The Florida Supreme Court has approved a recreational marijuana constitutional amendment, known as Amendment 3, for the November 2024 statewide ballot, allowing voters to decide on legalizing non-medical personal use of marijuana products for adults 21 or older. The measure faced opposition from Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida conservatives, but the court's decision paves the way for a pivotal vote in the upcoming election.
Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law banning the homeless from sleeping in public spaces, with designated encampments to be set up by local governments overseen by the state Department of Children and Families. The law aims to provide greater access to services for substance abuse and mental health issues, but opponents argue it's meant to hide the homeless from public view. Supporters say it prioritizes public safety and the quality of life for citizens, while opponents criticize it for not addressing the root causes of homelessness. Starting in 2025, residents and business owners will be able to file lawsuits to prevent the homeless from camping on public property.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new law, "Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping" (HB 1365), which prohibits camping or sleeping on public property, effective October 1. The law requires municipalities to designate specific public spaces for camping with approval from the Florida Department of Children and Families, and allows businesses and residents to hold local governments accountable in court. While proponents view it as compassionate conservatism, critics fear forced internment camps. Local governments are preparing for compliance, with some seeking overnight shelters and others hiring consultants, but advocates for the homeless are concerned about funding and the ability to provide necessary support.
Governor Ron DeSantis has deployed additional state assets, including over 250 officers and soldiers and air and sea craft, to the southern coast of Florida and the Keys to prevent a potential influx of illegal immigrants from Haiti. This move is in response to the federal government's perceived failure to enforce immigration laws and protect the border, and aims to supplement the U.S. Coast Guard's interdiction efforts as part of Operation Vigilant Sentry.
The 2024 Florida Legislative Session saw a mix of wins and losses, with efforts to keep kids off social media and raise the minimum age for stripping to 21 passing, while bills to protect Confederate memorials and impose term limits on county commissions failed. Governor Ron DeSantis' influence was evident, with his veto of a proposal to make it easier to launch defamation lawsuits and his signing of legislation allowing the public release of grand jury documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. The session also saw measures to improve healthcare, compensate victims of abuse at the Dozier School, and direct gambling revenue towards environmental programs.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is sending additional state troopers to Panama City Beach for Spring Break in response to increased traffic and potential safety concerns, as local law enforcement agencies request additional manpower to maintain peace and safety during the influx of visitors. The presence of more officers is expected to help with traffic flow and deter potential threats, with a focus on patrolling main roadways in the area.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law allowing the release of grand jury transcripts from a 2006 investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of underage girls, citing the need for transparency and justice. The law, effective July 1, will provide limited exception to grand jury secrecy, potentially shedding light on Epstein's lenient punishment and bringing closure to victims. The release of these records is seen as essential for full transparency in the Epstein case, with many hoping it will answer lingering questions about the handling of the case.
Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, opposes the Florida bill banning social media for minors under 16, citing parental rights and First Amendment concerns. The bill, which lacks a parental permission exception, has received support from law enforcement and conservative groups, but Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed legal concerns and is considering a veto. The legislation aims to regulate social media platforms' addictive features and provide anonymous age verification options, with proponents emphasizing child protection.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis endorses a controversial statewide strategy to address homelessness by requiring counties to ban public sleeping and instead allow designated camps with security and services. The proposed legislation has divided lawmakers and advocates, with some supporting it as a step forward and others criticizing it as a one-size-fits-all approach that could lead to more arrests. The idea, dubbed "the Florida model," aims to clear homeless from public spaces while providing support, but faces opposition due to concerns about practicality, funding, and its departure from federal best practices.
A bill introduced in the Florida legislature could allow Governor Ron DeSantis to deploy the Florida State Guard to the Texas-Mexico border in support of Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to block illegal immigration. The bill, if passed, would remove the requirement that the State Guard be used exclusively within Florida, potentially allowing it to be deployed elsewhere in the U.S. Tensions in Texas have surged over Abbott's actions, including deploying razor-wire along the border, leading to calls for support from other states' National Guards.
Florida's State Board of Education has passed a rule to "permanently prohibit" the use of public funds for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs at the state's 28 public college campuses, aiming to prevent the categorization of individuals based on race or sex for preferential treatment. This decision follows Governor Ron DeSantis' efforts to eliminate spending on DEI programs and replace a sociology course with American History, drawing criticism from Black leaders and concerns from students about the impact on campus diversity and inclusion.
Governor Ron DeSantis has activated Florida's National Guard in preparation for severe weather, including potentially damaging winds and tornadoes, across South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Residents are urged to make necessary preparations, such as stocking up on essentials, securing outdoor objects, and ensuring carbon monoxide detectors are in place. The severe weather is expected to hit Tuesday evening, with winds of over 60 mph and a possible tornado, followed by cooler and drier weather on Wednesday.
Florida State University (FSU) is considering a potential lawsuit against the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee after being excluded from the playoffs despite winning the Atlantic Coast Conference title. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed allocating $1 million from the state budget for FSU's legal expenses. Sports attorney Jason Setchen believes FSU may have a case if they can demonstrate monetary losses from not participating in the playoffs. However, pursuing a lawsuit would require substantial evidence and financial resources.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Thursday in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, commemorating the lives lost and the brave veterans of World War II. The directive applies to all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the state.
Florida Republicans are calling for the resignation of Christian Ziegler, the state party chairman, who is currently under criminal investigation for sexual assault. Despite pressure from top Republican leaders, including Governor Ron DeSantis, Ziegler has refused to step down. The scandal has created tension within the party and raised questions about the future of the Republican Party apparatus in the politically influential state. While Republicans are expected to maintain their advantages in Florida, the scandal could damage the party's reputation. Ziegler's wife, Bridget Ziegler, a conservative activist, has also faced criticism for her anti-LGBTQ stance.
