Florida's Latest News

Mike Haridopolos raises another $507K for re-election effort in CD 8

U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos collected another half-million dollars for his re-election effort in the last quarter.

The Indian Harbor Beach Republican, who first won election to Congress in November, reported more than $507,000 in fundraising. That brings his total contributions for the cycle north of $635,000. It also makes him one of the most prolific fundraisers in the freshman class of Representatives, particularly among those in safe seats.

While he has spent significantly as he gears up for a second federal campaign, he also closed his freshman run in Florida’s 8th Congressional District with more than a quarter million in leftover dollars. That means he ended July with more than $591,000 in cash on hand.

And notably, Haridopolos helped raise a substantial sum, about $268,000, for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) to defend Republicans in frontline seats and defeat Democrats in other battlegrounds.

“I am committed to protecting the House Republican majority at home and across the country. Our nation’s future is on the line,” Haridopolos said. “We can’t allow Radical Left Democrats to derail President (Donald) Trump’s America First agenda. I will fight like hell to defend President Trump and our House majority to ensure America’s best days are still ahead.”

Florida Supreme Court upholds Gov. DeSantis’ controversial congressional map

The Florida Supreme Court has upheld a controversial congressional map drawn by Gov. Ron DeSantis and approved by the Legislature.

A majority of Justices ultimately said the Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute and other plaintiffs failed to prove racial discrimination or a need to preserve a North Florida district previously represented by a Black Democrat.

In a majority opinion, the group said the map will stand, ending any question about whether congressional district lines will change in the 2026 Midterms or the rest of the decade.

A majority opinion written by Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz accepted DeSantis’ past arguments that the Equal Protection Clause in the U.S. Constitution overrides a demand in Florida’s Fair Districts language that the power of minority voters cannot be diminished in the redistricting process.

“The Legislature’s obligation to comply with the Equal Protection Clause is superior to its obligation to comply with the Non-Diminishment Clause as interpreted by our Court,” he wrote. “The plaintiffs did not prove the possibility of complying with both the Non-Diminishment Clause and the Equal Protection Clause in North Florida. Therefore, they did not meet their burden to prove the invalidity of the Enacted Plan.”

Making a splash: Ashley Moody, Rick Scott introduce flood insurance tax relief bill

U.S. Sens. Ashley Moody and Rick Scott are introducing a bill that could provide tax relief for residents who pay flood insurance premiums through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or with private insurers.

The proposed Flood Insurance Relief Act is being backed by both Florida Republicans and is designed to ease the financial toll stemming from flood insurance costs that have been increasing in recent years.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican in Florida’s 23rd Congressional District, is introducing a companion bill in the House.

“As I travel around the Sunshine State, one thing folks continue to tell me is that they are worried about the rising cost of flood insurance,” Moody said in a news release.

“That is why today, Sen. Scott and I are working to ease the financial burden on Florida families by proposing a bill that would create a tax deduction on their flood insurance premiums. The Flood Insurance Relief Act is a critical solution that will directly benefit Floridians.”

Gov. DeSantis vows to fight for more teacher raises as he celebrates Florida’s top teachers

Gov. Ron DeSantis says he plans to push to pay teachers more when lawmakers meet next year.

DeSantis made the remarks before he congratulated Florida’s five finalists for Teacher of the Year at an Orlando event at Rosen Shingle Creek.

The budget signed last month contains about $1.36 billion for school districts to spend only for teacher salaries, DeSantis said, adding that the amount was the result of a compromise between the House and the Senate. DeSantis said he and the Senate wanted to spend $1.5 billion, while the House’s stance was not to allocate anything.

“I think we can do better next year, so we’ll be pushing for that, and just make sure you tell your state Representatives to get with the program here,” DeSantis said.

This year’s 105-day Legislative Session was marked by Republican infighting and a dragged-out budget process, running past its 60-day schedule.

To the room of educators, DeSantis highlighted the state’s announcement earlier this month that 71% of all graded schools were rated “A” or “B,” up from 64% the previous year.