Florida
The latest news, analysis and updates on Florida politics and policy.
Donalds raises $31.5M in Florida governor’s race, posts more than $9M in Q3
The latest fundraising numbers come as at least one other big-name candidate is expected to get into the GOP primary.
Florida Playbook
Kimberly Leonard's must-read briefing on what's hot, crazy or shady about politics in the Sunshine State
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Cory Mills denies ‘anything salacious’ as he seeks to fend off restraining order
The two-term House Republican moved to rebut abuse allegations Friday in a Florida courtroom.
Man found guilty of trying to assassinate Trump at Florida golf course
Ryan Routh, who represented himself at the trial, tried to stab himself in the neck shortly after being found guilty.
DeSantis offers Miami land for Trump’s presidential library
The site at Miami Dade College takes Florida one step closer to its first presidential library.
Florida plans to stop school vaccine mandates. These states could follow.
One anti-vax attorney called mandates “the tool of bullies, criminals and dictators.”
Trump-endorsed Donalds may soon have a new ‘26 rival: Florida’s LG
Jay Collins said that if he runs for governor, he would be willing to consider first lady Casey DeSantis — whom he called “brilliant” and “hard working” — as a possible running mate.
Florida attorney general declares open carry of guns ‘law of the state’
James Uthmeier made his pronouncement amid a back-and-forth among various law enforcement agencies as to how they would handle open-carry incidents.
Amid Florida’s push against vaccine mandates, fears grow of increased risks
State officials believe patients should be able to make medical decisions based on advice from a doctor and without the influence of a government mandate.
Florida officials watching for ‘vile, sanctionable’ behavior from teachers after Kirk killing
The state memo is a response to an incident in Clay County, where a local elementary school teacher made coarse comments about Charlie Kirk.
Florida may soon allow open carry of guns after court strikes down ban
The decision by the 1st District Court of Appeal comes as Gov. Ron DeSantis clamors for open carry despite wide resistance from local sheriffs
Florida surgeon general denies need for study ahead of end to vaccine mandates in the state
Joseph Ladapo insisted that his position was a principled defense of parents’ rights.
Rep. Cory Mills faces ex-girlfriend in Florida hearing over restraining order request
A Republican state committeewoman from Columbia County is seeking a restraining order against Mills, who has denied any wrongdoing.
Federal appeals court blocks judge’s order shutting down Alligator Alcatraz
In response to the ruling, Gov. Ron DeSantis posted on X that the “mission will continue” at Alligator Alcatraz.
Florida moves to scrap state school vaccine requirements
During the height of Covid-19, the state championed a “medical freedom” agenda that included scrapping mask mandates and prohibiting employers from requiring Covid-19 vaccines for employment.
Paul Renner enters Florida governor’s race, taking on Trump-backed Byron Donalds
“I’m a pro-Trump, pro-DeSantis Republican, through and through,” said Renner, a former Florida House speaker.
Republicans could take midterm hit if Obamacare subsidies expire
As an epicenter of small business growth and the MAGA movement, Florida offers a glimpse into the potential political fallout
DeSantis: ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ ruling won’t ‘deter’ Florida immigration enforcement
“This is a judge that was not going to give us a fair shake,” DeSantis said Friday. “This was preordained, very much an activist judge that is trying to do policy from the bench.”
Trump’s Florida man for RNC chair officially takes the role
The elevation of the GOP state senator who once chaired the Republican Party of Florida was never in doubt after Trump hand-picked him for the job.
Judge bars Florida from bringing more detainees to ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
The ruling would make it impossible to operate the immigration detention center in the Everglades west of Miami.
Florida to use shuttered prison as 2nd immigration detention center after ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
The state plans to spend up to $6 million to stand up Baker Correctional Institution to hold more than 1,300 people awaiting deportation.
DeSantis set to pick Florida’s new LG — and a possible 2026 governor candidate
The decision may set up a challenge to Trump-endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds for governor.
Florida’s universities face research overhaul courtesy of Trump and DeSantis
Led by the governor, Florida’s government accountability DOGE team is auditing university research projects and even recommending grants for termination.
Judge weighs Trump administration’s request to end protections for immigrant children
The administration seeks to dissolve a decades-old policy that limits how long CBP can hold children and requires them to be kept in safe and sanitary conditions.
Florida moves toward joining national redistricting push
State House Speaker Daniel Perez said Thursday that he’s creating a select committee to look at drawing up new districts seven years ahead of the normal schedule.
Federal judge orders two-week construction pause at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
Experts testified newly laid down pavement would cause harmful runoff to spill into the wetlands surrounding the airstrip.
Trump says he’s ordering new census
The attempt would likely face a flurry of legal and logistical challenges should the administration move ahead with it.
Republicans quietly fret about ‘disturbing’ Cory Mills allegations
So long as national party operatives view the Florida lawmaker’s seat as safe, there is little incentive for GOP leaders to engage.
Newly released records linked to Hope Florida reignite intra-GOP political battle
The documents reveal details of a $67 million settlement between Florida and the state’s largest Medicaid provider, meant to settle overbilling claims levied against a now-former pharmacy benefit manager.
GOP Rep. Mills accused of threatening to release nude videos of ex-girlfriend
Lindsey Langston, winner of the 2024 Miss United States contest, filed a police report in Florida. Mills denied wrongdoing.
With Trump’s support, Gruters path to lead RNC moving smoothly
Trump recently repeated his support of Florida’s Joe Gruters, calling him a “MAGA warrior, who has been with us from the very beginning.”
DeSantis says a census redo could be in works amid state redistricting wars
The Republican governor said the last U.S. census was “flawed” and a new one would benefit Florida.