MORTGAGE CRISIS

Gov. Crist weighs suspending foreclosures during holidays

Gov. Charlie Crist is considering a temporary freeze on mortgage foreclosures to help strapped homeowners.

FLORIDA BUDGET

State deficit grows; will taxes have to rise?

State economists punched a $2.1 billion hole in the state budget Friday, precipitating the need for a special lawmaking session and talk of possible tax increases.

Economists: Florida's budget deficit could hit $2.3 billion

Florida's budget gap could widen by up to $1.5 billion as state economists meet Friday morning to revise the state's revenue forecast for the first time since the economic crisis took on global dimensions this fall.

Gov. Crist proposes universities raise own tuitions

Bowing to the pleas of Florida's cash-starved state universities, Gov. Charlie Crist Thursday announced a plan that would give all 11 schools the power to raise tuition by as much as 15 percent yearly.

LEGISLATURE

New faces in Florida Legislature to get crack at budget challenges

State legislators welcomed new members and elected new leaders but faced continuing budget challenges brought on by an economy that's still experiencing hard times.

New Florida Legislature leaders face budget challenges

Acknowledging the state's challenging fiscal crisis, Florida legislators voted in two new Republican leaders for the next two-year term on Tuesday.

FLORIDA POLITICS

Glory of victory eludes both Democrats, Republicans

As both parties lick their election wounds, there's no shortage of criticism and advice within Republican and Democratic circles about how to prepare for the next bout.

LEGISLATURE

State Senate chief extends olive branch to former rival

The incoming state Senate president patched up a two-year rift by naming a former rival to a powerful committee chairmanship.

TALLAHASSEE

Florida finance chief calls for special session to deal with budget

Florida's finance chief says state government should call for a special legislative session to deal with economic problems.

State finance chief: get ready for 'ugly' budget hole

Calling Florida's financial outlook ''ugly,'' the chief steward of the state's dwindling checkbook announced Wednesday that Gov. Charlie Crist and the state Legislature need to hold an extra-ordinary lawmaking session as soon as possible.

Florida GOP: Obama won with our playbook

Republican political advisors say Obama's campaign has strengthened Democrats and made Florida `a different world.'

INSIDE THE CAMPAIGN

Inside story: How Obama won Florida

It took passion, precision and a little bit a luck for the Obama team to turn Florida from red to blue

Florida GOP: Obama won with our playbook

Republican political advisors say Obama's campaign has strengthened Democrats and made Florida `a different world.'

Inside story: How Obama won Florida

It took passion, precision and a little bit a luck for the Obama team to turn Florida from red to blue

LEGISLATURE

Florida's billion-dollar deficit is growing

Florida's cash shortfall is growing, now at a projected $1.25 billion. That's according to an e-mail legislators received Tuesday from the Department of Financial Services, notifying them of the deficit brought about by declining general revenue receipts.

MIAMI-DADE LEGISLATURE ROUNDUP

Few surprises in Miami-Dade legislative elections

Legislative incumbents and well-financed newcomers won legislative races in Miami-Dade County Tuesday.

Amendment 1 often misinterpreted, proponents say

A constitutional amendment on Florida's ballot asks voters to wipe away an obsolete piece of the state's racist history.

AMENDMENT 1

Ballot item targets obscure racist law

A ballot amendment asks voters to wipe away an obsolete piece of Florida's racist history.

Amendment 1 often misinterpreted, proponents say

A constitutional amendment on Florida's ballot asks voters to wipe away an obsolete piece of the state's racist history.