Rep. Ryan Chamberlin (R-Belleview) announced he intends to work on eliminating property taxes in the "Free" State of Florida with a string of bills during a press conference Wednesday in Tallahassee.

In a press release, Chamberlin announced filing HB 357 and HB 359 which would create a new $100,000 tax exemption on all properties, not just homesteads. According to Chamberlin, the pair of bills would provide "immediate relief" to Floridians.

He also mentioned working on the legislation with Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill). Notably, Chamberlin said the legislation would need final approval to pass.

In addition, Chamberlin filed HB 787 which would create a 2% cap on year-over-year property tax revenues. Under the bill, revenue collected over a 2% increase from the previous year would be returned in the form of a tax rebate or used to pay off debt.

HB 787 is being worked on alongside Sen. Jay Collins (R-Tampa).

The release said while a replacement for state property tax is in the works, Chamberlin was "confident" there was a better, fairer way to fund the government.

It also specified that any solution includes a "combination of savings from government efficiency" as well as a "combination of consumption taxes and fees tied to real transactions" without bureaucratic opinions of value.

Long in the works, Chamberlin mentioned filing a bill last session that sought funding for a study to estimate what it would take to replace the state property tax.  He credited Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers) for filing a similar bill for this session.

“I filed this bill last year for two reasons. The first is because, under the current system of property taxation, no one ever owns their own property," Chamberlin said. They just lease it from government. Think about it. If you can’t pay the property taxes on your home, family farm, or small business warehouse, your property will be seized by the state and given to someone else."

"The second reason is that our property tax system is unfair. Property taxes are collected on unrealized gains. These taxes aren’t collected on the actual value of a property when it is sold but on what some local government bureaucrat thinks it might be worth if you sold it right now. It’s time that we stop this nonsense," Chamberlin added.

While in the works, Chamberlin said any traction on the policy might take some time, possibly as much as seven or eight years. He also sai a plan is in the works to fund rural county governments to "ensure" no breaks in funding for students.

"This effort will require courage and a commitment to the people who have elected us, but the days of never owning your property are coming to an end! To get this done, it will require a movement, and that movement begins today," Chamberlin concluded.

For more information go to www.endpropertytaxnow.com

The post Rep. Ryan Chamberlin Announces Plans to Eliminate Property Taxes in Florida appeared first on The Floridian.

While lambasting the Covid vaccine on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis questioned how effective flu shots are and whether physicians push them in return for compensation.

His comments came at a Tampa press conference to pressure lawmakers to permanently ban the Covid vaccine mandates he signed in 2021. DeSantis' opposition to the Covid vaccine, however, segued him into another pushed-for vaccine: the flu shot.

"That's a whole other thing, this flu shot—how effective that is...It doesn't exactly have a stellar record with efficacy," he said, before asking Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo to look into how physicians are being compensated by pharmaceutical companies.

"The question is why is this stuff being pushed on the society? Because people make money off of it! That's why it's being pushed, I think we all know that," DeSantis added.

Getting a flu vaccine every year is highly recommended by various health agencies, including the Center for Disease Control and the Mayo Clinic. Because flu season usually runs from October to May, and because it's a mercurial virus subject to frequent changes, the vaccine is usually available around September.

The CDC estimated that the flu vaccination prevented 6 million flu-related illnesses in the U.S. in the 2022-2023 flu season, 2.9 million medical visits, 65,000 hospitalizations, and 3,700 deaths. Since 2010, the vaccine has averaged a 38% effectiveness rate.

DeSantis's vaccine skepticism is heavily reflected in the views of Surgeon General Ladapo, who has been a vocal anti-vaccine advocate and strongly aligned with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.

Florida opponents have accused Ladapo's direction of leading to an increase in cured diseases, such as Measles, which had a small outbreak in Broward and Orange Counties last year. Earlier this week, a Miami high school student came down with the highly infectious disease.

The post DeSantis Questions Efficacy, Payments of Flu Shot: Not a 'Stellar Record' appeared first on The Floridian.

Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) announced the filing of HB 983, a legislation designed to reform Florida's Homeowners Association (HOA) by enhancing enforcement, improving transparency, and empowering residents with stronger rights.

"As Florida continues to grow, it is critical that our HOA system is fair, transparent, and accessible to all residents," Porra said in a press release. "HB 983 introduces key reforms that address persistent challenges in HOA governance, ensuring that homeowners are protected from unfair practices and have a greater say in the communities they call home."

Juan Carlos Porras added HB 983 seeks to "ensure that HOAs operate accountable while providing homeowners with the necessary tools to protect their interests."

The bill would authorize local law enforcement agencies to investigate, audit, and inspect HOAs within their jurisdictions. The release noted this would provide oversight to enforce compliance under state law.

Furthermore, HB 983 would reform the recall process by adjusting voting regulations and quorum requirements, thus preventing board members from stalling or obstructing recalls.

In his statement, Porras mentioned the bill's introduction of "One Way Attorney's Fees", a provision that allows homeowners to recuperate legal costs after winning lawsuits against their HOA, which he says will decrease the financial burden on residents seeking legal recourse.

The release said HOAs have been poorly run because of financial mismanagement, fraudulent activity, lack of transparency, and obstruction of homeowner rights, thus adding more stress for residents.

On those points, HB 983 would increase transparency by requiring prospective homebuyers to receive significant HOA documentation and records before finalizing a property, which it says will guarantee the prospective homebuyer understands their obligation before purchasing.

The bill specifies it strengthens Florida Statute 720, which requires legal protections for homeowners and guarantees that HOA laws are honored.

"HB 983 will require more transparency for prospective homebuyers, grants enforcement authority to local law enforcement, and completely reforms the recall process among many other critical reforms," Porras added on X. "This bill is reflective of the momentum behind HOA reform here in Florida and I am honored to continue tackling the issue!"

If passed, HB 983 would take effect on July 1.

The post Rep. Porras Announces Filing of Bill Strengthening HOA Regulations appeared first on The Floridian.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the charging and extradition of terrorist Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as “Jafar,” for helping orchestrate the Abbey Gate terror attacks which killed 13 US military service members. 

The August 26, 2021 attacks occurred during President Joe Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal debacle. 

As US servicemembers attempted to coordinate the evacuation of thousands of Afghani civilians, ISIS-K terrorist Abdul Rahman al-Logari detonated a body-worn suicide bomb, killing 13 U.S. military service members and approximately 160 civilians.

Attorney General Pam Bondi commended the DOJ and President Donald Trump’s leadership for Sharifullah’s extradition. 

“This evil ISIS-K terrorist orchestrated the brutal murder of 13 heroic service members,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Under President Trump’s strong leadership on the world stage, this Department of Justice will ensure that terrorists like Mohammad Sharifullah have no safe haven, no second chances, and no worse enemy than the United States of America.”

According to the DOJ, Sharifullah confessed to helping plan and execute the attack while being interviewed by US intelligence officers.

Sharifullah was also complicit in other high-profile ISIS-K terror attacks leading to hundreds of deaths. 

In the 2016 attack on Canada’s Kabul embassy, Sharifullah allegedly conducted surveillance to prepare a suicide bomber and later transported the bomber to the attack area.

The ISIS-K terrorists responsible for the horrific March 2024 Moscow theatre attack were also reportedly instructed on how to use automatic machine guns by Sharifullah. 

Sharifullah faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Sharifullah’s extradition follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s expanded efforts to investigate and review the US’ tumultuous Afghanistan withdrawal.

Secretary Hegseth’s review, which he claimed would bring “full accountability” is expected to lead to the firing of military leadership who contributed to the withdrawal’s planning.  

The post Suspected Terrorist Who Killed 13 US Troops Extradited to US appeared first on The Floridian.

Polls measuring viewers’ reactions to President Donald Trump’s recent joint address to Congress are signaling overwhelming support for the president's speech.

A CBS poll conducted shortly after President Trump’s speech recorded 76% of viewers approved it. 

While the poll claimed 51% of viewers were Republican, 27% were independent while 20% were Democrats. 

The 76% approval rate means Trump’s speech gained nearly all of independent viewers’ favour.  

A CNN poll with similar findings reported 69% of viewers had a positive response to Trump’s speech. 

CNN’s poll was composed of 21% Democrats, 44% Republicans, and 35% independents, mirroring CBS’ poll’s finding of Trump’s overwhelming support amongst independents. 

More women, 71%, than men, 68%, approved of Trump’s speech while more men, 17%,  than women, 15%, disapproved. 

For both polls, top issues voters supported Trump in were immigration, wasteful spending, and the war in Ukraine. 

Per CNN’s poll, Trump received 76% of support for his immigration policies, opposed to President Joe Biden’s 41% support after his last joint address. 

Similarly, 61% of viewers supported Trump’s policies for the economy, contrasting with President Biden’s 56% support. 

64% of viewers claimed Trump’s approach to Ukraine is “about right,” while 33% stated it is “not supportive enough.”

Trump’s remarks gained commendations from Republicans and hostile criticism from Democrats, with some even being evicted due to raucous behavior during the address.

“Tonight, President Trump made his triumphant return to Congress to share his bold, optimistic vision for renewing the American Dream,” said Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) similarly stated “this is the fifth State of the Union address I’ve seen Trump give — it was by far his best.”

The post Overwhelming Majority of Joint Session Viewers Approve of Trump's Speech appeared first on The Floridian.

Sen. Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) and Rep. Hillary Cassel (R-Dania Beach) recently filed bills to show Florida's support for the Jewish State by expanding the state's existing anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) law.

Tom Leek and Hillary Cassel, under SB 1678/HB 1519, would enhance the state's policy against opponents who participate in boycotts against Israel.

Florida's BDS law currently covers commercial boycotts. If passed, the legislation would also include academic institutions and non-profit organizations that participate in boycotts against the Jewish State.

In addition, the bill would ban state financial interactions with groups that boycott Israel or participate in antisemitic discrimination or behavior. The law would also apply to political subdivisions fomenting Jewish hate.

The bill would also require grant applications to comply with the state's anti-discrimination laws and attest against participation in boycotts or antisemitic behavior against Israel. It adds that violators would be subject to penalties and repayment of funds.

The bill comes after Cassel switched her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican in December over, in part, her former party's lack of support for the Jewish State.

"As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged on their character and their actions not on their labels," Cassel said at the time.  "As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism."

Another Florida lawmaker, Sen. Randy Fine (R-Melbourne), has been at the forefront of legislation against anti-Jewish bigotry, especially after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

"We need to immediately expel any non-Americans who are or have advocated for Muslim terror as a first step," he told The Floridian in a text message. "We need to investigate and prosecute organizations on college campuses—includ[ing] those administrators and faculty that support them—and outside them that promote Muslim terror. 

If approved, the legislation would take effect July 1.

The post Leek, Cassel Push Strengthening Anti-BDS Law in Support of Israel appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida Chief Financial Officer and Congressional District 1 Republican congressional nominee Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) spoke to The Floridian regarding the persistent antics of House Democrats during President Donald Trump's Address to the Joint Session of Congress last night. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Jason Pizzo (D-FL) also called out his fellow Democrats over their behavior.

For context, one of President Trump's special guests for his address to Congress included a young boy who has battled brain cancer but has dreamed of serving in law enforcement. During the speech, Trump declared him an honorary United States Secret Service agent, bringing forth thunderous applause.

You can view the moment below:

13-year-old D.J. Daniel was diagnosed with brain cancer and given five months to live — and that was six years ago.

Since then, D.J. and his dad have been on a quest to make his dream come true — and tonight, President Trump made him an honorary member of the Secret Service. pic.twitter.com/9FuDCUIfos

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 5, 2025

This sparked little to no reaction from House Democrats, as it seemed planned that they were not going to clap for anything in Trump's speech. He even called them out for it, too.

However, CFO Patronis shared his thoughts on the issue with The Floridian.

WATCH: Florida CFO @JimmyPatronis TORCHES Democrats' reaction to last night's Presidental Speech. The Floridian asked, and he didn’t hold back.

"The #Trump Derangement Syndrome is a real thing."
"Transparency's the best disinfectant."#flpol via- @JavManjarres -… pic.twitter.com/cz5DcKdImh

— The Floridian (@Floridianpress) March 5, 2025

"You know, it's unfortunate," Patronis began. "I think when you look at a young man who's fighting cancer who was given an honorary Secret Service status, or the young man who was given his notice that he was going to be accepted into the Naval Academy (Patronis meant West Point)."

The congressional hopeful continued, sharing that a lot of the stories President Trump highlighted should be celebrated in a bipartisan fashion, not along party lines.

"Those are achievements we should be excited about as a nation, not a partisan fight. You know, the Trump derangement syndrome is a real thing, and the Democrats are just eaten up with it," said Patronis. "Unfortunately, how they stand and accept the type of expenditure that this previous administration was doing is unacceptable, but I'm glad it seemed right like again like I said, transparency is the best disinfectant."

Moreover, State Sen. Pizzo shared his displeasure with the Democrats who refused to stand up for the child with brain cancer.

To @TheDemocrats in Congress, who couldn’t stand to applaud a 13-year-old boy who survived brain cancer, shame on you.

— Sen. Jason Pizzo (@senpizzo) March 5, 2025

To the Democrats in Congress, who couldn’t stand to applaud a 13-year-old boy who survived brain cancer, shame on you.

The post Patronis, Pizzo Scathe U.S. House Democrats for Antics During Trump's Address appeared first on The Floridian.

President Donald Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports while increasing current tariffs on Chinese goods by 10%.

The tariffs had been originally imposed last February but were paused by President Trump due to ongoing negotiations with the respective countries. 

Trump has repeatedly promised, both during his presidential campaign and first days in office, that he will use tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and other countries he feels are “out of line” with the US.

As justification for the tariffs, the Trump administration pointed to allegedly lackluster cooperation from China, Mexico, and Canada on curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. 

Last February, Trump paused incoming sanctions after Canada and Mexico agreed to increase immigration and drug trafficking enforcement. 

Mexico had pledged to supply 10,000 troops to the border in an attempt to curb the influx of drug trafficking (specifically fentanyl). 

Meanwhile, Canada promised to execute a $1.3 Billion Border plan including 10,000 personnel that will expand Canada’s border enforcement activities. 

Mexico and Canada’s initiatives, however, did not stop Trump from ultimately imposing tariffs, which Chinese, Mexican, and Canadian leaders have rejected.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Trump of wanting to destroy Canada’s economy to “make it easier to annex us."

"That is never going to happen,” assured Prime Minster Trudeau. “We will never be the 51st state.” 

Trump has previously quipped about Canada being exempt from tariffs if they were to become a US state. 

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick supported Trump’s tariffs, claiming they were being leveraged to incite Canadians and Mexicans to give American businesses better trading terms. 

“President Trump is getting deals done for the American people,” said Secretary Lutnick. “Both the Mexicans and the Canadians were on the phone with me all day today, trying to show that they’ll do better and the President is listening.” 

The post Trump Imposes Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, Warns of Further Action appeared first on The Floridian.

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Legislature kicked off the 2025 Legislative Session, but the talk of the town was First Lady Casey DeSantis’s probable 2026 gubernatorial run and a running Black List of Republican lawmakers that the DeSantis’s embrace.

From rumors of reality, Mrs. DeSantis is expected to announce her run for Governor in the coming weeks, and while the DeSantis’s enjoy widespread name identification, not all Republicans want to see a third DeSantis term.

The one Republican lawmaker that is at the very top of the DeSantis ‘Black List’ is State Senator Randy Fine, who recinded his endorsement of Gov. DeSantis during the 2024 Republican Presidential Primary race.

According to Sen. Fine, who walked out of the House chamber moments before DeSantis appeared to deliver his address,  a “black list” exists that extends further than just the Governor’s Mansion.

“Of course, there is a black list. It’s a blacklist that involves the Governor’s mansion, it involves events in your distric—there is absolutely a blacklist,” said Sen. Fine in an interview with The Floridian.

Fine contends that DeSantis claims that DeSantis did not invite him to a Hanukkah party at the Mansion in 2023.

“I am the only Jewish Republican,” said Fine. “Last year, he didn’t do one at all. I guess not running for office, you don’t have to do anything for Jews, but previous year he had a Hannukah party and he didn’t invite me.”

Fine concluded by opining about a potential Mrs. DeSantis gubernatorial run, saying that  Republican voters would not vote for a third DeSantis term in office.

“I don’t think there is a path. I don’t think Republican voters go for the nepotism thing, or the third term. We are the term limit party. I don’t think it sells,” he concluded.

The post DeSantis Accused of Black Listing Republican Lawmakers From Governor's Mansion appeared first on The Floridian.

TALLAHASSEE—Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo issued a rebuttal Monday to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' State of the State Address where he bluntly laid out his concerns on the direction of the state, including its hardline focus on social issues and misteps on illegal immigration.

However, Sen.Pizzo, considered a moderate Democrat, didn't exactly come to his party's defense for its lack of offense over Gov. DeSantis' grip on the Florida GOP since he assumed office in 2019.

It also could be another signal that his run for governor is starting to gain more validity.

"No Republican, certainly no serious Democrat, sought to expand any of the policies or positions Republicans claimed were so rampant and so necessary to defeat," Pizzo said in his speech. "I have never pushed to install or even expand CRT [Critical Race Theory], ESG [Environmental, Social and Governance], DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] or wokeism. For none of these will lower your property insurance, your rent, nor will they result in your kids' GPAs getting higher, or their test scores going higher."

Sen. Pizzo expressed that the state Republican platform for years was to "be bold" by championing issues of economic opportunity, protecting Florida's environment, improving education, and defending the safety of its communities.

He instead argued that was nothing of the sort, and contended the governor's reign has had a "crippling effect" on the executive branch.

Pizzo also wondered, despite its abundance of problems, how Florida Republicans have held legislative and executive control for decades in the state while seizing on mundane issues instead of tackling its real problems.

For context, Republicans have held the governorship and legislative control in Florida since 1999. The last time Florida had a Democratic governor was Buddy MacKay, and that was for 24 days after Democratic Governor Lawton Chiles died unexpectedly in 1998.

Pizzo argued Florida's more pressing problems were "failing infrastructure, plummeting test scores, spikes in homeowners insurance and housing costs." He also mentioned the Florida National Guard being called in to fill critical staffing shortages at state prisons.

The 48-year-old is a former state prosecutor and pragmatic thinker on public safety.

"The only rankings we've held steady on during the last six years are nearing the bottom in law enforcement salaries and near the top in insurance premiums and human trafficking," Pizzo said.

Pizzo also addressed recent Republican infighting on illegal immigration, which eventually culminated in DeSantis signing a package of anti-illegal immigration measures into law earlier this month.

Pizzo argued his strong policy against illegal immigration was the rightful way to go.

"I, the Democratic minority leader, was the first to file the bill requiring E-Verify for all employers because you are not serious about curbing illegal immigration if you continue to coward to donors and not listen to our citizens," Pizzo said.

Despite his concerns, Pizzo played a bit of a political seesaw by praising DeSantis over his handling of disasters from hurricanes and other storms, including in his district in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

"The governor has been a good executive when performing executive functions. My own district has truly benefited and appreciated disaster responses after storms, direct assistance following the tragic loss of 98 lives in my district, and the shift from legislators having to beg for dollars to bring home each session, to objective criteria applied to infrastructure project applications direct to state agencies," Pizzo said.

He also expressed optimism over Senate President Ben Albritton's and House Speaker Daniel Perez's legislative agenda for the impending term. After all, Pizzo could soon find himself competing in a state Republicans have dominated for decades, perhaps against Trump-endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds.

"Senate President Ben Albritton presented an agenda, a legislative agenda, that is robust and real to feed families, to foster economic growth, to protect our children, our homes, demand efficiencies with your tax dollars, and the right to course the years of neglect and indifference, Speaker Perez expressed much of the same," Pizzo said.

The post Jason Pizzo Gives Straightforward, Blunt Takes on DeSantis' State of the State Address appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Al Green (D-TX) has been kicked out of the House chamber during President Donald Trump's (R) address to the joint session of Congress.

Almost immediately, Rep. Green stood up and began heckling President Trump, and after Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) reminded Rep. Green to keep decorum, Green heckled again and again, leading the Sergeant of Arms to remove Green.

President Trump then scorned the Democrats, saying he could cure tumultuous diseases, provide the greatest economy ever, or perform superhuman events, and they still wouldn't cheer for him or his administration.

During the broadcast, Democrats on the left side of the aisle were shown holding small placards saying things such as "Musk Steals," "That's a Lie," "Save Medicaid," and other phrases in defiance.

One of the biggest jeers from Democrats came when President Trump described former President Joe Biden (D) as one of the worst Commanders-in-Chiefs in history. He also called out the Democrats for attempting to keep him from returning to the Oval Office through lawfare.

Vice President JD Vance (R) was seen smiling throughout the fanfare and was physically motioning for hecklers to get out of the chamber.

This speech from President Trump comes just days after his spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The post BREAKING: Texas Democratic Rep. Al Green Kicked Out of Trump's Address to Congress appeared first on The Floridian.

Fresh off an immigration battle with GOP leaders, Gov. Ron DeSantis is now asking the Legislature to greenlight open carry and repeal provisions of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act, a gun-tightening package passed after Florida's deadliest school shooting.

But, bucking the governor, Republican Senate President Ben Albritton is pushing back against DeSantis's request for more Second Amendment protections. This would include open carry, lowering the rifle-buying age to 18, and nixing Florida's red flag laws, which allow courts to temporarily confiscate a gun owner's firearms if they're deemed a threat to themselves or others.

"I'm under the impression after spending time with law enforcement that they feel like [red flag laws are] working," Albritton said Tuesday, noting that he's still opposed to open carry legislation. "If we can stop the next Nikolas Cruz, I say we just hold tight and let the thing work. It appears to be working."

Still "working through" whether to support lowering the gun-buying age, Albritton's beliefs draw a stark contrast with DeSantis' urgings. At his State of the State address on Tuesday, kicking off the 60-day legislative session, and at a press conference directly after, DeSantis claimed that Florida needs to take action on gun laws to truly become a conservative bastion and the "Free State of Florida."

But parts of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act, named for the high school where 17 Floridians were massacred on Valentine's Day 2018, are standing in the way.

"We need to be a strong Second Amendment state," DeSantis said.  "I don't know what the Legislature is going to do in those respects, but I can tell you that we, in spite of us saying we're the free state...We've definitely lagged on that issue."

Albritton, along with House Speaker Danny Perez, led the rare conservative revolt charge against DeSantis in January, opposing his call for a special session to address illegal immigration. They adjourned the governor's session 15 minutes after it began before starting their own starring a different, Legislature-drafted immigration bill.

Though the measure passed, DeSantis promised to veto it—leading the legislative leaders to engage in week-long discussions to call a third—and final—special session featuring a compromise bill. It passed resoundingly, seemingly sealing up the month-long discord throughout the GOP supermajority.

But gun laws are showing signs of being the next Republican fight.

GOP lawmakers, who enjoy a solid supermajority in both chambers, are largely in agreement with one of his three gun requests: lowering the gun-buying age from 21 to 18. Of the 11 conservative bills filed to loosen gun laws, including expanding the areas Floridians can conceal carry and legalizing bump stocks, three tackle the gun-purchasing age.

"That is something I support, whether it passes the House or not," said House Speaker Danny Perez, who dodged questions on if he backed open carry or the repeal of red flag laws, considering none of the filed bills address red flag or open carry laws.

Since the sweeping Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Act was bipartisanly approved in 2018, the calls for its more restrictive elements to be struck have only grown. Last year, the House approved a bill lowering the gun-buying age to 18, though no companion bill was filed in the Senate. President Albritton in December said he wasn't ready to "pick sides" on whether or not to amend the gun-buying age.

On Feb. 14, 2018, 19-year-old gunman Nikolas Cruz opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School with his AR-15 rifle. 14 students and 3 teachers were killed, making it the second-deadliest mass shooting in the state's history. In response, the Legislature under Gov. Rick Scott called a special session to pass massive gun reform legislation.

The post 'Stop the Next Nikolas Cruz': GOP Leader Pushes Back on DeSantis' Open Carry, Red Flag Ideas appeared first on The Floridian.

While Gov. Ron DeSantis and GOP lawmakers agree that excess government spending needs to be cut, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Danny Perez are starting to point the finger at the state government.

On the first day of the 60-day legislative session, Albritton and Perez echoed Gov. Ron DeSantis's call for a state version of the Department of Government Efficiency to investigate local overspending. But the GOP leaders, perhaps reinvigorating their month-old rub with the governor, believe the investigation needs to turn its eyes toward DeSantis's state government.

"We are a state and nation of laws that should be created by elected officials…not appointed professional staff," Albritton said Tuesday, outlining his priorities for the 2025 session. "Florida government is not, and should not, be immune to this kind of scrutiny."

In the House, Perez agreed, telling Representatives that "we're living in an age of disruption."

"Let’s pass actual reforms rather than symbolic gestures; let’s repeal government programs instead of reshuffling them. Let’s swing for the fences and not just try to get on base," he said, before taking a shot at DeSantis's much-paraded sales tax holidays on items like camping gear, back-to-school items, and—the governor hopes—guns and ammo.

"We spend every new dime of recurring revenue while congratulating ourselves for giving easy to fund, non-recurring sales tax holidays," Perez added.

They seemingly responded to DeSantis lauding Florida for its lowest per-capita debt in the nation and the 2024-2025 budget, which provided for less money than the year prior. This was partially due to his line-item vetoes totaling nearly $1 billion, though the Legislature overrode his striking of thousands in legislative support (the first time the legislature has overridden a budget veto in 15 years).

In another departure from the governor, Perez has created a series of House working groups to analyze DeSantis's budget vetoes and decide which ones to try to override.

Albritton and Perez led the rare charge against DeSantis in January, opposing his call for a special session to address illegal immigration. They adjourned the governor's session 15 minutes after it began before starting their own starring a different, Legislature-drafted immigration bill.

Though the measure passed, DeSantis promised to veto it—leading the legislative leaders to engage in week-long discussions to call a third—and final—special session starring a compromise bill. It passed resoundingly, seemingly sealing up the month-long discord throughout the GOP supermajority.

DeSantis last week announced his plan to create a state DOGE task force, mirroring Donald Trump and Elon Musk's new federal agency that hopes to cut thousands of unnecessary positions and save the federal government $2 trillion. The one-year group is expected to disband 70 state boards, audit state universities, and examine local government spending.

The bill creating the task force has yet to be filed.

The post 'Age of Disruption': Perez, Albritton Call for 'Scrutiny' of State Government Spending appeared first on The Floridian.

Miami Republican Sen. Alexis Calatayud recently filed a bill that would establish a Parkinson’s Disease Research Program to support innovative research and provide caregiver assistance to those with the disease.

Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and other bodily functions. Commonly viewed symptoms include tremors (involuntary shaking) in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head.

Often occurring around the age of 60, Early-onset Parkinson's disease can develop in people under 50 years old.

Parkinson's disease affects over 1 million Americans and 10 million people worldwide. Also, about 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.

Actor Michael J. Fox and legendary late boxer Muhammad Ali are two well-known figures who were diagnosed with the disease. Notably, there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease.

Alexis Calaytud's bill, SB 1800, a Parkinson's Disease Research Progam would be established through the Florida Department of Health (DOH). The bill would also require DOH to create a  registry for people in the program.

Moreover, DOH would create a Parkinson's Disease Research Advisory Board consisting of the following representatives:

• Leading research institutions in the state
• Parkinson's disease advocacy organizations
• Caregiver support groups
• The medical community specializes in neurological diseases

Through SB 1800, the Florida Legislature would appropriate funds from the General Revenue Fund to the Parkinson's Disease Research Program for FY 2025-2026. Specifically, 20 million dollars would be awarded through competitive grants to state universities, research institutions, and medical centers actively involved in Parkinson's disease research.

Another five million dollars would be allocated to establish and expand programs that support caregivers of individuals living with the disease, including respite care, training, and mental health resources.

The bill says priority would be given to innovative therapies and projects trying to find a cure for the disease.

Additionally, the bill states grant recipients would be required to submit an annual report to DOH detailing the progress of funded research, outcomes and measurable impacts of caregiver support programs, and additional recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the program.

If passed, SB 1800 would take effect on Oct 1, 2025.

The post Sen. Alexis Calatayud Files Bill to Increase Parkinson's Disease Reasearch appeared first on The Floridian.

President Donald Trump’s annoyance with Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelenskyy has seemingly worsened after the two recently engaged in a heated debate over the Ukraine-Russia war.

President Zelenskyy reportedly stated the end of the Ukraine-Russia war is “still very, very far away,” inciting President Trump’s immediate rebukes.

“This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer,” said Trump.

Trump, who has repeatedly stated he intends to end the Russia-Ukraine war, claimed Zelenskyy’s attitude is misplaced and will frustrate a potential end to the war. 

“It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be peace as long as he has America’s backing,” continued Trump.

Zelenskyy was originally scheduled to sign an agreement with the US that would exchange continued US military support for rights over portions of Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits. 

Trump and Zelenskyy sat down prior to signing the deal for what was supposed to be a brief press briefing but instead devolved into a row ending in the cancellation of the deal signing.

Trump blamed Zelenskyy for being unreasonable in negotiations and refusing to accept a ceasefire agreement that will end the war. 

Conversely, Zelenskyy questioned Trump’s administration strategy with Russia, asking Vice President JD “what kind of diplomacy” he was talking about when referring to the US’ seeming inability to prevent Russia from invading Ukraine in recent history. 

Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has responded to the Zelenskyy-Trump feud by focusing its messaging on supporting Trump’s unwavering commitment to obtaining peace in Ukraine. 

“Being a peacemaker is not a bad thing,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “We should be applauding and supporting President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring about peace.”

Similarly, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expounded that “the President’s desire to end the bloodshed in Ukraine will not be deterred.”

The post Trump's Frustration With Zelenskyy Grows Following Oval Office Dispute appeared first on The Floridian.

Reps. Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island) and John Snyder (R-Stuart) recently filed a joint resolution to alter the shape of state government by eliminating the office of lieutenant governor and establishing a Cabinet-level position centered on government efficiency.

Tyler Sirois' and John Snyder's resolution, HJR 1325, would remove the constitutional provision requiring the office of lieutenant governor and, on the flip side, create a cabinet officer initiating a Commissioner of Government Efficiency.

Recently, former Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez resigned to become interim president of Florida International University (FIU), leaving the lieutenant governor position open. The proposal would thus make her former position obsolete.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also announced a state-level version of Elon Musk's Department of Governmental Efficiency, or DOGE. HJR 1325 would essentially steer the idea into the framework of Florida law.

Under HJR 1325, the Commissioner of Government Efficiency would oversee auditing, investigating, and reporting on instances of fraud, waste, and abuse in the executive branch and local governments, much like Musk's plans at the federal level.

The resolution also calls to repeal the constitutional provision of the Government Efficiency Task Force. A ballot question would also be initiated asking voters to keep or eliminate the office of the commissioner of government efficiency.

Moving forward, the commissioner of government efficiency would be appointed by the legislature in 2027 and become an elected position the following year. A 2044 ballot initiative would allow voters to determine if the office should be kept or abolished in 2046.

If passed, HJR 1325 would appear on the November 2026 ballot for voter approval. Notably, amendments need 60% of voter approval to be enshrined into Florida's constitution.

The post Plan Would Abolish Lieutenant Governor, Start Efficiency Position appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida lawmakers are set to debate a whopping 26 gun-related bills as the state's 60-day legislative session kicks off Tuesday, making firearm laws one of the top priorities for the Sunshine State Legislature.

Made up of 15 Democrat-backed measures and eleven Republican ones, many of the suggested laws ask for Florida law to bend in opposite directions. Conservatives hope to further loosen gun restrictions, which were bipartisanly tightened after the massacre at a Parkland high school in 2018, and Democrats are trying to fend off their efforts in the increasingly red state.

Although 32 gun-related bills were filed across both chambers, seven are duplicates, leaving 26 comparable proposals. All but four have counterparts in both the House and Senate, which is necessary for any bill to become law.

What are the Republican bills?

Republicans are focusing on lowering the minimum age to purchase firearms, seeking to reverse a provision passed after the Parkland shooting that raised the age from 18 to 21. Three bills filed by Rep. Michelle Salzman and Senators Jay Collins, Randy Fine, and Blaise Ingoglia aim to roll back that age requirement, a measure Republicans have attempted in previous sessions.

Four other bills by Fine, Collins, Sen. Joe Gruters, and Rep. Jeff Holcomb would expand the locations where Floridians can carry concealed weapons. Gruters' asks that judges be allowed to conceal-carry firearms in courthouses, Fine's would let college students carry on campus, and Holcomb's and Collins' would both allow off-duty law enforcement officers to have handguns at athletic events.

The remaining bills would legalize tools that let certain weapons fire like machine guns—called bump stocks—repeal a law banning the sale of firearms and ammunition during an emergency, criminalize AI-gun detection software in most public spaces, and consider certain military and law enforcement officers in compliance with concealed weapons licensing laws.

Four of the 15 Democrat-filed gun bills, filed by Rep. Dan Daley and Sen. Tina Polsky, would require background checks for ammunition sales or transfers.

Two more bills filed by Polsky and Rep. Kevin Chambliss directly challenge the Republican-backed bump stock proposal by reclassifying modified guns as illegal machine guns.

Three of the bills tackle firearms and ammunition left in unattended vehicles. Rep. Yvonne Hinson and Senators Darryl Rouson and Lori Berman have filed bills requiring unattended guns and ammo to be locked in vehicles, with Berman's version providing criminal penalties for violators.

Another three bills, filed by Polsky and Rep. Christine Hunchofsky, require background checks for everyone involved—"in whole or in part"—in the sale or transfer of a firearm, banning all dealings involving guns without a valid serial number, and creating the Veteran's Firearm Suicide Reduction Task Force to combat the devastatingly high rate of suicide among veterans, which is 57% higher than the national average.

The remaining bills repeal a law preempting firearm policies to the Legislature, create a list of "sensitive locations" where firearms are banned—directly contradicting both Fine's and Gruters' bills—and bans semi-automatic weapons and large-capacity magazines.

The post Gunshine State? FL Lawmakers to Debate Slew of Measures Loosening, Tightening Gun Laws appeared first on The Floridian.

President Donald Trump’s Treasury Department recently announced that it will not enforce the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) beneficial ownership information reporting rule (BOI). 

BOI rules, originally designed to combat illicit business transactions, fraud, and money laundering by requiring businesses to disclose their ownership’s identity, have faced criticism for being allegedly unconstitutional and burdensome for small businesses. 

Specifically, businesses have complained BOI rules’ ambiguity causes uncertainty over who qualifies as an owner, exposing businesses to an undue burden of fines, penalties, and potential prosecution if they make a mistake when disclosing required information. 

Moreover, the CTA’s overall constitutionality faced legal challenges as impacted businesses claimed the federal government does not have the authority to proscribe such economic regulations. 

President Trump criticized BOI rules as “outrageous and invasive” via a Truth Social post where he also promised further action to definitively eliminate BOI. 

“This Biden rule has been an absolute disaster for Small Businesses Nationwide,” said Trump.  “Furthermore, Treasury is now finalizing an Emergency Regulation to formally suspend this rule for American businesses. The economic menace of BOI reporting will soon be no more.”

The BOI rule enforcement suspension will be limited to companies registered in the US. 

Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent qualified the move as “common sense.”

“Today’s action is part of President Trump’s bold agenda to unleash American prosperity by reining in burdensome regulations, in particular for small businesses that are the backbone of the American economy,” said Secretary Bessent. 

Trump has pledged to support American small businesses and has lobbied for Congress to pass measures such as enshrining the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and no taxes on tips. 

The TCJA mainly reduces personal income and corporate taxes among other regulatory tax reforms.

A recent study conducted on behalf of the National Federation of Independent Business found making the TCJA permanent would create 1 million jobs annually.

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