Florida Supreme Court to hear abortion case in September, Farmers Insurance withdraws, Florida ranks No. 1 in inflation, and more...
July 16, 2023 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
State Supreme Court to hear arguments in abortion case this September
The Florida Supreme Court has scheduled arguments for September 8th in a case that could have significant implications for abortion rights in the state. The lawsuit challenges a Florida law passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022 that banned abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The outcome of the Court’s decision will also impact a bill signed by the governor this year that prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The legal facts to be considered by the Court could determine whether the privacy clause in the Florida Constitution protects abortion rights. Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office asks the Supreme Court to depart from decades of legal precedent and give the Legislature control over abortion restrictions. Attorneys representing abortion clinics and a doctor challenging the 15-week limit argue that the Court should uphold the decades-long interpretation of the privacy clause. Although a Leon County Circuit Judge previously granted a temporary injunction after agreeing with the plaintiffs that the law violated the state Constitution, a panel from the 1st District Court of Appeal overturned the ruling. The panel's decision was based on the argument that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate "irreparable harm" resulting from the 15-week limit. But the six-week abortion law passed this year can only take effect pending a favorable outcome by the Supreme Court regarding the challenge to the earlier 15-week law. The case will likely shape the future of abortion access in Florida for generations and the increasingly conservative Court seems poised to side with the state’s arguments.
Farmers Insurance becomes latest insurer to leave the state
Farmers Insurance Group has announced its departure from Florida, further exacerbating the challenges faced by homeowners who are already grappling with soaring insurance costs. Citing the need to “manage risk exposure,” the company will no longer write new policies or renew existing homeowner, auto, and umbrella policies in the state. The decision is estimated to impact 100,000 policyholders and about 30% of Farmers’ total policies in Florida. This announcement marks the fourth insurer to withdraw from the state within the past year, citing escalating risks posed by hurricanes. The company, which operates nationwide, has also reduced its new business in California due to extreme weather conditions and wildfire threats. On the day prior to Farmers’ announcement, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis pledged – via Twitter – to hold the insurer “accountable” for leaving the state through “every avenue possible.” The state’s Office of Insurance Regulation is reviewing the notice Farmers sent to customers, which under law must be at least 120 days before policies are canceled. Last month, Farmers announced that they would stop writing new policies in Florida due to “catastrophe costs at historically high levels” and mounting “reconstruction costs.” However, the state's property insurance market has been in turmoil for years, with expensive lawsuits and a string of hurricanes since 2017 triggering heavy losses for insurers. Florida already boasts the highest property insurance premiums in the country, and coupled with numerous insolvencies and insurers ceasing to write new policies, the state legislature has sought to ease market concerns by implementing reforms in both 2022 and 2023. However, despite legislative efforts, insurance premiums continue to rise, placing an additional burden on homeowners already struggling with exorbitant costs. According to the state’s Office of Insurance Regulation, premiums in Miami-Dade County increased by 5% between November and March, reaching an average of $5,665. The rate increases were nearly double in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, at 9.5% and 9.25%, respectively.
Florida ranks No. 1 in inflation, DeSantis faces the criticism
Despite having been critical of President Joe Biden and national Democrats for rising prices and fiscal mismanagement, Gov. DeSantis is facing high inflation in his own state. New data reveals that prices in Florida soar above the national inflation rate as calculated by the Consumer Price Index, which currently sits at 4%. In fact, the inflation rate is highest in Florida than anywhere else in the country. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area saw a 9% jump in prices in the 12 months leading up to April, while the Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater area experienced an inflation rate of 7.3% in the year ending in May. This poses a challenge for DeSantis and his faltering 2024 presidential campaign, subjecting the Republican governor to sharp disapproval from opponents in his inability to control rising prices which the majority of Americans say is their leading concern. Pundits argue that while the governor may not control inflation, it speaks to a wider problem for DeSantis as the Sunshine State has been embroiled in an affordability crisis for years. This includes record housing prices, rising insurance costs, and an exodus of insurers from the state – issues that Democrats and opponents will seize upon to point out that the governor’s policies aren’t working. Despite the challenges, people continued to flock to the state and ranked No. 1 in total net migration from July 2021 to July 2022, further driving up home prices and rents in major markets thanks to elevated demand. Luckily for DeSantis, the state is enjoying a low unemployment rate – at 2.6% in May – versus the national average of 3.7%. A key highlight that will likely be issued by the candidate on the campaign trail to thwart incoming attacks.
Dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ found in Florida tap water, reveals study
Three cities in Florida – Gainesville, Tampa Bay, and Fort Myers – have been revealed to contain carcinogenic chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to a recent study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey. PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," do not break down in the environment or in human bodies and are used in various products for their resistance to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. The study, which tested private wells and public water sources across the country from 2016 to 2021, found detectable amounts of PFAS in these water sources in Florida. These chemicals have been linked to health issues including cancer, developmental delays in children, weakened immune systems, thyroid disease, liver damage, and even obesity and high cholesterol, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Gainesville had the highest concentration of PFAS, with seven to nine out of 32 compounds tested showing detectable levels. Tampa Bay and Fort Myers had detectable traces of up to three types of PFAS. Nearly 50% of all tap water across the country carries PFAS, with the detectable levels of these chemicals often attributed to unregulated industries that contribute to pollution.
Disney CEO pushes back on DeSantis’ claims about company
In a year-and-a-half of controversy and scrutiny in Florida, Disney CEO Bob Iger has become vocal against Gov. DeSantis' claims about the company, dismissing them as "preposterous.” Following the entertainment giant’s opposition to a 2022 state law that limited classroom discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation, DeSantis repeatedly accused Disney of "sexualizing children" and has since claimed theme park attendance has dropped as a result of their unapologetic stance and battle with state officials. Iger defended his company's right to challenge a Florida law that restricted instruction on controversial topics in schools. He emphasized that Disney's primary goal is to “tell wonderful stories and have a positive impact on the world,” and rejected any suggestion that the company sexualizes children as “preposterous.” As Chief Executive, Iger also addressed a Wall Street Journal report about decreased theme park attendance on July 4 that pointed to shorter wait times for attractions compared to previous years. However, he attributed it to factors such as sweltering temperatures and increased competition for amusement parks and destinations in other states after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Regardless of Iger’s defense of the company, Gov. DeSantis has continued to claim that Disney's positions on various issues are impacting the company's sales, suggesting that parents may be reluctant to bring their children to Disney properties.
Disney asks judge to dismiss lawsuit against company
The latest in the legal saga between Disney, Gov. DeSantis, and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board of supervisors that oversees the governing district of Disney World, has the entertainment company asking a state judge to dismiss a lawsuit related to the company's battle against the governor-appointed oversight board. The lawsuit is one of two cases related to the conflict between Disney and Florida officials, which resulted in the company’s self-governing authority being stripped with the restructuring of their special taxing district and the appointment of a new supervisory board. The feud was sparked by the company's opposition to the Parental Rights in Education Act, also known as the “Don't Say Gay” bill by critics. During a recent hearing before Circuit Judge Margaret Schreiber, Disney's attorneys argued for the dismissal of the plaintiff’s lawsuit because the court's decision would be irrelevant as the Republican-controlled Legislature has already passed a law that voids agreements made between Disney and the previous governing board. If the judge decides not to dismiss the case, Disney has requested that it be put on hold until a related federal lawsuit filed by the company is resolved. The judge has yet to make a decision but has asked both parties to prepare orders for her consideration. Disney has accused DeSantis and other officials of violating its free speech rights and acting in retribution for their objections to a legislative priority, while the governor has criticized the company for being too "woke."
Hillsborough County proposes $9B budget
Hillsborough County commissioners will review a proposed budget of $9.12 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget represents a significant increase of over $626 million, or 7.4% in spending, primarily driven by inflation, increased spending requests from constitutional officers (i.e. sheriff, clerk of the court, school board, tax collector, etc.) and outside agencies, and salary and benefit adjustments for government employees. The budget recommends maintaining the current tax rates for property owners, although the 11.7% rise in property assessments this year will still result in increased tax bills for homeowners come November 1.
The day-to-day operations of the county government account for approximately $3.7 billion of the budget, while the remaining funds are set aside for construction projects, reserves, and other accounts. The proposed budget also includes the use of $56.6 million from the community investment tax, a half-cent sales tax, for various capital projects. These projects include road repaving, a sheriff's training facility, jail renovations, a new fire station, and an African American Cultural Center, among others. The County anticipates budget difficulty next year and the years ahead due to inflationary pressures and forecasts of a lagging economy. The budget-setting process will continue, with the commission scheduled to determine the tax rate on July 27. The new fiscal year will commence on October 1.
Parents may soon be able to appeal school boards’ decisions on book bans
In a significant change to book objection procedures, Florida school boards will no longer have the final say on challenges to educational or library reading materials. A provision added to a law on book objections could allow parents to request an appeal to a state magistrate if they oppose a school district's decision on a challenge. The magistrate would review all relevant information and provide recommendations to the State Board of Education, which has the authority to make the final decision. The proposed rule requires school districts to bear the cost of review to any challenge. Additionally, schools will be forced to remove any book that receives a complaint about sexual material within five days. The provision aims to provide a method for communities to express their concerns, whether advocating for the return or removal of a book in schools. However, critics worry that districts may preemptively remove books to avoid the cost of the magistrate review. Other concerns include the objectivity of the process, given the appointments to the State Board of Education by Gov. DeSantis, who has advocated for parents’ ability to object any questionable reading materials in the classroom. The Florida Department of Education is currently seeking public input on the proposed rule to implement the magistrate process.
Florida Democrats get bold at annual gala, target DeSantis
Members and leaders of the Florida Democratic Party gathered at the annual Leadership Blue weekend in Miami Beach with a renewed sense of purpose, aiming to revive the party's prospects ahead of the 2024 elections. The event served as a launch for a more aggressive and energized state party under new party chair Nikki Fried, signaling a shift from years of financial struggles and disappointing election results. During the 2022 midterm election, in which Gov. Ron DeSantis won reelection by a staggering 19.4 percentage points, statewide Democrats saw some of their greatest losses and shed 331,000 registered party voters in the lead-up to Election Day. As the once-purple state saw an ideological shift further to the right, the annual event doubled as a strategy session for Florida Democrats to return to political competitiveness and regain the appeal of voters. With Gov. Ron DeSantis' struggling presidential campaign becoming a focal point for party leaders, Fried called for pushing back against the governor’s policies and rallying against his presidency, hoping these efforts could unite their fractured political coalition. The gala featured a series of speakers who criticized DeSantis in vulgar terms and even included a drag show aimed at DeSantis and new laws targeting drag shows and LGBTQ issues. Florida Democrats continue to face significant challenges, including a Republican supermajority in both the state House and Senate and a deficit of more than 500,000 registered voters compared to Republicans. Raising money to achieve their bold plans could also prove to be an uphill battle. However, throughout the sold-out gala, the party expressed optimism, renewed energy, and a belief that a new day is dawning for the party.
First Lady Casey DeSantis launches ‘Mamas for DeSantis’ initiative
First Lady Casey DeSantis, the wife of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, embarked on her first solo campaign trip to Iowa last week to launch "Mamas for DeSantis," a grassroots effort aimed at garnering support for her husband's presidential campaign. In a crowded barn outside of Des Moines, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds joined Casey DeSantis to share stories of motherhood and highlighted "parental rights" policies implemented in their respective states. The event emphasized the importance of protecting children's innocence against the progressive left and upholding parental decision-making. First Lady DeSantis, who gained over 1.1 million followers with her previous "Mamas for DeSantis" initiative during her husband's gubernatorial campaign, believes that mothers and grandmothers will be pivotal in the upcoming election. "We're mobilizing millions, millions of moms and grandmothers across the United States of America in defense of the innocence of our children and protecting the rights of parents,” Casey DeSantis said. “There are a lot of bad things going on. But I can tell you with what Gov. DeSantis has done, he will lead the charge, and he will clean house, and he will ensure that parents have the right to be able to make the decisions that they think best for their family." The focus on parental rights has been amplified within Republican politics, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with conservative parents expressing concerns about school closures, mask mandates, and curriculum content. The DeSantis campaign seeks to leverage this enthusiasm to rally support and the Florida governor's own emphasis on family values. Casey DeSantis' active role in her husband’s presidential campaign is seen as an asset and part of a broader strategy to resonate with Republican women, who have emerged as a significant, mobilization force in the national political landscape.
DeSantis’ presidential campaign raises $20M in 6 weeks
Gov. DeSantis has raised an impressive $20 million within the first six weeks of announcing his presidential run, according to his campaign. Despite a rocky campaign launch on Twitter in May, the Florida governor’s fundraising success indicates strong support yet continues to lag behind frontrunner Donald Trump. In addition to recent polling that continues to show him trailing behind the former president, the Trump team has announced that it raised $35 million between his campaign and his leadership PAC in the second fundraising quarter that ended on June 30. However, this figure is inclusive of three full months of fundraising by the Republican primary rival, compared to DeSantis’ donations reported in just a six-week period. Trump also saw a big boost in fundraising following legal issues and ongoing investigations, including a 37-count indictment by a federal grand jury in June. Meanwhile, the DeSantis’ campaign celebrated the fundraising total as “the largest first-quarter filing from any non-incumbent Republican candidate in more than a decade.” The Never Back Down super PAC supporting the governor’s presidential bid has also brought in $130 million since launching in March, per a spokesman for the group.
New College of Florida asks for $2M to fight ‘cancel culture’
The revamped New College of Florida is pushing forward with a plan to request $2 million from the state Legislature to fight the prevailing “cancel culture” in higher education by establishing a Freedom Institute. The Board of Trustees’ proposed institute would champion “tolerance of opposing views” and encourage civil discourse. The majority of the funding, around $1.75 million, would be allocated to hiring academics who would work and teach on campus, offering courses for credit. The funding proposal is subject to approval during next year’s legislative session. The institute aims to offer “short courses open to the public,” organize “live events” that promote “free speech principles,” and provide “professional development programs” for educators. The moves would be an effort to attract new donors and increase the profile of New College of Florida with a renewed reputation as a classical liberal arts college, according to the school’s president. This funding request comes as part of ongoing changes at the liberal arts school, after being scrutinized by Gov. DeSantis earlier this year and replacing the school’s board with conservative appointees and installing former House Speaker and state education commissioner Richard Corcoran as the interim president.
$400M renovation project for Florida Gators’ football stadium
The University of Florida's (UF) iconic football program and their renowned Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, fondly known as ‘The Swamp,’ are set to undergo a $400 million renovation. Athletics Director Scott Stricklin announced the plans to revamp the 93-year-old stadium, citing the need to modernize the fan experience while preserving its traditional elements. The project will encompass various aspects, including upgrades to entry gates, seating, concessions, and restrooms, as well as enhancements to the video board and sound system. UF has conducted extensive studies over the past five years, engaging with experts in venue design and experience to explore potential solutions with an architectural firm. The forthcoming firm will be responsible for presenting their renovation options, construction plans, and phasing strategies to university leaders. The estimated $400 million football stadium renovation will be the largest facility project in the history of the school’s athletics department and involve a fundraising campaign to support the project funding. The search for the architect will commence in July, with final costs, timeline, and seating capacity for a revitalized Swamp yet to be determined. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium currently seats around 90,000 fans and has undergone multiple expansions over its nearly 100-year history, but this will be the first major renovation for the facility.
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