Florida's Latest News

‘Disrupt the status quo’: James Uthmeier sworn in as Attorney General

The appointment is no surprise, but will provide a second-term boost to the Governor's agenda.

One of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ most proven allies is now the state’s chief legal officer.

Justice Meredith Sasso swore in James Uthmeier as Attorney General in Tallahassee Monday. The state’s new “top cop” was sworn in on a Bible and offered onlookers at the Old Capitol Building in Tallahassee insight into how scripture informs his view of the law.

“As I put my hand on that Bible, I was reminded of a verse from Proverbs, a verse that I turn to daily. To do what is right and just for the Lord is greater than any sacrifice. To do what is right and just. As with all spiritual truths, these words hit a political mark. To do what is right and just. It’s easy to say the right things, but not everybody goes out and does them. This is one of the many lessons that I have learned from our great Governor,” Uthmeier said.

The new AG noted that “sometimes doing what’s right can cost you political fortune, political gain. It can disrupt the status quo. It can bring discomfort.” Yet he promised to “endeavor every day to do what is right and to levy justice where it is due.”

Attorney General Uthmeier taps David Dewhirst for chief of staff, Jeremy Redfern for comms director

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier tapped two senior staffers at Gov. Ron DeSantis’s office for key roles on Monday. 

The governor’s office said Jeremy Redfern will be the attorney general’s communications director and David Dewhirst will serve as chief of staff.

Dewhirst previously served as senior advisor to DeSantis. He most recently served as chief deputy attorney general of Idaho. Before that, he was solicitor general of Montana.

Redfern previously worked as DeSantis’ press secretary and press secretary for the Florida Department of Health. Redfern is a veteran Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialist with years of military experience handling high-risk situations.

DeSantis had named Jason Weida as his next chief of staff, after he announced that his current Chief of Staff James Uthmeier would be named next attorney general of Florida.

Uthmeier was sworn in as Florida’s new attorney general on Monday.

Dana Trabulsy proposes expanding scope of practice for certain health care workers

Trabulsy's measure would expand the roles and responsibilities of physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses.

A new initiative aims to streamline health care services by broadening the roles of certain health care professionals.

Fort Pierce Republican Dana Trabulsy filed a bill (HB 647) that aims to enhance health care access and efficiency in Florida by expanding the scope of practice for physician assistants (PAs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

The proposed legislation would expand the roles and responsibilities of PAs and APRNs, enabling them to sign death certificates, oversee hospice care and authorize do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders. This expansion could enhance access to care, particularly in underserved areas with limited physician availability.

Under the proposed measure, a funeral director who initially takes custody of a deceased body or fetus is responsible for filing a death certificate electronically. In the absence of a funeral director, the bill would permit a PA or APRN to file the death certificate, as long as they adhere to the written protocol of a licensed physician or the district medical examiner of the county where the death occurred

'Florida Farm Bill' includes proposal to ban fluoridation of public water systems

The measure, introduced in the state House, includes numerous issues related to the state Department of Agriculture. Many local governments have ended fluoridation in recent months.

With the backing of Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a Senate Republican on Thursday filed a wide-ranging bill that would bar public water systems from adding fluoride to water supplies.

Sen. Keith Truenow, R-Tavares, filed the bill (SB 700), which addresses numerous issues related to the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Simpson has dubbed the proposal, which will be considered during the legislative session that starts March 4, the “Florida Farm Bill.”

Local governments in Florida and across the country recently have debated — and, in some cases, stopped — the longstanding practice of adding fluoride to water supplies.

A news release last week from Simpson’s office said Rep. Kaylee Tuck, R-Lake Placid, will sponsor the House version of the bill.