Challenges to Florida's new race instruction law continue as 'Stop WOKE Act' takes effect
As a new Florida state law dubbed the “Stop WOKE Act” took effect Friday, businesses and a university professor continued battling to block its restrictions on how race-related concepts can be addressed in workplace training and schools. They argue that the law violates First Amendment rights.
Florida's 15-week abortion law temporarily blocked by judge
One day before Florida's 15-week abortion ban was scheduled to take effect, a Leon County judge said Thursday he would temporarily block it.
Florida Supreme Court approves DeSantis request for grand jury to investigate trafficking, sanctuary cities
The Florida Supreme Court has unanimously approved Gov. DeSantis' request for a statewide grand jury to investigate immigration-related issues such as the smuggling of undocumented children, human trafficking, and sanctuary cities.
Gov. DeSantis expands Bright Futures scholarship eligibility to include student work hours
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new bill Monday, expanding the eligibility for Florida's Bright Futures scholarship. Now, a student's work hours can be used in place of community service hours when applying for that financial aid.
From education to strawberry shortcake, nearly 150 new Florida laws set to take effect July 1
Nearly 150 laws passed by Florida legislators this year are set to take effect Friday, though some face legal challenges, including the state's new 15-week abortion ban.
Providers seek injunction to keep Florida's new 15-week abortion law from taking effect
Planned Parenthood centers in Florida on Monday are asking a judge in Tallahassee to issue a temporary, emergency injunction stopping the state's new law, which prohibits abortions after 15 weeks, from taking effect on Friday.
Roe v. Wade overturned: U.S. Supreme Court's ruling adds fuel to Florida abortion battles
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Friday to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling drew fiercely polarized reactions in Florida, with Gov. Ron DeSantis saying the state will "work to expand pro-life protections."
Florida fights attempt to block state's new abortion law
Several abortion clinics have filed a lawsuit to challenge Florida's new abortion law and get a temporary injunction to keep it from taking effect July 1st. Under current law, Florida allows abortions up to 24 weeks. The new law will prevent abortions from being performed in the state after 15 weeks – reducing the amount of time by more than two months.
Florida one of America's least patriotic states, study says
A new study says Florida is one of the least patriotic states in the country, coming in at 47 out of 50 – only beating Rhode Island, New York, and Arkansas.
Florida pharmacies will have COVID vaccines for eligible kids under 5
The White House says Florida doctors will be able to order COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 from the federal government.
DeSantis calls for statewide grand jury to probe trafficking, sanctuary cities
Gov. DeSantis wants a statewide grand jury to investigate human smuggling operations and focus on local government that he says are violating Florida law by adopting "sanctuary" policies. "We aren’t a border state. People are wondering, ‘Why are you doing this?,'" DeSantis said. "Let me tell you, people trying to come in illegally are trying to get to Florida."
Florida governor's campaign wants school board candidates to pledge support for 'DeSantis Education Agenda'
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' campaign is sending out a questionnaire to school board candidates, asking about their positions on issues such as critical race theory and masks in schools. It includes a certificate for candidates to pledge their support for what the campaign calls the "DeSantis Education Agenda."
Florida moves forward on proposal to deny Medicaid coverage for transgender treatments
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is moving forward with a proposal that would deny Medicaid coverage for treatments such as puberty-blocking medication and hormone therapy for transgender people.
Does Elon Musk have his sights set on Florida?
Elon Musk has been engaged in a public flirtation with Florida as of late, but his connections to the Sunshine State actually go back more than a decade.
Registration opens for Florida Python Challenge, effort to protect Everglades: The cash prize you could win
Ever wanted to capture a snake for a good cause? Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that registration has opened for the 2022 Florida Python Challenge.
Florida surgeon general disagrees with FDA on COVID vaccines for kids under 5; state does not pre-order doses
Parents are in the home stretch with COVID-19 vaccines for babies and their youngest children after Wednesday’s FDA advisory panel meeting. But once those vaccines are approved, parents in Florida who want their kids to get inoculated may face a longer wait. That's because Florida's surgeon general Dr. Joseph Ladapo says he does not support giving the COVID vaccine to babies and children under the age of 5 – so Florida is the only state that did not pre-order any doses.
DeSantis announces director of newly reactivated Florida State Guard
The Florida State Guard was disbanded after World War II, but it's now being reactivated after 75 years. Gov. Ron DeSantis says more than 1,200 people have already applied for the guard's 400 positions, and the state's new trained civilian defense force will focus on responding to disasters such as hurricanes.
Elon Musk suggests he would vote for Ron DeSantis for president in 2024 election
Elon Musk says he is predicting a red wave in 2022, and suggested he is leaning toward voting for Gov. Ron DeSantis for president, should he decide to run in 2024.
Synagogue challenges new Florida abortion law, claiming it violates religious rights of Jewish people
A synagogue has filed a lawsuit claiming Florida's new law that prohibits abortions after 15 weeks violates the religious freedom rights of Jewish people. It's the second challenge to the state's abortion ban recently signed into law by Gov. DeSantis, which is set to take effect next month.
DeSantis signs new Florida law to cover medical costs for retired police dogs
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a new law to cover medical costs of retired police dogs, allowing their handlers to get reimbursed for up to $1,500 in annual veterinary costs. The retired K9s often have costly expenses from law enforcement injuries or other job-related problems.