Florida Politics

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appears to be supporting ICE poaching deputies from local law enforcement agencies. Not all sheriff's are thrilled with the idea. FOX 35's Matt Trezza explains why.

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings said at a news conference on Friday afternoon that he signed a new ICE agreement earlier this morning after pressure from the state. Earlier this month, Demings stated that the county would not participate in long-distance detainee transports, citing a shortage of correctional staff and budget constraints. That position has now escalated into a political standoff with the state, drawing scrutiny from both the attorney general and the governor.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier answered reporters' questions following a press conference on Wednesday afternoon in Marion County. One of the questions touched upon his threat to remove Orange County?s mayor and commissioners from office, accusing them of defying state law by refusing to assist with the transport of immigration detainees to a controversial detention facility in the Everglades known as "Alligator Alcatraz."

Another bear hunt could be happening at the end of this year in Florida. State officials are voting on the hunt next month. If passed, it would be held for three weeks in December.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is considering calling a special session to redraw the congressional districts in the Sunshine State. Florida currently has 28 congressional districts, and more could be on the way.

UCF Political Science Lecturer John Hanley joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live via Zoom to break down a new UNF poll which shows the 2026 Florida Governor's race within the margin of error between Congressman Byron Donalds and First Lady Casey DeSantis, with Matt Gaetz a clear third place.

The group "March For Our Lives" has launched a new campaign against United States Attorney General Pam Bondi. Jaclyn Corin, Parkland mass shooting survivor and "March for Our Lives" executive director, is leading the charge. The group says Bondi exploited the shooting to help advance her political career and that she betrayed her promises to those affected.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida Department of Health Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and other health officials have announced more than $200 million that will be allocated to cancer research and treatment funding in the state. The state is allocating $132.5 million to the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, $30 million for a new Cancer Connect Collaborative Incubator and will continue to fund the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, providing $60 million.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a press conference on Tuesday morning in Gainesville. During the press conference, DeSantis announced on-site audits of city and county governments starting July 31, targeting areas with complaints from taxpayers of wasteful spending. Over the last five years, DeSantis said taxpayers in Gainesville have watched as the local government has increased burdens on property owners. He said there was more than $30 million in additional ad valorem tax collections, which represents an increase of almost 86% since 2020. He said part of the increased spending is in the Gainesville operating budget, which has expanded by more than $90 million a year.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a press conference on Friday morning in Marco Island where he announced a new EAA Reservoir Agreement with the United States Army. During the press conference, DeSantis was asked about "Alligator Alcatraz's" impact on the Florida Everglades. DeSantis said the immigration detention center has "zero impact" on the Everglades and restoration efforts. He said the facility utilizes an already built, remote airstrip, incurring "no different footprint."