Florida's Latest News

DeSantis still wants to kill property taxes. What would happen?

Florida homeowners have heard a lot about property tax relief this year, but it's not always clear what that would mean for both the bills in their mailboxes and the quality of life in their communities.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing hard for it as his term comes to an end. The Florida Legislature failed to pass seven different bills addressing homestead property taxes during its normal spring session, but the governor said a property tax overhaul could still happen, possibly through a special session this summer.

"This is something that could be really meaningful," DeSantis said during a May 18 roundtable discussion at Space Coast Association of Realtors in Melbourne. "A lot of people, they just want the relief."

"Not every local government's going to like it," he added, "but given the numbers, it's doable ... Don't let anybody tell you can't do this."

Pinellas County Officials Endorse Byron Donalds for Governor

Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) announced this week that he has received more than 25 endorsements from Pinellas County leaders in his bid for governor.

The support includes backing from mayors, county commissioners, city council members, school board officials, municipal leaders, and others throughout Pinellas, home to St. Petersburg.

“As a Pinellas County Commissioner, I am proud to offer my full support and endorsement of Byron Donalds for Governor of the State of Florida,” Commissioner Brian Scott said. “Throughout his career in public service, Byron Donalds has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility, economic opportunity, and accountable government. He understands that strong communities are built on safe neighborhoods, a thriving local economy, and leadership that listens to the people it serves.”

Anthony Bonna gets AIF nod in HD 85

The Associated Industries of Florida is endorsing Republican Anthony Bonna in the race to succeed term-limited Rep. Toby Overdorf in House District 85.

“From helping deliver tax relief and economic growth in Port St. Lucie to advocating for policies that support small businesses and job creators, Anthony understands what it takes to keep Florida competitive and prosperous,” said AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis.

“Throughout his service to his community, Anthony has demonstrated a commitment to responsible leadership and a pro-business approach that will help create opportunities for Florida families and employers alike. Associated Industries of Florida is proud to endorse Anthony Bonna for Florida House District 85.”

Bonna was the first candidate to file for the 2026 race for House District 85, where Republican Overdorf must leave office due to term limits.

Ashley Moody steers $1.5B in federal funding to Florida for disaster recovery reimbursements

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody says she has secured more than $1.56 billion in federal relief funding to help pay for disaster costs in Florida over the past several years.

The relief money is coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Moody said there are more than 500 state projects that will be reimbursed with the FEMA funds.

The money will be used to help pick up the tab for projects already completed, such as debris removal in several counties after hurricanes, infrastructure repairs, power restoration and stormwater projects. The recovery projects involve other weather-related events such as drought, fires and freezes.

“I came to Washington to fight for Florida’s best interest, which is why I’m proud to announce the successful recovery of more than $1.5 Billion in FEMA reimbursements for Florida communities hit hard by disasters,” Moody said in a news release. “This is money that has been slow walked and tangled in our federal government, I’m cutting through bureaucracy and getting things done for Florida.”