State

The U.S. Supreme Court said Friday it will hear a challenge to a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on major social-media companies. File photo

The U.S. Supreme Court said Friday it will hear a challenge to a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on major social-media companies. File photo

U.S. Supreme Court to weigh Florida tech law

The U.S. Supreme Court said Friday it will take up a First Amendment fight about a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on major social-media companies. The Supreme Court said it will hear cases involving the Florida law and a similar measure in Texas.
Ron DeSantis

Ron DeSantis

Legal rumble over redistricting

The trial over a redistricting plan pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that led to an overhaul of a North Florida congressional district kicked off this week, with voting-rights groups arguing that the district’s redrawing was based on racial discrimination.
Florida black bear. Submitted photo

Florida black bear. Submitted photo

North Florida lawmaker backs holding bear hunt

A North Florida lawmaker is calling for the state to hold a bear hunt after a county sheriff raised the issue as a way to help manage the area’s bear population. Rep. Jason Shoaf, R-Port St. Joe, supported a hunt Wednesday, a day before Franklin County Sheriff A.J.
Hurricane Idalia snapped trees in Taylor County. Photo by Mike Exline/News Service of Florida

Hurricane Idalia snapped trees in Taylor County. Photo by Mike Exline/News Service of Florida

Idalia agriculture losses pile up

In the second preliminary report on agricultural damage from Hurricane Idalia, state officials on Wednesday estimated the Aug. 30 storm caused up to $447 million in losses for the industry.
State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo speaks in 2021 after being named to his post by Gov. Ron DeSantis. File photo

State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo speaks in 2021 after being named to his post by Gov. Ron DeSantis. File photo

State takes aim at new COVID booster

Continuing a long-running clash with federal health officials, Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration on Wednesday recommended that people under age 65 not receive newly approved COVID-19 booster shots.

Real estate group concerned about land law

A national group of real-estate executives this week expressed concern about a new law that restricts people from China from owning property in Florida, urging steps to make sure it “does not deter investment into real estate in the state or undermine the economic benefits of this important...
Taylor County sustained flooding and other widespread damage in Hurricane Idalia. Photo by Mike Exline/News Service of Florida

Taylor County sustained flooding and other widespread damage in Hurricane Idalia. Photo by Mike Exline/News Service of Florida

States say flood insurance fight should continue

Florida and other states are trying to fend off an attempt by the Biden administration to end a lawsuit challenging changes to the National Flood Insurance Program that have led to higher premiums for many property owners.

Moms for Liberty leader named to ethics panel

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday appointed a co-founder of the group Moms for Liberty and a South Florida-based attorney to seats on the Florida Commission on Ethics, replacing the board’s former chairman and a member whose term expired.

Insurers OK’d to Take Citizens Policies

As efforts continued to sort out damage from Hurricane Idalia, regulators on Friday approved proposals by four private insurers to pull as many as 130,000 policies from the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
A gas station in Perry sustained damage in Hurricane Idalia. Mike Exline/For News Service of Florida

A gas station in Perry sustained damage in Hurricane Idalia. Mike Exline/For News Service of Florida

DeSantis, FEMA Chief assess Idalia damage

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell planned Thursday to “see first-hand” damage from powerful Hurricane Idalia, a day after the storm barreled through North Florida.