Florida Legislature

At this point, Fentrice Driskell’s Democratic opposition in District 16 is state Rep. Michele Rayner, of St. Petersburg, who announced her bid in December. Republican Amaro Lionheart is also running.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has invited state legislators and members of Congress to tour the immigration detention facility in the Everglades.

The lawmakers said state officials flatly denied them entry to the immigration detention facility Thursday afternoon and later were given "vague safety concerns" without any specific details.

Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis defeated her brother, Randolph Bracy, and two others and will face Republican Willie Montague in the election to replace the late Geraldine Thompson for Senate District 15.

Tampa-area cab companies challenged a 2017 law that dissolved the county Public Transportation Commission, which had long regulated the industry.

The bills would require owners to document employees' status through the federal E-Verify program. Construction, agriculture and landscaping would be impacted the most, economic forecasters say.

The proposal would result in recruiting case managers, combatting child sex trafficking, and creating a professional foster care pilot program.

State Rep. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole, filed the bill, which he says would be a critical tool in the fight against human trafficking,. He calls the crime "a scourge that is worth taking on."

The proposed constitutional amendment would require the Legislature by March 2027 to appoint a commissioner of government efficiency, who would serve until the office is up for election in 2028.

The proposal would require schools to display 22-by-28-inch signs bearing the state motto, “In God We Trust,” in school libraries, cafeterias, gymnasiums and main offices.

Condo associations must comply with state laws passed after the 2021 deadly building collapse. Lawmakers say any new proposals out of Tallahassee won’t involve direct financial assistance.

The Environment and Natural Resources Committee unanimously forwarded the measure, a product of last year's heavily criticized plan to add recreational development to state parks.