Florida Legislature 2023
Chinese immigrants sue over new FL law prohibiting them from purchasing land
Chinese citizens who live and work in Florida have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a law recently signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis restricting any “foreign principal” from China or six other “countries of concern” from purchasing property in the state. The suit contends that the law, set to go into effect on […]
NAACP travel advisory on Florida provokes strong reactions
Over the weekend, when the NAACP issued a travel advisory on Florida that is “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals,” several Black lawmakers across the state — both Democrats and Republicans — quickly spoke up on Monday. “In Ron DeSantis’ Florida, Black Americans are absolutely less safe, so it is […]
In Tampa, DeSantis declines to speak with reporters following electoral night disappointment
Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared at a bill signing event at a Christian evangelical school in Tampa on Wednesday, touting measures banning transgender minors from receiving gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers and an expansion of a law to prohibit classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity through the 8th grade. But unlike other bill-signing events […]
Ron DeSantis not ready to say that he’ll announce his presidential candidacy
Gov. Ron DeSantis would not confirm a report Monday that he is expected to announce his candidacy for president of the United States within the next two weeks. NBC News reported over the weekend that the Florida governor was set to move his political operations into a new building in Tallahassee on Monday, and that the […]
Florida Young Democrats ponder the future
Florida Democrats, who haven’t even managed yet to find someone to run against Rick Scott for re-election to the U.S. Senate next year, are finding recruitment of candidates for down-ballot races difficult, too. Their plight was made stark during an exchange at a Florida Young Democrats workshop during the state party convention in Tampa last […]
Gov. DeSantis signs the most restrictive bill on illegal immigration in the country
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed what both he and his critics agree is the strongest anti-illegal immigration bill passed by any state legislature in the country on Wednesday. Speaking in Jacksonville behind a podium with a sign reading, “Biden’s Border Crisis,” the governor blasted the president for the large influx of undocumented immigrants that has occurred […]
In Tampa, FL Democrats vent frustrations following bruising legislative session
Approximately 48 hours after the GOP-controlled Florida Legislature concluded a blockbuster legislative session that produced major conservative policy victories on abortion, immigration, public-employee unions, the death penalty, LGBTQ+ issues, and higher education, Florida Democrats gathered in Tampa for a pep rally on Sunday afternoon to revive their spirits and aim for better times ahead. “Every […]
Florida Legislature unanimously passes legislation decriminalizing fentanyl test strips
Legislation that would legalize test strips that can detect fentanyl — the synthetic opioid that has led to a massive number of drug overdoses in the U.S. in recent years — has passed the Florida Legislature. Fentanyl test strips are small pieces of paper capable of detecting whether drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines […]
Lawmakers approve measure to allow doctors to withhold care because of ‘conscience’
A bill that would allow health care providers or payors to opt out of participating in or paying for any health care service on the basis of conscience passed in the Florida House Tuesday and will soon go to Gov. Ron DeSantis for consideration. The measure (HB 1403) is sponsored by Panhandle-area Republican Joel Rudman, […]
Tensions emerge on floor as Florida Senate passes immigration crackdown
One of the most sweeping bills targeting undocumented immigration in the country is closer to becoming law after the Florida Senate passed their bill addressing the issue on Friday. The proposal has been a priority for Gov. Ron DeSantis, who called for the crackdown earlier this year. “We have an illegal immigration crisis, to the […]
‘Tyre Sampson Act:’ Teen’s death from amusement ride will help increase safety on rides in FL
In March of last year, 14-year-old Tyre Sampson fell to his death from a 400-foot tower ride operated by Orlando Slingshot. On Friday, the Florida Senate unanimously approved legislation to ensure that amusement rides are safe in Florida. The legislation is titled the “Tyre Sampson Act.” The House is moving on the legislation as well. […]
Florida Senate approves new short-term vacation law; local officials remain wary
For almost a decade, Florida lawmakers have attempted to pass new regulations for short-term vacation rentals but have come up short every year — until now. The possibilities brightened somewhat Thursday night when the Florida Senate passed a measure (SB 714) that attempts to provide “more tools for folks at the local level,” in the […]