Florida Legislature

The Floridian is a statewide and national political media platform that covers government affairs, elections, public policy, and campaigns on Florida politics. These stories are focused on Florida and the inner workings of the Florida Legislature
As the director of the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program at the University of North Florida, I have been charged with graduating as many doctorally prepared advanced practice nurses as I can in response to the continual anesthesia provider shortage problem. But it is so disheartening to watch graduates cross that stage at commencement, […]
The race to replace term-limited State Rep. Chip LaMarca in Florida’s 100th house district continues to gain steam as Pediatric Surgeon Eric “Doc” Stelnicki has landed the coveted Florida Medical Association PAC endorsement for his campaign. “The Florida Medical Association PAC is pleased to endorse GOP candidate and physician, Doc Stelnicki in his bid for […]
TALLAHASSEE—Republican gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Byron Donalds, dropped by the Florida Capitol to meet with Republican leadership and members of the Tallahassee press corp. When asked about how he would deal or manage the attacks his primary rivals have been launching at him, a confident Rep. Donalds levied a epic political smackdown. “My rivals would all […]
In what appears to be a runaway train of campaign momentum, two more Florida Sheriffs from Okaloosa and Madison County have endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds' campaign for governor in the 2026 midterm elections. Sheriff Eric Aden (Okaloosa) and Sheriff David Harper (Madison) have join Calhoun County Sheriff Michael Bryant, Franklin County Sheriff AJ Smith, Jefferson […]
TALLAHASSEE— The 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary election is in full swing, and while Rep. Byron Donalds holds a staggering $40 million+ fundraising advantage over the entire field of gubernatorial candidates, former Speaker of the Florida House Paul Renner, has ramped up his online digs at the Trump-endorsed candidate. Call it a Hail Mary pass or whatever, […]
The Florida Chamber of Commerce endorsed Rep. Josie Tomkow (R-Polk City) in her special election bid for Senate District 14 this week. "The Florida Chamber of Commerce endorses Josie Tomkow as Senate District 14's next state senator because of her proven record of defending free enterprise in Florida during her time in the Florida House," […]
State Representative Tom Fabricio (R-110) has introduced legislation that would eliminate the requirement to place a yellow decal on the license plates of Florida-registered vehicles each year. As Florida residents know, renewing your car's registration every year involves going to the DMV to pick up the paperwork or receiving it by mail and then attaching […]
Reps. Dean Black (R-Jacksonville) and Debra Tendrich (D-Lake Worth) announced the launch of the Florida-Israel Policy & Exchange Initiative to strengthen and promote the relationship between Florida and Israel at the state capitol this week. “The Florida-Israel Policy & Exchange Initiative is intentionally designed to be bipartisan and interfaith,” Rep. Tendrich said in a statement […]
The Florida Senate passed a bill 36-0 this week to cut red tape for public school districts in an effort to boost teacher and student success by giving district leaders more autonomy in policymaking and flexibility on finances and their facilities. Rep. Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee) sponsored the bill, titled Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools, in […]
The Senate Committee on Health Policy unanimously favored a bill 11-0 to strengthen lifesaving drowning prevention and safe bathing recommendations for parents of new children delivered through hospitals, birthing centers, and home birth providers during a panel discussion this week. Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) filed the bill (SB 606) in the Senate. The bill […]
The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee bipartisanly favored a bill 10-0 to establish a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bill of Rights aimed largely at protecting children and Floridians' data privacy during a panel discussion this week. Sen. Tom Leek (R-St. Augustine) sponsored the bill (SB 482) in the Senate. Leek discussed the bill with Republican and […]
Republican candidate Michael Carbonara announced that he has raised $1.7 Million in campaign funds in his pursuit to unseat Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) in Florida’s hotly contested 25th Congressional District. "For far too long, Debbie Wasserman Schultz has been a fixture in Washington, and she's done nothing to help working families struggling with inflation, […]
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced his endorsement this week of Republican nominee Jon Maples in his race for Florida House District 87. "Jon Maples brings real-life experience, strong values, and a deep commitment to Florida families," Uthmeier wrote in a social media post. "He understands the challenges facing our state and is ready to […]
Boca Raton markets itself as a city defined by professionalism, transparency, and public safety. Yet a growing zoning dispute over a proposed freestanding emergency room is prompting residents to ask whether the city’s decision-making process is working as intended and if there are problems in City Council. The project in question was proposed […]
The Florida House of Representatives passed several bills aimed at improving public safety, strengthening accountability, and protecting vulnerable Floridians to start the 2026 legislative session this week. From protecting Florida jobs and improving health care outcomes to strengthening public safety and standing up for families, the Florida House hit the ground running," Speaker Danny Perez […]
The Florida Senate unanimously passed a sweeping measure, 39-0, aimed at improving rural communities across the state this week. The package, sponsored by Sens. Corey Simon (R- Tallahassee) and co-sponsored by Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island), allocates roughly $152 million to help boost infrastructure, education, housing, and economic development in rural areas. A breakdown of the […]
TALLAHASSEE— The icing relationship between Governor Ron DeSantis and Speaker Daniel Perez has now frozen over. Upon entering the House chamber to deliver his final State of the State address to a joint session of the Florida Legislature, Gov. DeSantis greeted Senate President Ben Albritton but ignored and refused to shake Speaker Perez’s hand. What […]
Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered his final State of the State address as governor during a joint session of the Florida Legislature in Tallahassee this week. "Seven years ago, I stood on the steps of the old Capitol building to articulate a new vision, launch a bold agenda, and make a promise to produce big results. […]
