TALLAHASSEE, FL --- Watchdog group Defend Florida held a press conference Wednesday afternoon, advocating for tighter election security and elimination of voter fraud. Florida Republican lawmakers Rep. Rick Roth and Rep. Doug Bankson were among the speakers, highlighting 8 bills this session designed to protect elections. "We don't have ballot security in the state of […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- In a push toward increased protection of children, the Florida House voted on a new bill banning social media usage for children under 16. Social media platforms in violation of the bill would face a $50,000 fine per penalty, and up to $10,000 in civil damages to be paid to the minor […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- In two exclusive interviews with The Floridian, Democrat Sen. Shevrin Jones and Republican Rep. Alex Rizo responded to Gov. Ron DeSantis' 30 point loss at the Iowa Caucus. As Democrats point at America's rejection of the Governor, Republicans are determined to present a unified front. "My hope is that we as Republicans […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- A newly filed bill in the Florida Legislature would allow "zombie drug" xylazine to once again be administered to animals in Florida. The legislation would remove xylazine animal drug products from the list of Schedule 1 controlled substances, easing veterinary access to the drug. "This bill seeks to create an exemption for […]
From newly filed bills centered on open carry and anti-abortion websites to contended measures involving immigration security and antisemitism protections, the 2024 Legislative Session is shaping up to be chock full of debate and hard conversations. The Floridian dove deep this past week, gaining exclusive interviews with various lawmakers and digging into last week's most […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- A new Republican-backed bill altering cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirees is dividing conservative voters. Despite passing its first committee unanimously, Florida citizens worry about unequal benefits and slowed pension funding. HB 151, proposed by Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera (R-Coral Gables), aims to reset the annual COLA to 3 percent for all retired […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- A new proposal urging the federal government to tighten up immigration laws and secure the Southern border has reached the 2024 Legislative Session. If passed, the memorial would be sent to the U.S. Congress illustrating Florida's support for a tougher immigration stance. "What we can do as a state is stop creating […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- The Florida Legislature is pushing for strong foreign policy action against Venezuela and their dictator Nicolas Maduro. Following Venezuela's violation of a deal granting sanction relief, Florida has taken steps to urge the federal government to reinstate all sanctions against them. "The November 30th deadline has passed without compliance," SM 398's sponsor, […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- House Democrats hope for a united front on a new bill defining and protecting against antisemitism. Just yesterday, dissension within the party caused concerns that the bill may be weaponized against Palestinian supporters. "It's already been through its two committees, it's ready for the floor," HB 187 sponsor Democrat Rep. Mike Gottlieb […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- After a late start amid a raging storm, Gov. DeSantis delivered his 2024 State of the State address. He hit on topics such as education, Israel, and immigration, emphasizing Florida's existence as a "fre e state". "2024 is going to be a banner year for the state if Florida," The Governor began […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- A new bill expanding the definition of antisemitism in Florida statute faced backlash Monday morning. Starting off the Legislative Session with a bang, the bill aims to codify and delineate protections of Jewish citizens into law. "It's my pleasure to bring the bill, but it's sad that I have to," The bill's […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL -- After resounding endorsements, the Florida Senate unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the state of Israel and condemning the Hamas terror group. This legislation joins two other resolutions expressing Florida's pro-Israel stance this special session. Sen. Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton) thanked the bill sponsor Sen. Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach), highlighting the rise of […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- New bill discrepancies over Floridian support of Israel ended in tears. After Republican Rep. Randy Fine called Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon’s move for an Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire a step toward terrorism, Rep. Nixon delivered a passionate response. “If Democrats want to be terrorists—you know—they’re allowed, it’s America.” Rep. Fine told The Floridian Monday […]
