COUNTY 

Action News Jax 

Does Florida need 67 counties? Jacksonville State lawmaker argues it’s time to have the conversation 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Does Florida have too many counties? 

 

WGCU 

Nearly half a billion dollars in disaster recovery funds coming from FEMA to several counties  

Several Southwest Florida counties will share in nearly half a billion dollars in FEMA public assistance recovery funds for Floridians impacted by disaster. 

 

My Panhandle 

Florida Legislature recognizes statewide moment of silence for Washington County Administrator  

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Florida Legislature paused its session on Wednesday to observe a moment of silence in honor of longtime Washington County Administrator Jeff Massey. 

 

PROPERTY TAXES 

TC Palm 

Florida property tax cuts? No such thing as free lunch | Opinion 

‘Eliminating property taxes would become the largest state takeover of local decision-making in American history.’ 

 

GROWTH MANAGEMENT 

Florida Politics 

Bill to fast-track dense housing on contaminated South Florida land clears first House Committee 

The bill would require cities and counties to allow redevelopment at the highest residential density permitted nearby — or default to state-set standards if none exist. 

 

WCJB 

Senate passes bill requiring local governments to allow accessory dwelling units 

The legislation would mandate ADU ordinances in single-family neighborhoods statewide 

 

ENVIRONMENT 

CFPM 

Senate committee advances proposal to restore natural riverway 

A proposal to restore the natural flow of water between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers cleared its second of three required Senate committee stops Wednesday. 

 

ARTIFICIAL NTELLIGENCE 

The Destin Log 

At Sarasota’s New College, DeSantis calls for AI regulation 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at New College of Florida on Wednesday to push for state-level regulation of artificial intelligence. 

 

LEGISLATION 

Florida Politics 

Yvette Benarroch budget transparency proposal clears first House Committee 

The bill also includes a separate provision prohibiting cities and counties from spending public funds on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. 

 

Florida Politics 

Bills setting new rules, public info exemptions for data centers clear second Senate hurdle 

One Senator warned that a confidentiality allowance could put local officials in legal and political jeopardy. 

 

Florida Politics 

House panel advances Adam Botana proposal to eliminate most local business taxes 

Supporters said inspections and safety regulations would remain in place regardless of whether the tax is repealed.