Florida Politics

School security is a hot topic this legislative session in Tallahassee, Florida, especially after the Thursday shooting at Florida State University (FSU). Lawmakers are debating several gun-related bills, just blocks away from where the shooting happened. FOX 35's Evan Axelbank explains how this mass shooting is impacting the session.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier joins FOX 35 to talk about some of the latest political headlines and news in the state. The AG reflects after the Florida State University (FSU) shooting on Thursday, as well as discusses immigration crack downs and safety concerns over video game "Roblox."

Hope Florida hosted its first board meeting since a scandal erupted surrounding the program. State lawmakers are holding hearings into how money from a state Medicaid settlement was funneled through the foundation into a political action committee controlled by the governor's top ally. FOX 35's Evan Axelbank reports some state lawmakers say it's possible laws were broken.

Florida is one step closer to banning fluoride in its water. The state senate passed a bill last night to prevent local cities and counties from using the additive. However, it's not a done deal yet, because the bill still has to pass the house. FOX 35's Chris Lindsay explains why some lawmakers are calling the bill "a joke."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a press conference at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, at the Florida Highway Patrol Station in Fort Myers. DeSantis was joined by Dave Kerner, executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and the two spoke on the importance of law enforcement in the community.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi hosted a press conference Wednesday morning at the United States Department of Justice to announce a civil lawsuit against Maine in an effort to challenge the state's policy regarding transgender athletes competing in girls' and women's sports. This comes after Maine said it would not comply with the federal government's demands to ban transgender athletes from girls’ sports, a move that would violate state law. At the event, Bondi was joined by several key speakers, including former athlete and anti-trans activist Riley Gaines.

A bill is now headed to the Florida house that's meant to help local governments prepare for better hurricane response. The bill passed the senate this week, but it still needs to be fine-tuned with the house's version before it can go to a committee or floor vote.

A Florida welfare assistance program led by First Lady Casey DeSantis is facing new scrutiny from lawmakers who want an accounting of where they money is and who's helping. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says House Republican leaders are using this as an excuse to batter him and his wife politically and she considers a run for governor.

President Donald J. Trump's immigration crackdown is being tested in the courts. Judges handed down several rulings on various cases. FOX 35's Caroline Shively has the details from Washington, D.C.

School districts across Florida could lose millions of dollars in funding for acceleration programs, and these cuts could have a big impact on families as their students prepare for college. The bill in the house would cut funding by 50% for programs such as advanced placement, international baccalaureate, career-technical courses and dual enrollment. The measure, along with another bill in the senate, would change how schools calculate enrollment and funding.

The Brevard County School District says it's sticking by Florida law and not renewing a teacher's contract after she called a student by their preferred name without parental approval. The decision has sparked protests by students, but the district says there are consequences for actions.

On Thursday, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on social media that his office is officially charging Ryan Routh for attempting to assassinate then-presidential candidate Donald J. Trump. Uthmeier thanked Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel for their help with the matter, saying "we now have a federal government willing to work with the states to pursue justice."

The Florida House has just approved a measure that would change "The Gulf of Mexico" to "The Gulf of America" in school textbooks. The measure would also change the name in all state documents.

State Attorney Monique Worrell wants local law enforcement to get arrest warrants before bringing a case to her office. However, the sheriff's office says they do not support this move. The Orange County Sheriff's Office says they even asked the state attorney's office to pause the policy, but that request was denied.