Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a press conference podium in Miami, announcing funding for Biscayne Bay water quality and coral reef restoration while being filmed by media cameras

Florida local governments would lose $5 billion the first year if property tax amendment passes

Small, rural counties and towns with a large percentage of homestead properties in their tax base are especially concerned.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida June 16, 2026June 16, 2026

News & Views

Lawsuit claims language in Florida’s proposed property tax amendment is ‘biased’

The lawsuit doesn’t address the policy proposed, instead taking aim at the ballot summary language the voters will see, which is labeled, “SAVE OUR HOMES FROM EXCESSIVE PROPERTY TAXES.”

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix June 11, 2026June 11, 2026

News & Views

Florida Supreme Court keeps new congressional districts in place for 2026 elections

DeSantis pushed for a redrawn congressional map after Trump urged Republican-controlled states to pass new maps favoring the GOP.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida June 11, 2026June 11, 2026

A close-up of a media event on an airfield. The central figure wears a red hat and a dark suit, flanked by two others. The person on the left is speaking with an open hand gesture, while the person on the right is looking toward the press.

News & Views

DeSantis is ‘very good’ for naming a Florida airport after Trump, says Trump

“Ron’s good. He’s a friend of mine. He just named an airport after me.”

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix June 3, 2026June 3, 2026

Tampa downtown city skyline and skyscrapers at sunrise with the cruise port in the foreground.

News & Views

DeSantis’ property tax plan will hurt small businesses, make Florida ‘more unaffordable,’ says advocates

“We know this is a tax shift,” said Jeff Scala, deputy director with FAC in a webinar with members. “They’re framing this as a tax cut.”

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix June 1, 2026June 1, 2026

Governor Ron DeSantis, wearing a dark navy suit and tie, stands with a serious expression at an outdoor or indoor event. The background includes a wood-paneled wall and various items suggesting an outdoor theme, such as a boat seat, what appears to be a gun case or cover, and ammunition boxes.

News & Views

DeSantis’ plan to eliminate Florida property tax is different than what he pitched

There is no reference to the $500,000 homestead exemption that DeSantis said was the ultimate goal of his proposal.

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix May 29, 2026May 29, 2026

News & Views

Florida schools, healthcare, public safety could lose millions under DeSantis property tax plan

“I think there’s a reason why the governor didn’t want to show his work today.”

by Mitch Perry, Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix May 28, 2026May 28, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis seated at a table, smiling as he displays a signed State of Florida legislative document. Four officials stand behind him clapping in approval against a background wall featuring black-and-white portraits.

News & Views

‘It just matters if he likes you or he doesn’t like you’: Florida lawmakers brace for DeSantis’ veto pen

Democrats called his approach “retribution.”

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 28, 2026May 28, 2026

News & Views

‘Wound down and shut down’: Florida congressman says ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ coming to an end

“They’re not getting any new people. They’re just sending people to other facilities.”

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix May 27, 2026May 27, 2026

News & Views

Florida Gov. DeSantis unveils plan to eliminate property taxes for 92% of homestead homes

“I want to get something done. I want to make sure people can go and vote for something.”

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 27, 2026May 27, 2026

News & Views

Florida judge refuses to block new congressional map aiding Republicans

The groups vowed to appeal the ruling.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida May 27, 2026May 27, 2026

News & Views

Florida Republicans reject gas tax cut, but lineup breaks on guns, outdoor goods

The Legislature plans to vote on the bill along with the $114.5 billion budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 26, 2026May 26, 2026

Aerial view of the modern Florida State Capitol building plaza and grounds in Tallahassee Why it works: It p

News & Views

Florida lawmakers finally reach budget deal, here’s what’s in it

Legislators plan to approve the budget Friday and send it to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida May 25, 2026May 25, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium with a sign that reads "RESULTS Job Growth Grant" in front of the American and Florida flags during a press conference.

News & Views

Florida’s jobless rate has grown for 8 months straight

Economists suggested the rise isn’t just about people losing their jobs, but about new entrants to the workforce taking longer to find work.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 22, 2026May 22, 2026

ntrance Sign at the University of Florida on September 12, 2016 in Gainesville, Florida.

News & Views

Republicans are once again mad about University of Florida’s president pick because of DEI

Gov. Ron DeSantis, though, was quick to support former University of Alabama President Stuart Bell.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 21, 2026May 21, 2026

Former Florida Congressman David Jolly speaking into a microphone at a town hall meeting or political event with an attentive audience in the background.

News & Views

Florida Democrat David Jolly wants an Office of Civil Rights in the Governor’s Office

His comments came as DeSantis has applied a sledgehammer to vestiges of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the state.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix May 20, 2026May 20, 2026

Based on the image provided in the Facebook post, here are a few options for SEO-friendly alt-text, ranging from concise to more descriptive: Option 1: Descriptive & Keyword-Rich (Best for SEO) Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium during the unveiling of a James Madison statue in Florida. The podium features a sign identifying Madison as the "Father of the Constitution," set against the backdrop of a historic courthouse with patriotic banners.

News & Views

DeSantis slams Florida House Speaker Perez, claims he has ‘a personal agenda’

“When you have people that got elected on our back, like the Speaker of the House, get in and do the opposite of what the voters expected us to do, I’m going to call that out.”

by Gray Rohrer, Ana Goñi-Lessan and News Service of Florida May 15, 2026May 15, 2026

Close-up of a black fuel nozzle at an American gas station with colorful grade selection buttons for regular, mid-grade, and premium gasoline.

News & Views

Florida Democrats once again call on Gov. DeSantis to suspend state’s gas tax

An average gallon of gas in Florida was $4.39 on Thursday, $1.49 more than on Feb. 28, when the conflict with Iran began.

by News Service of Florida May 14, 2026May 14, 2026

A bright, daytime outdoor photograph of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a press conference. Standing behind a podium and a white railing, they are wearing a dark blue suit, a light blue shirt, and a dark red tie. They are gesturing with their raised left hand while speaking. The background features a softly blurred marina with several white boats docked on the water.

News & Views

DeSantis signs bill banning local climate change efforts, putting Tampa’s plan in limbo

The law takes effect July 1st.

by Chris Young and WMNF News May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

News & Views

Florida has spent $460 million on immigration enforcement so far, records show

FDEM filed a budget amendment May 6 notifying the Legislature it was spending $45.3 million out of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund to pay off invoices for the 2025-2026 year.

by Ana Goñi-Lessan and News Service of Florida May 12, 2026May 12, 2026