Florida's Latest News

Storm warning: Florida legislators will have more money, but with caveats

State lawmakers will have slightly more money to spend this legislative session. But it comes with a warning.

Citing “strong economic headwinds,” state economists on Friday drew up a new forecast for the state’s main budget account that projects a slight bump of nearly $1.3 billion in the amount of tax money Florida should collect over the next year and a half. But economists remain wary that consumer spending — one of the driving forces for the state — could tumble amid tariffs and talk of a potential recession.

“It definitely comes with a strong caveat that we believe that the greatest risks going forward are all to the downside,” said Amy Baker, the coordinator for the state’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research. “There’s a lot of uncertainty on how things are going to unfold.”

Baker added that the conditions could cause people to “hunker down.” Recent losses in the stock market, she said, may make retirees and those close to retirement feel “less wealthy.”

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Florida Senators Push to Relocate NASA Headquarters to Space Coast

Florida’s U.S. senators have introduced legislation seeking to relocate the headquarters of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from Washington, D.C., to Brevard County, Florida.

The Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently at Canaveral Act, or CAPE Canaveral Act, is sponsored by Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, who a stated in an issued release that the move would increase efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen collaboration between NASA and private aerospace firms.

“Moving to Florida will not only save Americans’ tax dollars, it will enhance efficiency and streamline operations in this important industry with proximity to private-sector partners and a top-tier workforce ready to help America reach its space exploration goals,” said Scott. “We have worked hard to make Florida the thriving aerospace hub it is today, and I look forward to the quick passage of our legislation and welcoming NASA to the best state in the nation!”

Moody echoed similar sentiments, noting the proposal’s potential to reduce taxpayer expenditures while bolstering Florida’s position as a leading state for aerospace innovation.

DeSantis gives his backing to keeping the Rays in the Tampa Bay area

Gov. Ron DeSantis said the baseball team has made a lot of progress in building a fan base in the region. But he held up the success of hockey's Tampa Bay Lightning as an example to emulate.

Gov. Ron DeSantis came out in favor of keeping the Tampa Bay Rays in the region.

The governor spoke during a press conference Friday in Palmetto to announce the awarding of $2 million toward improvements to SeaPort Manatee.

He said Rob Manfred, the commissioner of Major League Baseball, told him he's committed to keeping the Rays in the market.

"You know, my view is it can be a viable, good franchise," DeSantis said. "I mean, they've had good baseball decisions that have been made over the years. With really significant financial challenges, they've still been able to produce a good product and compete in a very difficult division, but the fan and the attendance really hasn't been there.

Rubio announces deportations day after judge blocks using Alien Enemies Act

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Sunday that hundreds of members of the Tren de Aragua gang have been deported under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, even as a federal judge ordered the removals to be temporarily stopped.

“Under the President’s direction, his administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act to initiate the removal of hundreds of dangerous members of Tren de Aragua (TdA), a vicious and violent Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), which has been threatening our nation, conducting irregular warfare, and terrorizing Americans,” Rubio said in a statement Sunday.  

“Hundreds of violent criminals were sent out of our country. This crucial step would have never happened under any other U.S. president. President Trump is following through on the promises he made to the American people,” he added.

Rubio’s announcement comes a day after U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ordered the Trump administration to halt deportations for individuals deemed eligible for removal under Trump’s order for 14 days, as a result of the lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward and the American Civil Liberties Union.