Florida's Latest News

Jared Moskowitz, serving first term in Congress, considers long-shot run for Florida governor in 2026

U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz’s lifelong dream, achieved in a 2022 election victory, was to go to Congress. Now, even before winning his first reelection campaign, he’s contemplating giving it up to take a shot at a much bigger office: Florida governor.

For now, it’s preliminary talk. But it was fueled by Moskowitz himself — to a wide audience of political insiders and observers. “I’m not ruling it out,” the Democratic congressman told Politico on Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol. “I’m looking at it but it’s super early.”

That comment, along with his self-assessment that a key part of his background could be a plus, is attracting attention in the political world. “It’s plausible, sure,” said Kevin Wagner, a political scientist at Florida Atlantic University. “But it would be challenging.”

It’s not clear how seriously Moskowitz is considering a statewide candidacy. He didn’t completely close the door on Wednesday, but he also didn’t push it wide open.

Property insurance, fake meat and communism history: Florida lawmakers launch a bill blitz before session ends

With the end of session just days away, the Florida Legislature barreled through several bills Wednesday, including a ban on cultivated meat. The bill, SB 1084, threatens to restrict the manufacture and sale of cultivated meat. The proposal, among others, passed Wednesday and will require Gov. Ron DeSantis’ final approval. 

“Cultured meat is made by man,” said Yulee Republican Rep. Dean Black. “Real meat is made by God himself.” Lawmakers also approved a bill requiring lower-school history lessons on communism. Under Florida law, high school students are already required to learn about communism on “Victims of Communism Day.”

“I would argue that the threat still lives on,” said Hialeah Republican Rep. Alex Rizo. The House and Senate, meanwhile, are negotiating restrictions on hemp and products like Delta 8 and Delta 10. Delta products are commonly available in smoke shops, gas stations and convenience stores.

“For those of you thinking (you’re) tough on crime... (you) don’t want any drugs... Let’s be very clear. This will still be available, and it will still be sold in Florida,” said Hollywood Democratic Rep. Hillary Cassell.

Florida bill banning 'identity politics' from teacher prep programs headed to DeSantis

The Florida Senate on Wednesday gave final approval to a measure designed to keep "identity politics" out of teacher preparation programs that lead to educators getting their professional certificates, readying the bill to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Republican-controlled Senate voted 28-12 along party lines to approve the bill (HB 1291) nearly a week after the House passed the measure. The bill emerged as one of the most controversial education bills of the 2024 legislative session.

Under the bill, teacher preparation programs at colleges and universities would be barred from teaching "identity politics" or include lessons that are "based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities."

A House analysis of the measure said that there are 57 "initial" teacher preparation programs in Florida at 10 state universities, 19 state colleges and 28 private colleges and universities. The bill also would apply to preparation programs for prospective school leaders.

Legislature passes bill putting pharmacists frontline to combat HIV spread

Rep. Gallop Franklin named the measure in honor of Rep. Dana Trabulsy's brother, who died of AIDS. Pharmacists could be on the front lines in the state’s efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS after the House gave final approval to bill (HB 159) sponsored by Democratic Rep. Gallop Franklin.

If approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis, pharmacists could screen adults for HIV exposure and provide the results of such screening. Certain pharmacists who work collaboratively with physicians to treat patients could also become certified to order and dispense post-exposure prophylaxis.

The House had previously sent the bill to the Senate, which tagged an amendment onto it that tightened language regarding the collaborative agreements between physicians and pharmacists.

Franklin, a pharmacist, named the measure the “John W. Rheay Act,” after Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy’s brother, who died of AIDS. On Wednesday, she thanked Franklin and Senate sponsor Alexis Calatayud.