‘Rigging the system’: Advocacy groups blast approval of DeSantis’ gerrymandered map

Advocacy groups made clear their opposition and expectation of legal challenges

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix April 30, 2026April 30, 2026

Advocacy groups made clear their opposition and expectation of legal challenges after Florida passed DeSantis’ redrawn mid-decade maps.

Florida News

Florida House approves DeSantis’ gerrymandered map

The map could give Republicans up to four new congressional districts

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix April 29, 2026April 29, 2026

Florida News

Counsel for DeSantis tells lawmakers they can ignore Fair Districts Amendments in approving new map

DeSantis’ new map is likely to add as many as four Republican congressional seats to the 20 out of 28 that they now hold in Florida

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix April 29, 2026April 29, 2026

Ron DeSantis

Florida Speaker kills DeSantis’ AI regulation, vaccine repeal bills on first day of special session

The only topic the Florida House will address during the four-day special session is redrawing the state’s congressional maps

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix and Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix April 28, 2026April 28, 2026

Florida News

DeSantis clears the way for church volunteers to carry guns

The measure allows Florida volunteer security guards at houses of worship to carry guns without facing state licensing requirements

by News Service of Florida April 27, 2026April 27, 2026

Florida News

Florida has fourth highest number of measles cases so far this year, CDC says

Meanwhile, DeSantis wants to pass legislation to make it easier for parents to turn down the required vaccines for public school students

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

Florida News

DeSantis’ new congressional map aims to add four GOP seats

The governor released the map first to Fox News before sending to lawmakers an hour later

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix April 27, 2026April 27, 2026

Florida News

DeSantis pressures House to pass AI Bill of Rights, references FSU shooting

The bill is being revived just after AG Uthmeier announced a criminal investigation into OpenAI for its alleged role in the FSU shooting

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix April 23, 2026April 23, 2026

Florida News

DeSantis delays redistricting special session, adds AI and vaccines

The new session — which includes two of the governor’s top bills that failed during the regular session — runs from April 28 to May 1

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix April 16, 2026April 16, 2026

Florida News

DeSantis approves UFC-themed Florida license plate

The measure includes new plates for some South Florida high schools and the Ultimate Fighting Championship

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida April 13, 2026April 13, 2026

News

Advocates fear Florida’s terrorist law could reach beyond Muslim groups

“Today, bills like this target them. Tomorrow it could be me. But history tells us these measures never stop with just one people.”

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix April 8, 2026April 8, 2026

Florida News

DeSantis plays down lack of Supreme Court opinion in justifying redistricting effort

Polls show that Floridians oppose the effort

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

Florida News

DeSantis signs bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote — voting rights group sue

It will take effect Jan. 1, 2027

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix April 2, 2026April 2, 2026

Florida News

DeSantis signs ‘Missy’s Law,’ wants Leon County judge impeached

The new law demands judges keep defendants convicted of dangerous crimes in custody instead of freeing them ahead of sentencing

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

News

‘I was not involved’: DeSantis distances himself from GOP special election loss

DeSantis didn’t back Polk City Republican Josie Tomkow in the Senate District 14 special election she narrowly lost last week because she often didn’t support his agenda

by News Service of Florida April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

Florida News, News, Ron DeSantis

DeSantis signs bill to rename Florida airport after Trump

The bill will rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

Florida News

$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

Florida News

DeSantis leaves door open for a future run for the White House

“We’ll see,” DeSantis told Fox News’ Sean Hannity

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

Florida News

DeSantis signs bill that could block proposed Manatee County cruise ship terminal

“Construction of a new port next door I think struck a lot of people as being unnecessary,” DeSantis said

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix March 20, 2026March 20, 2026

Florida News

‘Incoherent’: DeSantis slams sheriffs’ pushback on deporting undocumented immigrants

DeSantis called the idea of a citizenship path for crime-free undocumented immigrants “incoherent” and ill-advised

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix March 19, 2026March 19, 2026