COUNTY 

Observer 

Volusia County Council turns down local ‘toilet to tap’ ban, charter amendment in 4-3 vote  

Citing no county plans to reuse blackwater into drinking water, and with control over only 7% of utilities, the majority of the council voted against an ordinance or 2026 charter amendment. 

 

Orlando Weekly 

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings threatens to cancel agreement with ICE over costs 

Demings sent a letter to the feds expressing concern about how much it’s costing local taxpayers to house people detained by ICE in the Orange County Jail 

 

GROWTH MANAGEMENT 

Florida Politics 

Nick DiCeglie bill to address ‘unintended consequences’ of hurricane recovery law advances to Senate floor 

Senators on the dais largely offered praise, noting that numerous community members have voiced concern about SB 180 since it was enacted last year. 

 

PROPERTY TAXES 

WUSF 

Pasco tax collector questions effect of property tax reform  

Pasco would lose as much as $480 million if the proposals pass. 

 

DATA CENTERS & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 

Florida Politics 

Data centers as tax relief? Florida voters say yes 

Most Florida voters are open data centers positively impacting their tax bill. 

 

Route-Fifty 

Red and blue states alike want to limit AI in insurance. Trump wants to limit the states.  

A revolt is afoot across states against the use of artificial intelligence in health insurance determinations — and against efforts led by President Donald Trump to tie states’ hands. 

 

LEGISLATION 

The Bradenton Times 

Florida House and Senate are deeply divided over budget 

The Tallahassee money games have begun. 

 

Florida Politics 

House approves Adam Botana proposal to eliminate most local business taxes across Florida 

Botana characterized the repeal as ‘about $200 million off the backs of small businesses in the state of Florida.’ 

 

Florida Politics 

House panel advances bill protecting historic monuments despite concern over Confederate statues 

Some legislators worry the measure will intimidate minorities and take away home rule by local governments.