Fla., Will Have A New Statewide Assessment System, But Hurdles Lie Ahead

Lawmakers and DeSantis have ushered in a new statewide testing system in Florida, but myriad questions remain about it.

Feds Set Aside Financial Resources For HBCUs Affected By Bomb Threats, Including Fla., Private Universities

This follows several bombs threats against Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation, including in Florida.

State Budget: Classroom Teachers Will Get More Money, But Not Everyone Will Reach A $47,500 Goal

The Legislature posted a hefty $800M for pay hikes for Florida's public school teachers, but veteran teachers may not get a fair deal.

Floridians In The Dark As Secrecy Abounds Following The 2022 Legislative Session

This secrecy spans from hiring presidents at state universities and community colleges to knowing about key information about companies.

Florida Legislation To Award Stipend

Lawmakers approve payments to parents of children who died of catastrophic brain injuries.

Report Indicates Speculation DeSantis Would Use Taxpayer-Purchased Planes For Campaign Rallies

The Florida Legislature approved the purchase of two state planes that could be used for “executive air travel” for state officials.

Lawmakers Approve $112 Billion Budget; Bills Relevant To Culture Wars Draw "Crowds Of Protesters"

Florida lawmakers finished the extended 2022 legislative session by approving the final 2022-23 state budget — a whopping $112 billion.

Redistricting Litigation Now Being Waged On Two Fronts — State And Federal Court

A second lawsuit has been filed amid the political impasse between DeSantis and the Florida Legislature about how to redraw the districts.

Paid Work Could Be An Option For Bright Futures Requirements, But Myriad Questions Remain

For years, the Bright Futures scholarship program to help kids save on college tuition involved community service, among other requirements.

Big Pay Hikes For State Workers In State Budget, But What About University And College Employees?

The Florida House and Senate finalized its state budget for 2022-23, including 5.38 percent pay increases for state workers.

Lawsuit Filed As DeSantis, Legislature, Face Impasse Over Congressional Districts

Democratic-aligned voting-rights attorneys have not waited for DeSantis to fulfill his promise to veto the plan; they filed suit.

Fla., Legislature Stuck Last-Minute Policy Changes To HB 7; Critics Call It A ‘Huge Problem'

Lawmakers debated the lengthy pros and cons of the culture-war bill HB 7 during the 2022 legislative session.

Fla., Yet To Expand Medicaid For Vulnerable Floridians; Low-Income Families Wait For Health Care

One thing's clear on the health care front: Florida still will not move to expand Medicaid.

Catholic Bishops: Florida's Immigration Crackdown Legislation Will Exacerbate Border Crisis

The bill, embedded in DeSantis's culture war, is "confusing, vague, and rife" with the possibilities of legal challenges, bishops say.

Lawmakers Approve Florida's Future Statewide Testing System; Will It Improve State Exams Or Not?

From the FCAT to the FSA and other iterations, Florida's statewide testing system has been a core part of a student's education.

Fla., Legislature Imposes 12-Year Term Limits For School Board Members

The Florida Legislature is imposing 12-year term limits for school board members in 67 school districts, a new standard.

DeSantis Continues To Push Culture-War Agenda, Aided By Fox News

Similar to sentiments throughout the nation, CEO Chapek of Disney opposes the bill, saying it unfairly targets gay, lesbian, transgender.

Youth Offenders And The Collateral Damages Of An Arrest Record; Lawmakers Approve Changes

Last June, DeSantis vetoed a bill related to expunging juvenile arrest records through what's called diversion programs.

Heated Exchanges Over HB 7: ‘Are You Trying To Whitewash The History Of African Americans?'

Tensions rose Wednesday, as the GOP scuttled all amendments of HB 7, another culture war bill that would limit conversations about racism.

Budget Negotiations Include Pay Increases For State Workers. But What About Public School Staffers?

As state budget negotiations continue, lawmakers have agreed to across-the-board salary increases for state employees by 5.38 percent.

Fla., House Sends Immigration Crack-Down Bill To Gov. DeSantis For His Signature

"The only thing I can think about is Trump, and the political maneuvering. . .we’re demonizing immigrants instead," Eskamani (D) said.

DeSantis' Election-Fraud Squad, Other Voter Restrictions, Are Headed To His Desk

This occurred, despite widespread agreement that the 2020 elections ran smoothly in the state, the report indicates.

Surfside-Inspired Condo Reforms Watered Down; Bill Retains “Milestone” Inspections

The legislation, inspired by the Surfside condo disaster, requires “milestone” structural inspections of multi-resident buildings.

State Budget Negotiations: Fla., House Eliminates Financial Penalties On 12 School Districts Over Mask Mandates

In state budget negotiations Tuesday, the Florida House eliminated $200 million in penalties at 12 school districts.

Florida's Legislative Session Headed For Overtime As Budget Talks Drag Out

Legislative leaders have given up on completing the 2022 regular session on schedule on Friday.

Early Wildfires In Panhandle Point To Worsening Fire Season To Come In Florida

Nearly 34,000 acres statewide were on fire in Florida Tuesday, most of it on timberlands in the Panhandle.

Despite Nationwide Outcry, Florida Senate Pushes Through “Don't Say Gay” Bill

It's a bitter, emotional atmosphere that rose to a national level, and the report indicates President Biden calls it "a hateful bill."

Surgeon General Says Fla., Will Discourage COVID Vaccines For ‘Healthy' Children

The Florida Department of Health plans to recommend against COVID vaccinations for children, state Surgeon General Ladapo announced.

With Session Ending Soon, State Workers Still Don't Know What Their Pay Increases Will Be

The 2022 legislative session is coming to an end, and lawmakers still haven't come to an agreement on pay hikes for state workers.

Fatherhood Initiative To Boost Mentorship Programs Clears Fla., Legislature; Heads To DeSantis's Desk

Lawmakers from the House and Senate approved a measure that would boost fatherhood and mentorship programs in Florida.

‘The Culture War Of All Culture Wars'; HB 1557 Continues To Draw In Protesters

A gay House member called for the firing or resignation of DeSantis's spokesperson for "hateful" Twitter comments made over the weekend.

Gov. DeSantis' ‘Election Integrity' Bill Awaits Final Vote On Florida House Floor

DeSantis seeks this, despite court ruling after court ruling which reject election fraud claims from Trump.

‘Please, Do No Harm': Sen. Jones Breaks Down On Senate Floor While Talking About Coming Out

South Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones was moved to tears on the Senate floor Monday as he described the difficulties of living his life.

GOP, DeSantis Called Out For "Leaving Out The Lives Of Vulnerable, Innocent Children"

A letter from Latina evangelical pastors accused the GOP, DeSantis of pro-life hypocrisy, saying their one concern is "partisan politics."

Fla., Sen. Taddeo Asks For U.S. Justice Department Investigation Over Fraud In Party Switches

The report states over 100 registered voters were switched to Republican without their consent; lawmakers want to get to the bottom of it.

President Biden, Democrats, Abortion Rights Advocates React To 15-Week Florida Abortion Ban

This ruling sparked concern from the Biden Administration, and from abortion rights advocates across the nation fighting for women's rights.

Legislature OKs New Congressional Districts, Sparking Fight With DeSantis

The approved plan was called "racial gerrymandering" by DeSantis. "This is not what we're supposed to be doing," Democrat Skidmore said.

Wildfire Forces Evacuation Of Homes In Florida Panhandle

At least 600 homes had been evacuated as of Saturday morning, but that figure was expected to grow.

Elections Cops Office? Fla., Senator Discounts Danger Of Frivolous Fraud Claims

A broad “elections integrity” bill pushed by DeSantis won't leave elections officials vulnerable to the sort of frivolous fraud claims.

Fla., Surgeon General Called Face Mask A ‘Little Prop'; Said Masks Haven't Been Proven To Save Lives

Florida's chief health official on Thursday defied the use of face masks as an effective safety measure against COVID-19.