$31M headed to AIDS drug program after DeSantis signs new law

DeSantis, known for making bill signing ceremonies into lengthy media events, signed the legislation without any fanfare

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

DeSantis, known for making bill signing ceremonies into lengthy media events, signed the legislation without any fanfare.

Florida News

Florida health officials report another seven measles cases

The number of measles cases in Florida climbed to 140 as of March 14

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 24, 2026March 24, 2026

Florida News

Florida’s 2025 extended session cost taxpayers more than $259K

That’s the second highest total associated with a special or extended session since 2018

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 24, 2026March 24, 2026

Florida News

Proposed new Medicaid, SNAP work requirements dead for now

There will be no work requirements for 111,0000 low-income people who rely on Medicaid for their health care

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

Florida News

DeSantis continues push to end vaccine mandates as measles cases rise

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he remains committed to seeing his policies pass before having to leave his post in January 2027

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

News

Florida Legislature passes $31M for AIDS drug program

The program provides access to the life-saving, costly drugs that reduce the level of human immunodeficiency virus in the body

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 13, 2026March 13, 2026

News

Senate moves to save AIDS drug program from DeSantis administration cuts

The Florida Senate offered to pump nearly $31 million into a program that provides people access to high-cost HIV drugs

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

News

Florida’s 60-day session nears end without a state budget

House Speaker Daniel Perez told members he’d ‘update’ them when he knows more

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 10, 2026March 10, 2026

News

Florida has third highest number of measles cases in US, CDC says

The CDC data show 107 confirmed measles cases in Florida as of Feb. 26

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix March 2, 2026March 2, 2026

News

Florida ballot initiative restriction ruling could have national implications

The outcome of the federal lawsuit could decide the fate of citizen-led ballot initiatives in the Sunshine State and possibly the nation

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix February 23, 2026February 23, 2026

News

Planned Parenthood on Medicaid chopping block, SNAP work requirements move in House

The Florida Legislature may be poised to copy federal law and ban Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix January 30, 2026January 30, 2026

News

DeSantis administration sued over changes to AIDS program

The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors estimates that more than 16,000 patients in Florida will lose coverage because of this change in department policy

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix January 29, 2026January 29, 2026

News

‘Elevated arsenic levels’ found in more than half of candy tested, DeSantis says

More than 60% of candy tested contained elevated arsenic levels that, consumed over time, could put children at an increased risk of cancer

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

News

Vaccinations still required, but parents can opt out more easily under bill

Senate Bill 1756 would allow Florida pharmacists to provide ivermectin to adults without a prescription

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

News

‘Reproductive freedom’ bills would revive access to abortion care in Florida

The bills would eliminate Florida’s restrictive six-week abortion ban and other laws limiting abortion access

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix January 24, 2026January 26, 2026

Florida News

Smoking pot in public banned under bill moving in Florida Senate

The bill would revise Florida laws that prohibit smoking and vaping of tobacco in public spaces to also prohibit smoking or vaping of a marijuana

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

News

Florida finds heavy metals in more than half of baby formulas tested

The state says the testing results show that the heavy metals included mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium.

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

News

Florida bill takes aim at anti-vax discrimination, ivermectin access

Holcomb’s bill would add “vaccine status” to the list of reasons protected in law why patients cannot be discriminated against

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

News

Florida Supreme Court ruling could allow children to have three parents

The ruling on assisted reproduction methods raises a new complication for couples seeking to have kids with outside help

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

News

AI ‘Bill of Rights’ filed in the Florida Senate

SB 482 would ban minors from access artificial intelligence chatbot accounts

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix December 23, 2025December 23, 2025