State

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday heard arguments in a challenge to a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on large social-media companies. File photo

U.S. Supreme Court weighs Florida tech law

News Staff

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

U.S. Supreme Court justices on Monday heard arguments about the constitutionality of a 2021 Florida law aimed at placing restrictions on social-media platforms, with attorneys for tech companies and the Biden administration arguing the law violates the First Amendment. Gov.

Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, is sponsoring a bill that would lead to designating behavioral-health teaching hospitals. Colin Hackley/File

Lawmakers OK behavioral health teaching hospitals

News Staff

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

With the bill citing an “urgent need” to increase the number of doctors and other workers to care for people with mental-health and substance-abuse issues, the Florida Senate on Tuesday began moving forward with a $114 million plan that includes designating behavioral-health teaching hospitals.

Rep. Thad Altman, R-Indialantic, said cultivated meat could be used to feed astronauts. Colin Hackley/File

Lawmakers back banning sales of ‘cultivated’ meat

News Staff

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

The Florida House on Monday continued moving forward with a wide-ranging bill that includes banning sales of lab-grown meat in the state and preventing local governments from regulating electric-vehicle charging stations.

Florida State Capitol building, Tallahassee

Senators back raising Citizens Coverage cap

News Staff

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

A Florida Senate panel Tuesday approved a bill that would allow residents with homes valued at more than $700,000 to get coverage from the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. — but the issue has not been heard in the House.

A Florida Supreme Court hearing Wednesday on a proposed constitutional amendment about abortion rights drew demonstrators on each side of the issue. Photo by Tom Urban/News Service of Florida

Justices weigh abortion amendment

News Staff

Friday, February 9, 2024

Addressing one of the nation’s most politically charged issues, Florida Supreme Court justices on Wednesday heard arguments about a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at guaranteeing abortion rights in the state.

Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, is sponsoring a bill aimed at keeping children off social media. File photo

Senators back social media curbs

News Staff

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Florida senators Monday evening moved forward with a proposal to try to prevent minors under age 16 from using social media, as lawmakers take on tech platforms that they say harm children.

Gov. Ron DeSantis/ File photo

DeSantis backs efforts to get homeless off streets

News Staff

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday supported legislation that seeks to prevent homeless people from sleeping in public places such as streets, sidewalks and parks, as a Senate committee moved forward with the proposal.

Rep. Mike Giallombardo, R-Cape Coral, is sponsoring a bill about the Florida State Guard. Colin Hackley/File

State Guard could get go-ahead outside Florida

News Staff

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

The Florida State Guard, revived by Gov. Ron DeSantis, could operate outside Florida and be called into service anytime he “deemed necessary,” under a bill approved Thursday by a House panel.

Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, is backing a budget proposal for construction projects in the prison system. Colin Hackley/File

State budget proposals start taking shape

News Staff

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Lawmakers could boost spending on the state prison system, but Gov. Ron DeSantis’ requests to increase funding for tourism marketing and economic development weren’t included Wednesday as the Legislature started releasing initial budget proposals.

DeSantis drops presidential bid. File photo

DeSantis drops presidential bid

News Staff

Monday, January 22, 2024

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sunday dropped his bid for president, saying he didn’t have a “clear path to victory” and that a majority of Republican voters back former President Donald Trump. DeSantis, who announced the decision on social media, endorsed Trump over former South Carolina Gov.