand jury investigation into COVID-19 vaccines
The Florida Supreme Court has approved Gov. Ron DeSantis' request for a grand jury to investigate any alleged wrongdoing related to COVID-19 vaccines. The statewide grand jury will be empaneled in Hillsborough County, and will meet for one year.
DeSantis expects Florida lawmakers to pass 'constitutional carry' gun law in 2023
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he expects state lawmakers will pass a major change in the state's gun laws next year to allow "constitutional carry," which would allow people to carry guns without state-issued concealed weapons licenses.
Gov. DeSantis signs bills aimed at overhauling property insurance, providing hurricane relief
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed two massive bills into law that legislators passed during this past week's special session, intended to overhaul the state's troubled property insurance system and provide over $750 million to communities recovering from hurricanes.
Florida commuters to get toll relief in 2023 through rebate program
Florida commuters who use a SunPass or other toll transponder will receive rebates in 2023 under a bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Commuters will get a 50% credit for their tolls if their transponder is used at least 35 times during a month. DeSantis said it ensures Floridians, and not tourists, will benefit from the rebate program.
DeSantis seeks grand jury probe into COVID-19 shots
Saying that COVID-19 vaccines have been "pushed on Americans," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday asked the state Supreme Court to impanel a grand jury to investigate "wrongdoing in Florida" related to the shots.