News

Florida universities face DeSantis-backed freeze on H1-B visas

Florida’s university system decision-makers voted to pause H-1B visas at state universities until next year

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix March 3, 2026March 3, 2026

Florida’s university system decision-makers voted to pause H-1B visas at state universities until next year.

News

Florida GOP voters say a DeSantis endorsement for governor means more than Trump’s

DeSantis has not endorsed any candidate to succeed him as governor so far

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

News

Casey DeSantis’ food testing program flops in budget plans

“I don’t know why the state needs to create its own version of the (federal Food and Drug Administration),” said Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola.

by News Service of Florida February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

News

Florida backs down: DeSantis’ emergency fund can be used on immigration

Uthmeier called the House’s plan to limit spending “moronic” while the governor’s staff suggested the bill’s architects aren’t real Republicans

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

News

DeSantis’ $374M request for correction officer pay raises gets a boost

Florida Lieutenant Gov. Jay Collins — candidate for the Republican nomination for governor — is promoting DeSantis’ budget request

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

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Florida voters sue over DeSantis’ mid-decade redistricting

The court is being asked to determine if DeSantis’ proclamation for a special legislative session encroached on the power of the Legislature

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

News

CAIR Florida comes to the Capitol, despite ‘terrorist’ claims from DeSantis

CAIR Florida is speaking out against several bills filed this legislative session, none bigger for them than HB 1471

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

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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

‘I think about Jurassic Park’: DeSantis-backed AI Bill of Rights clears first hurdle

‘There was a message there. … There was a warning about technologies exactly like this’

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

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DeSantis approval dips to 50% in latest Mason-Dixon poll

That’s down from a Mason-Dixon survey taken last March, when he was at 53%, and the lowest ranking taken by Mason-Dixon since July 2020

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

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Immigration bills to watch during Florida’s 2026 session

Quashing illegal immigration remains a headlining agenda item for DeSantis and the Republican-dominated state House and Senate

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

News

DeSantis says Citizens Insurance has fewer policyholders, will slash rates

The state’s insurer of last resort has half a million fewer policyholders, he said

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

News

DeSantis sets special session on redistricting in April

The announcement comes as Republicans seek to maintain control of the U.S. House in this year’s elections

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

News

DeSantis backs Trump’s claim that Miccosukee Tribe worked against immigration efforts

The tribe is part of a lawsuit against Florida which claims “Alligator Alcatraz” planners failed to follow federal environmental regulations

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

News

DeSantis condemns ‘destructive’ Maduro government, announces arrests of 10K non-citizens

DeSantis stayed quiet in the first days following the operation — even though Florida boasts the largest Venezuelan community in the nation

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

News

Florida approves cops’ requests for $2M in immigration enforcement money

The money was requested for AI language translators, pepper spray, GPS trackers, handcuffs, bonuses, and more

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

News

DeSantis’ proposed budget changes how Florida funds cancer programs

The push is likely to spark another largely behind-the-scenes battle among those who rely on the state money to help with research programs

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

Ron DeSantis

DeSantis confident Florida won’t violate Trump’s AI order

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix December 15, 2025December 15, 2025

Florida News

In Orlando, DeSantis proposes $117B budget that bans ‘social justice’ efforts

“Today I announced the ‘Floridians First’ Budget, which will keep Florida on the course of fiscal responsibility and delivers on the priorities that have made Florida the greatest state in America.”

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix and Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix December 11, 2025December 11, 2025