Florida's Latest News

John Snyder at the head of Fla. House Ag. & Natural Resources Subcommittee

The Florida House of Representatives Speaker, Daniel Perez, released new Committee assignments for the upcoming 2026 Legislative Session on Monday.

Palm City Republican Rep. John Snyder has been appointed Chair of the Agricultural & Natural Resources Subcommittee, after previously chairing the Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee in 2025.

Snyder will be replacing Fort Myers Republican Rep. Tiffany Esposito, who previously served as Chair, and will be flanked by Bonita Springs Republican Rep. Adam Botana, who will once again serve as the Subcommittee’s Vice Chair.

Other lawmakers named to the committee include nine Republican Reps. Jon Albert, Webster Barnaby, Yvette Benarroch, Dean Black, David Borrero, Nathan Boyles, Jim Mooney, Michelle Salzman, Meg Weinberger, and Democratic Reps. Jose Alvarez, Robin Bartleman, Lisa Dunkley, and Yvonne Hinson.

In last year’s budget, the Subcommittee proposed a 12.5% reduction in environmental spending, paring down Everglades restoration to $357 million from more than $850 million. The proposal, however, was heavily criticized by Gov.  Ron DeSantis .

Newly appointed president at Florida Memorial University stays, judge rules

Florida Memorial University will keep William McCormick as its newly appointed president following a month-long legal battle among the university’s board of trustees, a judge ruled. The ruling also affirms that Walter Weatherington, Sr., is the president of the school’s board of trustees.

FMU announced the news on Monday and confirmed McCormick, an alum of the institution, as their president. “With his proven record in business and an unwavering commitment to the university, it’s our time,” Weatherington said. “President McCormick embodies the spirit of FMU, and his leadership will be instrumental in navigating the challenges ahead.”

The ruling came after the university became embroiled in a controversy between two warring factions on the board of trustees over the legality of McCormick's appointment as president.

At the heart of the controversy was the question of who was the legitimate chair of FMU’s Board of Trustees — Brandon K. Dumas, who claimed in a motion that he was appointed to the position in May, or Weatherington, who FMU’s website lists as the board chair. Per Dumas’s filing, Weatherington had been on the board for 11 years and had already termed out. Dumas’ motion states that any decisions made in meetings with Weatherington claiming the chair seat are illegitimate.

Voice of Florida Business sounds support for Lauren Melo in SD 28

One of the top advocacy groups for Florida businesses is rallying behind Rep. Lauren Melo’s bid for the Senate.

The Associated Industries of Florida, a voice of Florida business since 1920, formally endorsed the Naples Republican as she runs to succeed Sen. Kathleen Passidomo in Senate District 28.

“During her time in the Florida House, Lauren Melo has been a consistent champion for conservative values,” said AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis. “Lauren has proven to be a leader who puts the best interests of our great state and its people first. She has supported job creators, she has invested in growing our workforce pipeline, and she has fought to make life more affordable for all Floridians. We are confident she will continue to do so in the Florida Senate. That’s why AIF is proud to endorse her campaign today.”

Melo served this year as Chair of the House Human Services Subcommittee. She has worked on numerous workforce policy issues since winning election to the House in 2020.

She welcomed the support of the prominent business advocate. And she promised to keep a focus on Florida’s business climate as she seeks a seat in the upper chamber.

Leon County School Board poised to approve its 2025-26 budget

The Leon County School Board is ready to approve its $647 million spending plan for the 2025-26 school year with millions in new tax dollars, despite a drop in the current property tax rate.

The new budget, which Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna declared "balanced," is a $19 million decrease from last year's $666 million.

The final budget hearing will be held Sept. 9 at 6 p.m., in the Aquilina Howell building, 3955 W. Pensacola St. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

Initially, the tentative budget was unanimously approved by the school board at its July 30 meeting following a public hearing. No members of the public have attended previous public hearings to speak about the budget.

Despite Hanna's initial alarm of a "financial crisis" for the schools, the board didn't raise its property tax rate.