Florida's Latest News

Gov. DeSantis calls Special Session to crack down on illegal immigration

Gov. Ron DeSantis has called a Special Session starting Jan. 27 to take up legislation cracking down on illegal immigration. The Republican Governor said he wants policies in place quickly once when President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Trump ran on a hard-line immigration platform and has promised mass deportations quickly once he takes office.

“We are going to see a sea change in policies, particularly with respect to the border and illegal immigration,” DeSantis said.

“This is an issue that has been festering in this country for many, many decades. Although the first Trump administration was much more successful than others have been, this is the time to get it right once and for all. And so the state of Florida stands ready, willing and able to be able to help facilitate these policies that will benefit Floridians and benefit the American people.”

DeSantis was among several Governors to meet with Trump at an event last week in Mar-a-Lago. The Governor said he committed to supporting the incoming President’s immigration policies. “My guys are in contact with some of their staff, so we’ll tailor what we’re doing to mirror what their policies are going to be,” DeSantis said.

As Special Session looms, Florida Policy Project spotlights dire need for action on condo assessment crisis

A new study finds more trouble among Florida’s robust condominium sector, with owners facing crippling financial demands and trying to offload their condos in a shaky market.

The Florida Policy Project, a nonpartisan research-focused organization launched by former Sen. Jeff Brandes, has found through its latest research project and analysis that condo listings among properties 30 years old or older are surging. The buyer market is also weak, as individuals face challenges in financing purchases on units that don’t meet current codes.

At issue are new requirements passed by the Legislature in 2022 after the tragic Surfside condo collapse, including heightened assessment demands and increased reserve funding. While the law was meant to ensure safety, the new rules created new problems.

The new law requires condo associations to set aside more money for condo maintenance and repairs, which has caused owners to face steep, often unsustainable assessments on their properties. A Redfin analysis of the cost increases for homeowners found a 15% jump from 2023 to 2024 in homeowners association fees in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale.

Gov. DeSantis: Thin GOP majority means no US House members for Rubio replacement

Gov. Ron DeSantis says he won’t name a sitting U.S. House member to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.

Although U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, R-New Smyrna Beach, had been seen as a possible candidate, DeSantis told reporters Monday the slim majority Republicans hold in the U.S. House means he won’t consider U.S. House members for the Senate seat.

“I’ve been honest with the congresspeople ... that’s a big concern of mine,” DeSantis said. “You’ve got to be part of the team and you’ve got to help deliver (President-elect Donald Trump’s policies). He spoke at a press conference in which he announced a special legislative session on immigration and other matters.

"But if you put someone there and it reduces the numbers in the House it may make it harder for them to enact an agenda.” Due to appointments and resignations after the election, DeSantis said Republicans will likely hold a 217-215 advantage over Democrats in the House on Jan. 20, the day of Trump’s inauguration.

Gov. DeSantis hopes legislature can approve hurricane relief grants to help homeowners rebuild, prepare

Governor Ron DeSantis called on Florida lawmakers to approve additional hurricane relief for homeowners and to work on reforms for the state’s condominium market.

During a Monday news conference from the Florida Capitol, DeSantis said he hopes the legislature can approve grants to help homeowners rebuild and prepare for the next hurricane season, pointing out that many were approved for the My Safe Florida Program but have not been able to get the relief since the funding ran out.

DeSantis said giving homeowners, who have already been approved, that relief is imperative as many are still recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene and Milton.

“What we would want is anybody in these hurricane-affected areas who had damage to their home, who are approved for My Safe Florida Home, but there’s not enough money, let’s get them the grants so that helps when they’re rebuilding it and they need to rebuild. Anyways, they’re approved for the program. This will help keep them, hopefully in better shape for the next hurricane season,” DeSantis said.