Florida

A tale of two states: Arizona and Florida diverge on how to expand kids’ health insurance

Both Florida and Arizona want to expand eligibility for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP, but their approaches to charging low-income families premiums for the coverage showcase the nation’s ideological divide on helping the disadvantaged.

Florida allows doctors to perform C-sections outside of hospitals

The law aims to lower costs and make maternity services more widely available, but doctors and the hospital industry say that performing C-sections in doctor-run clinics will increase the risks for women and babies when complications arise.

Florida’s school safety dashboard helps parents and teachers address root causes of misbehavior

COMMENTARY | School leaders can use the dashboard to identify areas of concern in their own school—such as an increasing pattern of fights—and then develop evidence-based solutions and training to address the issues.

Republican attorneys general mount a new attack on the EPA’s use of civil rights law

Twenty-three states want the Biden administration's EPA to curtail its approach to environmental justice.

Florida is about to erase climate change from most of its laws

The state is spending big on adapting to sea level rise, but Republicans don't want to name the cause.

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Medication aides could help states remedy health care worker shortages

Nursing homes are squeezed between a workforce shortage and a swelling older adult population. States are trying to address both issues with one solution: medication aides.

Supreme Court to take up two state laws on social media

The high court will hear challenges to Florida and Texas laws that seek to control how social media platforms “censor” disfavored political views.

Can the future of passenger rail be found between Miami and Orlando?

The debut of Brightline service linking Miami to the central Florida tourist mecca is giving rail advocates hope that passenger rail will gain popularity elsewhere, too.

How Florida Became the Center of the Republican Universe

Gov. Ron DeSantis has racked up solidly conservative policy wins. But will his record resonate with voters in the middle?

Families Earning Over $100,000 Eligible for Miami-Dade Rent Relief

The county is considered one of the most expensive in the U.S. for housing. But under a newly expanded local program, households of four with incomes under $136,500 annually would qualify for emergency rental assistance.

A Governor Declares Dec. 23 a Holiday for State Employees

"This is just another way to show our appreciation to our dedicated state workers," the state chief executive said.

Florida Prosecutors Reach Deal With Former State Worker Charged With Computer Crime

Rebekah Jones drew national headlines when she said Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration manipulated Covid data, an allegation that remains unsubstantiated. She was later charged with illegally accessing a state computer system.

DeSantis Dominates in Winning Second Term

The Florida governor's victory comes as questions swirl around whether he'll run for president in 2024.

How Hurricane Ian and Other Disasters Are Becoming a Growing Source of Inequality

COMMENTARY | It's an issue even among the middle class, experts say.

'We've Never Seen a Flood Event Like This': Ian's Devastating Hit to Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis described "historic" damage to parts of the state from the hurricane, which made landfall with winds around 150 mph and caused massive flooding.

Florida Insurers Temporarily Blocked from Dropping Policies as Hurricane Ian Slams State

The state's property insurance market was facing troubles before the storm.

3 Reasons Hurricane Ian Poses a Major Flooding Hazard for Florida

COMMENTARY | A meteorologist explains why the looming storm could be especially dangerous for the state's Gulf Coast.

Florida Elected Official Still Serves Although She Lives in Georgia

A Hollywood city commissioner bought a house out of state to care for her ill daughter and mainly resides there, carrying out her duties and attending meetings remotely.

Florida Gov. DeSantis Touts Teacher Proposals Amid Statewide Shortage

The governor teased legislation aimed at recruiting retired law-enforcement officers, paramedics and firefighters who have bachelor’s degrees.

What They Do For Fun: The Hobbies of Florida Lawmakers

Poker, extreme sports and 'wolf spider husbandry' are among the ways they spend their time away from the Legislature.