Florida Action Network (FLAN 35) - Statewide Coverage

  TALLAHASSEE, Florida ( FLAN 35 ) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation in March aimed at strengthening protections for children and increasing penalties involving serious sexual and violent offenses. The legislation included Missy’s Law, which addresses pretrial detention for people convicted of or pleading to certain dangerous crimes. The measure was part of a broader package focused on holding dangerous offenders accountable and strengthening protections for victims. State officials said the legislation was designed to prevent dangerous defendants from being released while awaiting sentencing after conviction or a plea. The new laws became another part of Florida’s broader public-safety agenda during the 2026 legislative year. The legislation also renewed debate over Florida’s approach to criminal justice, pretrial detention and protections for victims. Officials said the goal is to strengthen accountability while protecting communities and children throughout the stat...

TALLAHASSEE, Florida ( FLAN 35 ) — Property taxes remained one of Florida’s most closely watched issues during the 2026 legislative session. Lawmakers debated potential changes as homeowners and local governments continued to face pressure from rising property values and increasing costs. Property-tax policy has become particularly important in fast-growing parts of Florida, where population growth has increased demand for schools, roads, emergency services and other public infrastructure. The debate also exposed differences between state lawmakers and local governments over how much control should remain at the local level. Although several tax-related proposals were considered, the issue remained unresolved after the regular legislative session. Florida lawmakers were expected to continue discussions during subsequent legislative activity. For homeowners, the debate could have long-term consequences for annual housing costs, while local governments continue to argue that property tax...

  BRADENTON, Florida ( FLAN 35 ) — Florida moved forward with new measures focused on protecting the state’s coastline and improving environmental resilience in March. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation addressing coastal protection, water quality and restoration efforts as officials emphasized the importance of Florida’s extensive shoreline. The state has more than 1,300 miles of coastline, making coastal management a major issue for communities dependent on tourism, fishing and waterfront development. The legislation also included measures involving Terra Ceia Bay and restoration of the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and priority springs. State officials said the effort is intended to strengthen long-term environmental protection while improving the state’s ability to manage restoration projects. Florida’s coastal communities continue to face challenges involving erosion, development, flooding and water quality. The new measures are expected to remain part of the state’s...

TALLAHASSEE, Florida ( FLAN 35 ) — Florida lawmakers ended the 2026 legislative session in March after considering nearly 2,000 bills and resolutions, with roughly 235 measures advancing to the governor. Property taxes, education, gun policy, election rules and immigration were among the major issues debated during the session. Lawmakers also left Tallahassee without completing the state budget, setting the stage for additional negotiations and a special session. Several proposals failed to advance, including legislation that would have lowered Florida’s minimum age for purchasing rifles from 21 to 18. The conclusion of the regular session did not end the year’s legislative activity. Lawmakers were expected to return for additional discussions involving the budget and other unresolved issues. For Floridians, the legislative decisions made during 2026 could affect taxes, schools, public safety and local government operations across the state. The session also highlighted the continued p...

  CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida ( FLAN 35 ) — Florida continued strengthening its position as one of the nation’s most important centers for commercial space activity during 2026. Cape Canaveral remained at the center of increasing activity involving NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin and other aerospace companies. The growth of the commercial space industry is creating demand for manufacturing, engineering, construction and other specialized jobs throughout Florida’s Space Coast. State officials have increasingly promoted space infrastructure as an economic-development priority. The industry also affects communities outside Brevard County as suppliers, contractors and technology companies expand operations throughout the state. Florida’s space economy has become a major part of the state’s identity and economic strategy. With additional launches, manufacturing facilities and infrastructure projects planned, Space Coast communities are preparing for continued growth in one of Florida’s most natio...