State & Local

Along with up-to-date political coverage, The Floridian takes the opportunity to post about issues, legislation, and lawmakers in local municipalities and at the state level
On the heels of announcing his 2026 gubernatorial bid, James Fishback is hitting the ground running. In an exclusive interview with The Floridian, Fishback discussed his vision for Florida, promising to build off the accomplishments of Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am running to succeed Governor DeSantis, who is the greatest Governor in the history of […]
Floridians hitting the road can expect cheaper gas prices ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday compared to the same time last year, according to AAA. As of Tuesday, November 25, the average price for a gallon of gas in the Sunshine State was $3.08, down five cents from 2024. However, the price was up a bit […]
Florida continues to be a popular destination spot for out-of-state travelers, according to VISIT FLORIDA’s 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism study released this week. The report, announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis, found the Sunshine State generated $133.6 billion in economic impact in 2024 and saved state Households nearly $2,000 each in taxes, reaffirming Florida's position […]
Florida Congressman Greg Steube (R) is calling for the resignation or expulsion of Florida Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D) after she allegedly defrauded FEMA for $5 million dollars. “When hurricanes strike, Floridians rely on FEMA relief to get back on their feet. The idea that a Florida member of Congress would steal $5 million in FEMA […]
Florida Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (R) released a statement accusing the Cuban regime of stealing U.S. property and assets and turning them over to companies to use. “The regime in Cuba has stolen properties, enriched itself while unscrupulous companies benefit from the confiscation of those assets, and denied justice to its victims, all while brutally repressing […]
Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling on the Florida Legislature to provide stronger protections for dogs and other pets by cracking down on puppy mills and irresponsible breeders during a press conference at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Grove this week. "Many breeders take care of their animals and treat them with dignity and respect, […]
The Republican Party of Florida criticized U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) for refusing to call for the resignation of fellow Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick following her indictment last week on federal charges that accuse her of stealing federal emergency aid money. "Democrats like Moskowitz are such hypocrites when it comes to cleaning house in their own […]
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is calling on the Legislature to increase penalties for illegal gambling operations from a misdemeanor to a felony, saying the punishment wasn't sending the "right message" in stopping illegal acts in the state. "Right now, people can stand to make millions off of unlawful gambling operations and just end up […]
Rich Marianos, former U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Assistant Director, discussed a recent $200 million approval by Congress to the Food and Drug Administration in an effort to crack down on Chinese-made illicit cigarettes, and its impact on the Sunshine State, in an exclusive interview with The Floridian. The approval, made on […]
Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) has reintroduced legislation to reduce homeowners' insurance premiums following natural disasters. Specifically, the Natural Disaster Risk Reinsurance Act creates a catastrophic reinsurance backstop, meaning a cap on how much insurers pay in disaster claims, thereby reducing premiums and avoiding "risk of ruin," or the likelihood of losing all investment capital. Additionally, […]
Alex Bruesewitz, a popular media advisor to President Donald Trump, scathed Azoria CEO James Fishback after he announced his run for Florida governor this week, calling him a multitude of personal names as he mounts a bid against Rep. Byron Donalds for the nomination. "James Fishback, the clown who just announced he’s running for Governor […]
The hardest part of being a foster mom isn’t the late nights or the paperwork—it’s realizing how close so many children came to real danger before someone stepped in. You start to understand the gap between what the system promises and what it actually delivers. I’ve helped kids piece their lives back together after adults […]
Gov. Ron DeSantis urged the Department of the Interior to roll back plans for offshore drilling on Florida's coast while speaking in Crystal River this week, saying the initiative would universally weaken protections under a 2020 executive order. The request follows a plan by the Trump administration to open offshore drilling beginning in 2029 and […]
Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) is introducing legislation that denies registered sex offenders access to children through surrogacy agreements. Specifically, the No Surrogacy for Sex Offenders Act denies registered offenders from using interstate or foreign commerce to enter into a surrogacy arrangement, which the bill intentionally defines broadly enough, with the intent to obtain parental […]
In response to rising threats of violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers (ICE) and others across the country, Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) announced the introduction of the "Halo Act" in Congress this week. The proposal would specifically create a 25-foot buffer zone for immigration duties to perform their duties while on the job. It […]
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the coordination of a Retail Theft Investigative Special Task Force to combat growing concerns of the crime on state businesses while speaking in Jacksonville this week. Uthmeier, who has mandated a zero-tolerance policy on crime under his leadership, also took a jab at California and New York for allowing […]
A troubling pattern is emerging in the Miami mayoral race as the Democratic National Committee and the Florida Democratic Party aggressively insert themselves into a local election to boost Commissioner Eileen Higgins. Voters are now asking: Why are national political power brokers suddenly so invested in Miami’s mayoral race? The answers point to a long-running […]
Florida Congressman Darren Soto (D) released a statement slamming President Donald Trump’s plans to resume oil drilling off the coasts of Florida and California. “This is a TERRIBLE idea in Florida! It would trash our environment, and hurt tourism and fishing, two top industries here,” Soto expressed in a statement. “I’m sure he’d be thrilled […]
