Legislative Update - April 5, 2023

We have officially hit the halfway point in the 2023 legislative session!  The House finished its busy for the week on Tuesday afternoon giving the Representatives a few days off for the holidays.  The Senate completed its work this afternoon and will return on Tuesday.

As of today, lawmakers have passed 19 bills out of the 1,814 that were filed.  Several of the bills that have passed are reviser's bills, which are pro forma updates to the statutes making technical or grammatical changes or deleting provisions of the law that have been made obsolete or been superseded by new law. Still, the Legislature has in the first half of the session already given final passage to several major initiatives, including a $711 million affordable housing bill (SB 102) that was a priority for Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, and an expansion of the state's school voucher system that makes it universally accessible to all Florida students (HB 1) that was a priority for House Speaker Paul Renner. Both of those bills have already been signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Other high profile already enrolled bills include a measure making several changes to the civil lawsuit rules (HB 837) and a bill (HB 543) allowing people to carry concealed weapons without a permit, also both already signed by the governor.

The two proposed budgets for the coming fiscal year, one drafted by the Senate (SB 2500) and one by the House (HB 5001) have passed in each chamber, both unanimously, setting up a conference process to work out the differences.  We expect to see conferees from the House and Senate be named next week so that the negotiation process can begin.

The focus for legislative work in the second half of the session will begin to shift more toward floor sessions as the work of House and Senate committees winds down. Committees and subcommittees will continue to hold regular meetings through April 25, but the number of bills still awaiting hearings in committee is dropping. A couple of House subcommittee chairmen have told members that they may not meet again this session, though all of those panels could meet until the April 25 deadline. And some can even meet after, with a motion to waive the rule on the chamber floor to allow the meeting.  After all, with a Super Majority, anything is possible!

Legislature …

Senate Passes Six Week Abortion Ban Amid Public Protests - The full Senate passed new abortion restrictions Monday amid public outbursts in the chamber's gallery and a protest outside the Capitol. The proposal (SB 300), called the "Heartbeat Protection Act," would ban physicians from performing most abortions beyond six weeks of pregnancy. The bill would make exceptions for cases of rape, incest, human trafficking, fatal fetal abnormalities or if the mother is at risk of severe injury or death. To qualify for the exception, the measure requires pregnant women to prove they're a victim of rape, incest or human trafficking by producing a police report or other evidence. The proposed provisions would allow abortions up to the 15th week of pregnancy if the woman was impregnated by rape, incest or human trafficking, or a combination thereof. Last year, lawmakers agreed to ban abortions past 15 weeks gestation but didn't include exceptions for rape, incest or human trafficking. Before that, Florida prohibited abortions at 24 weeks. The measure currently includes a $25 million annual appropriation to expand services provided by state-supported, faith-based pregnancy centers, including clothing, car seats, diapers and counseling, but the requirement that the centers be run by faith-based organizations has drawn criticism. Opponents argued the government should not interfere in decisions a patient makes with a doctor, while supporters said a social shift is needed to support what they call a "culture of life." The bill, sponsored by Fort Pierce Republican Sen. Erin Grall, now goes to the House. It passed on a 26-13 vote with two Republicans, Sen. Alexis Calatayud and Sen. Corey Simon, joining Democrats in opposition. A similar House proposal (HB 7) is being carried by Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, and is expected to be considered on the House floor next week. Both Grall and Persons-Mulicka carried the 15-week abortion ban legislation enacted last year, which is currently awaiting a decision on its constitutionality by the Florida Supreme Court. Gov. Ron DeSantis has previously said he would support bills that would tighten Florida's abortion laws. Politico / Associated Press / Reuters / Orlando Sentinel / USA Today / The Hill / National Review / WESH / WTSP

Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried and Minority Leader Sen. Lauren Book, D-Plantation, were among 11 abortion rights activists arrested Monday night by the Tallahassee Police Department for trespassing. They joined a group of about 50 to 100 protestors occupying Tallahassee City Hall near the Capitol in response to the Senate passing a new six-week abortion ban in Florida. Book also released a statement prior to the arrest, calling the new abortion restrictions part of a "dangerous, extreme agenda." Orlando Sentinel / Florida Politics / Book Press Release 

“Florida Senate sets strict 'heartbeat' abortion law for vote after rolling over opposition” via John Kennedy of USA Today Network — A measure banning most abortions in Florida after six weeks of pregnancy was set for approval next week by the state Senate over fierce opposition from outnumbered Democrats. In a last-minute amendment added Thursday, the legislation was titled the “Heartbeat Protection Act,” by Sen. Erin Grall, sponsor of the measure (SB 300). “Once there is a heartbeat, we do not believe that an abortion should occur,” Grall told the Senate, which set Monday for a likely vote.

House, Senate Get Ready for Budget Talks - The Florida House and Senate are positioned to begin negotiations on a record state budget, after the House on Tuesday unanimously passed a $113 billion proposal.

The House vote came after the Senate on Monday approved its $113.7 billion spending plan for the fiscal year that will start July 1. The two chambers will need to reach agreement on a final budget before the scheduled May 5 end of the annual legislative session.

“Members we have a lot of work left to do before we can land the final budget,” House Appropriations Chairman Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, told House members after Tuesday’s vote.

The first step in negotiations will involve House and Senate leaders reaching agreement on what are known as “allocations” — overall amounts designated for different areas of the budget, such as education and health and human services. Conference-committee members then will negotiate differences in spending details.

“There's a lot of similarities (in the budget proposals). But there are some differences,” House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, said Tuesday. “So, we have to go through the allocation process. I see a place to land, but you know … it can get bumpy.”

Lawmakers are flush with cash this year, in part because of higher-than-expected tax revenues. But House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, said Tuesday’s unanimous vote wasn’t a sign Democrats agreed with every element of the House spending plan.

“We all have to do the best that we can to provide for our communities and make sure that critical resources reach them, that there's funding for the arts and the environment and so many different things,” Driskell said.

As examples of issues that will be in play during negotiations, the Senate has proposed a 3 percent across-the-board pay increase for state employees, while the House has proposed 6 percent raises.

Also, the House does not want to fund the business-recruitment agency Enterprise Florida and the tourism-marketing agency Visit Florida. The Senate, for instance, wants to spend $80 million on Visit Florida, an increase of $30 million from the current year.

The Senate also would provide $75 million for the Job Growth Grant Fund, which Gov. Ron DeSantis can tap for regional infrastructure projects and workforce-training programs. The House has proposed spending $25 million on the program, while DeSantis has asked for $100 million.

Meanwhile, in one of DeSantis’ priorities, the House has proposed spending $107.9 million on the recently revived Florida State Guard. The money would allow the state guard’s ranks to jump from 400 to 1,500, while adding aviation and maritime components. The House offer is about $13 million more than DeSantis has requested.

The state guard is funded at $10 million this year, and the Senate spending plan does not include an increase.

More budget news … USA Today Network / House Press Release / Renner Press Availability 

The Florida Legislature may get more power in a public health emergency - A bill filed in response to the pandemic’s early lockdowns and restrictions has passed its first committee. It would give the Florida Legislature more power during public health emergencies. The bill was filed by Rep. Joel Rudman, a physician from the heavily Republican panhandle county of Santa Rosa. “Specifically, it will require legislative approval for any statewide public health emergency that lasts over 90 days,” he told the House Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee. [Source: WUSF]

Big Tech Bill Back, Clears First Senate Hurdle - The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee unanimously advanced a technology transparency and data privacy measure Tuesday that would create consumer protections for the use of online information. The bill (SB 262), carried by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, would allow Floridians to opt out of having their personal data collected, shared or sold online. It would only apply to companies that make more than $1 billion in gross revenue and receive at least half of their income from targeted advertising, or use voice-activated consumer smart speakers that connect to the internet. The proposal would bar government employees from using their position or any state resources to communicate with a social media platform to remove content or accounts, with some exceptions. It would also largely prohibit a government entity from initiating or maintaining any agreements with a social media platform for the purpose of content moderation. Additionally, the measure bans companies from collecting consumers' precise geolocation data or personal information through voice recognition features without authorization and search engines would be required to disclose how their algorithms prioritize or deprioritize political ideology in their search results. Under the proposal, "biometric data," "genetic information" and "geolocation data" would be added to the definition of "personal information," requiring entities with such data to protect it and report any data breaches. Those in opposition claim the bill could hurt free online services and digital tools that are subsidized by targeted advertising by big tech companies. The measure has two more committees to clear. A similar House bill (HB 1547), filed by Sarasota Republican Rep. Fiona McFarland, is also moving through the committee process. Over the last two years, similar measures died before making it to the finish line. The Capitolist

“Legislation lowering Florida death sentence threshold nears DeSantis' desk” via Douglas Soule of the Tallahassee Democrat — Legislation that would make it easier to get death penalty decisions in Florida is one step away from passing both chambers in the Capitol. The morning after the Senate passed the same legislation, the House Judiciary Committee approved House Bill 555 Friday, which would create the lowest death penalty threshold in the country. It nixes the state's unanimous jury requirement so that it takes only eight out of 12 jury members to recommend a death sentence. The bill now heads to the House floor, where it must be approved before getting DeSantis' expected signature.

New Elections Law Clears Only Senate Committee Hurdle, Draws Criticism for New Voting Requirements - A wide-ranging elections bill (SB 7050) that would clarify that being registered to vote doesn't necessarily mean a person can actually legally cast a ballot, add more restrictions to third-party registration groups and reduce the frequency of campaign finance reporting was approved on a 6-3 vote Tuesday in the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee, its only required committee stop. The measure emerged in the last week in the Senate and now appears on a fast track toward consideration by the full Legislature. Opponents of the measure say it could make it harder for various types of voters to cast ballots, among them college students, who could, if they're first time voters, be required to go home to cast a ballot. The measure requires that first-time voters not be allowed to cast a mail-in ballot, requiring them to vote in person. The measure has other new identification requirements for first-time voters. The bill now heads to the Senate floor. Orlando Sentinel / Tampa Bay Times

“Reedy Creek ‘fix’ might have to wait, legislative leaders say” via Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics — DeSantis’ administration is vowing to take legal action against the former Board members of the former Reedy Creek Improvement District over their move to cement The Walt Disney Co’s control over the district, but Senate and House leaders are unsure there’s a legislative solution to the issue, at least during the current Regular Session. “I think we’re going to take a look at it, I’m sure … to see what they actually did,” Passidomo told reporters. “It’s too early to do anything right now and we’ve got a lot on our plate for the rest of this Session, so I don’t anticipate doing anything in the near term.”

Defamation law push back: The author of a House bill to make it easier to sue the public and journalists over defamation claims is preparing amendments to the measure after the proposal has come under intense criticism from First Amendment advocates as well as legacy media and conservative media outlets. They warn that it will open the door to a barrage of lawsuits, including against conservative talk radio hosts.

House Clicks 'Like' on Social Media Safety Measure - Legislation blocking access to social media platforms in schools and requiring lessons on the dangers of social media is nearing final legislative approval. The House unanimously passed the proposal (HB 379) on Friday, while the Senate version (SB 52) is ready for consideration by the full chamber and on the calendar this week. The measure requires the state Department of Education to set out a curriculum for students in grades 6-12 on social media safety and to block such sites on school devices and wifi. It also would ban students from using mobile devices during class unless it’s part of an assignment. 

Broad New Election Proposal to Be Considered in Committee Today - A nearly 100-page election reform measure released Monday night would make significant changes to Florida law that could have a major impact on the state's electoral process. The committee bill (SPB 7050) was initially filed late last week as a placeholder, only including a title, first line and a blank page. But language proposed on Monday would make several election and campaign law changes, including prohibiting first-time voters from voting by mail and requiring candidates to file campaign financial reports on a quarterly basis instead of monthly. Candidates running for federal office already report campaign activity every three months but state candidates have been filing campaign reports each month since 2013. Campaign finance reporting requirements for local offices would also be preempted to the state. The proposal would also require incumbent candidates to be identified on a ballot by putting the word "incumbent" next to their name, something that is only currently mandated if two or more candidates in the same race have the same or similar surnames. Additionally, it would require election officials tasked with verifying signatures to undergo more training provided by the secretary of state's office and mandate that newly registered voters vote in person during their first election. It also provides stricter rules for third-party voter registration groups, requiring them to register with the state while boosting penalties for violations. Moreover, voters who intentionally submit more than one ballot during an election or engage in harassing or threatening behavior towards polling personnel would be charged with a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine and five years of probation. Following several dismissed voter fraud cases involving investigations and arrests brought by a new election integrity unit created by the governor, the measure would have local elections supervisors and clerks of court identify registered voters in their jurisdiction who have been convicted of a felony and cannot legally vote. The legislation also would change how candidates accept contributions from political parties, require additional disclosures from political committees that support or oppose ballot measures, revise the process for verifying signatures on petitions for citizen initiatives and update the process for post-election audits of voting machines. The proposed measure also aims to tackle the issue of deceptive mailers, where false "voter guides" designed to resemble materials from a political party are circulated, bumping violations to a first-degree misdemeanor for spreading such information. The proposal is scheduled to be considered in the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee today. No similar House committee bill is currently filed. Florida Politics / Politico

Fla Grand Jury Recommends Tougher Immigration Regulations - A statewide grand jury impaneled by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year released a report suggesting stricter regulations on unaccompanied migrant children. The jury recommended that anyone who gains custody of a minor in Florida that is not their biological child or for whom they are not the court-appointed legal guardian must report it to the state Department of Children and Families within 30 days or face felony charges. The panel also recommended that organizations or individuals licensed as a Child Placement Agency or assisting with the reunification of a child with their parent must document the relationship with original documentation or testing. The group reported that 13,000 unaccompanied migrant children were sent to Florida last year. The recently released findings also accused the federal government of not properly vetting children or the sponsors who take custody of them. The Florida Supreme Court granted the statewide grand jury at the behest of Gov. Ron DeSantis to investigate the impact of illegal immigration on Florida in 2022. In the first report, the panel recommended creating new criminal penalties for harboring undocumented immigrants. Lawmakers are currently considering legislation (SB 1718, HB 1617) that would crack down on companies that hire immigrants in the U.S. illegally and require hospitals to collect data on patient immigration status when they seek health care. It would also make out-of-state driver licenses issued to undocumented immigrants invalid in Florida and make it a crime to transport "within" the state "someone who is known to have illegally entered the United States in violation of law and not been inspected by the federal government."  Miami Herald / Florida's Voice / Fox News 

An analysis by the USA Today Network finds that more than 4 in 10 Florida lawmakers are financially tied to the real estate industry. USA Today Network

Governor …

DeSantis Signs Permitless Carry Bill - Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed legislation (HB 543) that will allow people to carry concealed weapons in Florida without a permit. DeSantis signed the legislation in his office without fanfare or a public news conference about the signing as he has done with other recent legislation signed into law, although he touted the legislation at an appearance at a Georgia gun show during his book tour last week. Florida becomes the 26th state to allow carrying of concealed guns without a permit. The new statute will do away with the currently-required concealed weapons permit in the state, which requires a training course that will no longer be necessary. The measure goes into effect July 1. Florida gun buyers will still undergo a background check and face a three-day waiting period if they buy a gun from a licensed dealer. If they buy in a private sale, or are gifted a weapon, they won't be subject to a background check or waiting period. The bill, while supported by many gun-rights advocates, disappointed some others for not going far enough by not allowing open carrying of weapons in Florida. The law will still require that most guns carried in public be concealed. Some places will continue to be allowed to prohibit carrying of guns - including parts of the Capitol building. "Here in the free state of Florida, government will not get in the way of law-abiding Americans who want to defend themselves and their families," said Sen. Jay Collins, the Tampa Republican who sponsored the bill in the Senate. The measure was carried in the House by Rep. Chuck Brannan, R-Lake City. Democrats opposed the legislation, arguing it will make the state more dangerous because of the end of the training requirement and a likely increase in the number of guns being carried in public places. Associated Press / Politico / Tampa Bay Times / Orlando Sentinel / NBC / Senate Press Release / LobbyTools Governor's Bill Actions

Gov, Speaker Push Back on Disney - Gov. Ron DeSantis called for an investigation Monday by the state's inspector general following a move by Walt Disney to lock in a three-decade development agreement and restrictive covenants around land near its theme park. During a special session in February, lawmakers passed a bill (HB 9B) pushed by the governor that renamed Disney's Reedy Creek Improvement District to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and replaced its board members with people appointed by DeSantis. The new board met last week and found that the former Disney board quietly approved long-running agreements that gave the company control over land use, development and deed restrictions in the entire district, not just the Disney property. DeSantis has requested a "thorough review and investigation" by state officials, arguing that the agreements may be illegal due to their "collusive and self-dealing" nature. Disney, however, has defended the agreements, stating that they were appropriate and publicly discussed. DeSantis targeted Disney last year after company executives spoke out in opposition to a new state law that restricts instruction related to sexual orientation in schools, a measure derided by critics as the "don't say gay" bill. Also on Monday, House Speaker Paul Renner said in a tweet that the Legislature could take up the issue again. "All legislative options are now back on the table," said Renner. Politico / Axios / CBS MoneyWatch / NBC-CNBC

Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger says Gov. Ron DeSantis is "anti-business," and vows a $17 billion investment in expanding the company's reach in Central Florida despite the governor's announcement Monday that he'll investigate the company's efforts to control land around its parks. "Any action that thwarts those efforts, simply to retaliate for a position the company took, sounds not just anti-business, but it sounds anti-Florida," Iger said at the company's annual meeting. Orlando Sentinel / Tampa Bay Times-Miami Herald / Associated Press / CNN /  CNBC  

Florida Supreme Court …

“Three applicants to replace Florida Supreme Court Justice Ricky Polston, JNC says” via Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics — Only three people submitted applications to replace former Florida Supreme Court Justice Polston, who resigned last month, the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) revealed. When former Justice Alan Lawson retired last year, 17 people applied. Tampa lawyer Belinda Noah, Judge Thomas Palermo of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Hillsborough County, and 6th District Court of Appeal Chief Judge Meredith Sasso submitted their applications ahead of the JNC’s deadline.

Business issues …

What's next with Florida tort law reform — and why businesses should care

Florida's new tort reform bill signed into law earlier this month by Gov. Ron DeSantis already is shaking up the business community. Changes to the law may affect how businesses are deemed at fault in certain lawsuits, which can impact how much has to be paid out, among other things. [Source: Orlando Business Journal]

“Florida consumers feel better about economy, but high interest rates could dent optimism” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Florida consumers are feeling a little better about the economy despite news of Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse. But the report also warns consumer sentiment will likely remain relatively low in the future, as interest rates are expected to continue rising. Out of a 150-point index, consumer sentiment was recorded at 69.7 in March, up 2 points from February.

“Florida gas prices rise 10 cents, likely to increase more on OPEC+ production cuts” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Florida gas prices rose 10 cents per gallon last week and will likely increase far more, thanks to oil production cuts by Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ members. By Monday, the average price at the pump across the Sunshine State was $3.47 per gallon, a price point that all but erased a modest dip in fuel prices motorists enjoyed the week prior. Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ countries announced surprise plans Sunday to cut oil production by about 1 million barrels daily beginning in May. The Saudi Energy Ministry called the move a “precautionary measure” meant to stabilize the oil market.

FPL Bills Could Be Trimmed - State regulators Tuesday could approve a proposal that would reduce Florida Power & Light customers’ bills in May because of lower-than-expected natural gas prices. The proposal, which will go before the Public Service Commission, would partially offset rate increase that took effect in April. Utilities generally are allowed to pass along projected fuel costs to customers. After soaring natural-gas costs last year, FPL filed a petition March 1 that said natural-gas prices are expected to be lower this year than previously projected. As a result, the commission’s staff has recommended that regulators approve FPL’s proposal to reduce amounts collected from customers by $379 million during the rest of 2023. FPL also says the lower gas prices will save about $115 million in 2024. In addressing rates, utilities rely on a benchmark of residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month. Because of a merger with the former Gulf Power in Northwest Florida, FPL has two sets of rates. If the proposal is approved Tuesday, customers who are in areas traditionally served by FPL and use 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity would see their monthly bills decrease from $144.38 to $139.95, according to the commission staff recommendation. Customers in Northwest Florida who use 1,000 kilowatt hours would see their bills decrease from $163.30 to $158.86. Rates for FPL and other utilities increased in April because of a combination of factors, including hurricane-related expenses and last year’s high natural-gas prices.

 FPL approved to reduce monthly bills. But you might not notice after the whopper hike that takes effect in April. [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
A fuel-cost reduction will bring some relief to Florida Power & Light customers who haven’t yet absorbed the impact of a big price hike approved in March and taking effect this month. The state’s Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved a $494 million fuel charge reduction that will reduce typical 1,000 kWh monthly bills by an average $4.43, or 3.1%.

Hurricane Ian …

Hurricane Center: Final Toll from Ian: 156 Dead, Nearly $110 B in Fla Damage - Hurricane Ian caused at least 156 deaths and left nearly $110 billion worth of damage in Florida last year, making it the costliest hurricane in state history and the third most expensive in U.S. history behind Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Harvey in 2017, the National Hurricane Center said Monday in its final report on the September, 2022 storm. Orlando Sentinel / Miami Herald / National Hurricane Center Report / LobbyTools Emergency Management Backgrounder

Elections …

Pot Proposal Tops 635,000 Signatures - Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow recreational use of marijuana are moving closer to meeting a petition-signature requirement. The state Division of Elections website listed 635,961 valid signatures Tuesday, with 891,589 needed to put the proposal on the 2024 ballot. The political committee Smart & Safe Florida is leading the initiative effort, which has been bankrolled by the Trulieve medical-cannabis firm. Under the “Adult Personal Use of Marijuana” proposal, people 21 or older would be allowed “to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise.” In addition to having enough valid signatures, the committee needs approval from the Florida Supreme Court of the proposed ballot wording.

“An eye on the White House? Ron DeSantis makes his pitch to PA conservatives” via Florida Phoenix — Over the last four years, DeSantis has positioned himself — for the moment at least — as the strongest GOP alternative to Trump, and he made sure his audience knew it Saturday in an address peppered with his accomplishments in “the free state of Florida.”

To DeSantis, those accomplishments start with an early and controversial reopening from the coronavirus era lockdowns that evolved into and a strong and consistent pushback against what he called the “Faucian dystopia” of vaccine and masking mandates.

A "super PAC" backing a Gov. Ron DeSantis presidential candidacy said it has raised $30 million since March 9. New York Times

—”In Pennsylvania, DeSantis again blasts ‘George Soros prosecutors,’ but won’t say Donald Trump’s name” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

Click here to read the indictment.

—“Politicians react to Trump’s arraignment for role in porn star hush money payment” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

“Trump decries charges against him as an ‘insult to our country’” via Kelly Garrity of POLITICO — Trump struck a defiant note Tuesday evening, declaring that felony charges made against him were erroneous, politically motivated and “an insult to our country.” “The only crime that I have committed is to fearlessly defend our nation from those who seek to destroy it,” he said.

—”3 ways Trump’s indictment could help DeSantis and 3 ways it could hurt him” via Emily L. Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times

“Trump trashes DeSantis’ ‘sellout’ to insurance industry” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Trump is doubling down on his attacks of DeSantis' “bailout” of insurance companies. In a new video, Trump again contended DeSantis favors privileged “globalist” insurance companies over the people of the Sunshine State. “DeSanctimonious is delivering the biggest insurance company bailout in global history. This is a gift to insurance companies and a disaster for the people of Florida,” Trump said. “He’s also crushed Florida homeowners whose houses were destroyed in the hurricane. They have been absolutely decimated. They’re getting pennies on the dollar.” Trump then offered a denunciation of Florida’s Insurance Commissioner for doing “absolutely nothing.”

“Francis Suarez headed to New Hampshire after stop in Iowa” via Paul Steinhauser of Fox News — After a stop in Iowa a week and a half ago, Mayor Suarez of Miami is headed to New Hampshire. The visits to the first two states to vote in the GOP presidential nominating calendar are sparking further speculation that the Florida Republican is seriously mulling a White House run in 2024. Suarez will headline a morning event on Tuesday, April 18, which for more than two decades has been a must-stop in the Granite State for actual and potential presidential contenders from both major parties. “Look, I'm seriously considering a run. It's something I discussed with my family. My family is on board,” the two-term Mayor said.

“Keith Truenow announces Senate bid to succeed Dennis Baxley” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Rep. Truenow is filing to succeed Sen. Baxley in Senate District 13. He already has the endorsement of Rep. Taylor Yarkosky. Truenow’s entry into the race was first reported by Florida Politics. Truenow was first elected to the House in 2020. He won a Republican Primary against Steven Novakovic and later defeated Democrat Crissy Stile in the General Election. In November 2022, he coasted to re-election over Democrat Linda Kero. This term, Truenow chairs the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. The two-term lawmaker boasts a 100% voting record with DeSantis, and his legislative accomplishments include eliminating the Lake County Water Authority.