Story Timeline

Mar 14, 2026

Florida Session Ends With Hard-Right Policy Surge Despite Budget Collapse

Voter ID, campus guns, Cuba regime-change language, and data center NDAs all head to DeSantis as lawmakers failed to pass a state budget

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Republicans closed out a legislative session that failed to produce a state budget by sending Gov. Ron DeSantis a stack of hard-right policy bills in the final hours, including m...

Mar 14, 2026

Overdorf Ends 8-Year House Run, Targets 2028 Senate Seat

The Palm City Republican, who shaped Treasure Coast water policy and human trafficking laws for Martin and St. Lucie counties, opens up District 85 with his farewell.

Rep. Toby Overdorf, a Palm City Republican who has represented Martin and St. Lucie counties in the Florida House since 2018, delivered a farewell address to his colleagues this week. He is closing ou...

Mar 14, 2026

Fort Pierce Rep's Bill Targets Illegal Gambling with Felony Penalties, Returns to Senate

With one day left in session, Rep. Dana Trabulsy's measure bounces back after House tweaks technical language, promising tougher crackdowns on Treasure Coast operators.

A bill championed by Fort Pierce Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy that would sharply increase penalties for running illegal gambling operations is bouncing between chambers with just one day left in the ...

Mar 17, 2026

Florida Lawmakers Kill Bill to Slash Rideshare Insurance for Pre-Pickup Phase

The failed proposal would have dropped liability coverage from $1 million to $50,000 before drivers pick up passengers, keeping high standards intact for Treasure Coast riders and Uber, Lyft operators.

A proposal to reduce insurance requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers during the window between accepting a ride and picking up a passenger died this session after stalling in the Senate and never rec...