Florida's Latest News

Jason Brodeur: Florida legal reforms deliver real savings for consumers

When Florida lawmakers enacted legal reforms in 2023, supporters argued that reducing rampant lawsuit abuse would ultimately lower costs for consumers.

Critics were skeptical.

Today, one of the state’s largest insurers has provided compelling evidence.

USAA recently told CNBC it will return nearly $1 billion in savings and value to eligible Florida members, including a $500 million dividend that will return money directly to approximately 830,000 policyholders. The average payment is expected to be around $760, with many families receiving more than $1,000. According to the company, Florida’s legal reforms played a major role in making those savings possible.

For Florida families struggling with the rising cost of everything from housing to groceries, that is welcome news. It is also an important reminder that public policy decisions have real-world consequences.

Department of Labor report shows substantial decrease in first-time jobless claims in Florida

Florida’s unemployment picture rebounded in the second week of June.

There were 6,732 first-time jobless filings in the Sunshine State for the week ending June 13, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). That’s a significant drop by 939 from the week ending June 6, when there 7,671 claims. The first week of the month drew a substantial jump of about 2,000 new claims.

Florida’s drop this past week was in line with the national trend. There were 219,509 new jobless filings across America last week. That’s a 4.1% decrease, or a drop by 9,446 claims.

That’s substantially more than economists had expected. DOL analysts had projected there would be a drop of 5,753 filings nationwide for the second week of June, or a 2.5% decline.

The year-over-year comparison also saw a drop in claims nationwide. There were 234,859 first-time claims for the comparable week a year ago.

The latest decrease in initial filings for Florida comes as the state has seen a climbing general unemployment rate every month this year. April’s unemployment rate was 4.8%, according to FloridaCommerce.

Lauren Melo and David Silverberg to vie for Florida Senate in District 28 in Election 2026

Two candidates have qualified in a race to replace former Florida Senate president Kathleen Passidomo.

Passidomo, a prominent Naples resident and attorney, has represented District 28, which covers Collier, Hendry and parts of Lee County, since 2016. Term limits require her to step down after eight years.

The two vying for her seat: Lauren Melo, a fellow Republican, and David Silverberg, a Democrat. They were the only candidates to qualify as of the deadline at noon on June 12.

Melo is no stranger to politics, while Silverberg is a first-time candidate.

Since there are only two candidates and they are from opposing parties, there won't be a primary election. They will appear on the countywide general election ballot on Nov. 3.

Nick DiCeglie backs ‘strong advocate’ Sam Wilson for Clearwater City Council

State Sen. Nick DiCeglie is throwing his weight behind Sam Wilson in his bid for Clearwater City Council.

Wilson is running for Seat 5 to replace outgoing City Council Member Lina Teixeira, who announced in January that she would not seek re-election.

Wilson faces two challengers: former Clearwater City Council Member Mark Bunker, an anti-Scientology activist who was unseated in 2024, and Kevin Laughlin, who chairs the Clearwater Marine Advisory Board and operates a local business.

“I’m proud to endorse Sam Wilson for Clearwater City Council,” DiCeglie said. “Sam understands the pressure families are feeling from rising costs, taxes, and an unresponsive government. He will bring common-sense leadership to City Hall, support our first responders, and make sure Clearwater taxpayers have a strong advocate on the City Council.”

Wilson called DiCeglie’s support an honor.

“Nick has spent years fighting for Pinellas County families and understands how important it is for local government to be responsive, accountable, and focused on fiscal responsibility. I’m grateful for his support as we work to make Clearwater more affordable, strengthen public safety, and restore trust at City Hall,” Wilson said.