‘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

Black Democrats blast AG Uthmeier’s attack on affirmative action

Uthmeier disparaged what he described as race-based quotas in Florida hiring practices and stipulations for minority representation on different boards, councils, and other panels

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 23, 2026January 26, 2026

News

Orlando lawmakers, LGBTQ advocates push back on slate of ‘bigoted’ legislation

“These distractions are intended to take our attention away from real corruption in the state Florida,” said Orlando Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith.

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 22, 2026January 22, 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

Anti-trans bill that could criminalize doctors, counselors advances

Florida providers could face third-degree felony charges and $100,000 in fines

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

News

Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith says Florida prisons need more money than they’re asking for

The Orlando lawmaker cites finding that the agency’s path was ‘unsustainable.’

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

Florida News

David Jolly leads Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings in new Democratic poll

But, the majority of Democratic voters surveyed are undecided at this point ahead of the 2026 Florida race for governor

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

News

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

News

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

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins joins race for governor

The announcement Monday comes after months of speculation he would join the race

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

News

Latest 2026 GOP gubernatorial poll shows Byron Donalds on top

When voters are informed that Donalds has already been endorsed by President Donald Trump, his lead swells to 58 points

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

News

Sweeping new legislation targets employers who hire undocumented immigrants

The 34-page bill would presume certain non-citizens are at fault in car accidents, severely restrict their employment, and prevent Florida banks from loaning them money

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 8, 2026January 8, 2026

News

Bill would require new Florida voters to show proof of U.S. citizenship

HB 991 is sponsored by state Reps. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, and Dana Trabulsy, R- Fort Pierce

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

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

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

Florida drivers can’t hold their phones on the road, new bill says

Drivers would not be able to make calls from their phone, hold it, or even rest it on their laps if the bill becomes law

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

News

‘Not about special treatment’: Miccosukee Tribe responds to Trump veto

Trump claimed the tribe worked against his immigration efforts, the basis he used to veto a flood protection project in the Florida Everglades

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

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Ron DeSantis

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

Black Democrats blast AG Uthmeier’s attack on affirmative action

Orlando lawmakers, LGBTQ advocates push back on slate of ‘bigoted’ legislation

Smoking pot in public banned under bill moving in Florida Senate

Anti-trans bill that could criminalize doctors, counselors advances

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

Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith says Florida prisons need more money than they’re asking for

David Jolly leads Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings in new Democratic poll

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

Immigration bills to watch during Florida’s 2026 session

DeSantis says Citizens Insurance has fewer policyholders, will slash rates

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins joins race for governor

Latest 2026 GOP gubernatorial poll shows Byron Donalds on top

Sweeping new legislation targets employers who hire undocumented immigrants

Bill would require new Florida voters to show proof of U.S. citizenship

DeSantis sets special session on redistricting in April

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

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

Florida drivers can’t hold their phones on the road, new bill says

‘Not about special treatment’: Miccosukee Tribe responds to Trump veto