Florida Legislature

Local officials say an effort by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature to cut property taxes could be a knockout punch amid efforts by the state to erode home rule, strip power away from local governments and shift crucial community decisions up to Tallahassee.

An $8 million-plus request from The Collier County Sheriff's Office is among the $90 million in grants for local law enforcement agencies for items related to enforcement of illegal immigration approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet on Tuesday.

Florida TaxWatch has released its annual list of "budget turkeys,” including $50 million for Hillsborough College improvements associated with a proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium.

Only 17 Southwest Florida arts organizations to share in $65.9 million in arts funding approved by Legislature for 2026-2027. Again this year, some major arts organizations in Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties have been left on the outside looking in.

Governor Ron DeSantis, on Monday, signed into law Florida’s new congressional district map approved by the state legislature in last week’s special session. Just hours later, lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the new map were filed. FGCU Political Science Professor Sandra Pavelka, Ph.D., and UCF Political Science Professor Aubrey Jewett, Ph.D., weigh in on what this means for candidates and voters, and what’s next for the Florida legislature.

In 2022, Florida lawmakers fought the executive branch to keep their redistricting authority. Four years later, they approved maps released first to Fox News

State lawmakers closed Florida’s regular legislative session, March 13, without passing a budget and with several priority bills going down in defeat. We talk with UCF Political Science Professor Aubrey Jewett, Ph.D., and FGCU Political Science Professor Sandra Pavekla, Ph.D. about what, passed, what didn’t, and what it all means for Florida going forward.

Florida lawmakers are considering a proposal to add work requirements to what is already one of the most restrictive Medicaid programs in the country – and one that a federal judge recently found is severely understaffed and overwhelmed.

Legislation to unmask immigration agents never had much of a chance in Republican-dominated Legislature.

Governor Ron DeSantis’ fight to end property taxes in Florida has dominated the conversation. Lawmakers are continuing to discuss how to eliminate the state revenue service.