Florida's Latest News

Home and car insurance relief promised for many South Florida residents – what to expect

Gov. Ron DeSantis went for the WOW factor Wednesday, speaking at the Wall of Wind at Florida International University. World-class research on making buildings withstand hurricane-force winds is done at the facility, and it’s those storms that drive up insurance rates for everyone.  

DeSantis used that backdrop to deliver encouraging news about home insurance rates, something he said has “roiled this hurricane-prone state for decades."

He announced that "very soon," many South Florida customers of the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. will receive the following rate decreases:

• In Miami-Dade County, 73% of primary homeowners will receive an average decrease of 6.3%
• In Broward County, 52% of homeowners will receive an average decrease of 4.5%
• And in Palm Beach County, nearly 19% will benefit from lower premiums

Full details were not immediately released. The Citizens Board of Governors in June approved a proposal that sought an average 13.5% rate increase statewide for the most common type of Citizens policy, known as homeowners’ multi-peril coverage. But the state Office of Insurance Regulation has not ruled on the proposal.

Expected early exit of Florida’s Nuñez creates new opening for DeSantis to cement control

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez is expected to resign this week to be named interim president of Florida International University, according to three people aware of the school’s plans but not authorized to discuss them publicly.

The imminent departure of Nuñez would give Gov. Ron DeSantis yet another high-profile position to fill in the top ranks of state government amid a monumental reshuffling of Florida politics after President Donald Trump’s election win.

It also could give DeSantis a chance to find a lieutenant governor who could be auditioning as a potential replacement. The popular conservative governor is term-limited and cannot run again in 2026. He recently announced plans to raise money to help a potential successor.

DeSantis recently appointed Ashley Moody, who had been the state’s attorney general, to the U.S. Senate after Trump named Marco Rubio secretary of State. He still needs to fill the attorney general position, as well as the job of chief financial officer, as current CFO Jimmy Patronis is expected to win the congressional seat that had been held by former Rep. Matt Gaetz. DeSantis has already said he intends to appoint James Uthmeier, his chief of staff, as Moody’s replacement.

Sen. Gayle Harrell introduces bill to expand autism services, research

A Republican Senator introduced legislation on Wednesday designed to improve support services for children with autism and their families by expanding early detection efforts, intervention programs, and creating a centralized hub for research and training.

The bill, filed by Sen. Gayle Harrell, includes measures to expand autism screening and early intervention services, extend eligibility for early childhood services, and develop specialized educational and summer programs for children with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, the bill would designate the University of Florida’s Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as the main coordinating body for autism-related research and services throughout the state.

The measure also seeks to broaden the Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program to offer free screenings, referrals, and services for autism spectrum disorder. These services will be promoted through the Live Healthy online portal, which will grant families resources to find no-cost screenings and support services in their area.

“We know early detection and intervention services promote positive outcomes for infants, toddlers, and children with a disability or developmental delay. Under this legislation, parents will have the opportunity to continue critical early intervention services provided through the Early Steps Program until their child turns four and begins receiving services provided through the school district,” said Harrell. 

Pam Bondi issued a flurry of orders on Day 1 as Trump’s attorney general

Pam Bondi is officially in control of the Justice Department — and she’s gone right to work.

President Donald Trump’s attorney general issued a flurry of orders Wednesday just after she was sworn in, releasing 14 “first-day” directives. Among them, Bondi ordered the department to set up a task force to examine the “weaponization” of the Justice Department and rein in investigations into foreign influence. She also warned career lawyers at her agency not to try to thwart Trump administration policies.

Bondi directed the “weaponization” group to investigate former special counsel Jack Smith, who brought the two federal criminal cases against Trump: one over Trump’s role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol and another on Trump’s mishandling of classified documents.

And she directed the group to examine “federal cooperation with the weaponization” by the offices of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Bragg’s office brought the criminal hush money case against Trump that ended in his conviction on 34 felony counts of business fraud. James brought a civil fraud lawsuit against Trump and his family business that resulted in a judge ordering Trump to pay a massive civil judgment.