Florida's Latest News

Governor signs ‘really significant’ Florida Farm Bill

Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the Florida Farm Bill, which makes sweeping changes on areas such as land use, workforce development, and local government preemption.

“I think this package is really, really significant. It shows that we have a strong commitment to not just agriculture, but our rural communities writ-large,” DeSantis said as he signed SB 290 during a news conference in Sebring. 

The new law goes into effect July 1.

Some of the provisions in the Sen. Keith Truenow-sponsored measure include banning local governments from enacting policies to restrict the use of gasoline-powered farm or landscape equipment. DeSantis said that move supports farmers’ freedom.

“Some of these local governments want to not let you use certain equipment if it’s gas operated. That’s not their decision — that’s your decision,” DeSantis said during the press conference

Florida Board of Governors task force delves into the fiscal future of college sports

State university leaders kicked off efforts Monday to ensure college sports in Florida is competitive and sustainable amid the rapidly changing landscape of collegiate athletics.

The system’s Board of Governors' new Task Force on Intercollegiate Athletics held its first online conference call. Members grappled with how to tackle a host of issues that arose after litigation in recent years allowed athletes to receive payment for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL), a split from the traditional amateur model held in place by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Ken Jones, founder of Keyhole Partners and chairman of the new panel, said the state needs to be prepared for changes to college sports, even if it may be “a while” before any federal directions are in place.

“I do think even if the federal government and Congress does come out with some guidance, there will still be a lot of room to maneuver at the margins to make sure that we're doing things that protect Florida, protect our athletes, and keep us in a competitive stance,” Jones said.

DeSantis signs bill to bolster nature-based coastline protection

Building along the water’s edge comes with consequences as the sea rises, and for decades the first line of defense against flooding has been concrete seawalls.

Now, the state is leaning into another approach: “living shorelines” such as mangrove forests, oyster reef restoration and hybrid options like 3D-printed walls that help fight climate change.

Gov. DeSantis signed a bill into law Thursday that will make obtaining a permit for nature-based solutions easier as well as help fund them. .

The law, which will take effect July 1, calls for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a permitting process for installing living shorelines that will have a faster application review.

The law also stipulates the DEP should incentivize new technology, like 3D-printed sea walls that are designed to mimic nature and give coral and algae surfaces to latch on to while creating a home for fish and crabs.

5 things to know about today’s special election to replace Jay Collins

Voters will decide Tuesday who should fill the Tampa-area state Senate seat Jay Collins left open when he was appointed lieutenant governor last year.

Will Hillsborough County voters back former state Rep. Josie Tomkow, a Republican who represented Polk County in the Legislature for almost eight years, or Democrat Brian Nathan, a Navy veteran and electrical workers union leader?

The district covers much of western Hillsborough County, including South Tampa and suburbs like Town ‘N Country, Westchase and Carrollwood. Collins, a Republican, flipped the district to GOP control in 2022. Before him, the district was held by former Democratic House leader Janet Cruz, who lost her reelection bid by about 10 points.

Since then, Republicans have increased their registration advantage in the district. Registered Republicans outnumbered Democrats by more than 22,000 as of last month.