Florida Legislature

Every year, Florida lawmakers gather in Tallahassee to debate state policy, amend existing laws and pass new ones, and put together a state budget. This year will be no different, though the COVID-19 pandemic will be looming large over all of these discussions.

The House and Senate typically hold a festive joint session in the House chamber to hear the State of the State address. But in a memo to senators this week, Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, said the Senate will stay in its chamber during the March 2 session opening and watch DeSantis’ address on a big video screen.

An official analysis concludes the bill would impact the right to free speech, but within acceptable boundaries. Opponents say it is severely overreaching.

Sen. Ray Rodrigues says the bill is about making sure workers have the final say about money they have earned. Critics say it is about “union busting.” But a Senate committee Wednesday approved a bill that could lead to a battle during the upcoming legislative session about unions that represent teachers, firefighters, law-enforcement officers and other public employees.

Lobbyists, who a year ago could be seen chilling in lawmakers’ offices or huddling in the Capitol rotunda, are resorting to Zoom, text messages and off-campus meetings to get the job done.

A state senator from Bradenton has filed a bill that would roll back Key West's strict limits on cruise ship visitation.

The Republican-led Legislature appears ready to fast-track a proposal that would provide immunity from coronavirus-related lawsuits to businesses that have “substantially” complied with public health guidelines.

Four new laws passed during the 2020 legislative session take place this week.

Brandes on Friday filed a proposal (SB 136) that would establish the Energy 2040 Task Force within the Public Service Commission to recommend electric policies and statutory changes.

Even after losing a key leader, advocates wonder if lawmakers are ready to act.

The request from Florida Conservation Voters comes in a letter to top lawmakers, both from Tampa Bay.

In separate news conferences, Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, and House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, indicated support for legislation that would protect businesses from lawsuits related to COVID-19.