Stories by Florida News Service
Stories by Florida News Service
Judge weighs blocking ballot initiative law
May 23, 2025
Tallahassee – “Fear and uncertainty” about a new law targeting the state’s ballot-initiative process has led to a significant drop in people working to collect signatures for 2026 ballot measures, groups challenging the law told a federal judge on Thursday.
Judge gives go-ahead to tech law fight
May 22, 2025
Tallahassee – A federal judge Thursday rejected an attempt by Florida to scuttle a constitutional challenge to a 2021 state law that placed restrictions on social-media platforms.
Florida bear hunt planned in December
May 21, 2025
Ocala – Amid support from hunters and warnings of a “slaughter” from animal-rights advocates, state wildlife officials Wednesday moved forward with Florida’s first black bear hunt in a decade.
‘Open’ investigation confirmed amid Hope Florida scrutiny
May 20, 2025
Tallahassee – Records related to a state House probe of a nonprofit linked to First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature Hope Florida assistance program are part of an “open” investigation, Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell’s office said May 20.
Judge orders steps to aid manatees
May 19, 2025
Tallahassee – A federal judge Monday ordered the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to take a series of steps aimed at protecting manatees in the northern Indian River Lagoon, including requiring it to go through a federal permitting process and temporarily preventing new septic tanks in the area.
Court urged to keep block on immigration law
May 19, 2025
Tallahassee – A new state law targeting undocumented immigrants who enter Florida should remain blocked as a legal battle plays out, attorneys challenging the law argued in a filing Friday at a federal appeals court.
State appeals in manatee protection fight
May 16, 2025
Tallahassee – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has gone to a federal appeals court after a U.S. district judge last month ruled that the state has violated the Endangered Species Act as manatees face threats in the Indian River Lagoon.
State to look at campus security
May 15, 2025
Tallahassee – After a mass shooting last month at Florida State University that killed two people, officials will look at building security on campuses across the state and hold a “safety summit” in October, university system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues said May 15.
Court strikes down abortion waiver law
May 14, 2025
Tallahassee – Citing parental rights, a Florida appeals court May. 14 ruled that a law that can allow minors to have abortions without their parents’ consent is unconstitutional.
Pot group joins challenge to initiatives law
May 13, 2025
Tallahassee – Backers of a renewed attempt to pass a recreational-marijuana constitutional amendment have joined a court challenge to a new law that makes it harder for groups to place initiatives on the ballot, saying the measure imposes “draconian restrictions on Floridians’ sovereign” right to change the state Constitution.