Universal school choice, affordable housing package head to DeSantis' desk, tort reform becomes law, manatee deaths, and more...
March 24, 2023 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
The Florida Legislature’s Week in Review
The third week of the 2023 Legislative Session has concluded with bills already reaching Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk. This week in Tallahassee has maintained the fast pace of the preceding weeks as lawmakers carry on with the nearly 2,000 bills that were filed this session. There are just six weeks left to go…
Universal school choice heads to Gov. DeSantis’ desk
The GOP-led Florida Senate passed universal school choice in a 26-12 vote on Thursday, having previously passed the House last week. The bill will now head to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk, where he is expected to sign it into law. HB 1 by Rep. Kaylee Tuck and Sen. Corey Simon was deemed a priority for Republicans before the 2023 Legislative Session began and had the backing of House and Senate leadership. The bill creates the most expansive school choice program in the nation by eliminating eligibility income caps for state-funded vouchers granted to students to attend private schools. The voucher program will provide $8,000 per student for education-related expenses, including private school tuition, homeschooling, tutoring, and other materials and fees. Low- and middle-income families will be prioritized under the program expansion.
Sweeping affordable housing legislation goes to the governor’s office
A priority of legislative leadership, including this year’s focus area for Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples), SB 102 by Sen. Alexis Calatayud (R-Miami) was overwhelmingly approved by lawmakers in both chambers seeking to make housing more affordable in the Sunshine State. The “Live Local Act” passed the Senate unanimously before moving on to the House, where it was approved 103-6 on Friday and en route to Gov. DeSantis’ desk to be signed into law. The $711 million bill provides tax incentivizes for private investment in constructing affordable housing and sets aside funding to provide qualified Floridians with interest-free down payment assistance loans. It also creates tax exemptions for developments that set aside at least 70 units for affordable housing and allows for permits and development orders for such projects to be fast-tracked. Moreover, the Act preempts local government’s zoning, density, and height requirements to encourage accessible housing in commercial and mixed-use zoning areas while also prohibiting local rent controls. SB 102 will increase funding for the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) program to $259 million and allocate $252 million for the State Housing Initiatives Partnerships (SHIP) program. The proposed measure is the most significant piece of housing legislation to pass in decades, coming at a time when Florida has seen tremendous population growth that has driven up demand for housing. If signed by the governor, it would nearly double the $362.7 million set aside for affordable housing in the current year.
Statewide tort reforms become law, helping businesses and insurance companies
Legislation that would help protect businesses and insurance companies from excessive lawsuits has become law after it cleared the Senate with final approval on Thursday and passed the House last week. Less than 24 hours after the Senate voted 23-15 in favor of the bill, Gov. DeSantis signed the bill into law. Business and insurance groups such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) have lobbied lawmakers for years for such legislation, arguing that frivolous litigation encouraged by “billboard lawyers” has resulted in increased costs for Floridians and harmed the small business community. Under the bill, defendants would have to be found at least 50 percent at fault by juries before they are compelled to pay damages to plaintiffs in negligence lawsuits. Additionally, the new law reduces the statute of limitations for filing negligence lawsuits from four years to two years and mostly eliminates “one-way” attorney fees in lawsuits against insurers. This would absolve insurance providers from paying the attorney fees of plaintiffs if they lose a lawsuit, except if cases where insurers completely deny a claim. Critics, including trial attorneys, say the bill will harm consumers and homeowners as it limits their ability to hold big business and insurance companies accountable for any wrongdoing. Plus, it includes no guarantees that people will see lower insurance rates with the added protections afforded to insurance providers, opponents argue. This comes as Floridians pay the highest auto and homeowners insurance rates in the nation. Among the many reforms, the bill also protects multifamily or hotel property owners from liability lawsuits if someone is involved in a criminal attack on the site, as long as owners are found to have taken precautionary measures. Lastly, the law will cut down on bad-faith lawsuits filed against insurers that involve allegations that they did not follow their obligations to policyholders in properly handling and settling claims.
House passes constitutional carry gun law
Floridians are one step closer to being permitted to carry a concealed firearm without a permit as the State House approved the legislation on Friday. HB 543 passed 76-32 largely along party lines as Republicans touted it as a “public safety” measure and reducing “unnecessary” government barriers to citizens’ constitutional right to bear arms. If passed by the Senate and signed by Gov. DeSantis, the bill will allow Floridians to carry a concealed gun without a background screening and required training that is currently mandated by law with a concealed carry license. Democrats have critiqued the legislation by arguing that it will lead to increased violence and crime. SB 150, an identical bill in the Senate, awaits a full vote on the floor, where it is likely to pass before going to the governor’s office.
Bill easing death penalty requirements pass Senate committee
A proposed bill that would ease requirements for imposing the death penalty by a jury received approval from its last committee stop in the Florida Senate. SB 450 would eliminate the requirement that juries reach a unanimous decision for the imposition of the death penalty against a defendant during sentencing. If passed, the current proposal would require just eight out of 12 jurors to reach a consensus on supporting a death sentence. If a minimum of eight jurors is not reached on a vote to impose the death penalty, the court will hand the defendant a sentence of life in prison without parole. SB 450 comes in response to criticism from Gov. DeSantis and other lawmakers after a life sentence was handed to Nikolas Cruz, the gunman who carried out the 2018 Marjory Stone Douglas High School shooting in Parkland that resulted in the deaths of 17 people. In that case, jurors did not reach a unanimous vote on imposing the death penalty for Cruz, which was followed by backlash from many, including some of the victim’s families, and led to the filing of this legislation by lawmakers.
$3,000 bonuses offered to teachers who complete civics training
The State of Florida is offering one-time $3,000 bonuses to teachers who have completed 50 hours of formalized civics training as Gov. DeSantis continues his focus on education reform. The Republican governor has made civics instruction an important part of his education agenda, citing today’s knowledge gap in the subject area and the importance of knowing how the government functions as well as the duties of citizens. During an event this past week, DeSantis highlighted his effort to encourage civic education by announcing $3,000 bonuses to 4,500 teachers who have earned the “Civics Seal of Excellence” endorsement by fulfilling the requisite training. The endorsement is earned through a 55-hour online course developed by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and includes modules on the “historical and intellectual influences on the American Founders,” the U.S. Constitution, and an examination of the Florida Constitution. The course is currently at capacity with 20,000 teachers enrolled and another 14,000 on the waiting list.
Ukrainian President says Gov. DeSantis is wrong about U.S. funding for Ukraine
Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis said American support for Ukraine was not a “vital” national interest amid their ongoing war with Russia, characterizing it as a “territorial dispute.” The likely presidential candidate took issue with the Biden administration’s “blank check” funding for the Ukrainian war effort before characterizing it as a distraction to the “country’s most pressing challenges.” The statement came in response to a Fox News questionnaire sent to already-declared and potential Republican presidential candidates. DeSantis stated that the U.S. should not send F-16 jets or long-range missiles to Ukraine, despite the country’s plea, and opposed any Ukrainian offensive operations outside of their borders. He referenced China’s growing military presence as a greater concern to American interests. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not ignore the Florida governor’s statement, telling DeSantis that he is wrong. In an interview with The Atlantic, President Zelenskyy said if Ukraine does not have the necessary U.S.-provided weapons to fight Russia’s advances, they risk occupation of their country and neighboring countries that are NATO members. He argued this could force U.S. involvement, but also put Russia on the doorstep of another NATO ally, Poland. In addition to President Zelenskyy, many Republicans spoke out to denounce the Florida governor’s stance on the war, revealing a chasm in the party that will likely become a top issue leading into next year’s presidential election.
Florida manatee deaths drop in 2022
Last year proved to be a better year for Florida manatees than the prior year as data by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) show 800 manatees died. The number in 2021 was 1,101 – a record high – since manatee deaths began being tracked by FWC in 1974. Most of these deaths were caused by starvation due to a lack of food sources for the large marine mammals. However, the decline in 2022’s number of deaths is likely attributed to the establishment of a state feeding program and a milder winter season that has given manatees a better chance of survival. Additionally, from January 1 to February 3, 2023, with the feeding program beginning its second year, wildlife officials saw deaths decline versus the same period in 2022. In fact, the data showed a 48% decline from 2022 with 79 Florida manatees deaths reported, but experts say the efforts by the organized feeding program is not a long-term solution. Seagrass, the primary natural food source for the aquatic herbivores, has been dwindling due to declining water quality in coastal ecosystems due to increased development, pollution, and algae blooms. To offset this decline and curb the manatee death toll in 2022, the FWC purchased more than 200,000 pounds of romaine lettuce for a feeding trial. This year, they estimate the need to double that amount with private donations supporting the grocery purchase.
Poll: Florida voters support recreational marijuana, universal school choice
Florida voters favor legalizing recreational marijuana and universal school choice while opposing permitless carry of firearms and making school board electoral races partisan, according to a recent survey poll. The poll released by the University of North Florida following the start of the 2023 Legislative Session shows where registered Florida voters stand on a variety of policy issues, including those that legislators are currently debating in Tallahassee. On the topic of a proposed amendment to the State Constitution that would allow adults aged 21 or older to purchase and possess marijuana for recreational purposes, an overwhelming 70% of respondents said they support the proposal, with 29% opposing the measure. When asked their opinion on the now-passed legislation that would expand school vouchers to every K-12 student in Florida, regardless of financial need, more than half of those surveyed expressed support at 53% while 39% were not in favor of the program. Meanwhile, a majority (65%) of surveyed Florida voters disapproved a proposed constitutional amendment that would make local school board races partisan while just 26% supported the measure. The legislation is currently up for a floor vote in the House and is moving through Senate committees. On other controversial issues such as prohibiting Florida colleges and universities from supporting DEI programs or activities and allowing citizens to carry a concealed firearm without a permit, 61% and 77% of respondents oppose the proposals, respectively. Lastly, when respondents were asked their preference in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, 52% of the sample group said they backed Gov. DeSantis, followed by 27% for Donald Trump, and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley trailed behind in third with 4%.
Gov. DeSantis’ lasting legacy on the Supreme Court grows
In his first term as governor, DeSantis made a lasting imprint on the Florida Supreme Court with the appointment of four of the court’s seven justices, tipping the ideological balance on the bench further right. Now in his second term, the Republican governor will have the opportunity once again to further his legacy on the state’s highest court with the resignation of Justice Ricky Polston at the end of this month. Justice Polston notified DeSantis of his March 31 retirement in a brief resignation letter sent this week. Polston, appointed in 2008 by then-Republican Gov. Charlie Crist, has proven to be one of the Supreme Court’s most reliably conservative justices, including on gun-related regulations and taking a pro-life stance on issues. The resignation will lead to DeSantis’ appointment of a conservative jurist that likely won’t disrupt the current Republican tilt of the bench, However, the vacancy gives Gov. DeSantis the ability to exert additional influence on the bench before the high court hears legal challenges to several of his administration’s policies such as increased abortion restrictions and on school instruction of race and gender issues. Proposed legislation currently advancing in the legislature is also likely to be heard by the Supreme Court in the future.
Mayor of Tampa Bay’s third largest city abruptly resigns mid-meeting
The Mayor of the third largest city in the Tampa Bay Area abruptly resigned on Monday less than an hour into the City Council’s budget work session meeting. Mayor Frank Hibbard cited his concerns about the financial direction of the city and the decisions of his fellow colleagues on the City Council. During Monday’s meeting, the council was discussing direction on more than two dozen capital projects and a $250 million deficit in funding these projects. When the conversation shifted to making the city’s $90 million new city hall and municipal services building a budget priority, despite a $60 million shortfall on the project, Mayor Hibbard was the lone dissenting voice on the council. He raised concerns of moving forward on the city hall project without first determining where the money will come from to fund it, saying it was “reckless spending.” Visibly frustrated, the Mayor called for a five-minute recess, and when the council reconvened, Hibbard announced his resignation before walking off the dais. "This is probably one of the toughest things I've done in my life," he said. "But I know it's right because I'm not a quitter. But I'm not the right leader for this council anymore. And I'm concerned where the city is going because this is simple math and we're not doing very well on the test. But I can tell I'm not the right person." He added, “...as much as I love the city and as much as I want to stick around for some of the things that are going to occur over the next several months, I'm simply not the right person to be here any longer so I wish all of you the best." The now-former Mayor’s term was set to expire in March 2024. He was not seeking reelection.
Orange County Public Schools debuts Florida’s first electric buses
Orange County has become the first school district in Florida to roll out a pilot program for all-electric school buses that will transport students to and from three designated Central Florida schools. Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) launched the program in February with six plug-in electric buses on the road as part of an evaluation that will determine whether the more expensive vehicles save money long term with reduced fuel and maintenance costs. Of course, the initiative is also part of a broader sustainability goal of lowering carbon emissions and will examine the feasibility of an all-electric bus fleet serving the entire school district. A $2 million grant from the Florida Department of Education helped offset the purchases of the new electric buses, which cost about three times more than their diesel counterparts at around $360,000 per vehicle. The district has a current fleet of 1,000 buses that transport roughly 69,000 students every day. Each plug-in electric bus has a range between 100 to 200 miles.
Tampa Bay Rays offer baseball’s best season ticket deal
In an effort to boost home game attendance, the Tampa Bay Rays are offering a new season pass for fans this season at $49 a month, or $249 for entry to all 81 home games at Tropicana Field, with a standing-room-only ticket. The Ballpark Pass will give Rays fans access to several standing-room locations in the outfield on a first-come, first-served basis with no blackout dates. The Pass went on sale this week and ticket buyers will have the ability to add a guest pass at $10 per game (subject to change). The team plans to sell about 750 passes.
The best city to live in the U.S.: Naples, Florida
It’s not Miami, Tampa, or Orlando. The best city to live in the United States was just named and Naples, Florida was No. 1. Nonprofit educational research and scholarship database company Scholaroo conducted the research by analyzing 151 American cities across nine indicators that included the economy, healthcare, education, employment, affordability, infrastructure, safety, happiness, and entertainment. Naples scored high for healthcare and education with both a high concentration of hospitals and public schools. The city also ranked high for bridge safety but lagged behind in affordability with the highest median home value of all cities analyzed. According to the research, the second best city in the U.S. to live in was Carmel, Indiana. Meanwhile, for other Florida cities, Tampa ranked No. 14, Melbourne at No. 21, followed by Pensacola, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville at 33, 38, and 46, respectively. Miami came in at No. 124 on the list, a disappointing position after Time magazine and Forbes reported it as one of the best places to live in both the country and the world.
St. Petersburg hosts Tall Ships festival
From March 30 to April 2, 2023, St. Petersburg will host a fleet of intricately designed tall ships along the waterfront and complete with live entertainment, historical exhibits, photo ops, kids’ activities, and Q&A forums with the ship captains. Visitors to the four-day maritime event will be able to board four “traditionally rigged vessels” docked in St. Pete’s harbor to get an up-close view of what it was like to sail in the 19th century or earlier. One ship present at this festival will be the Pride of Baltimore II, an 1812-era fast sailing ship constructed of wood with a rig height that stands 107 feet tall. The event is organized by Tall Ships America, a nonprofit that preserves maritime heritage and education with this annual tour across the country. Tickets start at $9.95 for general admission.
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