Jim Turner - News Service of Florida

The challenge contends that SB 180 effectively freezes all local land-development regulations and comprehensive plans through Oct. 1, 2027, violates home-rule authority and strips the ability of cities and counties to manage their growth.

The laws range from changes in how mentally ill people are treated in the criminal-justice system to requiring landlords to disclose information about flood risks and more.

In the lawsuit, Bear Warriors United contended the agency limited public participation before approving the hunt.

In the guidance, Uthmeier told prosecutors and law-enforcement agencies to refrain from arresting or putting on trial “law-abiding citizens carrying a firearm in a manner that is visible to others” as Florida courts couldn’t convict such people.

Heading into the 2026 session, which will begin in January, one of the key topics will be Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to cut or eliminate homestead property taxes.

Bear hunting has long been controversial in the state, and this year will be the first time since 2015 that a hunt has been held.

Production is down as the citrus industry has been hampered deadly citrus greening disease, hurricanes and development pressure.

The tax holiday starting Monday also will allow people to avoid paying sales taxes on camping and fishing equipment through the end of the year. It was part of a broad tax package (HB 7031) that lawmakers passed in June.

The 2023-2024 fiscal year included a substantial amount of the time DeSantis ran for the Republican presidential nomination. He dropped out of the race in January 2024.

Donald Landry, whose term is set to begin Sept. 1, must be confirmed by the state university system’s Board of Governors next month.