Florida's Latest News

Budget conference: Lawmakers agree on how to spend $3.5 billion in federal COVID-19 stimulus funds

Construction projects at colleges, a program to install broadband internet infrastructure in rural areas, projects to protect against the impact of climate change, and land conservation programs were the main winners of a deal sealed Wednesday evening by lawmakers to spend nearly $3.5 billion in federal COVID-19 stimulus funds.

The money was approved by Congress last year to help states cope with the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida isn’t set to receive the money until May.

House and Senate budget negotiators agreed to put $558 million into higher education construction projects and $843.7 million for maintenance projects at universities and colleges. K-12 schools will receive $64.4 million in construction funds.

Another $400 million was set aside for the Broadband Opportunity Program. The state’s Rural & Family Lands Protection Program will receive $300 million, and $55 million was approved for the state to buy more land for conservation.

Legislature approves immigration crackdown, handing Gov. DeSantis another win

The Republican-led Legislature has approved a proposal to further crack down on illegal immigration, a priority for Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The measure (SB 1808), carried by Fernandina Beach Republican Sen. Aaron Bean, would prevent transportation companies from doing business with Florida if the companies participate in programs to transport to Florida people who are in the country illegally.

The Senate passed the bill along party lines last week. However, Miami Republican Rep. Vance Aloupis, Orlando Republican Rep. Rene Plasencia and Brandon Democratic Rep. Andrew Learned crossed the aisle to vote “no” as the House approved the measure 77-42.

DeSantis announced the proposal in December after criticizing President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, including bringing flights to Jacksonville to relocate people he claims were in the country illegally. DeSantis and Bean, whose district includes part of Duval County, have said Florida is aware of 78 early-morning flights organized by the federal government carrying immigrants to Jacksonville.

Florida lawmakers agree to suspend gas tax in October

Florida lawmakers plan to suspend collection of the state’s gas tax in October, saving motorists about $0.27 for every gallon of fuel they buy.

The decision was made Wednesday, in the final days of this year’s legislative session. The state will fill the projected $200 million revenue shortfall with federal coronavirus stimulus dollars.

The proposal was announced as lawmakers are putting the finishing touches on the state budget, which is scheduled to be finalized and sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis next week.

Despite record gas prices currently, state lawmakers are choosing to wait until October, they said, because it’s one of the months when the state has the fewest tourists.

Sheriffs could get more budget power under proposal from Florida legislators

A bill aimed at attracting law enforcement officers from across the country and helping retain officers got a heavily debated change Wednesday when the Senate supported giving county sheriffs more leeway with their budgets.

The bill (HB 3), which is a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis, likely will receive a vote Thursday from the Senate and then would go back to the House. House members voted 108-4 last month to approve the initial version of the measure.

In a voice vote, the Republican-dominated Senate approved an amendment that would allow sheriffs to transfer money within their budgets after the spending plans have been approved by county commissions.