LEGISLATION 

WUWF 

Florida cities want to ban noisy gas leaf blowers, go electric. Tallahassee may stop that  

Across Florida, cities have been making the switch from noisy gas-powered leaf blowers to electric ones, citing benefits like quieter lawn care, less air pollution and fewer atmosphere-warming emissions. 

 

Palm Beach Daily News 

2024 Session: Millions in last-minute spending help seal Florida budget deal  

Tucking in millions of dollars in additional spending on hometown projects and state programs, Florida House and Senate budget negotiators completed work on a state spending plan for next year – setting up the Legislature for an on-time Friday finish.   

 

WUWF 

Florida lawmakers are close to passing a bill preempting civilian oversight of police  

The Florida Legislature has voted overwhelmingly to curtail civilian oversight of law enforcement or correctional officers. The measure would preempt the authority of local governments in cases of police misconduct. 

 

Florida Politics 

Sprinkle list: South Florida gets 4.5% cut of last-minute budget earmarks  

Florida’s 3 most populous and well-to-do counties are getting about $30M combined. 

 

Florida Politics 

Senate prepares homeless camping ban backed by Ron DeSantis for final vote  

Florida is ready to crack down on homelessness, and let local jurisdictions foot the bill for the state’s scheme. 

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

WUWF 

Florida lawmakers pass legislation to change Live Local Act, affordable housing law  

Some changes are coming to last year’s landmark housing law, known as the Live Local Act. 

 

COUNTY 

Fox 13 

State legislators holding final discussions on Hillsborough County transportation tax  

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – After years of in-fighting, time is running out for legislators to decide how to spend nearly $600,000,000 collected from the now defunct Hillsborough Transportation Surtax.   

 

Tampa Bay Times 

Hillsborough commissioner wants $200K back from county elections office  

Josh Wostal says a drop in active registered voters means elections supervisor Craig Latimer’s budget should get cut. 

 

WTXL 

“Shut them down” – Neighbors ask Gadsden Co. Commissioners for ordinance against illegal internet cafes  

Neighbors are asking Gadsden County Commissioners to create an ordinance to ban illegal internet cafes across the county.