2026 Florida Legislature

Florida House Democrats gained 15 seats this election cycle, breaking the Republican supermajority in the chamber and giving Democrats new opportunities to influence the legislative process.

Florida lawmakers have passed the state budget. Here are the highlights for what the panhandle’s rural counties may be receiving.

Under the plan, homeowners whose primary home has a taxable value of $150 thousand or less would pay property taxes only for schools starting next year. That value would go up to $250 thousand in 2028.

Florida’s legislative leadership has reached an agreement on the state’s budget over the weekend. The decision brought clarity on several issues that the House and Senate had been fighting over.

One element of the bill that would allow universities to opt into a program allowing designated faculty and staff to carry firearms on campus has some Florida State University students concerned.

Those speaking out against the bill included several pastors from around the state, as well as some local elected officials.

The bill was inspired by the suspension of former NFL Quarterback and Miami Northwestern High School football coach Teddy Bridgewater, after he paid for meals and uber rides for his players.

One of the measures nearing passage would preclude local governments from supporting any activities that relate to ethnicity, gender identity or race.

Florida’s regular legislative session is scheduled to end Friday. We’ve seen some priority bills pass the Senate while getting no discussion in the House.

The Florida House has passed legislation that would reverse a decision by Gainesville residents’ to keep local control of their local public utility provider.