Florida's Latest News

U.S. Supreme Court asked to uphold Florida Seminole sports betting deal

The U.S. Department of the Interior has urged the Supreme Court to reject West Flagler Associates’ challenge to a sports betting compact between the Seminole Tribe and Florida, arguing that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act supports the compact’s legality.

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has formally requested that the Supreme Court deny a petition for a writ of certiorari filed by West Flagler Associates, which seeks to challenge the legality of a sports betting compact between the Seminole Tribe and the State of Florida.

In a filing submitted on Monday, Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar argued that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) supports the compact’s approval. The DOI contends that IGRA, although enacted prior to the internet era, should be interpreted broadly to encompass modern economic developments like internet-based sports betting. The department asserted that the compact’s “hub-and-spoke” model, which deems bets placed off-reservation to occur on tribal land because they are processed by on-reservation servers, complies with federal law.

“[T]he approval of the Compact by operation of law does relate directly to Indian lands, because it approves gaming activity only on Indian lands,” the document reads. “And that approval further relates to the Tribe’s uniquely sovereign interests and the special relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes.”

Citizens Insurance approves spending for backup coverage

With the 2024 hurricane season starting June 1, the state's Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Board of Governors on Tuesday approved spending as much as $750 million on backup coverage to help pay claims if a big storm hits.

With the 2024 hurricane season starting June 1, the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Board of Governors on Tuesday approved spending as much as $750 million on backup coverage to help pay claims if a big storm hits.

The board approved buying private reinsurance that could provide about $5.5 billion in coverage. Reinsurance plays a critical role in Florida’s hurricane-prone market, with insurers buying it in advance to help cover claims if major storms deplete their cash.

Tuesday’s approval did not finalize this year’s Citizens reinsurance coverage, with officials saying negotiations need to play out. Citizens spent about $650 million last year.

“We definitely do not pay above market (rates) for the reinsurance,” Jennifer Montero, the agency’s chief financial officer, told board members. “We have walked away before, and I think the market knows that.”

Florida’s tax revenue holds steady amid national decline

Amid a national decline in state tax revenues, Florida’s financial health remains comparatively strong, according to an economic report published by The Pew Charitable Trusts on Tuesday.

According to the analysis, Florida saw a decrease of less than 1 percent in inflation-adjusted tax revenue for fiscal year 2023, standing in contrast to the comparatively large drops seen in other states, such as California and New York, which experienced declines of 36.5 percent and 23.7 percent respectively.

“45 states reported lower year-over-year inflation-adjusted tax revenue in the second quarter of 2023, with declines ranging from 59 percent in Alaska, 36.5 percent in California, and 23.7 percent in New York to less than 1 percent in Florida,” the report states.

In the second quarter of 2023, state tax collections nationwide were 1.2 percent below the 15-year trend. However, Florida’s diverse economy and reliance on sales taxes have helped maintain stability. State economists have raised Florida’s general revenue projections by $2.18 billion for the current and next fiscal years, partially attributed to hurricane relief.

How Tallahassee’s restaurant scene weathered the storm

Several places stepped up to fill a need in the face of so many food challenges over the weekend.

The weather hasn’t been kind to Tallahassee’s restaurants.

In April, Backwoods Crossing was temporarily closed due to flooding. This weekend, several restaurants were hit hard, either physically or financially, by the damage — or ramifications — of Friday’s deadly tornadoes.

City Dogs Cafe, owned by Michael Robinson (who also owns Ma’s Diner in Bannerman Crossings), had already been facing challenges due to construction on Railroad Avenue, but the storm damage dashed his hopes of overcoming tough times.

“CLOSED FOREVER,” Robinson posted on Instagram Friday. “Our building was completely destroyed by the tornado that ripped through this area. We’re in salvage mode now. Pray for everyone in this area. A lot of people lost their dreams today.”