Florida Politics & News
Florida news featured in The Daily Signal with reporting, analysis, and commentary on conservative governance, education reform, and the Sunshine State’s leadership in policy innovation.
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- News
Florida Gov. DeSantis: ‘We Chose Freedom Over Fauci-ism, and We’re Better Off for It’
ORLANDO, Fla.—Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered a blistering critique of President Joe Biden and his authoritarian policies, warning Americans they need to fight against the radical left to preserve our freedom. Speaking to roughly 800 supporters of The Heritage Foundation and its grassroots partner, Heritage Action for America, DeSantis took aim at Biden’s recently announced COVID-19…Rob Bluey -
- Opinion
Biden Flouts Federalism, Undermines Florida Law on Masks for Schoolchildren
The Biden administration has made it clear that abiding by our federal, constitutional system of government is a mere trifle in the way of its political priorities, one to be swept aside. The latest example finds the Department of Education now sending grants to school board members in Florida who violate the governor’s mask-mandate ban…Jarrett Stepman -
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Florida Counties Return Unused Zuckerberg Election Funds
Florida counties that received money from a nonprofit financed by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg either have paid back or are in the process of paying back all funds that weren’t spent during the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election. The move is in compliance with a new Florida law that restricts private money from funding…Fred Lucas -
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Florida Set to Levy $5K Fines Against Businesses Requiring Proof of Vaccination
The Florida Department of Health will start fining businesses $5,000 for violating the state’s ban on vaccine passports. The state agency’s rule, “Penalties for COVID-19 Vaccine Documentation Requirements,” says it will impose the fine on “any business entity, governmental entity, or educational institution.” The $5,000 fine will apply “per individual and separate violation,” and must be…Sebastian Hughes -
- Opinion
Fact-Checking 4 Claims About COVID-19 in Florida Spike
It’s summer, and that means a fresh wave of stories about COVID-19 in Florida. Last year, the press fixated on the state’s rising case and hospitalization rates, blaming them on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decisions to eschew government mask mandates and allow businesses to reopen, children to attend school, and residents to recreate without excessive restraints….Doug Badger -
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Florida Governor Moves Against Ben & Jerry’s for Anti-Israel Boycott
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, sent a letter to the State Board Administration on Thursday requesting action be taken against Ben & Jerry’s over its decision to boycott “occupied Palestinian territory,” Fox Business reported. The governor asked that the ice cream brand and its parent company, Unilever, be placed on the “Continued Examination Companies…Sebastian Hughes -
- Opinion
‘Stand Firm Against That Regime,’ Florida Lawmaker Says of Cuba Amid Revolt There
Rep. Byron Donalds has signed onto a resolution from a fellow Florida Republican, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, condemning the current situation in Cuba. Donalds says it’s critical that the United States stand in strong opposition to the violent suppression of mass public protests there. “They said to me, ‘Man, it’s so bad.’ Not only did they…Rachel del Guidice -
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Biden Response to Cuba Protests Is Disappointingly Weak, Florida Senators Say
The demonstrations in Cuba present a major opportunity for the United States and other democracies around the world, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., says. Bringing freedom to Cuba would affect the entire region, said Scott, who represents a state with a large Cuban American population, as well as many other Latin American immigrants. “They all know…Fred Lucas -
- Opinion
Florida Makes Sure Schools Teach Evils of Communism, Totalitarianism
The revolt against indoctrinating students and other Americans with critical race theory is ramping up, despite left-wing denial and opposition. But a simple reaction against malignant ideas isn’t good enough. Critical race theory—which frames every issue through the lens of race and the idea that some races are inherently oppressors or oppressed—thrives in a country…Jarrett Stepman -
- Opinion
Florida Leads Way on Commonsense Occupational Licensing Reform
Who says that legislatures can’t pass statutes that benefit the public, rather than cronies or special-interest favorites? (Well, I do regularly, but elected officials actually did something good here, so cut me some slack and read on.) On Tuesday, the Florida Legislature passed a bill, House Bill 735, that makes it easier for ordinary Floridians…Paul J. Larkin -
- News
Florida Senate Advances Voter ID, Other Election Reforms
Florida, the nation’s third-most populous state, could join scores of other states in enacting election reforms as the state Senate advanced a bill Monday to apply the same voter ID requirements to absentee balloting as in-person voting. The proposal, which awaits action in the Florida House of Representatives, is similar to a measure that passed…Fred Lucas -
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‘No Room’ for Critical Race Theory in Florida Schools, Gov. Ron DeSantis Says
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vows that critical race theory won’t be part of the state’s education curriculum. “Florida’s civics curriculum will incorporate foundational concepts with the best materials, and it will expressly exclude unsanctioned narratives like critical race theory and other unsubstantiated theories,” DeSantis said Wednesday. Critical race theory, Heritage Foundation scholars Jonathan Butcher and…Rachel del Guidice -
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Florida Takes Aim at Tech Giants That ‘Look Like Big Brother’
Political leaders in Florida are taking steps to rein in the power of major technology companies. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and several of his state’s Republican legislative leaders this week announced legislation that would prevent Twitter, Facebook (and its subsidiary Instagram), Google, Amazon, and Apple from censoring content or selling users’ data in the Sunshine…Virginia Allen -
- Opinion
You’ve Come a Long Way, Florida
Election Day 2020 was many things to many people—depending on your age, philosophy, and geography. It’s probably a Rorschach test for the country. It’s a reminder that our nation is large and complicated, with diverse perspectives crossing numerous cultural lines. For millions of us in Florida, however, Election Day was something else. It was a…J. Robert McClure -
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Hispanic Vote Helps Win Florida for Trump
President Donald Trump captured the state of Florida on Tuesday night, in no small part by overperforming expectations with the Latino vote, according to statistics and media pundits. The liberal New Yorker magazine tweeted: “In every Presidential election since 1992, the winner of Florida has gone on to the White House. This year, Donald Trump…Fred Lucas -
- Opinion
For Now, Florida Judge Stays in Proper Lane on Elections
Florida, like most other states, requires those who wish to vote in upcoming elections to register. Florida’s deadline for registering to vote in the upcoming general election was 11:59 p.m. Oct. 5. To facilitate the process, Florida provides a voter registration website, RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. Unfortunately, the registration website malfunctioned for several hours on that day, potentially…Zack Smith -
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Trump Expands Drilling Moratorium From Florida to South Carolina, Georgia
Before expanding a moratorium on offshore drilling Tuesday near the coasts of Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia, President Donald Trump invoked the legacy of another brash New Yorker known for rattling the political establishment during his presidency. Trump’s order extending the drilling moratorium came a month after he signed the Great American Outdoors Act, which…Fred Lucas -
- Opinion
When It Comes to COVID-19 Deaths, Florida Is No ‘New York’
“I just want to make it clear to the American public,” proclaimed Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus task force head, on July 24, “What we have right now are essentially three New Yorks, with these three major states.” The three states in question—Florida, Texas, and California—all have seen sharp increases in COVID-19 infections in…Doug Badger -
- Opinion
Putting the COVID-19 Surge in Florida in Context
Florida is melting down. Or is it? While the state has shown a big increase in the number of daily new COVID-19 cases, there also are signs that those increases might not lead to a spike in hospitalizations and deaths. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the only Democrat elected statewide, painted a grim picture. >>> What's…Doug Badger -
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Florida Governor Signs Law Requiring Parental Consent Before Girls Can Get Abortions
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law Tuesday requiring parents or legal guardians to consent before a minor can obtain an abortion. The bill, SB 404, requires that a parent or guardian consent before a minor can obtain an abortion and increases penalties for abortion providers who refuse to comply with Florida’s requirement to care…Mary Margaret Olohan