Florida's Latest News

DeSantis, Florida lawmakers to wield power over federal COVID-19 relief

The $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill will send billions of dollars to Florida and its residents, but the state’s Republican governor and Legislature will ultimately have a lot of power over funds that were passed into law by Democrats.

The bill, so big its price tag amounts to about 10 percent of the entire U.S. economy, includes a lot of significant policies that will affect millions of Floridians, including an additional $300 per week in unemployment benefits through Sept. 6 and a tax break of up to $10,000 for unemployment benefits. Expanded unemployment benefits in a $900 billion stimulus bill passed in December was set to expire Sunday.

And individuals earning $75,000 a year or less will receive a $1,400 stimulus check, with smaller payments for those earning $75,000 to $80,000 per year. Most parents will also receive a child tax credit of $3,000 per year for each child ages 6 through 17 and $3,600 per year for each child under age 6.

Florida close to opening vaccinations to all, DeSantis says

Florida will open coronavirus vaccinations to people as young as 55 “relatively soon,” then make shots available to everyone, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday during an appearance in Sumter County.

The state’s age-based eligibility for vaccination is 65 and up, and it will move to 60 and up starting Monday, DeSantis said.

“We’ll lower the age to 55 in due time,” he added. “It’s all dependent on how we’re doing with getting the 60 to 64. But that will happen relatively soon.”

After that, the state “probably could just open it up to the general public at that point,” DeSantis said, pointing out that Florida’s supply of doses from the federal government is growing, as is the Federal Pharmacy Program. The state had been receiving about 250,000 doses a week, and now it is receiving 400,000 or more per week, he said.

Republican leaders want internet sales tax to cut unemployment taxes for business

Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls announced a plan Wednesday to require out-of-state online retailers to collect sales taxes on purchases made by Floridians, with the additional money used to shore up the state’s unemployment-compensation system.

A joint announcement said the move could bring in about $1 billion a year for the state, with the money put into a trust fund used to pay unemployment benefits. That trust fund, which is funded through taxes on businesses, became depleted during the past year because of huge job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The surge in demand for benefits caused a tax increase on businesses that took effect in January. Tax rates have been projected to continue increasing in the coming years to replenish the fund.

Florida governor said any student could repeat a grade next year. It’s not turning out that way

Jim and Amy Cracchiolo almost couldn’t believe what they heard as they watched Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speak just after 5 p.m. on March 17.

“Parents may, at their discretion, choose to keep their child in the same grade for the 20-21 school year” if worried about learning lost during remote learning, DeSantis said in the first minute of his speech announcing campuses would remain closed after spring break because of COVID-19.

The Cracchiolos, teachers whose son Payton has significant special education needs, viewed the governor’s words as a lifeline.