Tag: Florida Legislature
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New Florida Bill Seeks to Protect Medical Marijuana Patients’ Parental Rights
A new bill in Florida seeks to prevent family courts from restricting custody or visitation rights solely due to a parent’s legal medical marijuana use. It aims to ensure fair treatment for medical marijuana patients in custody disputes, aligning family law with state marijuana regulations while addressing safety concerns raised by critics.
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Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session Opens Amid Tax Battles, AI Push, and Budget Tensions
The 2026 Florida Legislative Session opens January 13, focusing on key issues like property tax relief, artificial intelligence regulation, and insurance reforms. Governor DeSantis prioritizes cutting property taxes amid rising housing costs. The session is expected to be contentious, with numerous bills proposed and debates on local government impacts and innovation concerns.
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Fraud at the Top: Tiffany Carr Case Exposes Florida’s Nonprofit Oversight Failures
Tiffany Carr, former CEO of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, pleaded no contest to organized fraud and misconduct, avoiding prison despite her role in diverting millions meant for domestic violence victims. The case highlights severe oversight failures in Florida’s nonprofit sector, raising concerns about accountability and the handling of public funds.
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Florida Lawmakers Revisit Grandparent Visitation — A Narrow Proposal Raises Big Questions About Family, Courts, and Child Welfare
As Florida approaches the 2026 legislative session, SB 674 seeks to expand grandparents’ rights to petition for visitation under specific tragic circumstances while prioritizing parental rights. The bill aims to ensure children’s emotional stability amidst loss but raises concerns about subjective interpretations in family court. Public attention to this legislation is critical.
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Florida Cracks Down on License Plate Frames and Covers: What Drivers Need to Know
Starting January 1, 2026, Florida will ban various license plate accessories, aiming to enhance vehicle identification. The law prohibits items like tinted covers and decorative frames, raising concerns among drivers about overreach and increased traffic stops. Critics argue it burdens citizens rather than addressing the real issue of vehicle identification.
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Florida Republicans Push Mid-Decade Redistricting: A Bold Move to Correct an ‘Undercounted’ State or a Risky Power Play?
Florida is experiencing a political push for mid-decade congressional redistricting led by Republican lawmakers, citing significant population growth and a census undercount in 2020. Supporters claim this correction is necessary for fair representation, while critics view it as a partisan strategy to solidify Republican power and undermine voting rights.
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Florida Leads the Nation in Child Drownings — And Lawmakers Say This Year’s Reforms Need to Be the Wake-Up Call
Florida leads the nation in child drownings, with 98 casualties in 2023. Lawmakers are considering reforms for 2026, including mandatory pool barriers and improved safety education. Some oppose these regulations, citing property rights and costs. Families impacted are advocating for change amid a growing public safety crisis surrounding drownings.
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Florida’s Tax Debate: What Low-Property-Tax Proposals Really Mean for Citizens
A Florida committee proposes significant property tax cuts for homeowners, aiming for benefits like increased homestead exemptions. However, critics warn these changes could mainly favor wealthier homeowners and risk essential public services funding, disproportionately affecting renters and vulnerable populations. Citizens are encouraged to engage in community discussions and seek targeted relief solutions.
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What Florida Residents Need to Know About the New Laws Taking Effect January 1
As Florida approaches the new year, a comprehensive set of laws will take effect on January 1, impacting various sectors including public safety, housing, transportation, and education. Key changes include increased penalties for retail theft and fentanyl trafficking, enhanced protections for homeowners, stricter school safety rules, and improved access to public records.
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DeSantis Moves to Redraw Florida’s Congressional Map in 2026 — A Direct Counter to California’s Mid-Decade Redistricting Push
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis plans a special legislative session in early 2026 to redraw congressional districts, potentially adding six GOP seats. This mid-decade redistricting follows a contentious 2022 map and aims to counter Democratic gains from California’s recent changes. Legal challenges and a Supreme Court ruling on race-based redistricting may impact outcomes.
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