Florida's Latest News

Gov. DeSantis, Casey DeSantis visit Big Bend post-Debby

Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Taylor County to survey damage in the wake of Hurricane Debby, and Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis was with him as the two assessed damage and tried to help residents return to normal.

The Governor visited Roy’s Restaurant in Steinhatchee and met with some residents while he announced there will be $10 million in state funds made available for Small Business Bridge Loan Program assistance. He and Casey DeSantis also helped to open the Business Resource and Point of Distribution services for the Big Bend region of Florida.

“The State of Florida leads the nation in storm preparation and disaster response,” Ron DeSantis said. “We will continue to work around the clock to restore power and provide services and resources to Floridians hit by Hurricane Debby.”

The Business Resource Center was established at the Taylor County Middle School in Perry Tuesday. The Point of Distribution for businesses was set up with help from the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) and the Florida National Guard.

Wilton Simpson announces new loan program for farmers impacted by Hurricane Debby

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced on Tuesday a new Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program to support farmers impacted by Hurricane Debby.

Starting next week, eligible farmers, ranchers, and growers can apply for low-interest and interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. The program, offering up to $500,000 per applicant, is backed by a $75 million revolving loan fund established by House Bill 1-C during a special legislative session in November 2023.

“Reports of significant agricultural damage and flooding from Hurricane Debby have prompted us to launch this program swiftly to support our farmers,” Simpson said. “Our agriculture community is vital to feeding our state and nation, and this program provides timely and efficient support.”

The program aims to provide rapid financial assistance for the restoration, repair, or replacement of essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other structures. It also covers the removal of vegetative debris. Simpson emphasized the urgency of support, noting that this state-run initiative can deliver aid more swiftly than federal programs, which often face delays.

Rick Scott pushes for tax break for homeowners’ insurance

In the wake of Hurricane Debby, one Florida Senator’s bill may offer some offsets from spikes in insurance premiums. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott’s Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act would offer, per his office, an above-the-line tax deduction of up to $10,000 of insurance premiums at homesteaded properties.

The Senator notes that “soaring property insurance costs” are part of why the “dream of homeownership is out of reach” for many.

“While the business of property insurance is handled by the states, there is one thing the federal government can do to help lower costs for families.

My new legislation, the Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act, will provide direct relief for families in Florida and across the nation with a deduction of up to $10,000 in homeowners insurance premiums paid on their primary residence,” Scott said

Florida Attorney General ends lawsuit against ACC over ESPN deal

The Florida Attorney General’s Office has ended its lawsuit against the Atlantic Coast Conference over the league’s ESPN contracts.

Ashley Moody and her office filed a notice to dismiss their complaint without prejudice on Friday. That filing came the day after the conference gave 251 redacted pages of its deals with ESPN to the Attorney General’s Office.

Moody sued the ACC in April, alleging that the conference violated the state’s public records laws by withholding its contracts with ESPN. Her office argued, in part, that the deals were public records because they had been viewed by employees of a public entity (Florida State) on public business. ESPN, the ACC and other power conferences contended that they should remain shielded to protect trade secrets.

Last month, the conference agreed to share the documents with the Attorney General’s Office — as long as they were redacted to keep their trade secrets a secret. The ACC shared them on the Aug. 1 deadline, and the Attorney General’s Office filed its notice to dismiss the case the next day. It became public through the court system’s website Wednesday.