Florida's Latest News

AHCA secretary's confirmation advances to full Senate, but DCF leader's delayed

Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris got through her second Senate confirmation hearing Monday.

However, Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch's appearance before the Ethics and Elections Committee was postponed.

Committee Chair Sen. Don Gaetz said after the meeting he made the decision based on the anticipated questions and debate and a limited amount of time – two hours – scheduled for the meeting.

“I called her and I asked her if it would be alright if we postponed until the next meeting,” said Gaetz, R-Niceville. “She agreed, solely for the purpose of time.”

Gaetz added he expects the committee to meet again next week.

Nearly 140 appointments by Gov. Ron DeSantis successfully went before the committee, with Harris and three others appearing before the panel to answer questions.

Florida 'AI Bill of Rights' enters free speech debate

The push for Florida’s proposed AI rulebook is rooted in tragedy.

Sewell Setzer III, a 14-year-old from Central Florida, died by suicide following an extended conversation with a chatbot in February 2024. Lawmakers moved to respond, advancing legislation aimed at regulating how artificial intelligence interacts with residents and strengthening parents’ ability to monitor and approve their children’s AI use.

Supporters frame it as necessary guardrails in a fast-moving sector. Critics and legal experts, however, note that First Amendment and other constitutional protections may still apply to AI companies and minors, potentially limiting how far state regulation can go.

The measure (SB 482), dubbed the “AI Bill of Rights,” cleared its final committee on Feb. 18 and is headed to a Senate floor vote. Backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis as a legislative priority, the proposal reflects Florida’s effort to rein in rapidly evolving AI technologies and prevent similar harms.

The approach also contrasts with the federal posture outlined in a White House executive order that emphasized allowing AI innovation to proceed “without cumbersome regulation.”

House panel advances bipartisan bill to protect students with autism at public schools

A bill advancing in the House aims to make it easier for public schools to locate missing students who have autism spectrum disorder.

The House Education & Employment Committee unanimously approved the legislation (HB 423) from Reps. Anna Eskamani and Chase Tramont.

Eskamani, an Orlando Democrat, and Tramont, a Port Orange Republican, argued the measure is critical to prevent children on the autism spectrum who might be prone to walking off campus. Many School Districts lack protocols in place to take action when a student runs off, autism advocates said.

“This centers on ensuring that all of our students are safe in our public schools,” said Eskamani, adding that the proposal was inspired by programs already in place at schools in Polk and Broward counties. 

Under HB 423, public schools would be required to create a School Staff Assistance for Emergencies (SAFE) Team and develop a plan to jump into action when a student runs away. Part of that plan would include notifying training staff and the student’s parents.

Could your boss help you buy a home? A Florida bill aims to make that happen

Florida lawmakers are advancing a bill designed to incentivize bosses to help cover the cost of a full-time employee's first house.

Employers would be able to contribute $1,000 to $5,000 for the employee’s down payment or closing costs and get a 100% tax credit back.

If the legislation goes the distance, the “Homebuyer Workforce Tax Credit” would be available for three years, with applications opening in October. The state would approve applications on a first-come, first-served basis.

Employers can't get more than $500,000 in tax credits in a year. The program is capped at $5 million annually statewide.

Employees receiving the benefit must be “a moderate-income person,” meaning their household earns no more than 120 percent of the surrounding area's median income.

The credit is limited to companies that pay Florida corporate income taxes or insurance premium taxes — excluding nonprofits, many small businesses and government employers.