Page 19 - D Lighthouse Point News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Democrats express optimism at Tampa fundraiser despite GOP victories One of the speakers, U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, plans to make a big announcement next week.     Congressman Charlie Crist, seen here on Election Day on Nov. 3, 2020, spoke Saturday at a Democratic fundraiser in Tampa. He expressed optimism about the party despite the GOP's dominance, and is days away from making a big political announcement. [ MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Times ] Updated 2 hours ago TAMPA — U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist and other prominent state Democrats delivered a message of optimism about the future of th...

Florida lawmakers passed a $101.5 billion budget laden with federal COVID-19 relief cash and ended the 60-day legislative session Friday after sealing numerous political wins for Gov. Ron DeSantis by passing nearly all of his agenda.

Some Democrats also blasted the provision in the legislation that slowly increases the cap on Citizens’ annual rate hikes from 10% to 15% and argued that many of the insurance industry’s problems are self-inflicted. “I’m very troubled by the fact that in this bill we are going to allow Citizens insurance to raise the rates; there is no sugar coating this,” said Sen. Annette Taddeo, D-Miami. Boyd agreed to an amendment removing a provision in his bill involving roof repairs that was particularly troubling for some consumer advocates. Boyd’s bill originally allowed insurers to...

Legislators strip local governments of ability to regulate home-based businesses Mary Ellen Klas, The Miami Herald May 1—TALLAHASSEE — A bill that sent one of the strongest shudders through city and county governments because it prevents them from imposing new regulations on home-based businesses was passed Friday after the Florida Senate narrowly approved it on a botched vote on the final day of the legislative session. A priority of House Speaker Chris Sprowls, SB 403 requires local governments to regulate home-based businesses the same way they approach other commercial...

Florida Legislators pass more restrictions on local regulations Supporters of the measures say they are needed to stop the encroachment of local regulations, smooth out the uneven application of rules and increase business options.     Florida Sen. Travis Hutson speaks during a legislative session, Thursday, April 29, 2021, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. The natural gas industry was behind SB 1128 that will prevent local governments from banning natural gas as an energy source in new construction and restricts the ability of local governments to decrease the use of natural gas ob...