Legislative Update - March 29, 2024

It was expected that the Florida Supreme Court would rule yesterday on challenges to proposed constitutional amendments dealing with abortion rights and decriminalization of adult non-medical use of marijuana. However, it looks like Monday will be the day for the ruling. Attorney General Ashley Moody has challenged the language of both proposals. Proposed amendments to the constitution must deal only with one subject, and the court also must decide if the ballot language is misleading. Challenges to proposed amendments to the constitution that are slated for a fall vote are required to be decided by April 1. Tampa Bay Times

AccuWeather forecasts near-record storms this Atlantic hurricane season - U.S. private forecaster AccuWeather expects an above-average 2024 Atlantic hurricane season with a near-record number of storms and a greater than usual risk of direct impacts in parts of Florida, Texas and the Carolinas, it said on Wednesday. This year's hurricane season, potentially one of the most active in history, begins on June 1, but there are signs that the first named system could swirl even before that, AccuWeather noted in its forecast. [Source: Reuters]

Governor …

“Federal court upholds Ron DeSantis-backed congressional map” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — A panel of federal judges upheld Florida’s congressional map, turning away a challenge that alleged it was discriminatory against Black voters after the district held by former Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat, was dismantled. The decision is a substantial victory for Republicans and Gov. DeSantis, who muscled the map through Florida’s GOP-controlled Legislature. The three-judge panel unanimously ruled that those who challenged the map did not prove that Republican legislators discriminated against Black voters by adopting the map that was shaped by the DeSantis administration. “Consequently, whatever might be said about the Legislature’s decision to give up the fight for preserving a Black-performing district in North Florida, it did not amount to ratification of racial animus in violation of the 14th and 15th Amendments,” the opinion read. The ruling can be directly appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. But even if it is, any appeal would be unlikely to resolve ahead of this year’s elections.

Disney, DeSantis Settle Lawsuits, Potentially Ending Feud - The Walt Disney Company and the new special district board that oversees it have agreed to settle lawsuits arising from the feud between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the entertainment giant over a former executive's stated opposition to a high profile DeSantis-backed law banning schools from providing instruction about sexuality and gender. The oversight board on Wednesday unanimously approved the agreement ending the lawsuits in state court over development agreements that had been put in place by the previous board, which had been backed by Disney. DeSantis, angered by Disney leadership's opposition to the new law – which critics derided as the "Don't Say Gay" law – pushed through legislation that overhauled the board and replaced all its members with new people chosen by the governor. Before the change-over to the new board, the old board enacted development agreements that would tie the hands of the new board, which was the subject of the litigation. Those agreements are voided by Wednesday's settlement. "This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district and serves the interests of all parties by enabling significant continued investment and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunity in the state," Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle said in a statement. DeSantis claimed victory, saying the state was "vindicated" in its decision to fight Disney over how it is governed and its development rules are made. "Every action that we've taken has been upheld in full, and the state is better off for it," DeSantis said. A separate federal lawsuit filed by Disney remains pending. That litigation alleges DeSantis and the state improperly retaliated against the company after it opposed the 2022 law parental rights in education bill. A federal judge dismissed that lawsuit earlier this year, but Disney is appealing – though it is pausing that appeal during negotiations over a new comprehensive growth plan. Associated Press / Reuters / Orlando Sentinel / Miami Herald-Tampa Bay Times / USA Today / New York Times / Washington Post / Politico / News Service Florida / Axios / Courthouse News / Fox Business / CNBC / NPR / Settlement Agreement 

Gov. Ron DeSantis has 19 bills on his desk sent by lawmakers and awaiting his decision on whether to sign, veto or let them become law. More than 250 bills passed during the legislative session are yet to be officially sent to the governor. LobbyTools Enrolled Bills Page

DeSantis Signs Bill Limiting Kids' Access to Social Media Accounts - Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed into law the House's top priority measure of the past session, a scaled-back measure that will restrict teen use of some social media sites. The bill as enacted was scaled back considerably from the measure that was initially passed, but DeSantis vetoed the first version and worked with lawmakers on a less restrictive measure. The new law is still widely expected to be challenged in court, however. The measure (HB 3), which garnered mostly bipartisan support in the Legislature, would require 14- and 15-year old kids to have parental permission to have an account on some social media sites, defined in the legislation as those that allow users to upload content and view content from other users, use algorithms and have certain addictive features to keep young children scrolling. The measure also would only apply to sites if at least 10% of their users are kids under 16 who spend at least two hours per day on the platform. The measure also bans kids under age 14 from having a social media account if it has those same features that critics say are intended to keep kids scrolling through online content for hours. The new law will require social media companies to automatically delete the accounts belonging to kids under 14. "There are better ways to keep Floridians, their families and their data safe and secure online without violating their freedoms," a spokesman for a coalition of tech companies said in response to the bill signing. House Speaker Paul Renner acknowledged Monday that social media company coalition, called NetChoice, is expected to sue soon to block the bill from being enforced. "You know what? We're going to beat 'em," Renner said. Tampa Bay Times / Orlando Sentinel / Politico / The Center Square / Renner Press Release / DeSantis Press Release / Sen. Erin Grall Press Release

DeSantis Pushed Wind Turbine Ban, Bill Awaiting His Signature - A bill (HB 1645) awaiting the approval of Gov. Ron DeSantis that will ban offshore wind turbines in state waters and onshore near the coast, was pushed by the governor's office, which helped write the measure, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The ban caught some clean energy activists off guard – it emerged without a lot of earlier discussion and passed as part of a broader energy measure. Wind energy generally hasn't been a major part of the energy debate in Florida because both clean energy advocates and opponents say the state isn't currently a good fit for wind turbine technology because it doesn't have enough wind. Opponents of the measure said during the legislative session, however, that wind turbine technology is improving and offshore wind farms could be useful in the area in the future. The measure's Senate sponsor, Republican Sen. Jay Collins of Tampa, said that if technology changes drastically, the ban could be repealed. The Times reported Wednesday that the language banning wind turbines came to the lawmakers pushing the bill from the governor's office. Tampa Bay Times

Gov Signs Smaller Change to Teen Labor Law - Some teens will be able to work more hours during the week if they get permission from a parent or school official under legislation signed into law Friday by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The measure (HB 49), however, was scaled back significantly during the final days of the legislative session from an original proposal that would have let 16- and 17-year-olds work more hours during the day or during the week. The bill does allow kids to work more in some cases, including the parental permission provision for those 16- and 17-year-olds who want to work more than 30 hours a week, and a provision that will allow those same-aged teens to work after 11 p.m. when there's no school the next morning. The measure also clarifies that a ban letting kids 15 and younger work more than 15 hours a week doesn't apply in the summer when school is out. Tallahassee Democrat / Florida Politics / Florida Phoenix / Tampa Bay Times / NFIB Press Release

DeSantis Floats Special Session to Allow Fla to Arrest Haiti Migrants - Gov. Ron DeSantis said he is considering calling legislators back to Tallahassee to pass legislation to give law enforcement officers more authority to arrest and detain migrants, using the threat of migration by people fleeing the violence and chaos in Haiti as a reason why Florida should take over federal immigration enforcement duties in the state. DeSantis said Florida could pass a law similar to one recently adopted in Texas, known there as SB 4, which lets Texas officials arrest and detain people suspected of entering the country illegally. That law has been put on hold after a federal court threw it out – though the issue is currently on appeal. The Texas law was challenged by the Biden administration, immigration advocacy groups and El Paso County, all of which argue that federal immigration law is up to the federal government to enforce. The measure could be enforced if appeals courts reinstate it. "This Texas law, I think, could be a model for other states if the courts end up upholding it," DeSantis said. "I'm working with folks to craft, if there's something we can do in a special legislative session, to give our law enforcement more authority to arrest and detain, because I think that will be a huge disincentive for people to come if we can do it," DeSantis said on the Sean Hannity radio show. DeSantis said earlier in the week that Florida could also pay to fly Haitians who reach Florida to other places in the United States. The governor reminded listeners Tuesday in a podcast appearance that Florida already has a migrant flight program. "We do have our transport program also that's going to be operational," DeSantis said. "Haitians land in the Florida Keys, their next stop very well may be Martha's Vineyard." Florida Politics / Miami Herald

No Whining: Gov Signs New Retail Wine Container Size Limit in Law - A measure allowing new exceptions to limits on what size containers wine can be sold in was signed into law Thursday by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bill amends a statute prohibiting the commercial sale of wine in containers larger than one gallon or reusable 5.16-gallon containers. Wine distributors and manufacturers are already allowed to sell wine to other distributors and manufacturers in containers of any size. The changes would legalize the retail sale of wine bottles in glass containers ranging from 4.5 to 15 liters (Nebuchadnezzar), including 6 liters (Methuselah), 9 liters (Salmanazar) and 12 liters (Balthazar). For reference, a gallon is around 3.8 liters and 15 liters is nearly four gallons. Other "big wine" states, such as New York and California, already allow wine drinkers to purchase the drink in larger containers. At the bill signing event in Fort Lauderdale, DeSantis noted that consumers can currently order such bottles online anyway, so "there was really no public policy reason why we should have this regulation." The new law (HB 583), carried by Lighthouse Point Republican Rep. Chip LaMarca, received only one "no" vote during session after several failed attempts of passing the Legislature in years past. "This legislation has been a priority for me over the past five years, because I never saw it as good public policy to criminalize the sale of wine based on the container size in the free state of Florida," said LaMarca. "It is now time to FREE THE GRAPES!" The new law takes effect on July 1. DeSantis Press Release / Florida Politics / USA Today Network / Sun Sentinel / WINK / WPLG

Gov Taps Spencer to Head SBA - Gov. Ron DeSantis nominated Chris Spencer to serve as the next Executive Director of the State Board of Administration on Friday. Spencer is the current director of the Office of Policy and Budget in the governor's office. He replaces Interim Executive Director Lamar Taylor, who will remain at the SBA as Chief Investment Officer. The SBA is Florida's constitutionally created investment management organization. The governor and Cabinet will consider the nomination at its next meeting on Tuesday. DeSantis Press Release / Florida Politics / Politico Pro

Chief Financial Officer …

CFO Patronis Joins Other State Treasures' Urging IRS to End Federal Tax Filing Pilot Program - Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis signed onto a letter with 20 other state treasurers urging federal leaders to terminate the Internal Revenue Services' Direct File pilot program, which allows Americans to file taxes directly with the government. The program, available in 12 states including Florida, bypasses tax preparers and online filing programs like TurboTax. Most of the state financial officials signing the letter are in states where the program isn't offered. Patronis and the financial officers in Wyoming and South Dakota were the only signatories from states where people can actually use the program. The letter, addressed to U.S. Treasury and IRS officials, argues that Direct File offers minimal benefits and may confuse taxpayers. It highlights that the program's federal-only focus could mislead users into thinking they've completed all tax obligations when state taxes in some states still need filing, risking penalties and audit surprises. The Direct File website, however, does disclose that it doesn't take state returns. Florida doesn't have a state income tax, though the letter also criticizes the program for lacking customer support. "Surely a better use of taxpayer funds would be for the IRS to boost existing marketing efforts, or undertake new marketing efforts, for existing low- and no-cost tax preparation options rather than try to build a flawed service with the potential to harm those it seeks to help," the letter reads. Florida Politics

Environment …

Aaron Bean pursues congressional override of decision denying Florida permitting authority” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Congress last week voted to restore Florida’s permitting authority over wetlands. But it’s unclear whether the process can be jump-started anytime soon. U.S. Rep. Bean introduced an amendment last week on a larger bill, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act (HR 7023), that would codify Florida’s authority to issue permits. Bean, a Fernandina Republican, said it’s critical to restore Florida’s 404 Program, which transferred permitting authority from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). But a court in February said the authority was wrongly granted to the state in the first place. That decision has done more to stop critical environmental projects than to help, Bean said.

Business …

Florida gas prices recently rose to a new 2024 high of $3.56 per gallon last Wednesday but have since started to decline, reaching $3.51 per gallon by Sunday, according to AAA auto group. The current amount is still 4 cents higher than a week ago and 11 cents more than the same time last year. Several factors have contributed to the recent increase in fuel prices, including refinery maintenance, economics, transition from winter to summer gasoline and warmer weather resulting in more travelers. Geopolitical tensions, such as the recent Ukraine drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, add to global demand concerns. While U.S. crude oil prices hit new highs early last week, reaching $83.47 per barrel, they settled lower at $80.63 per barrel by Friday. The West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area remains the most expensive for refueling, while the Panama City and Crestview-Fort Walton Beach region offer the current cheapest gas prices in the state. AAA Press Release

Florida's unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate for 40 consecutive months. As of last month, the national unemployment rate was 3.9%, while the state's unemployment rate remained at 3.1%, marking a 0.8% difference. In a press release, Gov. Ron DeSantis noted that Florida's private sector job growth rate increased by 2.3%, or 194,200 jobs, over the year in February 2024, with the national rate growing only by 1.6% over the same period. DeSantis Press Release / FloridaCommerce Feb. Figures

Why Florida rents are falling - The cost of renting is falling across Florida after reaching skyrocketing heights in the past few years due to a build-up in demand and an influx of new residents attracted by the state's good weather and quality of life. The average rent in the Sunshine State was $2,400 in February 2024, down $33, or 1.37 percent, compared to January, according to real estate market website Redfin. The average rent price of houses in the state was $2,476, while that of apartments was considerably lower, at $1,912. [Source: Newsweek]

› South Florida homebuyers face higher prices, while also finding more options[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Prospective homeowners in South Florida face a market rife with high price tags and mortgage interest rates. But with a rise in available listings, they’re also likely to find more choices when buying a home. The region’s inventory, which is measured by the number of active listings, increased in both Broward and Palm Beach counties from February 2023 to February of this year, according to market reports by the Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors.

Over 200K people moved to Florida from California. Here’s where they went - The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that over 200,000 total Californians have moved to Florida since 2016. Within that same timeframe, Florida saw an average of over 600,000 people moving in from other states each year, leading to a huge explosion in Florida’s population. However, data shows that not all Californians have stuck around during that time. [Source: Click Orlando]

Citizens' Litigation Expenses Remain High Despite Efforts by Lawmakers - State-supported Citizens Property Insurance Corp. is facing a potential shortfall estimated between $100 million and $200 million by the end of 2026 under the current contract for litigation costs and expenses, according to a presentation expected to be heard at a Citizens' Claims Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday. Any shortfall would be covered by Citizens' surplus, however, and shouldn't significantly impact future property insurance rates. In December 2021, the Citizens' board authorized a five-year contract worth $500 million for litigation expenses. So far, $300 million has already been approved under the contract, with the claims committee set to greenlight another $50 million during its upcoming meeting. Litigation expenses began at $5.8 million in February 2022 but surged to $10.4 million by October 2022 and peaked at $17.1 million by October 2023. In a special session held in December 2022, lawmakers passed a measure (SB 2A) aimed at curbing lawsuits and their associated costs for property insurers. The law repealed one-way attorneys fees and eliminated assignment of benefits, or AOB, among other things. Although pending lawsuits have decreased by over 3,000 cases, factors such as increased policy counts and higher attorney rates have contributed to ongoing high litigation expenses. Citizens' projects that $118.5 million of the litigation expenses was directly linked to unpredicted weather events, aligning with the expected shortfall range. The company said it is closely monitoring changes in the law and its impact on litigation costs, especially when it relates to claims disputes now that they are directed to administrative courts rather than civil courts. Florida Politics

Campaigns & Elections …

Federal Panel Upholds Fla Congressional Redistricting - A panel of three federal judges unanimously ruled in favor of Florida's existing congressional map, saying challengers to the map didn't prove Republican state lawmakers discriminated against Black voters by adopting the map pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The challenge had alleged the map was discriminatory against Black voters in the way it dismantled the district formerly held by U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat. The decision is a win for Republicans and DeSantis, who pushed the map through the Legislature. The map resulted in Republicans gaining four seats, helping the GOP flip the U.S. House during the 2022 midterm elections. Politico

Biden campaign puts Florida — sort of — in play” via Kimberly Leonard of POLITICO — Democrats haven’t won Florida at the presidential level since 2012, and their voters’ lackluster turnout in 2022 helped Gov. Ron DeSantis sail to re-election by historic margins. It remains an open question whether Biden’s campaign will prioritize or invest heavily in Florida, the home state of Donald Trump.

Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign Chair, and Campaign Manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez released a memo in early March, shortly after Super Tuesday, saying the campaign will “invest in key Sun Belt battlegrounds like Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina where Democrats have seen successes in recent years.” But they promised to “seize on” undefined opportunities only in states like Florida, where it claims Trump’s agenda is unpopular.

Florida will be included in the $30 million ad-buy.

DeSantis tops poll of preferred Trump running mates” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — A YouGov survey conducted from March 24-26 found 64% of Republican-leaning independents and Republicans would approve of the Governor taking that spot, the highest positive number in a field of candidates including Ben Carson, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Carson, at 55%, is the second choice. DeSantis has better numbers than two other Republicans who washed out of the presidential race. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina was acceptable to 51% of respondents, while Vivek Ramaswamy was at 50%. One name not considered in the poll: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, whose name has been linked with the role.

Trump Announces Support for Gruters to be Florida's Next CFO - Current 2024 Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump endorsed Sarasota Republican state Sen. Joe Gruters to be Florida's next chief financial officer, according to a social media post on Truth Social, Trump Media & Technology Group's social media platform. Gruters, who previously served as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, endorsed Trump for president while Gov. Ron DeSantis was still in the running. "Joe has done more than anyone to help turn Florida RED, and elect Republicans across the State. A decorated CPA, Joe is a "ROCKSTAR," who will work hard to Grow our Economy, Stop Illegal Immigration, Strongly Support Law Enforcement, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. RUN JOE, RUN!," Trump wrote. While Gruters has not officially announced his candidacy for CFO yet, current CFO Jimmy Patronis won't be able to seek reelection in 2026 due to term limits. Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Florida Politics / Truth Social

Trump Calls for Challenge to U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee - Former President Donald Trump is urging someone loyal to him to challenge first-term U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee, the only Florida Republican member of Congress who backed Gov. Ron DeSantis in the governor's bid for the presidency. As the state's former secretary of state, Lee was Florida's top election official and resisted calls from Trump and his supporters for an audit of the 2020 election in the state. Lee, who represents a part of the Tampa Bay area in Congress, switched her endorsement to Trump after the governor ended his campaign. Currently, no Republican candidates are signed up to run against Lee."Any great MAGA Republicans looking to run against Laurel Lee in Florida's 15th Congressional District?" Trump posted on his social media site Truth Social on Sunday night. "IF SO, PLEASE STEP FORWARD!" Former state Rep. Jackie Toledo posted a few hours later that she was a "great MAGA Republican answering the call and ready to serve," but as of Tuesday morning, Lee was still the only Republican who has filed to run in the district. Tampa Bay Times / Politico

Health Care Related Articles

Florida Center for Nursing Starts Program for Nurses with Burnout - The Florida Center for Nursing has launched a new pilot program called Emotional Vaccines to address the burnout experienced by nurses in the state. The program, which is free for all current and future Florida nurses, offers evidence-based tips and strategies delivered through weekly 2-3 minute videos via text messages over six months. Over 440,000 nurses are currently practicing in Florida, and the state sees around 20,000 nursing students graduate annually. "We want to be able to utilize that data to make it available for even more nurses and future nurses in the state of Florida, and then potentially look at the national and or global impact that a program like this can have," said FCN Executive Director Rayna Letourneau. Burnout among nurses can lead to low job satisfaction, reduced commitment and exacerbate the nationwide nursing shortage. Florida faces an overall shortage of 59,000 nurses by 2035, according to a 2021 report by the Florida Hospital Association. The initiative highlights the need for a healthy work environment to retain nurses and improve patient quality of care. WUSF 

 

The statewide nursing shortage is hitting schools, too. School districts say they can't compete with higher paying nursing jobs and that the number of vacancies in school nursing positions is growing. Tampa Bay Times 

 

 Five Stars for Sarasota hospital on 'America's Greatest Workplaces for Women' list [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System earned a 5-star rating on Newsweek’s 2024 list of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women.” It is the only hospital in the region to be recognized on the list. The health system has grown dramatically in the last few years and is now Sarasota County’s largest employer with more than 10,000 employees working across its two hospital campuses, a freestanding ER and network of outpatient care centers.

 

Gov Attacks Media, Supports Surgeon General Over Measles Outbreak Coverage - During a bill signing event in Orlando on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed frustration over what he sees as biased media coverage of measles outbreaks, particularly comparing coverage of a South Florida school outbreak to one in Chicago involving undocumented immigrants at a shelter. DeSantis criticized what he called "phony narratives" in the media, insisting that the measles outbreak in the state is over. Although the end of the 21-day infection period did pass earlier this month for the Broward County school, a new case was recently reported in Martin County. There have been a total of 11 known cases in Florida since February. Chicago was at 31 cases, according to the Illinois Department of Health and reported on by big media outlets such as the Chicago Tribune. The governor also supported state Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo's guidelines for infected families after he issued a memo allowing unvaccinated children to continue to attend class during the measles school outbreak, which diverged from federal CDC guidelines. "The whole corporate media was acting like ... this was unique to Florida. They smeared our surgeon general for putting out very well thought out, balanced guidance. Flash forward, there was no outbreak, additional outbreak. So, his response was correct," said DeSantis. Additionally, the governor relayed his thoughts on social media, posting on his personal account. The comments align with DeSantis and Ladapo's stance on federal health protocol, coinciding with vaccine skepticism, especially with the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and subsequent boosters. Measles spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, but the mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, with a 93% to 97% efficacy rate. Other areas in the country besides Florida and Illinois have also experienced measles outbreaks, attributed to the population falling short of vaccination targets. Florida Politics / Florida Phoenix

 

AHCA's New Patient Immigration Status Dashboard Criticized by Immigration Advocates - The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration's recently launched Hospital Patient Immigration Status Dashboard, which shows the amount of reported hospital admissions and emergency department visits based on a patient's immigration status, is being criticized for leaving out information that was included in a separate report on the same subject that was distributed to lawmakers earlier this month. The report legislators received included nuances not present in the dashboard, such as the lack of clear correlation between uncompensated care and levels of undocumented immigrants. That report also stated that "high levels of uncompensated care are more associated with rural county status than illegal immigration percentages," and noted that "it is unclear how much of that care provided to illegal aliens was uncompensated." Critics, like the Florida Immigrant Coalition, accuse the state of deception by presenting different information to the public and legislators. AHCA compiled data from hospitals' financial reports and quarterly immigration status reports, as part of a wide-ranging immigration law (SB 1718) that requires hospitals to ask patients about their immigration status at admission and in emergency rooms, and report the information, along with the cost of care for undocumented or unauthorized residents, to the state. In 2022, hospitals provided over $2.6 billion in care that was not reimbursed through Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or self-payment. This amount was then multiplied by 0.82%, representing the proportion of migrants seeking care in Florida hospitals who self-reported that they were not legally residing in the state, resulting in the estimated $566 million spent on providing health care to these individuals during the final two quarters of last year, June 1 through Dec. 31, 2023, according to the dashboard. The Legislature allocated an extra $577,000 to AHCA in the upcoming budget (HB 5001) to support the agency's data collection efforts related to migrants and nursing homes. While Republicans argue the information is needed on the estimated cost of uncompensated care for patients who are not lawfully present in the country – adding that the federal government should be paying for it, those who oppose the measure claim the funding to collect the data could instead be used to lower uncompensated care costs in the state. Florida Politics

 

A statewide grand jury, initially impaneled in 2022 at the request of Gov. Ron DeSantis to investigate how COVID-19 vaccinations came into existence and whether there were crimes committed by the pharmaceutical industry, has petitioned the Florida Supreme Court for a six-month extension of its term. The grand jury, which recently released a 33-page interim report challenging the effectiveness of lockdowns and masks during the height of the pandemic, seeks an extension until Dec. 26, 2024, as stated in a petition filed this week by the office of statewide prosecutor Nicholas Cox. "Despite its diligent efforts, including the issuance of an interim report, the statewide grand jury has not completed its investigation at this time. A significant amount of work remains that may not be completed before the expiration of the term," the petition states. Grand Jury Petition / News Service Florida

 

The number of deaths among Florida residents attributed to COVID-19 has surpassed 2,000 so far this year, as indicated by recently updated data on the state Department of Health website. News Service Florida  

 

Many Florida residents are facing severe allergy symptoms due to a heavy pollen season exacerbated by dry weather. Dr. Erynne Bowers from Orlando Health notes a significant increase in affected patients, with about half reporting symptoms weekly. AdventHealth Centra Care has also seen a doubling of allergy patients, including cases of eczema and hives. WMFE

 

Florida medical residency programs last week announced their incoming classes as state officials try to boost the number of doctors-in-training in the state and the number of Florida students who stay in Florida after medical school. University of South Florida officials said a third of its class will train in Florida. About 45% of medical students at Florida State University will stay in the state for residency, and about half of UF's 128 matching medical students will remain in Florida. At least 42% of the 113 graduating medical students at FIU will stay in Florida for residency. Florida Atlantic University reported 48% of the class of 2024 will pursue residency in Florida. Florida Politics

 

AHCA Unveils New Patient Immigration Status Dashboard, Claims Cost of Care Reached $566M - The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration recently launched the Hospital Patient Immigration Status Dashboard that shows the amount of hospital admissions and emergency department visits reported based on a patient's immigration status. The data was collected during the final two quarters of last year, June 1 through Dec. 31, 2023. The dashboard includes county level information relating to the estimated cost of uncompensated care for patients who are not lawfully present in the country. According to the dashboard, the total cost of care provided to illegal immigrants in Florida during the reported time period exceeded $566 million, with Miami-Dade County accounting for the highest amount at $231.80 million. The data also shows that a total of 54,443 hospital admissions and emergency room visits were reported by patients who were illegal immigrants. "This dashboard highlights the cost of illegal immigration which puts a strain on our health care system and taxpayers here in Florida. Our hospitals and health care systems are designed to provide quality services to the citizens of the United States," said AHCA Secretary Jason Weida in a press release. Last year, lawmakers passed a wide-ranging immigration law (SB 1718) that requires hospitals to ask patients about their immigration status at admission and in emergency rooms, and report the information, along with the cost of care for undocumented or unauthorized residents, to the state. AHCA Press Release / Action News Jax

 

Push for Florida to Expand Medicaid Continues - Efforts to bring Medicaid expansion to Florida have fallen short in recent years, but other Southern states have reconsidered the idea and Navarre Republican Rep. Joel Rudman, who is a physician, supports it. North Carolina's recent decision to expand Medicaid has sparked discussions in other states like Mississippi and Georgia. However, Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, who championed a $717 million health care initiative (SB 7016) to expand providers in the state in the most recent legislative session, has vocally been against Medicaid expansion, along with other Republican leaders, including Gov. Ron DeSantis. Rudman recently met with North Carolina officials to discuss the issue, where the Medicaid expansion is expected to cover 600,000 new residents with the federal government picking up 90% of the cost as set out in the Affordable Care Act. "If Congress were to ever repeal Medicaid expansion and Obamacare, I'd be the first in line in support of that," said Rudman. "But the fact of the matter is, they are never going to. And when you escape that reality, to simply refuse federal dollars for a program that's never going away is just absurd." Florida is one of only ten states that has declined to accept federal money to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. A recent survey shows strong public support for Medicaid expansion among Florida voters, especially among non-college-educated voters. A coalition called Florida Decides Healthcare has also launched a petition campaign for a constitutional amendment to expand Medicaid access in the state to adults earning at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. To secure a spot on the 2026 ballot, the organization needs nearly one million valid petition signatures from Florida voters, and the proposed amendment would need to be approved by 60% of voters to take effect. Florida Politics

 

For-Profit Florida Nursing Schools Leave Some Students Unable to Practice - Students who have taken courses at for-profit nursing schools in South Florida, some of which are under investigation, are finding it difficult to get licenses to practice. The questions about the schools have left students unable to work as nurses and sometimes to start paying back large loans they took out to go to the schools, and continuing to stymie a health care industry that badly needs new nurses. Miami Herald

 

University of Miami officials recently unveiled plans for a 12-story cancer research center set to open next year. The $260 million facility, led by Dr. Stephen Nimer, will integrate cancer research with clinical care, fostering more effective treatments. "Never before on campus have bench scientists worked in the same building as patient care," said Nimer. "Now, patients will receive lifesaving treatment where discoveries are being made." Named the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building after a $50 million donation from Kenneth Griffin, the center aligns with national and state efforts to combat the disease. WLRN 


An ongoing conflict between OASIS and AHF, prominent organizations in HIV and AIDS care, has led to disruptions in patient care and legal disputes in the Panhandle. OASIS terminated AHF's contract over alleged violations, forcing patients to switch case managers and providers. AHF accuses OASIS of redirecting patients and revenue, while OASIS defends its actions as ensuring quality care and independence from AHF's influence. The clash highlights broader issues in health care delivery and organizational power dynamics, affecting vulnerable populations and their access to essential care. WUWF

 

The Gallup World Poll shows Finland ranking highest in "well-being" in its 2024 results, due to high scores in social support and life expectancy. The United States dropped in the global ranking. While older Americans report high happiness levels, young adults in North America, as well as in Canada, Australia and parts of western Europe and Britain, showed a decline in happiness, attributed to pressures like climate change and social media influence. However, younger generations in some regions experienced a slight rise in well-being. NPR

 

Born to die: Florida’s infant mortality crisis - More than 1,300 babies a year, about four a day, die in Florida. In the early 2000s, the infant mortality rate was higher, but dropped slightly and then plateaued about a decade ago. Despite a declining birth rate, and millions of dollars spent by the state in the past 10 years on maternity programs, research, outreach and reports, the rate of infant mortality remains unchanged. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]