Special session called to close state budget gap

Florida's legislative leaders announced Monday that they will convene an extraordinary lawmaking session Jan. 5 to close the state's ever-widening $2.3 billion budget hole.

INSURANCE

Property insurance company wants refund from state's hurricane catastrophe fund

The state overcharged for the amount of backup insurance it was offering in its hurricane catastrophe fund, says a property insurance company.

CHARLIE CRIST'S WEDDING DAY

Here comes the guv: Crist wedding bonds power with wealth

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist will wed socialite Carole Rome on Friday in a St. Petersburg ceremony that bonds his power with her wealth.

THE WEDDING LIST

Who's coming? Some names have leaked

Look for top political donors, Florida State University fraternity brothers, lobbyists and state officials as well as family and friends to be among the gussied-up guests arriving in St. Petersburg Friday for Gov. Charlie Crist's wedding.

Crist isn't the first Florida governor to wed while in office

When it comes to wedding stories, no governor is likely to top former Florida Gov. Claude R. Kirk Jr. Days before his inaugural ball in January 1967, Kirk announced that a mystery woman would be attending and he would introduce her to the world as his beloved. Reports are that at least three recent flames of the new governor arrived that night, dressed to kill, expecting to be revealed as The One.

TALLAHASSEE

Lawton Chiles' son says Florida is in hall of shame on children's services

The widow and a son of former Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles said the state lacks a commitment to children's services.

U.S. SUGAR

Lawmakers seek to postpone vote on sugar deal

Miami-Dade lawmakers, with a litany of concerns over state's sugar land-purchase deal, asked for a legislative review.

FLORIDA

Florida's budget deficit jumps by $150 million to $2.3 billion

Florida's budget deficit widened to $2.3 billion, forcing state lawmakers and officials to consider many ideas, like cutting Medicaid and housing inmates in tent cities.

INSURANCE

Crist unveils new low-cost health insurance

The 3.8 million uninsured Floridians will have the option to buy affordable health insurance plans starting Jan. 5 under Gov. Charlie Crist's Cover Florida health initiative.

TALLAHASSEE

Florida lacking on child welfare, Chiles group says

The widow and son of former Gov. Lawton Chiles are using the 10th anniversary of his death to claim that Florida is backsliding on his signature issue: the state's commitment to taking care of its children.

AGRICULTURE

'Yellow Dragon' threat could decimate groves

Florida's citrus crop faces a new threat from a disease called Yellow Dragon in the next decade, agriculture officials say.

THE LEGISLATURE

Four Dade lawmakers win top spots

South Florida will have a strong voice in the Legislature with four Dade lawmakers being named to coveted positions of clout.

THE LEGISLATURE

Lawmakers to review Crist's gambling pact with Seminoles

A Florida House committee will help decide the future of a suspended gambling agreement with the Seminole tribe.

Miami-Dade lawmakers land key appointments

TALLAHASSEE -- From controlling the state's purse strings to corralling Republicans, Miami-Dade's legislators have landed a few top spots in the state House and Senate that underscore South Florida's clout.

Crist defends pricey trade-mission tab

Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday defended the $430,000 cost of a 12-day European trade mission last summer. The trip, paid for by Florida businesses, cost far more than the original estimate of $255,000, and included $1,300 in room-service charges and $320 for portable electric fans to keep Crist cool, according to an analysis by the Sun Sentinel.

Florida official: 'yellow dragon' disease threatens citrus industry

Florida's $9.3 billion citrus industry could be wiped out in just a decade if a virulent Chinese disease known as ''yellow dragon'' is left unchecked, the executive director of the state's citrus department told lawmakers Tuesday.

FLORIDA SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Inquiry urged into remains buried at school for boys

Former residents of the Florida School for Boys recounted painful memories while pushing the state to investigate the unmarked graves at the school and identify the bodies.

Inquiry urged into remains buried at school for boys

Convinced the 32 unmarked graves at the Florida School for Boys in Marianna are the bodies of boys abused and killed decades ago there, four former residents of the school are demanding the governor and state and federal attorneys investigate.

TALLAHASSEE

Florida GOP chairman billed party for personal expenses

State Republican chief Jim Greer, already under fire for his spending decisions during the election, charged personal expenses to the party.

Gov. Chiles family threatens to sue Gov. Crist over fund

In stark and angry terms, the family of former Gov. Lawton Chiles threatened to sue Gov. Charlie Crist and top legislative leaders if they try to balance the budget by raiding the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund for poor kids and senior citizens.

CAMPAIGN 2010 | U.S. SENATE

Alex Sink may face Jeb Bush in Senate race

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink said she might run for U.S. Senate seat, even if former Gov. Jeb Bush runs.

Bush v. Sink for U.S. Senate?

Bush v. Sink for U.S. Senate? Alex Sink, the state's chief financial officer, said she's seriously considering running for the U.S. Senate -- even if it means facing former Gov. Jeb Bush in the 2010 elections.

Crist, Fla. banks halt foreclosures for 45 days

Florida's bankers and credit unions announced Monday that they'd suspend foreclosing on homeowners for the next 45 days. Gov. Charlie Crist called a press conference to announce the halt in foreclosures, but neither he nor the president of the Florida Bankers Association, Alex Sanchez, could say just how many people this could help.

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.

CAMPAIGN 2008

Broward legislative districts' lean to left could aid 2 challengers

An anti-Republican shift in Broward's swing legislative districts could provide an opening for two Democratic political newcomers.

CAMPAIGN 2008 | FLORIDA

Crist would campaign for McCain if asked

As Republican Party of Florida officials gathered this weekend for their quarterly meeting, Ana Trinque came with a question. The chairwoman of the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee said people have been asking her why they were seeing renewable energy ads on television touting the governor "and not seeing him on ads endorsing McCain.''

FLORIDA VOTERS' POLL | AMENDMENTS

Florida gay-marriage ban draws wide support in poll

A statewide poll shows voters favoring a gay-marriage ban but narrowly rejecting an amendment that would allow higher sales taxes for community colleges.

Lawyer group opposes same-sex marriage amendment

Members of the legal community are joining forces in opposition to a statewide ballot measure that would ban gay marriage by specifying that marriage is a union between a man and a woman.

ELECTIONS

Law puts thousands of Florida voter IDs in question

Florida's controversial 'no-match' law has already called into question thousands of new voter registrations.

GAMBLING IN FLORIDA

Developer wants casinos in Miami Beach, downtown Miami

Developers are preparing a pitch to voters for full casino gambling in downtown Miami.

GAMBLING | SEMINOLE TRIBE

Seminole gaming pact now in Legislature's hands

The Florida Supreme Court refused to allow new arguments over its rejection of the deal that allowed the Seminole Tribe to offer table games and Vegas-style slots.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

Lawmakers plug part of state budget hole

State legislators began plugging a $1.5 billion budget hole Wednesday, leaving some of the tough decisions until November.

BROWARD ELECTIONS

Cash had big role in 3 narrow Broward races

Large campaign war chests might have cast the deciding vote in three hotly contested Broward races.

Sobel likely will avoid Senate seat recount

With only one precinct to go, former state representative Eleanor Sobel will likely win by a wide enough margin to avoid a recount in the bare-knuckle primary for one southeast Broward Senate seat.

STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Steinberg comfortably takes District 106

Miami Beach Commissioner Richard Steinberg declared victory over North Bay Village Mayor Joe Geller.

Is Crist threat letter linked to McCain's?

Is Crist threat letter linked to McCain's? State investigators are trying to find out who sent a threatening letter to Gov. Charlie Crist in an envelope filled with a white powdery substance, The Miami Herald has learned.

STATE BUDGET

Florida faces $1.5 billion budget deficit

The state's budget deficit is likely to reach $1.5 billion, state economists said, placing a big burden on Gov. Charlie Crist to close the gap.

PROPERTY TAXES

Judge: Language of 'tax swap' ballot proposal may be confusing

A judge was concerned that voters may be misled by the language of a statewide 'tax-swap' proposal to eliminate school property taxes.

TALLAHASSEE

State disabilities agency gets experienced budget chief

Gov. Charlie Crist has appointed an experienced budget chief, Jim DeBeaugrine, to run the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, one of the most troubled agencies in the state. It faces two years of back-to-back deficits and a 17,000-person waiting list for services.

VOTER REGISTRATION

Voting drives alter landscape

Democrats are excited over the gains in new-voter registration across the state, but it's hard to forecast the impact Republican Gov. Charlie Crist will have.

Voters poised to change face of Legislature

The curtain call for 10 legislators, a challenging year for incumbents and a dour economy are poised to remake South Florida's cast of state lawmakers.

SCHOOL FUNDING

Amendment 5 tax swap a math problem

Assuming a judge doesn't knock it off the Nov. 4 ballot this week, a $9.3 billion to $11 billion tax-swap proposal for schools would force the Legislature to make some tough decisions.

TALLAHASSEE

In wake of broker exposé, legislators seeking change

In light of breakdowns in the oversight of Florida mortgage brokers, two legislators said they'll seek to revamp accountability in the Office of Financial Regulation.

HEALTHCARE

State may limit paying for some kids' drugs

The state's healthcare agency is considering limiting payments for strong drugs prescribed to young children for illnesses such as autism and bipolar disorder.

ENVIRONMENT

Crist's green plan a work in progress

A year into his climate-change initiatives, Gov. Charlie Crist has achieved some goals -- but there is still a long way to go.

OPINION POLL | FLORIDA GOVERNOR

Hard times in state deflate Crist's approval ratings

For the first time in his 18 months in office, Gov. Charlie Crist's popularity is down, a new poll found.

Economic pain erodes Crist image, poll says

Rising gas prices, the falling real estate market and deep state budget cuts have not only brought South Florida's economy to a crawl, they've deflated the once sky-high approval ratings of Gov. Charlie Crist, according to a new Miami Herald poll.

TALLAHASSEE

Lawmakers win new terms without election

Dozens of state lawmakers, including many from South Florida, were returned to office because no one is challenging them.

TURNPIKE CONTRACT

Crist, Rubio clash over veto

Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed a measure that House Speaker Marco Rubio pushed to help a South Florida fuel distributor.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

Universities raise tuition 6% to 15%

Florida's three largest public universities approved tuition hikes of up to 15 percent for new students, and other universities raised it 6 percent for all.

EDUCATION | STATE AMENDMENTS

School groups attack 2 ballot items

Education groups sued to block two proposed amendments designed to validate school vouchers and state spending on religious institutions.

Public universities raise tuition 6% to 15%

Saying they remain a bargain for higher education, the state's three largest public universities announced tuition increases of up to 15 percent beginning this fall.

STATE BUDGET

Crist OK's $66B budget with little fanfare

Gov. Crist left the state budget nearly intact, and his few vetoes were accompanied by even less comment.

JACKSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Crist won't veto Jackson Memorial Hospital money

Gov. Charlie Crist said he'll use his veto pen sparingly, promising not to cut money for water and road projects or for Jackson Memorial Hospital.

HEALTHCARE

Crist could veto money for Jackson Memorial Hospital

Supporters of Jackson Memorial Hospital said $20 million approved by the Legislature for the hospital may be in jeopardy.

FLORIDA

Budget cuts threaten Florida felons' rights claims

About a year after Gov. Charlie Crist successfully pushed to streamline the process to restore the civil rights for former felons, he said Thursday that the effort appears to be working because 90,000 restoration cases have been processed in six months.

EDUCATION

Word change ups chances for school vouchers

A new poll shows voters are willing to overcome their dislike of spending tax money on religious-school vouchers because it's tied to a popular classroom-spending plan.

TALLAHASSEE

Future uncertain for Florida's Bush-Gore ballots from 2000 race

All six million-plus ballots cast in the historic 2000 presidential election remain in storage, and the secretary of state is debating whether to move them out.

FLORIDA

High court in Crist's hands

Gov. Charlie Crist will get a remarkable chance to overhaul the state Supreme Court, which in recent years has ruled on ballot recounts, private school vouchers and the fate of Terri Schiavo.

HEALTHCARE

Crist lauds ‘crown jewel' of healthcare bill

The law could cut health insurance costs for individuals and small-business owners and help those without insurance get it.

FLORIDA BUDGET

Florida may need to tap into reserve funds

Sagging tax collections may force Gov. Charlie Crist to dip into state reserves to balance this year's state budget.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

Broadcasters battle tax-swap plan

The tax-swap fight heats up as broadcasters plan to weigh in against it, claiming it takes from average homeowners to give to corporate property owners.

MIAMI-DADE POLITICS

Next for Rubio? Not Dade mayor but maybe pundit

House Speaker Marco Rubio said he won't run for Miami-Dade County mayor, but he is in talks to provide political commentary on TV.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

Rubio talks about 57 points of pride

Retiring House Speaker Marco Rubio claimed credit for passing 57 of his 100 ideas for Florida's future. Some other legislators said he should share much of the credit.

LEGISLATURE 2008 | ANALYSIS

Legislators made some gains in tough times

Despite difficult circumstances, South Florida lawmakers met with some success during the legislative session.

LEGISLATURE

Exiting lawmakers diminishing South Florida's legislative clout

Political observers wonder if South Florida's influence in the state Legislature will diminish after the departure of House Speaker Marco Rubio.

LEGISLATURE 2008 | ANALYSIS

Lawmakers can't escape cuts for Broward

Broward's lawmakers ended a bleak legislative session with a few victories but some big budget losses.

LEGISLATURE

State spends $18 million to right wrongs

Florida's system for compensating people hurt by government helped 11 people this year, but it left about 15 others behind.

Bullard demands respect from Senate head

With tensions running high in the last hours of the session, the typically good-natured Sen. Larcenia Bullard, D-Miami, broke down, accusing Senate President Ken Pruitt of ignoring her questions and refusing to acknowledge her requests to speak throughout the day. The breaking point came as lawmakers tried to attach a Central Florida commuter rail amendment to one of her bills to study the expansion of Interstate 95.

NEWS ANALYSIS | LEGISLATURE 2008

Necessity, not politics, ruled '08 session

The Legislature took a pragmatic approach to this year's session and made political conces- sions in the budget.

Rubio leaves mixed record

Florida's first Cuban-American House speaker ends his two years in office with a record of highs and lows.

LEGISLATURE

Business did well during session

The business lobby said the legislative session was surprisingly good despite huge budget cuts and the passage of a guns-at-work law backed by the National Rifle Association.

LEGISLATURE

Relief as autism bill passes

Private insurance companies will be required to cover autism treatment, under an 11th-hour proposal passed Friday by the Legislature.

FLORIDA HOUSE

Rubio's emotional farewell

House Speaker Marco Rubio credited his Cuban parents for his success as he wrapped up nine years in the Florida House.

MIAMI-DADE

Local legislators go 1 for 2 on housing bills

Two affordable housing proposals came before the Legislature Friday, but only one passed both houses.

TRANSPORTATION

Tri-Rail facing severe cutback

Tri-Rail may have to cut service dramatically this fall after the Legislature failed to come through with a dedicated funding source for the train system.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

Belt-tightening session comes to an end

It wasn't pretty, but Florida lawmakers managed to approve a tight budget and health insurance plans for autistic kids and the working poor.

Leaving Tallahassee

Ten state lawmakers from Miami-Dade and Broward are leaving office this year. Here's a look at their tenure in the Legislature.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

Reduced state budget wins lawmakers' OK

Florida lawmakers on Friday gave swift approval to a $66.2 billion state budget, sending a spending plan to Gov. Charlie Crist that cuts overall spending by a record $4 billion.

LEGISLATURE

Health plan for uninsured near passage

A bill to offer health insurance to Florida's 3.8 million uninsured residents appears close to passing the Legislature.

EDUCATION

For-profit tutors could get break

Miami-Dade schools will be forced to give tutoring companies a better rate to rent classroom space under legislation going to the governor.

CALLER ID

Unamused lawmakers hope bill makes spoofers go poof

Spoofers beware: The Legislature is cracking down on those who change the names and numbers that appear on phone caller ID.

ECONOMY

Will state cuts cause trickle-down effect?

Economists warn that Florida's ailing economy will be hurt, not helped, by the state's deep budget cuts.

INSURANCE

Citizens rate is frozen for 1 more year

The Legislature passed an insurance bill that bolsters some consumer protections and gives state regulators more power to keep the industry in line.

LEGISLATURE

No-ethanol measure advances

The gas station lobby made a last-ditch effort Thursday to ensure consumers can still buy ethanol-free gas in Florida.

Regular-fuel amendment to energy bill wins Senate OK

No sooner had several oil companies finished retrofitting their large gas storage facilities to hold only ethanol-blended fuel -- in anticipation of the state's new energy bill, which cleared the state Legislature on Wednesday -- Florida's gas stations pushed an amendment onto a pest-control bill Thursday requiring them to provide at least some regular fuel to customers.

Bill: Foreclosure scam protection

Often before homeowners realize they are in foreclosure, pamphlets, letters and phone calls start streaming in from businesses offering to save their property from the clutches of the bank.

Legislature passes insurance bill; industry irked

A broad insurance bill that freezes rates charged by the state-run insurer and increases regulators' power to police insurance companies passed the state Legislature Thursday afternoon.

LEGISLATURE

Energy bill heads to Crist

The bill, which cleared the Senate Wednesday, moves the state toward getting more efficient building codes, finding renewable fuel sources and reducing greenhouse gases.

EDUCATION

Voucher angst imperils FCAT bill

A sweeping education bill to change the way the FCAT is used is in danger of failing in the waning moments of the session.

ELECTIONS

Stricter voter ID rules get OK in house

The House voted in favor of a bill restricting voters' photo IDs, while a measure to change election recount laws was dropped.

Cuts threaten federal dollars

Children's advocates warn that cuts to child welfare programs may violate federal law as one lawmaker moves to restore lost dollars.

DEATH OF JAIME GOUGH

Killed teen's parents to get rest of settlement

The family of a slain Miami-Dade teen will get $1 million.

LEGISLATURE

S. Fla. stuck with $3 billion sewage bill

The state Legislature passed a measure that requires South Florida counties to halt the discharge of sewage into the sea, but the bill comes with a hefty price tag.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

Senate sinks abortion bill requirement

A proposal that would have required all Florida women to have an ultrasound before an abortion failed in a tie vote in the Florida Senate.

Energy bill passes Senate, heads to Crist

The Florida Senate gave final approval to a massive energy bill Wednesday, bringing new energy efficient building codes, renewable fuel standards and a host of other initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases and reduce the state's dependence on foreign oil.

LEGISLATURE | PRISONS

Compensation for wrongly jailed approved

The Legislature approved a measure that will automatically provide wrongfully imprisoned inmates with $50,000 for each year spent behind bars.

UNIVERSITY BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Education leadership overhaul nearly dead

A measure to weaken the state Board of Governors is close to defeat in the state House.

LEGISLATURE

Small business gets aid

A bill gives small buiness owners an advocate in state government.

LEGISLATURE

Green energy bill sails through Florida House

The House passed a comprehensive energy bill Tuesday, paving the way for energy-efficient buildings and cleaner gas.

LEGISLATURE

State mortgage fraud penalties hiked, tax help offered

The Florida Senate passed legislation that increases penalties for those convicted of mortgage fraud and that also may provide some relief to affected homeowners.

Florida abortion bill debate gets hypothetical

The Senate debate over a bill that would require women seeking abortions to first pay for a sonogram turned to hypothetical scenarios.

HEALTHCARE

Medicaid experiment will remain same size this year

(AP) -- A proposal to expand a controversial experiment in making the state's Medicaid healthcare system work more like the private sector is dead for this year, the plan's chief legislative booster said.

BUDGET CUTS

Counties bear the costs of Legislature's 'mandates'

As the state slashes funding for programs, local government leaders argue they and taxpayers will feel the strain.

TEACHER TRAINING

ESOL training rules may stay the same

The state House passed a compromise bill to cut the number of hours of instruction required for ESOL teachers. But the bill may die in the Senate, leaving the requirements the same.

TRANSPORTATION

Miami mega-sign deal keeps rail bill on track

Miami's plan to regulate large signs on downtown buildings helps win support for Orlando's new commuter line.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

South Florida schools biggest losers in state budget

Of the myriad losers in a state budget that cuts a record $4 billion in spending, public education will lose the most -- with Miami-Dade and Broward schools getting hit hardest of all.

LEGISLATURE

Popping a wheelie may cost you an arm and a leg

Pop a wheelie, pay a grand. The Legislature, in a crackdown on reckless driving, passed tough love Tuesday for daredevil motorcyclists.

Green energy bill sails through state House

A major push to address climate change in Florida with a comprehensive energy overhaul -- encompassing everything from ethanol fuel standards to new, energy efficient building codes -- passed the state House Tuesday 108-0, void of any complications that could bog down its swift passage in the Senate later this week and ultimately a signature from the governor.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

Bickering holds up Florida health insurance bill

In the end-of-session pressure cooker, the fate of a health insurance plan for 3.8 million is uncertain.

SENATE

Abortion bill heads to vote

The Florida Senate will decide Tuesday whether ultrasound scans should be required for women seeking abortions.

REGISTERING VOTERS

Groups oppose voter registration law

The League of Women Voters and two unions have asked a federal judge to strike down a 2007 law that imposes fines for not quickly turning in voter registration applications.

EDUCATION

S. Florida lawmakers losing clout

South Florida lawmakers' voices often go unheard or are at odds with one another, leaving the state's largest school districts with little policy clout.

LEGISLATURE

State may pass anti-bullying law

Supporters of a bill that would force all Florida school districts to adopt policies prohibiting bullying and harassment are hopeful that it will finally become law this year.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

The fate of a health insurance plan for 3.8 million Floridians uncertain.

A health coverage plan for 3.8 million uninsured Floridians has stalled amid the down-to-the-wire politics of a state lawmaking session where there has been too little money and trust to ensure swift passage.

FLORIDA HOUSE

Evolution bill evolves in debate

A bill originally written to protect teachers who question evolution from harassment was amended to mandate the teaching of alternate views such as intelligent design.

MOTORCYCLING

Proposal would make motorcycle thrill-seeking costly

Popping wheelies on motorcycles could be outlawed, and motorists would face higher fines for speeding, under a measure working its way through the Legislature.

FLORIDA CONSTITUTION

School voucher amendment headed to voters in November

A citizen panel opted to let voters decide whether to enshrine private school vouchers in the state Constitution.

LEGISLATURE

A cleaner fuel print

Ethanol-blended fuels are coming to a gas station near you -- sooner than you might think

Ethanol hits South Florida gas stations by August

Cleaner gasoline could be a reality for Florida drivers sooner than most people think, and, in some areas, well before regular is likely to hit $4 a gallon.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Dade lawmakers want more housing funds

Miami-Dade lawmakers are pushing legislation this year aimed at dealing with the county's affordable- housing crisis.

TRANSPORTATION

25 percent toll hike sought on turnpike

The state Senate is proposing to sharply hike tolls on Florida's Turnpike in July.

TAX REFORM

Tax-swap plan will be on Florida ballot

Come November, Florida voters will decide if they want to codify in the state Constitution a dramatic change in the way public schools are funded.

Senate: Altered state song OK, new anthem, too

Florida would have both a new state anthem and a revised state song -- one without the racially offensive lyrics that had brought it under fire -- with a plan approved Thursday by the state Senate.

House OK's 'catchy' property tax proposals

The House passed two proposed constitutional amendments it acknowledges have little chance of making it out of the Senate.

HEALTHCARE

Bill seeks to clarify medical services pricing

Consumers could better compare prices for 150 different hospital procedures under a bill likely to be heard Thursday by the Florida Senate.

LEGISLATURE

Florida's budget squeeze easing

Lawmakers started compromising on the state budget, saving some programs that appeared to be in for major cuts, but some big-ticket items remain unresolved.

RESTAURANTS

Dade boy conceived new law to ease food donations

An 11-year old Miami Shores boy was able to get legislation passed in Tallahassee that helps restaurants donate food to homeless shelters.

TRANSPORTATION

Orlando train deal would also aid TriRail

The push for a commuter rail line in Central Florida could help Tri-Rail get its long-sought money to expand and improve.

LEGISLATURE | CUBA

Cuba travel bill clears state Senate hurdle

A bill increasing regulation of travel agents selling trips to Cuba passed a committee hearing in the Senate Monday afternoon.

EDUCATION

Grades for Florida schools under review

A House panel approved a bill that would change Florida's school grading; the bill sparked a 16-hour fight among lawmakers.

LEGISLATURE

Florida bill targets check-cashing firms

State lawmakers want to crack down on Florida's 'shadow banking industry' by strengthening regulations of check-cashing stores and other money-services firms.

LEGISLATURE

State budget crunch hits incentives for filmmakers

Cash rebates for filmmakers are facing big cut backs this year, a result of the state's budget shortfall.

Lawmaker's bid to curb Cuba travel hits nerve

They called his measure political grandstanding, he called them business partners with the Castro regime -- Monday afternoon there was no love lost between Rep. David Rivera, a Miami Republican, and a group of Miami-based travel agents specializing in trips to Cuba.

Chamber sues to challenge guns-at-work law

The Florida Retail Federation and the Florida Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit in federal court on Monday challenging the constitutionality of a new Florida law allowing employees and other citizens to conceal firearms in their parked vehicles on private property.

Partisan rancor erupts in Florida House

A toxic combination of partisan rancor and muscle-flexing by an empowered Democratic caucus erupted into an all-day and all-night feud of parliamentary one-upsmanship in the Florida House of Representatives that kept lawmakers in their seats well into the morning hours Saturday.

HEALTHCARE

Money short for records network

A plan by House lawmakers to offer interest-free loans and matching grants to build an electronic medical records network faces uncertainty in a tight budget year.

REGULATION

Dade lawmakers, state clash over crane bill

Differences between Miami-Dade and state lawmakers are delaying movement on a bill calling for state regulation of the crane industry.

EDUCATION

Teacher-training program could lose funding

Despite a warning from Gov. Charlie Crist, the Legislature is poised to cut funding for a rigorous teacher-training program.

SCHOOL TAXES

Powerful senator condemns tax swap

The chairman of the Finance and Tax Committee wants the state tax commission to reconsider its approval of an amendment to swap schools' property taxes for sales taxes.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

Education faces overhaul in Florida

A measure to change what public school students learn sparked a showdown in the Legislature.

FLORIDA BUDGET

Use state reserves, Crist says

Gov. Charlie Crist wants state lawmakers to dip into rainy-day funds to plug holes in the budget and reduce the impact on healthcare and other services.

LEGISLATURE 2008 | EDUCATION

Sex-ed amendment to evolution bill falters

Legislators grappled with language that some lawmakers said could be a backdoor way to teach religious dogma.

MARCO RUBIO

House Speaker Rubio focuses on final goals

Time is short for House Speaker Marco Rubio to pass some of his top legislative priorities dealing with children.

LEGISLATURE 2008 | CONSTRUCTION

Senate panel rejects curb on local control of mining

Two attempts to weaken local control over the rock mining industry were turned down in a state Senate committee.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

Students' sales-tax holiday is spared

Despite Florida's budget crisis, Republican lawmakers have agreed to keep most of the state's back-to-school tax holiday, which will cost the state $23 million.

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

Colombia deal leads to legislative spat

A routine ceremonial resolution over a free-trade agreement with Colombia exploded into an angry political spat in the state House of Representatives Wednesday after both parties tried to exploit the issue for election-year gain.

HEALTHCARE

Crist's health plan sails through Senate

The state Senate unanimously signed off on Gov. Charlie Crist's plan to offer health insurance to 3.7 million Floridians. But the House seeks a more sweeping plan.

INSURANCE

State Senate OKs insurance bill; next step is House

An insurance bill with consumer protections passes the state Senate; negotiations with the House are up next.

LEGISLATION

Appraisal legislation meets the budget ax

County property appraisers often appraise their own property. A plan to change that was largely gutted for budget reasons.

ENERGY

Crist wants to slash state's gas tax

The governor called for a gas-tax break, but legislators are doubtful it would save Florida drivers money.

IMMIGRATION

Miami-Dade lawmakers stymie immigration bills

Bills targeting illegal immigration have yet to make much headway in the state Legislature.

Plan to fine for display of 'truckyness' driven out

Drivers who want their trucks to have that virile look dodged a bullet in the Legislature Wednesday. State senators talked over the pressing issue of ''truck nutz'' after Sen. Carey Baker, a Eustis Republican, proposed a $60 fine for vehicles that have the popular anatomical figures on display. The proposal was an amendment to a larger bill dealing with transportation issues.

EDUCATION

Deal made on class size

Florida lawmakers are moving ahead with a measure to relax class-size requirements for public schools.

TALLAHASSEE

Senate approves funds for family of slain Miami-Dade teen

The State Senate approved a measure to compensate the family of a slain Miami-Dade teen, but his father still soldiers on to get the measure approved in the House.

FLORIDA'S HIGHWAYS

End of the road for Road Rangers?

The Road Rangers who help stranded motorists will be eliminated if the current state spending plan passes

TAXATION

Tallahassee ticker

A day after a state tax panel rejected a proposal to put a revenue cap on all governments in Florida, a House committee revived the idea and passed it out on a party-line vote.

CIGARETTE TAX

Crist poised to stub out extra $1 tax on cigarettes

A push to raise Florida's cigarette tax by $1 a pack appears doomed.

LEGISLATURE

Republican state senator: Defeat abortion measure

A Republican state senator is trying to stop an abortion bill being pushed by the chamber's GOP leader.

TALLAHASSEE

State panel rejects tax-cap proposal

The tax and budget commission rejected a cap on government revenues but appeared ready to revive the debates on vouchers and the property-tax sales-tax swap.

LEGISLATURE

Powerful dual role looms

A St. Petersburg lawyer may become one of the most powerful politicians in the state next week.

Lawmaker wants 'I believe' license plates

Honk if you love Jesus. It might become more than just a bumper sticker in Florida. The Florida Legislature may create a new license plate that features the words ''I Believe'' and the image of a cross in front of a church stained glass window. The measure is moving in both the House and Senate.

LEGISLATURE

Lawmaker: State's treasure could ease budget mess

A Miami legislator asks how many millions the state could earn by selling shipwreck treasure to fill holes in the state budget.

STATE BUDGET

'Sugar train' outruns the budget ax

While programs for children and healthcare were cut, lawmakers found money for pet projects such as a train that would benefit the sugar industry.

INSURANCE

Bill limits Citizens increases

A Senate bill limited Citizens rate increases, while the House passed another insurance bill.

CHILD WELFARE

Butterworth slams cuts in social services

DCF Chief Bob Butterworth said state lawmakers are writing 'the meanest' budget in years -- one that will hurt Florida's children.

FLORIDA LOTTERY

Lottery games continue to fall short

New Lottery games won't produce as much cash as predicted, so school budgets will get more cuts.

ECONOMY

Legislators look at ways to spur economy

With a recession knocking on the door, Florida legislators looked for ways to entice new business and spur economic growth.

VIDEO VOYEURISM

Tallahassee ticker

Adults who commit ''video voyeurism'' against children under 16 could be charged with a third-degree felony, under a new bill that passed through the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee Thursday.

TALLAHASSEE

State Senate passes $66B budget

The state Senate passed its version of the budget after rejecting a move to raid transportation money to shore up healthcare and education.

LEGISLATURE

Florida lawmakers approve gun-in-car law

The law permits employees to keep firearms out of sight in legally parked, locked cars on company property as long as they have concealed-weapons permits.

INSURANCE