Legislative Update - May 30, 2025

The House and Senate remain at an impasse and have yet to reach a final budget agreement. The current extended legislative session is scheduled to conclude on June 6. While the House has voted to continue the session through June 30, this extension holds little weight as the Senate has not agreed to it.

If no resolution is reached by next week, it is anticipated that the Governor will step in and call a Special Session to finalize the budget. With Florida’s new fiscal year beginning on July 1, it is critical that the Legislature adopts a balanced budget by that deadline to avoid any disruption in state operations.

And don’t forget, June 1 is the official beginning of hurricane season!

Governor …

Governor's Office confirms Peter Cuderman departure, Mary Clare Hubbard promotion

Gov OKs Bill to Lift Gun Restrictions During Emergencies : Gov. Ron DeSantis gave final approval Wednesday to a bill lifting automatic restrictions on the sale and carrying of firearms and ammunition during local emergencies. The legislation (HB 6025) repeals a state statute that allows sheriffs or city officials to prohibit the sale and display of firearms and ammunition, and to bar individuals from carrying firearms in public during declared states of emergency tied to riots, public disorder, or violence. House and Senate Democrats opposed the proposal. The bill takes effect immediately. Transmittal Letter / DeSantis Press Release / LobbyTools 2025 Governor's Activity

State prosecutors open Hope Florida investigation : Leon County prosecutors say there is an open criminal investigation relating to information a lawmaker provided concerning the Hope Florida Foundation.

DeSantis calls the investigation a ‘political’ probe: DeSantis says there is “no basis” for local prosecutors to open an investigation related to the state’s Hope Florida Foundation and called the Republican lawmaker who provided documents to the state attorney’s office a “jackass.”

Ron DeSantis draws legit heat at WWE card " via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis got a taste of pro wrestling heat at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Tampa, met with jeers and "you suck" chants. Even without a promo, his knack for drawing a crowd reaction could land him a future as a wrestling villain. While his political future is uncertain, this legitimate booing suggests an alternative career path. Meanwhile, he visited Clearwater with Hulk Hogan. Given DeSantis' past use of Hogan's "Real American" theme and Hogan's own recent booing, perhaps a tag team run is in order post-governorship. While neither can likely take bumps, they certainly know how to work a crowd, for better or worse.

To watch a clip, please click the image below :

https://floridapolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ 𝑫𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒅🖤💫 -Governor-Ron-DeSantis-just-showed-up-and-the-crowed-started-booing-him-and-chanting-you-s.mp4

Legislature …

Joint Budget Panel to Meet  - While legislative leaders remain at impasse on a budget for the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year, a joint House and Senate panel will meet next week to shift money around for several state agencies. The Joint Legislative Budget Commission, which has authority to make certain types of budget adjustments, will meet June 4 and deal with issues involving agencies such as the Department of Corrections, the Department of Transportation and the Agency for Health Care Administration. As an example, one proposal calls for transferring $71.48 million to cover projected deficits during the current fiscal year at the Department of Corrections. Another proposal involves approving $1.7 billion for the Department of Transportation’s work program for three projects aimed at relieving traffic congestion in the Interstate 4 area in Osceola and Polk counties, according to information posted online in advance of the meeting. Lawmakers were expected to finalize a 2025-2026 budget before the scheduled May 2 end of the annual legislative session. But House and Senate leaders were not able to agree on spending and tax levels and extended the session. As of Wednesday afternoon, they had not reached agreement on key issues that would kick-start formal negotiations. The state’s 2025-2026 fiscal year will start July 1.

LBC to Consider $2.7B in Budget Amendments -  As lawmakers remain deadlocked over the state's 2025-26 budget, the Joint Legislative Budget Commission is set to meet next week to consider nearly $2.7 billion in midyear adjustments to the current fiscal year budget. Proposals slated for consideration in the June 4 meeting include a request from the Department of Financial Services for $850 million to replenish the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund and cover outstanding disaster recovery costs from the 2024 hurricane season, including Hurricane Milton. The Department of Transportation is seeking $1.7 billion to expedite three major congestion relief projects under the Moving Florida Forward initiative along the Interstate 4 corridor in Osceola and Polk counties. The Department of Corrections is requesting $71.5 million in internal transfers to address shortfalls in food services, inmate health care, overtime, and facility maintenance, along with $16.6 million for salary adjustments across its divisions. Other agency requests include $3.4 million from the Department of Commerce to continue aiding hurricane-impacted businesses through the Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund, and $4 million from the Department of Health to offset rising drug costs under a federal program for inmates. The Agency for Health Care Administration has submitted multiple proposals to realign Medicaid funding, adjust accounts for the KidCare and Healthy Kids programs, and correct appropriations for the Florida Cancer Hospital Program. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is also asking for $6.2 million to manage rising vehicle and fuel costs for the Florida Highway Patrol and to address staffing needs through salary rate adjustments. The meeting comes as lawmakers continue behind-the-scenes talks on the next state budget, with no formal negotiations yet scheduled. The new fiscal year begins July 1. News Service Florida / Politico Pro / LobbyTools Calendar

Budget Talks Collapse Amid House, Senate, Gov Division -  Florida's budget negotiations hit a dramatic standstill Friday after House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, declared that the previously agreed to budget "framework" lawmakers had been working on had "blown up." Perez blamed Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, for "breaking his commitment to the House" by failing to bring the House's tax proposal to a floor vote during the regular legislative session. The discrepancy was accentuated last week when Gov. Ron DeSantis indicated he would veto any legislation that includes a broad cut to the state sales tax, saying delivering a tax cut that disproportionately delivers relief to tourists at the expense of cuts targeted more directly at state residents was "going to be dead on arrival." The impasse over the competing visions for tax relief has delayed budget conference committee work, despite the Legislature's constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget before July 1, when the 2025-2026 fiscal year begins. Over the weekend, the Republican Party of Florida said it could mediate the dispute, but there was no immediate comment from the legislators or the governor's office on the idea. On the final scheduled day of the regular legislative session, lawmakers moved to extend the session until June 6, with plans to reconvene this week for budget conference meetings. But in a Friday memo, Perez told members the House will convene Tuesday to adopt another resolution extending the session through the end of June. He also announced that the House Select Committee on Property Taxes will meet the same day to hold its second meeting. "While the circumstances leading to this conference are less than ideal or even expected, as Members of the Florida House, our responsibilities do not change," Perez wrote. "We will deliver a fiscally conservative budget that cuts government waste and puts Florida on the best possible trajectory for long-term success." The House initially proposed an across-the-board sales tax cut from 6% to 5.25%, reducing state revenue by $5 billion annually. But the previously announced "framework" with the Senate included a $1.6 billion cut, lowering the sales tax to 5.75%, a tax cut package of about $2.8 billion. Shortly after Perez released his memo, Albritton defended the Senate's position, stating that DeSantis' veto threat made the House's plan "dead on arrival." He echoed concerns from fellow senators, writing that the House's proposed cut was "not meaningful, felt, or seen by families and seniors when compared with other available options," estimating it would save only 25 cents per $100 spent. Albritton also cited long-term fiscal concerns, warning the recurring tax cut was "not sustainable when combined with the projected budget shortfalls already on the horizon" and could "constrain options" for the broader property tax reform many, including the governor, support. "The Senate has been and remains committed to tax cuts that offer broad-based and meaningful tax relief for families, seniors, and small businesses," he wrote. The Senate also appears to "not feel it is necessary" to extend the session through the end of June, as the House is planning, according to E.W. Scripps news service. DeSantis has signaled his support for the Senate's stance, previously calling the House "dysfunctional" and accusing its leaders of opposing him for personal or political reasons. On Friday, following the announcements from legislative leadership, he said the House has "been more interested in throwing a lifeline to the Left and attacking me than they have been in doing the work that you sent them there to do." Veterans of the legislative process have also said that the current level of acrimony is among the worst seen in recent years. Despite the breakdown, both leaders expressed a willingness to return to the table, though neither gave a timeline. As Perez put it, "alternative dates" for talks will be announced "as soon as possible." House Memo / Senate Memo / Tampa Bay Times-Miami Herald / USA Today Network / Florida Politics / News Service Florida / Politico Pro / LobbyTools Budget Tab

Budget Battle: House vs. Senate : After Senate budget chair Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, downplayed the budget breakdown to Florida Politics on Friday as "a big kerfuffle" that would "get worked out," House budget chief Lawrence McClure, R-Dover, rejected that framing, calling it "a re-trade" and accusing the Senate of going back on its promise to bring a House-backed sales tax cut to the Senate floor. "They constantly changed their minds. So we in the House have to ask ourselves, how can we trust their word?," said McClure. "The Speaker and I are men of our word and we will not go back on a deal we made," he added. McClure also implied skepticism relating to the governor's promised veto of a sales tax cut. "The Governor didn't come out and say he was going to veto the largest tax cut in the history of Florida until after the deal was struck," McClure noted. McClure also implied that the Senate isn't taking fiscal waste seriously, pointing to deep audits that revealed "hundreds of millions of dollars" in questionable spending, including over 2,000 missing state vehicles. "The House is extremely clear on what the problem is: It is generations of legislative leadership that has not cared about the future of Florida with its recurring spending patterns," he said. "I would sincerely ask the Florida Senate, do they not believe that approximately 2% of government spending is done inefficiently?" While the House wants to extend session again until the end of June, the Senate is not keen on the idea, and both chambers would need to agree in order to officially extend it. Hooper said he remains optimistic a deal will be struck in time to avoid a further extension, meanwhile, McClure stated the next steps are to just "build a budget that spends Florida taxpayer money in a responsible manner." Without an additional extension, lawmakers will have just four weeks to get a budget done. Florida Politics

Lawmakers don’t have a budget deal yet : Florida legislative leaders have not yet reached a budget deal and are not expected to come back to hash out those details this week, according to updates provided to the public late last week by the Senate and House. A government shutdown could occur if the state Legislature fails to pass a budget before the end of the fiscal year, which is June 30.

"No budget talks until after June 2, Florida legislative leaders tell members " via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — Florida's budget impasse continues, with House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton announcing late Friday that lawmakers will not return to Tallahassee next week. The 60-day Legislative Session, originally slated to end May 2, remains deadlocked primarily over tax cuts, forcing an extension.

Legislative Leadership: No Budget Conference This Week -  State lawmakers will not return to the Capitol this week as budget negotiations remain at a standstill with the July 1 start of the new 2025-26 fiscal year approaching. Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, on Friday told members to stay home until at least June 2 as behind-the-scenes talks on spending allocations continue. "You do not need to plan on being in Tallahassee before Monday, June 2nd," Albritton's memo reads. "I hope to have a better idea of our schedule moving forward in the next few days and will share another update after the Memorial Day Holiday." The legislative session, initially set to end May 2, was extended until June 6 due to unresolved disagreements over spending and tax cuts. The House briefly reconvened May 13 to pass a resolution allowing the session to continue as late as June 30. While the Senate did not consider another resolution to further extend the session, the June 6 adjournment could be revised. Lawmakers cannot finalize the budget until both chambers agree on what are known as "allocations" — the broad silos of spending that underpin the more detailed budget negotiations. "Additional updates will be shared as progress continues and the timeline becomes clearer," wrote Perez in his memo to House members. "We will ensure you have the necessary notice to make travel and scheduling arrangements when the time comes." The state spending plan is the only proposal the Legislature is constitutionally required to pass each year. Senate Memorandum / House Memorandum / News Service Florida / Politico Pro / WKMG

Business rent tax — Florida’s unwanted distinction " via Scott Shalley for Florida Politics — Despite Tallahassee's budget disagreements, a shared goal is keeping Florida a top state for business. However, Florida uniquely imposes a business rent tax on commercial properties, forcing employers to pay an extra 2% on rent for offices and facilities, costing businesses over $1 billion annually. This tax, coupled with inflation and high labor costs, hinders growth and job creation. While lawmakers have commendably reduced this tax from 6% to 2% since 2018, providing significant relief, complete elimination is crucial. Doing so would provide a billion-dollar boost, affirm Florida as the best place for business, and attract new ventures, benefiting all Floridians.

“Hurricane sales tax holiday in limbo as Florida budget negotiations linger ” via Joel Lopez of WPTV — Florida leaders continue to grapple with contentious state budget negotiations, while the clock is ticking for residents preparing for the upcoming hurricane season. With lawmakers now more than three weeks overdue in reaching a consensus, concerns are mounting regarding the potential impact on the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. This annual initiative, which allows Floridians to stock up on essential emergency supplies without the burden of sales tax, may be put on hold if an agreement is not reached soon.

“Hurricane season starts this weekend: Officials say it’s time to prepare ” via Eric Daugherty of Florida’s Voice — Sen. Rick Scott was joined by local leaders in Collier County on Tuesday, calling on residents to prepare for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. “This is gonna be an active season,” he said. “Waters are warm … we’re gonna have storms. Hopefully, we won’t have the storms that come ashore, but if you look at what’s happened [previously] … we’ve had some horrible storm surge storms. The worst part now is the water.” “You’re not gonna survive 6, 8, 12 feet of water,” he said. “You’ve got to listen; you’ve got to evacuate.”

The Judiciary  …

Judge Weighs Sanctions for AG Over Immigration Law Defiance - A federal judge is considering whether Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier should face contempt or sanctions for allegedly defying a court order blocking enforcement of a new state immigration law. The dispute stems from an April 23 letter Uthmeier sent to law enforcement agencies, which U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams suggested may have violated her restraining order halting enforcement of the law targeting undocumented immigrants. That law (SB 4C), passed in a special session in February, created state-level criminal penalties for undocumented immigrants who enter or re-enter Florida. Judge Williams heard arguments during a nearly two-hour hearing in Miami but did not immediately rule. Uthmeier's stance drew fire from immigrants' rights groups, who argued his communication encouraged unlawful arrests despite the court's directive. While Uthmeier contends he complied with the judge's order through an earlier notice and was merely expressing a legal opinion in the second letter, plaintiffs argue his actions undermined the court and invited further violations. They have urged the judge to consider sanctions, including financial penalties or referrals to the Florida Bar or federal prosecutors. Uthmeier, a former chief of staff to Gov. Ron DeSantis, is appealing the injunction to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. DeSantis also recently defended Uthmeier's stance, arguing the public gets to decide policy through elections, not "unelected lifetime-appointed judges." Associated Press / Politico

Business …

Florida Gas Prices Tick Up Slightly, Still Near $3 Mark : Florida gas prices rose modestly over the past week but remain close to $3 per gallon, according to AAA. As of Tuesday, the state average for regular unleaded fuel was $3.04 per gallon, up three cents from the previous week. The national average held steady at $3.17. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy, noted that prices going into Memorial Day weekend were the lowest since 2003 after adjusting for inflation and excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period. He attributed the trend to global economic instability, OPEC production shifts, and continued post-COVID market adjustments. A year ago, Florida drivers were paying an average of $3.51 per gallon. Yesterday, Panama City recorded the state's lowest average at $2.74, while the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area had the highest at $3.21. News Service Florida

By the Numbers: April Housing Prices  - The industry group Florida Realtors last week released a report that showed the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in April was $412,734. Here were median prices in the state’s metropolitan statistical areas:

— Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island: $817,500

— Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach: $650,000

— North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton: $465,000

— Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford: $443,098

— Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin: $425,000

— Port St. Lucie: $415,000

— Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: $400,000

— Jacksonville: $392,250

— Cape Coral-Fort Myers: $390,000

— Sebastian-Vero Beach: $389,450

— Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville: $375,000

— The Villages: $366,250

— Gainesville: $362,000

— Panama City: $359,959

— Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach: $355,000

— Punta Gorda: $349,970

— Tallahassee: $329,000

— Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent: $328,500

— Lakeland-Winter Haven: $325,000

— Ocala: $289,000

— Homosassa Springs: $275,000

— Sebring: $269,450

Source: Florida Realtors

Florida Jobless Claims Hit Highest Level Since January : Florida saw a spike in new unemployment claims last week, reaching the highest level since January. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an estimated 6,969 initial claims were filed for the week ending May 24, up from 6,177 the previous week. That's the most since the week ending Jan. 11, when 7,525 claims were recorded. So far in 2025, Florida has averaged 6,230 new claims per week. The state's unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.7% in April, up from 3.5% in January, the Florida Department of Commerce reported. Nationally, 240,000 claims were filed last week, an increase of 14,000 from the week before, with a 4.2% unemployment rate reported in April. News Service Florida / Florida Politics

Arrests Continue for Immigration Law Under Court Scrutiny : Local law enforcement officers have arrested over two dozen people under two statutes that make it a state crime for undocumented immigrants to enter Florida, while state officials press for the law to be enforced in the face of court rulings saying it can't be. A federal judge last month blocked Florida from enforcing the two statutes that make it a crime for immigrants to come into the state after having entered the country illegally. But Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has told local law enforcement agencies they can enforce the law despite the ruling. The Tampa Bay Times reported Thursday that 25 people have been arrested after being stopped by Florida Highway Patrol officers or being passengers in cars stopped by the patrol. About a third of those are being held in immigration detention and at least one has been deported. None has so far been convicted in state court of violating the new border-crossing law. The law in question (SB 4C), passed in a special session in February, created state-level criminal penalties for undocumented immigrants who enter or re-enter Florida. Tampa Bay Times

Local Government …

"If Bob Buckhorn wants to run for Mayor again, the numbers are so far on his side " via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Former Tampa Mayor Buckhorn holds a commanding lead for a potential 2027 mayoral comeback, new polling reveals. A Mercury Public Affairs survey shows Buckhorn with 49% in a hypothetical five-way race, 27 points ahead of City Council member Bill Carlson (22%). House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell polled at 12%. In a potential runoff against Carlson, Buckhorn leads 39% to 17% and boasts 58% favorability. Though undeclared, Buckhorn and Carlson are widely expected to run, setting up a potential clash. Buckhorn recently headlined a high-profile fundraiser through his "Friends of Bob Buckhorn" committee, signaling serious intent to reclaim his old office after term limits reset his eligibility.

Elections and Campaigns …

“Prominent NPA, third party candidates could complicate 2026 Florida Governor's race ” via Tristan Wood of WUSF — The 2026 Gubernatorial Election is a year and a half away and it's already looking like it could be one of the most crowded fields in recent memory. Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly have announced they are running already. Broward State Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Democrat until recently, has also announced he's running with no party affiliation. And billionaire personal injury lawyer John Morgan is also considering jumping into the race, likely under a completely new party. "What I believe a third party would do in Florida and in America is have a third party that would bring compromise. You got a third Republican, you got a third democratic socialist, and then you got us stuck in the middle together," he said.

“Republican Debbie Mayfield, Democrat Vance Ahrens face off in Special Election for Florida Senate seat ” via Dave Berman of Florida Today — Mayfield of Indialantic is seeking to return to her former position as state Senator, representing District 19. Mayfield is currently a member of the Florida House of Representatives. Standing in her way in the June 10 Special Election for the Senate seat is Democratic candidate Ahrens of Grant-Valkaria. Ahrens also ran for the Florida Senate District 19 seat last November but lost to Republican Randy Fine, receiving 40.64% of the vote. However, Fine resigned that seat, effective March 31, so he could run for Congress in Florida's 6th Congressional District, a six-county area that includes Daytona Beach. Fine was elected to Congress on April 1, and the Senate District 19 seat is now vacant.

“Brian Hodgers faces Juan Hinojosa in Special Election for District 32 Florida House race ” via Jim Waymer of Florida Today — The Florida House District 32 race pits a real estate broker/insurance agent against a retired United States Army reservist. They're competing mainly over who's best to help ease skyrocketing insurance rates — central among the district's challenges. Republican Hodgers asserts his experience in insurance will empower him to help lower rates for Floridians. His Democratic opponent, Hinojosa, blames career politicians for enabling insurance companies to increase insurance rates. He says his 30-year military career armed him with the skills to fight for policies that lower rates. The two face off in a Special Election on June 10. DeSantis scheduled the Special Election to fill the seat in Central Brevard County that became vacant with the resignation of incumbent Mayfield of Indialantic, who beat Hinojosa for the seat in November.

"In Tampa, Florida Democrats talk candidly about their problems and hopes for future success " via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — Florida Democrats are in crisis following successive electoral blowouts, prompting urgent soul-searching. At a Tampa forum, members decried a "broken" brand and outdated messaging, with one stating they campaign "like it's 1996." Speakers urged self-reflection, lamenting the GOP's gain in the "information battle" and calling for a unified, positive economic message to reach everyday voters. This follows devastating statewide defeats, legislative defections, and former State Senate leader Jason Pizzo quitting the "dead" party — a sentiment Gov. DeSantis amplified, calling Democrats "dead meat." Some strategists see potential in reaching out to disaffected Latino voters, particularly Venezuelans concerned about recent policy changes.

Health Care Related Articles

“Disease-tracking chart returns: Measles, mpox, hepatitis surveillance now available” via Cindy Krischer Goodman of the Orlando Sentinel — Disease-tracking information in Florida is available again, allowing residents to learn about outbreaks in their county once more. Florida Department of Health surveillance data, which previously made public the number of current cases of each vaccine-preventable disease by county, had been removed from the state website for several months. The removal came shortly after a measles case was reported in Miami in March. Measles is among the most contagious diseases in the world, and case counts in the United States are spiking, with more than 1,000 reported in 2025. Florida’s chart, which contains current trends for communicable diseases, has long been relied upon by public health researchers and medical professionals for tracking purposes. It includes up-to-date information on outbreaks in Florida, such as measles, mpox and Hepatitis A.

“Second measles case in South Florida this year confirmed in child” via Angie DiMichele of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — A child in Broward County was diagnosed with measles in April, making it the second confirmed case of the highly contagious disease in South Florida in 2025. The child, who is under the age of 4, contracted the airborne illness outside of the United States, according to the state’s Florida Health Charts website. The chart does not provide additional information about the confirmed case. One other confirmed measles case was reported in South Florida this year, in Miami-Dade County in March, the chart showed. No cases have been reported in Palm Beach County. The first confirmed case in Florida this year was in a student at Miami Palmetto Senior High School in Miami-Dade.

DeSantis Backs Expanding Autism Services: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday gave final approval to legislation expanding support for children with autism and developmental disabilities through early intervention, specialized education, and professional training. Key provisions in the wide-ranging bill (SB 112) include the creation of the Early Steps Extended Option, allowing eligible children to continue receiving services through the Florida Early Steps Program until the school year after their fourth birthday. The measure provides over $720,000 in state funding and creates six new health department positions to implement the program. The proposal also codifies the University of Florida's Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment (UF CAN), which will coordinate autism research and training, and offer a free autism micro-credential for educators. It also establishes two new grant programs under UF CAN's oversight aimed at funding startup autism-focused charter schools and inclusive summer programs. Additionally, the new law expands autism screening grants, allows autism training to count toward teacher recertification, and requires a statewide review of autism-related training, among other things. The legislation, backed by Senate President Ben Albritton, received unanimous support from the Legislature during session and is slated to take effect immediately. Senate Press Release / DeSantis Press Release / LobbyTools 2025 Governor's Activity

Deadline Looms in Florida Blue, Broward Health Contract Dispute: Florida Blue policyholders may soon face higher costs or lose in-network access to Broward Health services if the insurer and hospital system fail to reach a new agreement by June 30. After three months of negotiations, the two sides remain at odds over reimbursement rates, with Broward Health seeking payment on par with other South Florida providers and insurers. Florida Blue has pushed back on what it says is a proposed 60% rate hike, warning that such increases could be passed on to consumers. If no deal is struck, more than 17,000 Florida Blue members could see Broward Health facilities, clinics, and physicians move out of network starting July 1. The dispute mirrors other recent standoffs the insurer has faced with major health systems across the state. Some patients currently receiving treatment may be able to continue care under certain conditions, but others could see higher out-of-pocket costs. Health News Florida

Florida COVID Deaths Climb, Still Far Below Pandemic Peak: Florida has recorded at least 878 COVID-19 deaths so far this year, with Palm Beach and Pinellas counties reporting the highest numbers, according to the state Department of Health. While fatalities have risen steadily in 2025, the toll remains far below peak pandemic years — down from nearly 40,000 deaths in 2021. Palm Beach County leads the state with 63 reported deaths, followed by Pinellas with 57, Hillsborough with 52, Broward with 51, and Miami-Dade with 46 fatalities. News Service Florida

Flu Season Ends with High Pediatric Deaths, Low Vaccination - Florida has closed out its 2024-25 influenza season, but not without raising alarms among public health experts. According to the state Department of Health, 20 children died from the flu during the season, matching the prior year's total and accounting for 9% of all pediatric flu deaths nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 216 pediatric deaths nationally, a figure it classifies as indicative of a "high severity season" for all age groups. University of Central Florida epidemiologist Cindy Prins called it "a bad flu season," noting it was the worst since the 2009-10 swine flu outbreak, which saw 236 pediatric deaths nationwide and 13 in Florida, according to the state DOH. This season, 16 of the 20 Florida children who died from influenza had not been vaccinated. Most also had underlying conditions such as asthma, neurologic disease, or obesity. Experts say declining vaccination rates are likely contributing to the high number of deaths. The CDC reported that only 49.2% of U.S. children aged 6 months to 17 years received a flu shot this season, down from 62.4% in 2019-20. Prins said the downward trend spans all demographics and could erode community immunity. Pregnant women are another vulnerable group, with nearly 28% of the 1,981 hospitalized women of childbearing age this flu season being pregnant, the CDC reported. Prins emphasized that severe outcomes are common among this population and urged more proactive vaccination efforts. Although the season has ended, public health officials are already looking ahead. Prins recommends families get their flu shots by Oct. 31 to ensure protection for the upcoming 2025-26 season. "You can have a very healthy child who very quickly gets sick with the flu and dies," she said. "Put it on your calendar. Make it part of one of the reminders that you have in your family." Central Florida Public Media

https://flvoicenews.com/ag-uthmeier-issues-subpoenas-to-multiple-florida-hospitals-over-price-transparency-compliance/