Tag: Florida politics
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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 Teacher Shortage Isn’t New — But the Midyear Numbers Are Hard to Ignore
Midyear data shows Florida’s teacher shortage remains unresolved, with some districts improving while others see alarming turnover. New vacancy numbers from the Florida Education Association highlight why classroom stability — not political rhetoric — may be the state’s biggest education challenge.
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Who Is Running for Governor of Florida in 2026?
The 2026 Florida gubernatorial election is set for November 3, with primaries on August 18. Incumbent Ron DeSantis is term-limited, leading to an open race. Byron Donalds, backed by Trump, is the GOP frontrunner. Democrats David Jolly and Jerry Demings hope to challenge in a Republican-leaning state.
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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 Supreme Court Rejects Uthmeier Plan to Loosen Bar Rules for Government Lawyers
The Florida Supreme Court unanimously rejected a proposal allowing out-of-state lawyers to work in the executive branch without passing the Florida Bar exam. The ruling emphasizes maintaining attorney licensure standards despite staffing challenges. The Florida Bar opposed the plan, asserting that it undermined public protection and expertise in state law.
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Florida’s Year of Turmoil: The Five Biggest Scandals and Stories of 2025
In 2025, Florida faced significant scandals impacting both parties, primarily linked to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration. Key issues included the Hope Florida Foundation scandal, misuse of public funds for political advocacy, and controversies surrounding Rep. Cory Mills. These events highlighted internal GOP conflicts and raised concerns about ethics and governance in the state.
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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’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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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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Florida’s Transparency Reckoning: Andrade’s Bill Demands Open Government Again
Florida’s Sunshine Law, once a benchmark for open government, faces challenges due to exemptions and weak enforcement. State Rep. Alex Andrade’s 2025 bill seeks to restore criminal penalties for violations, promoting accountability and transparency. The proposal resonates with conservatives advocating for government oversight, aiming to combat bureaucratic opacity and rebuild public trust.
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