Legislative session

Legislative leaders say they have a general agreement on a budget. Lawmakers had to approve an extension of the regular session because they didn't finalize a spending plan.

The 60-day legislative is ending without a proposed spending plan for the next fiscal year. A budget must be approved by the governor before July 1, 2025.

Nearly ideal weather helped boost attendance for the Grand Parade and Festival in the Park events.

Infrastructure upgrades are a major focus for the county as Florida's annual legislative session looms.

Legislative leaders are monitoring the spike in COVID-19 infections across Florida but haven’t made plans to reimpose restrictions on public access that were used during the last legislative session. With the 2022 session starting January 11, people will be allowed to roam most of the Capitol complex and address lawmakers in person.

Along with signing a $100 billion budget for the next fiscal year, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday approved 10 other measures.

From abortion restrictions to vacation rentals, many high-profile bills died Friday when the Florida legislative session ended.

Senate President Wilton Simpson doesn't expect his side of the Capitol to be open to the public or lobbyists until after the upcoming 60-day legislative session, as many lawmakers and staff members likely will continue to await COVID-19 vaccinations.

Florida's legislative leaders have released contrasting COVID-19 protocols for upcoming committee meetings, with the Senate setting up an off-site area where the public can view and participate in meetings.

Governor Rick Scott is facing more calls for an investigation into the firing of former Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey.…