State News

The high-stakes court fight unfolding over the off-again, on-again abortion law newly passed in Texas threatens to throw into confusion plans by Florida lawmakers to pass a similarly restrictive law banning abortions after a physician can detect a fetal heartbeat.

The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) says of the jobs initially lost during the pandemic, nearly 80% have been recovered. In addition, the agency's Deputy Secretary Adrienne Johnston says there are more people in the labor force now than in February of last year. But Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, says issues remain with the state's unemployment assistance system.

The ruling by Circuit Judge Layne Smith was a victory for Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has led efforts to prevent businesses from requiring customers to show proof they are vaccinated against COVID-19 --- an issue that has become known as requiring vaccine passports.

The state has seen its cases and hospitalizations decline, but an analysis from the New York Times finds its death rate is still among the highest in the country.

To cover the additional costs, counties could reduce the number of ballot drop-off boxes, making voting less convenient.

Temperatures are expected to be 5 to 10 degrees cooler Sunday and Monday across a large portion of Florida thanks to a noticeable fall front.

The bill, filed by Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, would put the prohibition on school mask requirements into state law.

With the industry poised to mushroom, health regulators are asking lawmakers for nearly $13 million to more than double the number of workers in the office that oversees medical marijuana issues.

Citizens Insurance CEO Barry Gilway tells lawmakers that a 'sea of red ink' is overwhelming insurers across Florida.

Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blualso said the body of the missing Florida woman lay in the wilderness since her death in mid to late August.