DeSantis signs 9 bills into law & drought conditions worsen in Central Florida
May 30, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
Gov. DeSantis signs 9 bills into law, ranging from financial exploitation protection to HOAs
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed nine bills into law on Tuesday, addressing a wide range of issues affecting Floridians, from protecting seniors from financial exploitation to governing homeowners’ associations. The nine bills were sent to the governor’s office last week along with 18 others that DeSantis has until June 5 to act on. Among the most significant pieces of recent legislation signed is Senate Bill 556, which allows banks to delay disbursing funds if they suspect seniors or vulnerable adults are being financially exploited. The bill, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, aims to combat widespread scams targeting these populations by including provisions to notify authorized account holders of such transaction delays. Another bill signed into law is House Bill 59, which requires homeowners' associations to provide a physical or digital copy of their rules and covenants to existing members by October 1, and new members in the future. Copies of HOA rules are also mandated to be sent to members whenever they are amended. Effectively immediately, a related bill, HB 293, governs HOAs by requiring them to incorporate hurricane protection specifications to measures such as roof systems, storm shutters, windows, garage doors, generators, and fuel storage tanks. An HOA cannot deny an application to install hurricane protection measures if it follows the adopted specifications, such as color and style. Other pieces of legislation signed are HB 481 which expands HVAC system contractors' scope of work; HB 535, clarifying regulations for low-voltage electric fences; and SB 644 creates a new "Rural Emergency Hospital" designation.
Drought conditions worsen for Central Florida
With the typical rainy season not beginning until the last week of May or the first week of June, Florida's drought conditions persist in some regions, particularly the Central West Coast. Inland areas stretching from Sarasota to Indian River County are experiencing moderate drought conditions, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center, including southern portions of Brevard, Osceola, and Polk counties. The rest of the state has remained largely drought-free throughout winter and spring thanks to El Niño conditions, which typically bring more storms and rainfall to the state. But abnormally dry conditions have returned to areas of Central Florida and residents are hopeful the rainy season will bring much-needed relief. The wet weather season fueled by sea breeze-induced thunderstorms runs until October, delivering 61% of the average annual rainfall.
Florida moves to repeal clean energy goals
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Office of Energy is moving to repeal goals set in 2022 that aimed for utilities to gradually increase renewable energy production to 100% by 2050. The proposal to repeal the goals follows a new law signed by Gov. DeSantis on May 15, which removed mentions of climate change from state law and shifted the focus away from reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Office of Energy’s proposal, the renewable energy goals are now deemed “no longer necessary.” The law, which has drawn criticism from environmental groups, also restricts offshore wind turbines, eases regulations on natural gas pipelines, and reduces local government control over natural gas storage facilities. DeSantis hailed the legislation as a rejection of "radical green zealots" while environmentalists argue it harms both the future environment and Florida's economy.
Disney expected to resume political donations
Disney may be resuming political contributions in Florida after a two-year hiatus. The entertainment company paused donations in March 2022 following a well-publicized dispute with Governor DeSantis over the Parental Rights in Education Act, also known as the "Don’t Say Gay" law. Now, Disney is making in-kind contributions to Democratic state Senator Geraldine Thompson's (D-Orlando) campaign fundraiser, signaling a return to political engagement. The company has not yet begun making cash donations, but the in-kind contributions – in the form of theme park tickets – mark a likely return to the political scene ahead of the November elections. Before the suspension, Disney had gained a reputation as one of the largest donors to Democrats, Republicans, and affiliated PACs, donating around $55 million to both parties over 28 years, including $5 million in 2020 alone. The pause followed backlash over then-CEO Bob Chapek's late opposition to the controversial bill that prohibited instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. In response, DeSantis and the state Legislature dissolved Disney’s self-governing district during a special legislative session, restructuring the governance of the area to give the state control and oversight authority.
Orlando’s $350K grant rescues 250+ from homelessness
The city of Orlando has demonstrated that a little creativity can go a long way in addressing homelessness. With a $617,000 federal grant, the non-profit Christian Service Center and city officials devised a flexible program that has helped over 250 people, largely in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood that has long faced an ongoing homelessness crisis. The program utilized funds for temporary accommodation, relocation assistance, transportation, and financial support for rent and security deposits. The plan exceeded its initial goal of helping 40 people, but a final report issued in the first year of the program detailed 257 people, or 111 households, rescued using about $346,000 of the grant money. The remaining federal funds were used for establishing walk-up services for the homeless and surveying the local population living on the streets. The initiative's success is attributed to the flexibility of the federal RUSH program, which allowed for various approaches to tackle homelessness. More than two-thirds of people received financial assistance to get into an apartment, which often covered a security deposit as well as the first and last month’s rent. Additionally, $29,447 was spent on bus, plane, or train tickets for 57 people to relocate out of the area to family members willing to house them for at least six months. Another 92 people were temporarily housed in hotels as they awaited more permanent housing to become available. The City of Orlando plans to extend the program with the Christian Service Center as it anticipates another $350,000 in federal funds to continue its efforts to address the crisis, which will depend on the construction of affordable housing. Since 2019, homelessness in the Orlando area is up 75%, according to the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida.
Florida property insurers reject $3B lifeline amid insurance crisis
In 2022, Florida set aside $3 billion to rescue its floundering property insurance industry, yet $2.2 billion remains unclaimed. Years of soaring rates and insurers fleeing or folding prompted this legislative lifeline, but many companies opted out, finding private reinsurance cheaper and less restrictive. Insurance companies that accepted the money through the Florida Catastrophic Hurricane Fund would be mandated to reduce rates. The Fund assists insurers by providing reimbursement to cover a portion of catastrophic storm losses as a form of reinsurance, but only about one-third of companies providing property coverage participated in the program. The state reports about $800 million was paid in reimbursement to 52 insurers as of April 2024.
Lawmakers and insurance insiders say the Legislature’s recent reforms are beginning to show signs of an improving property insurance market. New insurers and private capital are slowly entering the state, or recommitting to doing business in Florida. Of the 150 insurers participating in the state’s Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, 10 companies are not requesting rate hikes next year, and eight have filed for reductions. However, despite modest improvements and premiums expected to stabilize, homeowners are unlikely to see significantly lower premiums due to inflation, continued hurricane risk, and costly reinsurance. Florida has been battered by hurricanes yearly since 2016, forcing many insurers to struggle to cover the billions of dollars in damages. Many lacked the necessary capital or reinsurance to weather losses, and as a result, about 30 companies stopped coverage, withdrew from the state, or went bankrupt since 2016. The average insurance premium in Florida cost homeowners $6,000 a year in 2023 – more than triple the national average and about three times what the average resident paid in 2018.
Gov. DeSantis and AG Moody investigate Starbucks over DEI practices
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody have announced an investigation into Starbucks' diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, alleging violations of the Florida Civil Rights Act. The probe will determine whether the coffee giant’s goals to increase representation of people of color in corporate roles and its consideration of diversity in executive bonuses violate state and federal civil rights acts. The complaint was announced during DeSantis' guest hosting of "The Sean Hannity Show," with Moody appearing on the radio program to criticize the quota or hiring of individuals “based on the color of their skin,” which she says may infringe on federal and state anti-discrimination laws. The investigation follows a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling in March that deemed the 2023 Stop Woke Act unconstitutional for businesses, which aimed to prevent mandatory DEI training. Moody highlighted in the complaint that the chain has set diversity goals of 30% for people of color in corporate roles and 40% in retail and manufacturing positions by 2025. Starbucks has not yet commented on the investigation. The Florida Commission on Human Relations will act as an impartial fact-finder, potentially offering mediation opportunities for both parties.
Florida Secretary of State Byrd travels to Turks & Caicos to urge release of detained Americans
Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd, alongside U.S. lawmakers and officials, visited the Turks and Caicos Islands in mid-May in an attempt to secure the release of five Americans, including an Orlando resident. The individuals were arrested after ammunition was allegedly found in their luggage. Despite diplomatic efforts, no immediate resolution was reached as the British territory maintains stringent firearm laws. The detainees face a mandatory 12-year prison sentence if convicted under Turks and Caicos' strict ordinance prohibiting possession of firearms and ammunition, although a judge may grant leniency in exceptional circumstances. The ammunition was reportedly discovered during security screenings at the airport and was not detected by U.S. Transportation Security Administration when the travelers left the United States. Amid the ongoing legal proceedings, some critics have called for a boycott of the popular tourist destination. Meanwhile, U.S. governors have appealed for mercy and the expedited return of their constituents as the detained Americans are free on bail but cannot leave the territory.
This week, following the delegation’s visit earlier this month, two Americans — one from Virginia and one from Pennslyvania — have been released after being granted leniency by judges in Turks and Caicos. They were credited for time served or issued suspended sentences and released upon paying hefty fines.
Orange County Public Schools seeks cost-saving measures for laptop initiative
Orange County Public Schools is reevaluating the financial sustainability of its laptop initiative, which provides equal access to technology for all students. While the program has been beneficial in the modern era of online learning, it is proving costly to maintain as the district's repair budget has reached $1.6 million for the current school year. In subsequent years, the annual costs for purchasing and maintaining laptops are projected to exceed $30 million.
Superintendent Maria Vazquez aims to manage expenses without compromising the initiative's goals. Potential cost-saving strategies include exploring leasing options and assessing the necessity of younger students taking laptops home. The program, initially funded by a voter-approved sales tax in 2013, rapidly expanded during the pandemic, with over $13 million spent on laptops and iPads. Over the last two years, Orange County schools purchased 183,000 new laptops and refurbished nearly 20,500. The district expects to spend $80 million on technology and infrastructure in the next two years, with funds already allocated. Renewing the voter-approved half-penny sales tax in November is crucial for long-term technology investments, estimated at $447 million over the next eight years.
Researchers investigate leprosy surge in Central Florida
Central Florida has witnessed a puzzling increase in leprosy cases, particularly in Brevard County, where cases accounted for 13% of the nation's total in 2020. Researchers suspect armadillos may play a role in spreading the disease, as some patients reported touching the animals, which are known to carry the ancient bacteria. However, most patients did not recall direct contact with armadillos, leading scientists to believe the burrowing animals may be indirectly causing infections through soil contamination. Leprosy, a rare disease affecting the skin, and nerves, and can lead to disfigurement in humans, is rare, with the number of U.S. cases averaging about 180 per year from 2011 to 2020. The illness has a storied past and is among the world’s oldest infections, but today, it remains easily treatable with antibiotics. Since 2000, cases of leprosy in Florida have more than doubled, amounting to almost 20% of the U.S. total and Brevard County remains the most infected county in the state. As Central Florida’s cases continue to rise, researchers are honing in on the state’s more than 1 million armadillos as a probable culprit due to their cool body temperatures that serve as ideal hosts for the pathogen. A 2015 study found evidence of leprosy infection in about 16% of armadillos examined in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. In addition to armadillos potentially spreading the bacteria indirectly through contaminated soil, single-celled amoebas and insects are also being investigated as possible contributors to the spread of leprosy.
Citizens Property Insurance sees decrease in policies
The state-backed insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Corp., continues to see the number of customer policies drop, a sign that Florida’s insurance market is stabilizing ahead of hurricane season. Citizens experienced a slight decline in policies, dropping from 1.201 million to 1,188,557 as private insurers participated in the state's depopulation program. This initiative encourages private companies to assume policies from Citizens, which had grown to become Florida's largest carrier as financial challenges in the market forced many companies to stop writing new policies, leave the state, or file bankruptcy. The state-backed insurer faced insolvency concerns after reaching more than 1.412 million policies in October 2023 before state regulators approved private insurers to assume a bulk number of policies from Citizens. Accordingly, last week, three more private insurers received approval to take on policies from state-backed insurance companies. According to the Office of Insurance Regulation, at least eight insurers have filed for a rate reduction this year, while another 10 have not requested an increase. While this is a positive direction for a state where the property insurance market was in crisis, and homeowners continue to pay the highest average premiums, a single catastrophic hurricane could quickly erode progress.
Electric utilities prepare for an active hurricane season
As the six-month hurricane season begins June 1, Florida utilities are bracing for the increased unpredictability and intensity of storms that bring increased expenses and greater damage to the state’s power infrastructure. Executives representing electric companies like Florida Power & Light and Tampa Electric Co. (TECO) presented before the state’s Public Service Commission last week, expressing that they will take a more cautious approach in preparation efforts following consecutive years of devastating hurricanes. Last year’s Hurricanes Idalia and Ian in 2022 highlight the recent pattern of storms rapidly intensifying and taking unexpected paths. This increasing impact is causing more damage to buildings and communities, with total hurricane losses trending upwards. Experts predict an above-average hurricane season fueled by warm Atlantic Ocean waters. The increased costs associated with preparing for and recovering from hurricanes are often passed on to utility customers, encompassing measures such as securing additional crews from other states and ensuring the safety of these workers.
Breeze Airways announces two new seasonal routes from Orlando
Low-cost carrier Breeze Airways is launching two new seasonal routes from Orlando to Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, and New Bern, North Carolina. The routes will operate twice weekly, with the Greenville-Spartanburg route running on Mondays and Fridays and the New Bern route on Tuesdays and Sundays. One-way fares for travel between May 26 and June 13 are priced at $49. The announcement comes as Breeze Airways celebrates its third anniversary. The airline currently offers more than 170 nonstop routes from 56 cities across 29 states and has flown over five million guests since its founding in 2018.
Popular fast-food chain Cook Out to open first Florida locations in Tampa
Beloved North Carolina-based fast-food chain Cook Out is expanding to Florida with two new locations in Tampa. The company recently acquired former Boston Market sites at 5501 E. Fowler Ave. and 16215 N. Dale Mabry Highway, marking the first Cook Out restaurants in the Sunshine State. Famous for its diverse menu featuring burgers, corn dogs, hush puppies, and a wide range of milkshake flavors, Cook Out has amassed a devoted following in the South.
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