Florida Politics

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‘Sadly timed’: New bill would allow professors, TAs to open carry on campus

Florida professors, university faculty, and teaching assistants could soon be able to openly carry firearms on campus, thanks to a sweeping new measure filed by a Republican lawmaker.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/12/16/sadly-timed-new-bill-would-allow-professors-tas-to-open-carry-on-campus/?

CAIR-Florida files lawsuit against DeSantis after ‘terrorist’ designation

TAMPA — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil-rights organization, has filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order issued last week designating the group as a “terrorist organization.” CAIR is asking the court to block the executive order and declare it unconstitutional.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/12/16/cair-florida-files-lawsuit-against-desantis-after-terrorist-designation/?

Gun-safety groups call on Ben Albritton to block bill lowering age to buy long guns to 18

A dozen gun-violence prevention groups are calling upon Florida Senate President Ben Albritton to once again reject a proposal from the Florida House to lower the age to purchase a long gun from 21 to 18 years old.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/12/19/gun-safety-groups-call-on-ben-albritton-to-block-lowering-age-to-buy-long-guns-to-18/?

What have immigrants ever done for America?

Foreigners! What have they ever done for us?

https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/12/22/what-have-immigrants-ever-done-for-america/?

ps:Each one of us can trace our linage to a immigrant!!!!

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AI ‘Bill of Rights’ filed in the Florida Senate

A leading Senate Republican filed a lengthy bill Monday to enact Gov. Ron DeSantis’s proposed “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights.”

https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/12/22/ai-bill-of-rights-filed-in-the-florida-senate/?

Who decides what vaccines a child should get?

As childhood vaccination rates fall, several diseases once considered eradicated are back and spreading, most notably measles and whooping cough. 

https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/12/22/repub/who-decides-what-vaccines-a-child-should-get/?

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DeSantis condemns ‘destructive’ Maduro government while announcing arrests of 10K non-citizens

SANDERSON — Without directly praising President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis Monday at Florida’s “Deportation Depot” condemned the “destructive” Nicolás Maduro government days after U.S. military forces captured him.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/05/desantis-condemns-destructive-maduro-government-while-announcing-arrests-of-10k-non-citizens/?

In Miami-Dade, Republicans say democracy is coming to Venezuela — but not immediately

A little over 48 hours after U.S. troops removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power, top Florida Republicans say they are certain that democracy is coming to the South American nation.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/05/in-miami-dade-republicans-say-democracy-is-coming-to-venezuela-but-not-immediately/?

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Anti-vax discrimination, behind-the-counter ivermectin access bill filed in the House

A House Republican is charging back into a continuing fight over vaccines and doctors that created a huge rift during last year’s legislative session.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/07/anti-vax-discrimination-behind-the-counter-ivermectin-access-bill-filed-in-the-house/?

DeSantis announces support for Rep. Luna’s bill banning congressional stock trading

CLEARWATER — Pinellas County Republican U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s push for a congressional stock trading ban received an endorsement Tuesday from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/06/desantis-announces-support-for-rep-lunas-bill-banning-congressional-stock-trading/?

DeSantis: Trump was ‘accurate’ in description of Miccosukees in veto message

CLEARWATER — Gov. Ron DeSantis admits he wasn’t familiar with the federal legislation vetoed by Donald Trump last week that would have given the Miccosukee Tribe more control over a portion of the Everglades.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/06/desantis-trump-was-accurate-in-description-of-miccosukees-in-veto-message/?

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Bills requiring new FL voters to show proof of U.S. citizenship filed for session

Legislation that would require new Florida voters to show proof of U.S. citizenship has again been filed in advance of the Florida legislative session kicking off next week in Tallahassee.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/07/bills-requiring-new-fl-voters-to-show-proof-of-u-s-citizenship-filed-for-session/?

Florida lawmaker is back with bill promoting water pollution

This is such an exciting time of year for us Florida columnists! The 2026 legislative session begins next Tuesday, and we’re all waiting to see which piece of legislation will win the coveted title of the Worst Bill of the Year. I’ve already chosen my nominee.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/08/florida-lawmaker-is-back-with-bill-promoting-water-pollution/?

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Court rules Florida Medicaid termination letters fly in face of federal law

A federal judge ruled this week that Florida violated the constitutional rights of poor people it removed from the Medicaid rolls following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, when it sent beneficiaries “vague, confusing and often incorrect and misleading” termination letters.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/09/court-rules-florida-medicaid-termination-letters-fly-in-face-of-federal-law/?

Massive immigration package targets employers hiring undocumented immigrants

Florida businesses that purposely ignore whether employees are legally in the United States could face hefty fines or even criminal charges if they hire more than 50 undocumented immigrants, according to a sweeping new immigration package.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/08/massive-immigration-package-targets-employers-hiring-undocumented-immigrants/?

Bills would create Office of Corrections Ombudsman to monitor prisons

Saying existing law does not provide adequate and independent oversight of the Florida’s Department of Corrections (FDC), two Florida GOP lawmakers have proposed an Office of Corrections Ombudsman to ensure accountability, monitor conditions of confinement, and investigate complaints. 

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/08/bills-would-create-office-of-corrections-ombudsman-to-monitor-prisons/?

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DeSantis administration nixes uninsured requirement for Kidcare enrollment

The DeSantis administration said Wednesday it no longer will require some children to go uninsured for two months before enrolling them in the federal children’s health insurance program, or CHIP.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/12/31/desantis-administration-nixes-uninsured-requirement-for-kidcare-enrollment/?

DeSantis condemns ‘destructive’ Maduro government while announcing arrests of 10K non-citizens

SANDERSON — Without directly praising President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis Monday at Florida’s “Deportation Depot” condemned the “destructive” Nicolás Maduro government days after U.S. military forces captured him.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/05/desantis-condemns-destructive-maduro-government-while-announcing-arrests-of-10k-non-citizens/?

Florida tests 24 formulas; purport that 16 have at least one heavy metal

Florida officials on Friday warned parents about certain brands of infant formula, saying tests conducted by the state showed potentially unsafe levels of heavy metals.

https://floridaphoenix.com/briefs/florida-tests-24-formulas-purport-that-16-have-at-least-one-heavy-metal/?

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Man convicted for carrying Pelosi’s podium during US Capitol riot seeks Florida county office

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — A man who grabbed then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s podium and posed with it for photographs during the U.S. Capitol riot is running for county office in Florida.

https://apnews.com/article/adam-johnson-pelosi-podium-lectern-january-6-7300673ecfeba82accac63fc4395c853?

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With his next pick, DeSantis will have selected every Florida Supreme Court justice bar one

Six white men make up the group of finalists to fill the seat on the Florida Supreme Court vacated by Charles Canady.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/10/with-his-next-pick-desantis-will-have-selected-every-florida-supreme-court-justice-bar-one/?

Florida’s Democratic congressional delegation calls for Trump admin to restore TPS for Venezuelans

All eight Democratic U.S. representatives from Florida have signed a letter urging the Trump administration to immediately restore temporary protected status (TPS) to Venezuelans in the U.S. following the administration’s military attack on Venezuela last weekend.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/09/floridas-democratic-congressional-delegation-calls-for-trump-admin-to-restore-tps-for-venezuelans/?

Don’t be fooled by flamingo debate; Legislature is poised to do great harm

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/12/dont-be-fooled-by-flamingo-debate-legislature-is-poised-to-do-great-harm/?

What does Ron DeSantis hope to achieve in his final legislative session?

After seven productive years in office, Ron DeSantis will give his final “State of the State” address as Florida governor Tuesday morning at the Florida Capitol.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/13/what-does-ron-desantis-hope-to-achieve-in-his-final-legislative-session/?

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Florida Obamacare enrollment dips by more than 5%

The number of Floridians relying on a federal health care exchange established under the Affordable Care Act has dropped by more than 261,000 people after Republicans in Congress let expire the enhanced premium tax credits that help hold down coverage costs.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/16/florida-obamacare-enrollment-dips-by-more-than-5/?

ps:What do they expect? If they can't pay for the ACA they definitely won't be able to afford anything else and will now be without health insurance!!

Florida’s universal E-Verify mandate passes House Floor

For the second year in a row, the Florida House has greenlit a measure requiring all businesses to use a federal verification tool to determine whether new hires can legally work in the country.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/15/floridas-universal-e-verify-mandate-passes-house-floor/?

The ball is in the House’s court to solve school voucher funding problems

It’s the Florida House’s turn to address school voucher accounting shortfalls. The Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved its package to fix problems uncovered by a state audit that created major consternation among lawmakers. 

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/14/the-ball-is-in-the-houses-court-to-solve-school-voucher-funding-problems/?

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Black Democrats blast AG Uthmeier’s attack on affirmative action

Three days after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day by declaring in an advisory legal opinion that more than 80 state laws aimed at protecting minority employees and businesses are no longer valid, Black Democratic lawmakers protested during a press conference in the rotunda of the state Capitol on Thursday.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/22/black-democrats-blast-ag-uthmeiers-attack-on-affirmative-action/?

House budget panel eyes SNAP changes and their effect on state budget

Florida will have to pay more to participate in the federal supplemental nutrition assistance program, often referred to as SNAP, due to changes in law enshrined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/22/house-budget-panel-eyes-snap-changes-and-their-affect-on-state-budget/?

Cursive writing bill swoops to House floor

A proposal requiring testing for Florida students’ cursive writing ability passed its second House committee Thursday, the last stop before it goes before the full House.

https://floridaphoenix.com/briefs/cursive-writing-bill-swoops-to-house-floor/?

Reproductive ‘freedom’ bills would revive access to abortion care in Florida

A pair of Florida Democrats have filed legislation that would in effect eliminate the state’s restrictive six-week abortion ban and other laws limiting abortion access and guarantee access to reproductive health care.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/23/reproductive-freedom-bills-would-revive-access-to-abortion-care-in-florida/?

Teacher nonpartisan oath bill postponed before first committee hearing

A bill requiring teachers to take an oath to the Florida and U.S. constitutions, and to non-partisanship, was temporarily postponed in advance of its first committee hearing Tuesday.

https://floridaphoenix.com/briefs/teacher-nonpartisan-oath-bill-postponed-before-first-committee-hearing/?

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Gun-safety advocates push to preserve Florida’s red-flag law

One major part of the 2018 gun safety law approved by the Florida Legislature following the mass school shooting in Parkland would already be history if the state House had its way. The chamber voted earlier this month (for the fourth year in a row) to lower the legal age to purchase a long gun from 21 to 18.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/30/gun-safety-advocates-push-to-preserve-floridas-red-flag-law/?

Planned Parenthood on Medicaid chopping block, SNAP work requirements moving in the House

The Florida Legislature may be poised to copy federal law and ban Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/29/planned-parenthood-on-medicaid-chopping-block-snap-work-requirements-moving-in-the-house/?

State contemplating pausing university H-1B visas for a year, at DeSantis’ urging

Following through with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ wishes, the Florida Board of Governors preliminarily voted Thursday to freeze public university H-1B visa hirings for a year, leaving hopeful international academics without that option.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/01/29/state-contemplating-pausing-university-h-1b-visas-for-a-year-at-desantis-urging/?

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Bill adding transparency to state land swaps sweeps through House committees

Hugh Long was born and raised “just up the road” from the Guana River Wildlife Management Area in St. Johns County, and spent “countless hours” as a youth hiking its trails, fishing its waters, and hunting its game.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/03/bill-adding-transparency-to-state-land-swaps-sweeps-through-house-committees/?

Florida Democrats: Haitian TPS ruling a ‘victory,’ but there’s still more to be done

A federal judge’s 11th hour order blocking deportation of Haitians legally sheltering in the United States is a massive victory for immigrants, Florida Democrats argued Tuesday.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/03/florida-democrats-haitian-tps-ruling-a-victory-but-theres-still-more-to-be-done/?

Temporary legal status allowed for now for 350,000 Haitians as judge blasts Kristi Noem

WASHINGTON — A federal judge late Monday blocked the termination of temporary protections for roughly 350,000 Haitians from taking effect, a move that prevents the Trump administration from acting to deport them as litigation continues. 

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/03/repub/temporary-legal-status-allowed-for-now-for-350000-haitians-as-judge-blasts-kristi-noem/?

After legal challenge, state proposes new rules for AIDS drug assistance program

The DeSantis administration announced Tuesday that it’s developing three new rules meant to curb spending in a federally funded program that provides benefits to people with HIV and AIDS.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/03/after-legal-challenge-state-proposes-new-rules-for-aids-drug-assistance-program/?

Balancing act: Bills to both regulate, promote AI data centers advance to final committee

Florida Sen. Bryan Avila acknowledges his pair of AI bills present a quandary: Attempt to regulate data centers enough that they don’t harm the environment, but not too much that they’re not built within the state.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/04/balancing-act-bills-to-both-regulate-promote-ai-data-centers-advance-to-final-committee/?

Cameras in special education classrooms move ahead

Special education rooms could feature cameras watching over students if Florida lawmakers keep up support for a bipartisan bill. 

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/04/cameras-in-special-education-classrooms-move-ahead/?

Proposal to clarify if ex-felons are eligible to vote advances in the Senate – but not in the House

A bill that would require the state of Florida to develop and maintain a centralized database to help individuals with felony convictions determine whether they are eligible for restoration of voting rights quickly passed its second committee stop in the state Senate on Wednesday.

https://floridaphoenix.com/briefs/proposal-to-clarify-if-ex-felons-are-eligible-to-vote-advances-in-the-senate-but-not-in-the-house/?

Bill requiring new FL voters to prove U.S. citizenship clears first committee

A bill to impose heightened requirements for first-time voters, including mandating presentation of documents such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate — received its first hearing in this year’s legislative session, and was approved by a party-line vote in the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee on Wednesday.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/04/bill-requiring-new-fl-voters-to-prove-u-s-citizenship-clears-first-committee/?

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Back to school: Senate panel OKs bill mandating sickle cell education

In many ways, Shamar Harper is a typical 12-year-old boy living in Miramar. He worries about homework, what he’s going to wear to school, and even the video games he plays.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/back-to-school-senate-panel-oks-bill-mandating-sickle-cell-education/?

FL voters sue to block DeSantis’ mid-decade congressional redistricting

Two Florida voters backed by the National Redistricting Foundation filed a legal challenge with the Florida Supreme Court Thursday against Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to hold a special legislative session in April to address congressional redistricting.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/fl-voters-sue-to-block-desantis-mid-decade-congressional-redistricting/?

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DOJ holding up Everglades detention reimbursement, Florida emergency director says

The Department of Justice is preventing a federal grant from going to Florida to pay for the Everglades immigration detention center that the state calls “Alligator Alcatraz,” according to Florida’s emergency chief.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/doj-holding-up-everglades-detention-reimbursement-florida-emergency-director-says/?

Medicaid work requirements in the works in Florida?

Saying he believes a distinction should be drawn between those who can work and those who can’t, a top Senate Republican wants to implement work requirements for Florida’s $38 billion Medicaid program.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/03/medicaid-work-requirements-in-the-works-in-florida/?

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Students at DeLand High School walk out to protest ICE

DELAND, Fla. — Student led walkouts are taking place at high schools across the country this month to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

https://dailywise.com/city/deltona-fl/students-at-deland-high-school-walk-out-to-protest-ice/?

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Does a shocking election result in Texas mean anything in Florida politics?

In the suburbs of Fort Worth, Texas, on Jan. 31, a Democratic candidate named Taylor Rehmet won a special election for a state Senate district by 14 points. It was the same district Donald Trump won by 17 points in 2024 — a 31 point swing, the largest over-performance in a competitive special election since Trump took office a year ago.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/08/does-a-shocking-election-result-in-texas-mean-anything-in-florida-politics/?

Do Florida public universities really embrace the Western Tradition?

It’s a lousy time to be a kid in Florida.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/do-florida-public-universities-really-embrace-the-western-tradition/?

Trial on state’s ballot initiative restrictions kicks off in Tallahassee federal court

A legal challenge to Florida’s restrictions on ballot initiatives kicked off Monday as groups pushing measures on marijuana and Medicaid expansion hope to convince a federal judge that a 2025 state law is unconstitutional.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/trial-on-states-ballot-initiative-restrictions-kicks-off-in-tallahassee-federal-court/?

FIU memorializes Ronald Reagan in launching pro-democracy-Cuba initiative

Florida International University is taking steps to support “Cuba’s transition to democracy,” administrators announced Friday, citing inspiration from Ronald Reagan. 

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/fiu-memorializes-ronald-reagan-in-launching-pro-democracy-cuba-initiative/?

David Jolly blasts other gubernatorial candidates for not calling out Trump on Obama post

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly wants to know why no other candidate for governor of Florida has condemned President Donald Trump for the video he posted on his Truth Social account depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/david-jolly-blasts-other-gubernatorial-candidates-for-not-calling-out-trump-on-obama-post/?

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Senate moves along agriculture bill without provision ‘muzzling MAHA’

Florida senators responded to public outcry Tuesday by approving an agriculture omnibus bill but leaving behind a provision that limited disparaging speech about food products. 

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/10/senate-moves-along-agriculture-bill-without-provision-muzzling-maha/?

Florida emergency agency ran up $405 million immigration tab in six months

Florida’s emergency managers spent more than $405 million in taxpayer dollars in six months to fight illegal immigration, but that doesn’t just include law enforcement, state spending records show: It covers private jet flights, restaurant meals, and badges.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/10/florida-emergency-agency-ran-up-405-million-immigration-tab-in-six-months/?

Senate panel OKs Taylor Hatch to lead DCF as Senate confirmation process begins

The 2026 Senate confirmation journey has begun for acting Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/10/senate-panel-oks-taylor-hatch-to-lead-dcf-as-senate-confirmation-process-begins/?

Bill banning non-English licensing tests, penalizing employers of undocumented migrants, advances

A wide-ranging immigration bill criminalizing employers who hire dozens of undocumented immigrants and mandating that all licensing tests be in English cleared its first House committee Tuesday.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/10/bill-banning-non-english-licensing-tests-penalizing-employers-of-undocumented-migrants-advances/?

Bill to designate domestic terrorist organizations advances in Florida House

A proposal to empower the head of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to designate domestic or foreign terrorist organizations if the group meet specified criteria advanced through its second committee in the Florida House on Tuesday.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/10/bill-to-designate-domestic-terrorist-organizations-advances-in-florida-house/?

Coalition working on Medicaid expansion in Florida grows by two

Two national organizations are joining the effort by Florida Decides Healthcare to expand Medicaid to low-income childless adults in Florida.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/10/coalition-working-on-medicaid-expansion-in-florida-grows-by-two/?

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Florida Senate votes to keep paying for emergency fund despite overspending concerns

The Florida Senate voted Wednesday to continue paying into a state emergency fund despite concerns that officials have racked up a $573 million immigration tab on the taxpayer dime without legislative knowledge.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/11/florida-senate-votes-to-keep-paying-for-emergency-fund-despite-overspending-concerns/?

DeSantis administration publishes proposed AIDS rules, halts state administrative court challenge

The DeSantis administration proposed rule changes Wednesday that would allow it pare back who qualifies for the federally funded AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) and limit the benefits available.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/11/desantis-administration-publishes-proposed-aids-rules-halts-state-administrative-court-challenge/?

Senate committee hears arguments on legal protections for Sig Sauer

A bill that would provide some legal immunity for gun manufacturers because they chose not to include certain safety or design features that federal law doesn’t require was approved in its first committee stop in the Florida Senate Tuesday night.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/11/senate-committee-hears-arguments-on-legal-protections-for-sig-sauer/?

Bill to ban the use of ‘West Bank’ in Florida schools and state agencies passes the Florida House

Forget the “West Bank” — the Florida House has voted overwhelmingly to replace the reference in all public and charter schools and state agencies with “Judea and Samaria.” The final vote was 92-14.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/11/bill-to-ban-the-use-of-west-bank-in-florida-schools-and-state-agencies-passes-the-florida-house/?

House passes another library book removal bill; Senate dawdling

The Florida House passed for a second year in a row a bill to define how school library materials may be “harmful to minors.”

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/11/house-passes-another-library-book-removal-bill-senate-dawdling/?

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Florida’s emergency managers add $354K in four days to long-running immigration bill

Florida’s emergency managers spent more than $354,000 over four days this week to fight illegal immigration, including billings to a custom trailer business, a prison supply company, and a Margaritaville hotel, state spending records show.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/12/floridas-emergency-managers-add-354k-in-four-days-to-long-running-immigration-bill/?

House proposed budget includes $68 million for AIDS program

The House of Representatives wants to allocate $68 million in additional funding to help offset a projected shortfall in Florida’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).

https://floridaphoenix.com/briefs/house-proposed-budget-targets-68-million-to-aids-program/?

Local Florida governments would be banned from enacting climate change policies under new proposal

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/12/local-florida-governments-would-be-banned-from-enacting-climate-change-policies-under-new-proposal/?

Panel presses acting AHCA secretary about her work at DCF during confirmation hearing

The head of Florida’s massive health care agency — who came under scrutiny due to the furor surrounding the Hope Florida Foundation — appears on her way to finally winning Senate confirmation.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/12/panel-presses-acting-ahca-secretary-about-her-work-at-dcf-during-confirmation-hearing/?

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It’s now up to DeSantis whether to rename Palm Beach airport for Trump

The Florida Senate voted Thursday to rename the Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump. The House passed its version of the measure earlier this week, sending the bill directly to Gov. Ron DeSantis desk for consideration.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/19/its-now-up-to-desantis-whether-to-rename-palm-beach-airport-for-trump/?

Florida House revives expired emergency fund after $573M spent on immigration

The Florida House voted Thursday to revive the state’s expired emergency fund — embattled because of an immigration enforcement tab totaling in the hundreds of millions — but with a few weakened changes to appease the DeSantis administration.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/19/florida-house-revives-expired-emergency-fund-after-573m-spent-on-immigration/?

Florida House passes proposed amendment to immediately phase out property taxes

The Florida House of Representatives approved a joint resolution on Thursday to put in motion a possible constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would completely end non-school property taxes for homesteaded properties beginning on Jan. 1, 2027.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/19/florida-house-passes-proposed-amendment-to-immediately-phase-out-property-taxes/?

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Legislators scramble to preserve HIV care against impending steep cuts

DeSantis DOH cites $120M deficit but won’t show its math.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/20/legislators-scramble-to-preserve-hiv-care-against-impending-steep-cuts/?

Leafblowers, door-to-door salesmen, and surplus land addressed in Senate-passed ag bill

Florida senators gave unanimous approval Thursday to an omnibus agricultural bill that would turn over state-owned land to agriculture. A similar bill, but carrying a controversial provision about agricultural libel, awaits actions in the House.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/19/leafblowers-door-to-door-salesmen-and-surplus-land-addressed-in-senate-passed-ag-bill/?

Florida House revives expired emergency fund after $573M spent on immigration

The Florida House voted Thursday to revive the state’s expired emergency fund — embattled because of an immigration enforcement tab totaling in the hundreds of millions — but with a few weakened changes to appease the DeSantis administration.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/19/florida-house-revives-expired-emergency-fund-after-573m-spent-on-immigration/?

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History in the making: State adds Maduro overthrow to anti-communist curriculum

The overthrow of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela is one for the history books in Florida. 

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/20/history-in-the-making-state-adds-maduro-overthrow-to-anti-communist-curriculum/?

ps:Wow!!

Federal ruling in Florida ballot initiative restriction challenge could have national implications

The leader of an effort to expand Medicaid access to low-income childless adults in Florida maintained Friday that the outcome of a federal lawsuit could decide the fate of citizen-led ballot initiatives in the Sunshine State and possibly the nation. 

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/20/federal-ruling-in-florida-ballot-initiative-restriction-challenge-could-have-national-implications/?

It’s mid-session, and what has the Legislature accomplished?

It’s just past midway through Florida’s legislative session, and things appear to be going at a slow, but not remotely stately, pace.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/23/its-mid-session-and-what-has-the-legislature-accomplished/?

Communities fight ICE detention centers, but have few tools to stop them

Outrage erupted last month when Oklahoma City residents learned of plans to convert a vacant warehouse into an immigration processing facility.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/20/repub/communities-fight-ice-detention-centers-but-have-few-tools-to-stop-them/?

[phkrause]

CDC: Florida has 107 confirmed measles cases

Florida ranks third in the number of confirmed measles cases across the country, new data published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/27/cdc-florida-has-107-confirmed-measles-cases/?

Florida House passes election bill requiring U.S. citizenship to register to vote

An election bill that would require proof of American citizenship to vote and limit the kinds of identification voters could show at the polls was approved in the Republican-controlled Florida House on Wednesday. The vote was 88-31, along party lines.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/25/florida-house-passes-election-bill-requiring-u-s-citizenship-to-register-to-vote/?

DOJ: Trump administration won’t pay for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ construction costs

A $608 million federal reimbursement that Florida’s been counting on to pay for the so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” lockup won’t cover construction costs — if the money comes through at all, Justice Department lawyers have declared.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/25/doj-trump-administration-wont-pay-for-alligator-alcatraz-construction-costs/?

[phkrause]

Feds block millions for ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ ‘Deportation Depot’ over pending environmental review

The federal government is withholding a $608 million grant to help pay for Florida’s migrant lockups because a required environmental review still hasn’t been completed, newly released records show.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/02/feds-block-millions-for-alligator-alcatraz-deportation-depot-over-pending-environmental-review/?

Florida Republican bill targeting public sector labor unions moves to full Senate

A proposal that would change how public sector union certifications are decided was approved in a Senate committee meeting Monday. The measure is fiercely contested by organized labor, which contends it could dramatically weaken or even crush unions throughout the state.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/02/florida-republican-bill-targeting-public-sector-labor-unions-moves-to-full-senate/?