Florida's Latest News

‘Implementation cycle’: Jay Collins says homestead property tax relief may be phased in over years

As Florida legislators anxiously await for Gov. Ron DeSantis to roll out his proposal to eliminate homestead property taxes, his second-in-command says it may take a while to take effect.

During an interview on Veronica LIVE, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins warned that if the measure is approved during Special Session and then by 60% of the voters, homeowners will “probably” have a “one- to three-year implementation cycle.”

The reason is that “the gears in some of those cities and counties, especially our fiscally-constrained, could be difficult if we did that.” That’s notable, as DeSantis and CFO Blaise Ingoglia have blasted cities and counties for spending too freely and argued that budgets in many regions could easily be slashed.

“I have no doubt that we’ll get some property tax relief. We’re aiming for the top of the ladder, meaning nullifying, getting rid of property tax in your homesteaded properties,” Collins, a Republican from Tampa who was appointed by DeSantis last year, said in a broadcast he promoted Tuesday.

Blaise Ingoglia announces funds for firefighter cancer prevention, training expansion

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia stopped in Ocala to announce he’s directing thousands of dollars toward a regional firefighter training facility in Newberry and for equipment to address increased cancer risk.

Ingoglia called attention to increasing health troubles for firefighters as construction materials and technology evolve, exposing first responders to dangerous chemicals that could have long-term health effects on not just first responders, but also their families. 

Ingoglia has awarded more than $28 million to support firefighters across the state since he took office. Speaking in Ocala, he announced $500,000 in appropriated funds for a city of Newberry regional first responder training facility, as well as nearly $6,400 for the city of Ocala and just under $4,800 for the city of High Springs through the firefighter cancer decontamination grant program.

“We must ensure that our fire stations and firefighters have the equipment, specifically decontamination equipment, they need to keep Florida’s families safe and to keep themselves safe,” Ingoglia said. “That’s why, when I travel the state talking about property tax reform, I have made it clear that the first thing that the local governments must fund … they must fund fire and law enforcement first.”

Florida Clerks of Courts use County Government Month to promote more interaction with public

Clerks of Courts are trying to provide more awareness of their functions during National County Government Month.

Clerks are often considered by many in government to be the backbone of civil functions and services and those elected leaders. During April, Clerk’s Offices will be leading the way in all 67 Florida counties to showcase their services and enhance interaction with the public.

“National County Government Month is an opportunity to shine a light on the essential work performed every day in Clerk and Comptroller offices statewide,” said 2025-26 Florida Clerks and Comptrollers President and Hernando County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Doug Chorvat Jr.

“Clerks are uniquely positioned to serve as both record keepers and financial watchdogs. Our work ensures that government remains open, accountable and responsive to the needs of Floridians.”

Forest Service officials warn Floridians not to 'underestimate wildfire season'

Despite recent downpours across the greater Tampa Bay region, Florida Forest Service officials put residents on notice about high risk for wildfires.

While rain is welcome, officials said it would take ten to 12 inches of rain to offset the current conditions fueling the fire risk.

Since Jan. 1, the Florida Forest Service has already fought about 1,500 fires. That's about half the number of fires the division sees in a typical 12-month period, according to service officials. Peak wildfire season in Florida lasts through June.

Speaking at a press conference near Lakeland on Apr. 7, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said there are a couple of reasons for that.

"With the extraordinary drought... then you add the extraordinary freeze on top of it, everything was brown, very little moisture, and within a day or two, that what moisture we've gotten here today will be gone," he said. "And so it is very important to not underestimate Florida wildfire season."