Tag: Florida
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Florida’s latest state budget is finalized — and property tax relief didn’t make the cut. Gov. Ron DeSantis had pushed for a property tax rebate during negotiations, saying, “We’re working with the Senate on the budget on getting that through.” But as the legislative session closed, the proposal failed to gain enough traction. Still, legislative…
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The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is well underway, and early forecasts suggest it could be another above-average year for storm activity — much like the hyperactive 2024 season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its annual outlook the end of May, predicting a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of…
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On the last day of an extended legislative session, Florida lawmakers passed a sweeping charter school expansion that allows privately run, publicly funded “schools of hope” to operate rent-free inside under-enrolled public schools. The controversial bill, pushed through late Monday night as part of a broader budget package, marks the latest Republican-led effort to grow…
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Understanding the true cost of a medical procedure before it happens is often difficult — and for many patients, the final bill is far higher than expected. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is launching an investigation into hospital billing practices, aiming to hold providers accountable for a lack of price transparency. “I had to pay…
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Tampa ranks third nationwide for canceled home purchase agreements, according to a new report from Redfin — part of a broader trend showing Florida cities dominating the list. Roughly 56,000 U.S. home deals fell through in April 2025, representing 14.3% of pending sales. It’s the highest April cancellation rate since 2017, excluding the early pandemic…
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Hardware stores across the state of Florida are experiencing a surge in early hurricane prep as the 2025 season gets underway. Brian Culp, who owns a Pinellas County Ace Hardware, says the rush began as soon as June 1 hit. “People were clearing shelves right out of the gate,” he told WTVT. Sales of storm-related…
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Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that he’s continuing to push for a property tax rebate for Florida homeowners this year — even as legislative leaders say no formal proposal has been presented. Earlier this year, DeSantis floated the idea of giving up to $1,000 back to every homeowner who qualifies for a homestead exemption, positioning…
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Tens of thousands of Suncoast homeowners now pay more each year toward special district bonds than they do in traditional property taxes — a financial burden baked into their neighborhoods long before they move in. Developers across Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties are increasingly relying on obscure government entities known as independent special districts to…
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Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Florida’s state-backed insurer of last resort, has seen its policy count fall below one million for the first time in over two years—largely due to private companies selecting its most attractive policies. After a volatile hurricane season, Citizens has transferred nearly 500,000 policies to private insurers since January 2024. While that…
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Floridians may be eligible for up to $275 per week in disaster unemployment assistance (DUA) if their job or self-employment was disrupted due to a federally declared disaster. As you prepare for the 2025 hurricane season—whether by stocking your emergency kit or reinforcing your home—it’s also important to plan for potential financial setbacks. Severe storms…
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As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, residents of the Tampa Bay region, particularly in Pinellas County, are bracing for what forecasters predict could be another active year. After the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, which caused unprecedented flooding, widespread power outages, and billions in damages across the region, local officials and…
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To support hurricane readiness efforts across the state, the Duke Energy Foundation has distributed $163,000 in emergency preparedness and resiliency grants to Florida communities. Twelve organizations—including several in Central Florida—received funding to bolster local emergency response capabilities. The grants will support a range of initiatives such as installing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces,…
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Florida’s once-thriving condo market is facing significant headwinds, particularly in the Tampa Bay area, where a surge in listings and a slowdown in buyers signal a broader market cooldown. While overall real estate activity appears to be softening, experts say condos are feeling the brunt of the downturn. “Florida is known for its condo lifestyle,”…
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If you’re a new homeowner, you may not realize that flood insurance and homeowners insurance are usually sold separately. In fact, most homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage at all. This became painfully clear for many Floridians affected by the devastating 2024 storms. Even with insurance, some found themselves on the hook for costly repairs…
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With forecasters predicting an above-average hurricane season, utility provider Duke Energy Florida is offering a rare glimpse inside its high-tech Distribution Control Center in St. Petersburg — the hub responsible for managing power outages and restoring service when major storms hit. This state-of-the-art facility operates around the clock, monitoring the electrical grid in real time…
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two new laws on Wednesday aimed at increasing penalties for animal cruelty during a press conference at a South Florida dog rescue center. The legislation, known as Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law, is named after two dogs who suffered tragic abuse. Trooper, one of the dogs, was discovered tied to…
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With hurricane season just days away and federal forecasters predicting another above-average year, Florida lawmakers have passed a sweeping new bill aimed at improving disaster recovery efforts statewide. However, some officials warn the measure could actually hinder local resiliency planning. The legislation, Senate Bill 180, is designed to support rebuilding efforts after major storms and…
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Just as SunPass scam texts seem to be fading, a new wave of fraudulent messages is emerging. According to the Polk County Tax Collector’s Office, scammers are now pretending to be employees of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), often referred to as the “DMV.” These fake texts falsely claim recipients…
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Florida led the way in 2023 by becoming the first state to regulate cellphone use in schools, and now more than half of U.S. states have followed suit, with additional states likely to introduce similar laws soon. Alaska and Nebraska recently became the 25th and 26th states to enact such laws, with other measures awaiting…
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A new bill (HB 1049) on Governor Ron DeSantis’s desk could soon require landlords across Florida to inform potential tenants if a property has a history of flooding. The legislation, unanimously approved by state lawmakers, aims to bring transparency for renters after recent storms left many Floridians displaced from repeatedly flooded homes. Gabe Cormier, a…
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As the summer heat and sun ramp up in Florida, a new study from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveals that just 22% of sunscreen brands effectively shield skin from harmful UV rays. In its 2025 Sunscreen Guide, the EWG evaluated over 2,200 sun protection products and identified only 498 that met its safety and…
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A new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis makes trespassing at large-scale ticketed events in Florida a third-degree felony. Under the legislation (HB 1447), anyone who enters or stays at a ticketed event with more than 5,000 attendees without proper authorization can now face felony charges. The message is clear: if you don’t have a…
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City departments in Treasure Island are evaluating their performance during the 2024 hurricane season and preparing to present their findings to city commissioners on Tuesday. The goal: identify strengths and weaknesses to better prepare for future emergencies. Representatives from the fire department, police, community development, finance, administration, parks and recreation, and public information have each…
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Governor Ron DeSantis officially signed the Boater Freedom Act into law on Monday in Panama City. A key priority for DeSantis during this year’s legislative session, the law aims to protect boaters’ rights by preventing random vessel searches by law enforcement without probable cause. “People feel violated when someone comes aboard their boat and starts…
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Now’s the time to inspect your yard—especially if you have pets. Toxic cane toads are a growing concern across Florida, posing a serious risk to dogs and cats. These invasive toads secrete a potent toxin from large glands on their shoulders when threatened. If a pet bites or licks one, it can become seriously ill—and…
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As Memorial Day weekend approaches, gas prices across the state of Florida have dropped, just in time for what AAA expects to be a record-breaking travel period. According to AAA’s holiday forecast, an estimated 2.6 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles, with 2.3 million of them hitting the road. “With so many motorists…
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Florida’s real estate market is undergoing a notable shift: there are more homes for sale, but fewer buyers are actively making offers. While that may sound like a red flag, real estate experts say it’s not necessarily a negative trend. According to a recent report from the Florida Realtors Association, housing inventory has increased compared…
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Just weeks before the official start of hurricane season, a newly surfaced internal review is casting doubt on FEMA’s ability to respond effectively to major disasters. The report, initially reported by CNN and later obtained by CBS News, flags critical concerns about staffing shortages and confusion over FEMA’s role, as the Trump administration signals a…
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Living in the greater Tampa Bay area is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many working families, according to a new report from United Way Suncoast. The study finds the cost of living has increased significantly over the past several years. The annual ALICE report — which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — highlights the…
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A powerful and unseasonably early heatwave took hold across the Tampa Bay area on Thursday, marking the beginning of what forecasters expect to be a prolonged stretch of extreme heat. Tampa reached a high of 91 degrees, while Plant City soared to 95 — and temperatures are set to climb even higher in the coming…
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The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has announced several updates to its forecasting tools as the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches. Among the key changes: a refined “cone of uncertainty” and enhanced communication of inland wind threats. Following positive feedback from the 2024 season, the cone of uncertainty graphic will now include inland watches and warnings.…
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In an effort to curb rising home insurance costs, Florida lawmakers passed reforms aimed at reducing what they called excessive litigation against insurance companies. The goal was to discourage frivolous lawsuits and stabilize a volatile insurance market. However, some legislators admitted they lacked comprehensive data when crafting and approving the changes. Following a surge in…
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As special development districts continue to expand across Florida’s Suncoast, public officials are sounding the alarm about the potential hidden costs and limited homeowner control tied to these communities. Critics warn that many buyers don’t fully understand the financial and governance structures they’re entering — until it’s too late to push back. Prompted by a…
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Despite extending the state legislative session until June, the Florida House and Senate won’t take up HB 1181 this year—and that’s probably a good thing for the pocketbooks of Sunshine State residents. (At least, that’s the contention of some. Others who sponsor the legislation would argue otherwise.) Floridians are required to carry car insurance, as…
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A bill introduced by Pinellas County lawmakers that would prohibit drivers from creating large wakes on flooded streets is now on Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk after passing both legislative chambers last week. State Sen. Nick DiCeglie, a Republican from Indian Rocks Beach who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said local law enforcement needed more…
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A Florida bill aimed at bolstering hurricane preparedness and response is one step away from becoming law, pending Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature. House Bill 7073, passed unanimously by both the Florida House and Senate, introduces measures to strengthen the state’s resilience against tropical storms and hurricanes, which frequently threaten the region. The legislation, sponsored by…
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A newly formed legislative committee is setting the stage for sweeping changes to Florida’s property tax system, potentially giving voters the power to decide on the elimination of property taxes in the 2026 election. The Select Committee on Property Tax Reform convened for the first time on May 2, aiming to tackle one of the…
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Following the impact of three hurricanes in 2024, Florida lawmakers have approved legislation aimed at improving disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, including debris removal and post-storm rebuilding. On Friday, the House unanimously passed the bill (SB 180) with a 106-0 vote, while the Senate approved it 34-1. The measure now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis…
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With hurricane season just weeks away, a new AAA survey reveals that over a quarter of Florida residents are more concerned about the upcoming storms than they were last year. The heightened concern follows a punishing 2024 season that brought three hurricanes ashore along Florida’s Gulf Coast. According to the survey, 28% of respondents said…
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Florida legislators have passed a measure that bans cell phone use throughout the school day for elementary and middle school students, with a pilot program to test similar restrictions in select high schools. Previously, students were only barred from using phones during instructional time. Under the new law, that restriction will now apply from the…
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Nearly 900 derelict boats have been left in Florida’s waterways since 2020, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). These vessels, often sunken or abandoned, pose both environmental and safety risks across the state. Stephanie Price, who manages an RV park near Fort Myers Beach, encountered the problem firsthand. “One of them,…
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A spate of unexpected coyote attacks has left residents of a Florida beach town on edge. Thomas Cathey, the most recent victim, said he was walking to work Wednesday morning along 6th Street in Atlantic Beach when he noticed something following him — not a person, but a coyote. “It came out of the bushes…
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A state-hired contractor, Tidal Basin Group, made numerous mistakes assessing hurricane-damaged homes in Pinellas County, causing confusion and delays for residents trying to rebuild. The company’s reports, often based on incomplete or incorrect data-sometimes without entering homes-led to thousands of “substantially damaged” letters, requiring homeowners to either demolish or rebuild to stricter standards. Homeowners across…
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Florida lawmakers are moving to give local school districts the flexibility to opt out of a state law requiring later school start times, with a new bill (SB 296)that would reverse the 2023 mandate. That law had required middle schools to begin classes after 8 a.m. and high schools after 8:30 a.m. But some parents…
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