New Florida laws now in effect as of Jan. 1, 2026
Several new laws went into effect in Florida on Jan. 1, 2026.
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Several new laws went into effect in Florida on Jan. 1, 2026.
From immigration detention and gun laws to book bans, marijuana and social media, a wide range of legal battles in Florida remain unsettled as the state heads into 2026.
In an issue stemming from the use of artificial intelligence in the insurance industry, a House panel Tuesday approved a proposal that would require humans to make ultimate decisions about denying claims or reducing claim payments.
Proposed constitutional amendments aimed at reducing property taxes for Florida homeowners are continuing to move through the House, despite concerns about how they could hit funding for local services.
Florida is poised to join the other states debating how they might reshape congressional voting districts, as political parties grapple for an edge in next year's midterm elections.
Bill sponsor Taylor Yarkosky, R-Montverde, said the proposal seeks to address high insurance costs and limited choices for businesses and employees.
Several proposals that would eliminate or reduce some Florida property taxes have started making their way through the House in Tallahassee on Thursday.
A controversial bill that would lower the minimum age to purchase rifles and other long guns from 21 to 18 is once again moving through the Florida House.
Plans to replace the seawall, its cost and the developer's control over the master association board leave some residents worried about being priced out in the future.
The bill states that the Florida Legislature will hold back state funds "for any university or institution that fails to redesignate" a road after Kirk.
Lawmakers asked a series of questions, including about whether artificial intelligence could be used to deny claims without human involvement, something Rep. Hillary Cassel, R-Dania Beach, said happens in the health insurance industry.
The House Select Committee on Property Taxes is tentatively scheduled to meet during the afternoon of Sept. 22
Republicans currently hold a 20-8 advantage in Florida's congressional delegation and maintain supermajorities in both chambers of the state Legislature.
The new budget lacks some of the top priorities of legislative leaders and Gov. DeSantis.
There is now a criminal investigation into Gov.Ron DeSantis' decision to divert $10 million from a Medicaid settlement to the Hope Florida Foundation, money that eventually ended up in a political action committee he controlled.
Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez described a proposal by Gov. Ron DeSantis to send $1,000 checks to homeowners as an "irresponsible idea."
DeSantis has proposed providing one-time, $1,000 property-tax rebates this year to homeowners as a prelude to asking voters in 2026 to cut property taxes.
On Friday evening, the Florida Legislature formally passed the Tristin Murphy Act, the most comprehensive reform to mental health inside the criminal justice system in decades.
House Bill 593, or The Pam Rock Act, was named after a mail carrier who was mauled to death in Putnam County in 2022.
The program, launched by the first lady, is rooted in the Department of Children and Families and operates across several agencies.
The Florida House overwhelmingly approved a plan that aims to ease financial strains on condominium owners.
Senate Rules Chairwoman Kathleen Passidomo said Monday her committee won't take up a House measure that would lower the minimum age to 18.
Development such as golf courses, pickleball courts and luxury lodges would be prohibited at Florida state parks under legislation passed Wednesday by the state House.
The Florida House unanimously approved a bill that would expand a law that prohibits the use of wireless devices at schools during "instructional time."
Gov. Ron DeSantis blasted the House and suggested the inquiry was intended to derail a possible gubernatorial run by his wife.
Brendan Banfield is charged with murder in the 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan at the Banfields' home in northern Virginia.
Eastbound lanes of Interstate 75 in Weston were closed Wednesday morning due to a crash involving a tractor-trailer.
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
The venerable retailer is seeking protection from its creditors after its $2.65 billion purchase of Nieman Marcus failed to spark growth.
Hialeah residents face water bills up to 30% higher than the rest of Miami-Dade, prompting the new mayor to launch an urgent review and promise solutions within 120 days.
Brendan Banfield is charged with murder in the 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan at the Banfields' home in northern Virginia.
Eastbound lanes of Interstate 75 in Weston were closed Wednesday morning due to a crash involving a tractor-trailer.
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
The venerable retailer is seeking protection from its creditors after its $2.65 billion purchase of Nieman Marcus failed to spark growth.
Hialeah residents face water bills up to 30% higher than the rest of Miami-Dade, prompting the new mayor to launch an urgent review and promise solutions within 120 days.
A former prison guard trainee has been sentenced to death for the 2019 execution-style killings of five women inside a Florida bank.
Florida coach Billy Napier is getting a fourth season to try to get the Gators back to their winning ways.
A Florida man has filed a federal lawsuit against Jacksonville sheriff's officers who severely beat him last year after he ran from a traffic stop.
The Marion County Sheriff's deputy told authorities that he accidentally shot and killed his girlfriend while cleaning his gun.
The American Automobile Association said this is a dangerous time of year for young drivers.
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
One of three court challenges to an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades has ended.
The White House defended a video that appeared to show President Trump flipping off a person who yelled at him while touring a Ford factory in Michigan on Tuesday.
President Trump shared a warning for Iran, called Jerome Powell a "lousy Fed chairman" and defended the ICE agent who killed Renee Good in Minneapolis. Read the full transcript of their conversation.
"We don't want to see what's happening in Iran happen," President Trump said in an exclusive interview that aired Tuesday on "CBS Evening News."
On Facing South Florida, Jim DeFede spoke with Miami Herald Latin America reporter Antonio Maria Delgado about Delcy Rodríguez's growing control in Venezuela.
On Facing South Florida, Jim DeFede speaks with former interim Venezuelan president Juan Guaidó about Nicolas Maduro's capture.
In a special live episode, Jim DeFede brings us the latest developments and the fallout following the Saturday morning strikes.
Jim Defede's guest this week on Facing South Florida is James Fishback, a Republican candidate for the Florida governor's office.
Guest host Lauren Pastrana is joined by Ron Book, chairman of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust.
The largest nurses strike ever in New York City is underway as thousands of NYSNA members walk off their jobs at major hospitals.
After the ACA tax credit lapsed in December, enrollees are opting for less robust health plans or dropping coverage altogether.
New research recommends against drinking coffee or tea served by airlines, urging travelers to stick to bottled water.
In his new wellness book, "Eat Your Ice Cream," Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel goes beyond the basics of eating, exercise and sleep, to the importance of being happy, social engagement, and recommended behaviors (like "don't be a schmuck") that can benefit longevity.
If you don't feel well, particularly if you have a fever and worsening symptoms, Dr. Glazier says, skip the get-together.
These gifts from Stanley, Apple, AllTrails and more won't bust your budget.
From top-rated smart mugs to cold brew starter kits, we've rounded up the coffee lover presents to gift this Christmas.
Just in time for the holiday season, Nintendo has released Nintendo Switch bundles and special editions.
For that authentic grilling experience, you can't beat a charcoal grill. We've rounded up the best grill options.
Discover the best tech gifts during the 2024 holiday season that your friends and loved ones will absolutely adore.
A lawsuit filed late last month took Chicago-based McDonald's to task over the McRib sandwich, calling its name a form of false advertising.
Florida insurance policyholders could be seeing some form of relief in their wallets thanks to market reforms made statewide, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
The company said Tuesday that 85% of its retail products and "nearly all" of its school offerings are already made without "certified colors."
Less than two days after Delta Air Lines offered $30,000 to each passenger on board the flight that crashed and flipped in Toronto on Monday afternoon, the company is facing its first two lawsuits in the incident — and they likely won't be the last.
Activists are calling for a nationwide boycott of Target stores following the company's decision to roll back its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the "Dilbert" comic strip, has died at the age of 68, his first ex-wife revealed on Tuesday.
From historic wins to powerful speeches, here are the highlights and most memorable moments from the 2026 Golden Globes.
Here is everything you need to know about how to watch and stream the 2026 Golden Globes.
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
Timothy Busfield is known for appearances in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams" and "Thirtysomething."