Florida's Latest News

Gov. DeSantis signs food stamp overhaul aimed at promoting economic self-sufficiency

Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation (HB 1267) offering low-income Florida families what lawmakers described as their first step toward economic self-sufficiency.

The measure makes changes to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and School Readiness programs by addressing the “benefits cliff,” which causes beneficiaries to lose public benefits as a result of modest increases to their household income and often creates barriers to economic advancement.

“Benefit cliffs create a financial disincentive for low-income individuals to earn more income due to the destabilization and uncertainty that often results from a loss in benefits, especially when the benefit lost was essential to a parent’s ability to reliably work,” a House bill analysis reads.

Effects are most significant to families when that cliff results in the loss of child care or housing benefits, the analysis continues.

Gov. DeSantis signs measure updating Baker Act, investing $50M in mental health services

Gov. Ron DeSantis approved legislation (HB 7021) to update the state’s Baker and Marchman Acts and invest millions to help with mental health and substance abuse. 

Melanie Brown-Woofter, president and CEO of the Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA), praised the Governor for signing off on the measure.

“Through the Governor’s and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ unwavering commitment to Floridians struggling with mental health and substance use disorders, community providers can continue to enhance their crisis services in Florida’s communities, ultimately protecting individuals and families,” Brown-Woofter said.

Casey DeSantis has made improving mental health a focal point of her time as First Lady, launching multiple initiatives to help address those struggling throughout the state.

Florida leads 22 states in legal brief opposing gag order on Trump

Florida, alongside 22 other states, filed a legal brief on Monday contending the legality of special counsel Jack Smith’s motion to obtain a gag order on former President Donald Trump.

The brief, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, opposes the motion to modify Trump’s release conditions, which would limit his ability to comment on his prosecution.

Trump is facing charges related to the handling of classified documents, and the special prosecutor has asked the court to enforce a gag order, arguing that Trump’s public comments could endanger law enforcement officials and compromise the judicial process.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, leading the lawsuit, asserts that such a gag order would violate Trump’s First Amendment rights.

The latest on Florida State, ACC, Clemson lawsuits

The dueling lawsuits between Florida State and the ACC are playing out in courts: Florida State University Board of Trustees vs. Atlantic Coast Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference vs. Board of Trustees of Florida State University.

We’re using this as a landing spot for the latest updates with FSU’s case (filed in Leon County), the ACC’s case (filed in Mecklenburg County, N.C.) and ones between Clemson and the ACC as the Seminoles and Tigers weigh a potential exit from the league — a move that could trigger another round of conference realignment.

The latest (June 17, 2024): The Florida Attorney General’s Office is no longer asking for a hearing to explain why it thinks ACC’s ESPN contracts are public records. It says a judge can rule on the dispute now. That’s part of the Attorney General’s 36-page filing, submitted late last week in Leon County.

The most informative argument: The ESPN contracts involve public revenue, have been accessed by public officials and their attorneys (on public time and on public business), have been discussed in public FSU board meetings and are part of public litigation involving a public entity