Florida Times

Florida Carries Out Death Penalty Execution Following Recent Court Decisions

The state has proceeded with the execution of a man convicted of a domestic homicide, keeping the debate over capital punishment in Florida firmly in the public spotlight.

Central Florida Public Media Launches Fundraising Campaign for Independent Journalism

Central Florida Public Media is seeking community support to sustain its reporting operations, highlighting the importance of independent local journalism in serving the region.

Central Florida City Tests Technology That Converts Sewage Into Renewable Energy

A state-funded project in Altamonte Springs is using hydrothermal liquefaction technology to transform treated sewage sludge into crude oil and clean water, offering potential benefits for waste management, energy production, and water s...

Blue Origin Investigates Rocket Test Explosion on Florida Coast

A Blue Origin rocket test ended in an explosion at a launch site along Central Florida’s coast, though no injuries were reported and officials have begun a review of the incident.

New Driver’s License Requirements to Take Effect Across Florida

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is preparing to implement updated licensing rules that will affect residents seeking to obtain or renew state identification documents.

State Considers Tax Relief Proposal for Mobile Home Park Residents

Florida lawmakers are reviewing a proposal designed to reduce financial pressure on residents of mobile home parks, as part of a wider effort to advance fiscal reforms.

New Florida Laws Set to Take Effect Next Month

Residents and businesses are preparing for a broad package of legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, with measures covering subjects ranging from transportation regulations to tax policy changes.

Emergency Measures Introduced After Detection of New World Screwworm Parasite

Florida authorities have enacted emergency rules following the discovery of the flesh-eating New World screwworm, increasing surveillance and quarantine measures to protect livestock and domestic animals.

Florida Health Officials Continue Monitoring Measles Cases

Public health agencies remain focused on measles activity as Florida continues to report one of the country's higher case counts, prompting ongoing efforts to encourage vaccination and raise public awareness.

Trial Opens for Suspect Accused of Starting Deadly Palisades Fire

Court proceedings have begun for the individual accused of igniting the Palisades Fire, which claimed 12 lives and destroyed nearly 7,000 structures, marking a significant step in a case closely followed by affected communities.

Justice Department Seeks Continued Detention in Cruise Ship Murder Case

Federal prosecutors are seeking to keep a Titusville teenager in custody pending trial over allegations involving the rape and murder of his step-sister during a Carnival cruise, citing evidence presented in court.

Voting Rights Challenge to Florida Legislative Maps Moves Forward After Court Ruling

A judge has declined to strike down Florida’s current legislative maps, allowing disputed district boundaries to remain in place as legal challenges from voting rights groups continue.

Federal Judge Blocks New SNAP Benefit Restrictions in Florida

A federal court ruling has halted the implementation of proposed state-level restrictions on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, affecting families who rely on food assistance programs.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Suspends Campaign for Florida Governor After Cancer Diagnosis

Jerry Demings has stepped back from the race for Florida governor following a recent prostate cancer diagnosis, a move that reshapes the political landscape ahead of the state's next election cycle.

Florida Chamber Summit to Focus on Expanding Economic Opportunity Across the State

Business and community leaders will gather in Tampa on June 9 for the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2026 Summit, where discussions will center on data-driven strategies to reduce childhood poverty and broaden economic opportunity across F...

Lawsuit Challenges Proposal for UFC Event on White House Grounds

A legal challenge has been filed against plans to stage a UFC event on the White House South Lawn, drawing attention to the intersection of politics and major sports entertainment.

Brevard County Infrastructure Delays Fuel Debate Over Permitting Processes

A homeowner’s five-year wait for basic utility connections has become a focal point in discussions about permitting backlogs and development delays in coastal Florida.

Industrial Infill Properties Continue to Outperform Large Warehouse Space

Smaller industrial facilities under 150,000 square feet are commanding rent premiums of roughly 21% over larger warehouse properties, highlighting sustained demand for urban-adjacent logistics space.

Florida Rejects More Than 100 Vanity License Plate Requests Over Obscenity Rules

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has disclosed a list of rejected vanity plate applications, citing policies that prohibit offensive language and imagery on state-issued plates.

Indian Rocks Beach Tightens Golf Cart Safety Regulations

City leaders have approved new rules governing golf cart use on public roads, joining a wider trend among Florida coastal communities to strengthen oversight of low-speed vehicles.

Clearwater Police Close Investigation Into Death of Hulk Hogan

Authorities have released the final investigative file concerning the death of Terry Bollea, known professionally as Hulk Hogan, formally concluding the high-profile case.

Hillsborough School District Faces Questions Over Security Leadership Appointment

The appointment of a new security director with ties to a previous recruitment controversy has triggered public debate about hiring standards and oversight within the district.

School Bus Camera Enforcement Generates Significant Revenue in Duval County

Officials reported substantial fine collections during the first month of the county’s stop-arm camera program, reflecting a broader statewide effort to deter illegal passing of school buses.

Retail Property Remains Florida’s Strongest Commercial Real Estate Segment

Low vacancy rates and continued investor demand, particularly for grocery-anchored shopping centers, are reinforcing retail real estate’s position as a leading commercial asset class across the state.

Advocacy Groups Press for Reforms to Florida Family Court System

Parents and advocacy organizations are calling for changes to family court procedures, arguing that allegations of domestic abuse are not always receiving sufficient consideration in custody decisions.

Medical Malpractice Law Changes Draw Renewed Scrutiny in Florida

Lawmakers are revisiting a 1990 restriction on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, a proposal that is facing strong opposition from healthcare providers and business groups.

Florida Tourism Industry Eyes Gains From Global Sporting Events

Hospitality businesses in Miami, Orlando and other tourism hubs are positioning for increased international travel linked to major sporting events scheduled throughout the summer.

Rising Heat Prompts Health Warnings Across Central Florida

National Weather Service advisories warn that persistent heat and dry conditions are increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses for outdoor workers and residents as humidity levels climb.

University of Florida Presidency Continues to Spark Debate

The appointment of Dr. Stuart R. Bell as president of the University of Florida remains a prominent issue among faculty, alumni and other stakeholders as the institution considers its future direction.

Florida Attorney General Launches Crackdown on Violent Teen Gatherings

Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced tougher enforcement measures targeting organized violent “teen takeovers,” warning of stronger legal consequences for participants involved in disruptive public incidents.

State and Local Governments Remain at Odds Over Growth Management Rules

Municipal leaders continue to challenge a 2025 state law limiting updates to local growth plans, arguing that state preemption is restricting their ability to manage development and infrastructure needs.

Florida Housing Markets Show Diverging Trends Across Major Cities

South Florida continues to post the region’s lowest multifamily vacancy rate at 6.6%, while Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville face higher vacancies and falling rents as new supply enters the market.

Florida Economy Faces Uncertainty Amid Ongoing National Tariff Debates

Business leaders and economists are assessing how federal trade and tariff policies could affect Florida’s import- and export-dependent economy as uncertainty persists in international markets.

New Florida Laws and Driver Licensing Rules Take Effect on July 1

Residents and businesses are preparing for a new set of state laws, including revised driver’s license requirements and regulatory changes affecting a range of professional and commercial activities.

Florida Health Officials Issue Emergency Measures Over Flesh-Eating Parasite Reports

Authorities have introduced emergency regulations and public safety guidance for swimmers and beachgoers following reports of dangerous flesh-eating parasites in coastal areas at the start of the summer season.

Regional Emergency Managers Step Up Hurricane Season Readiness Efforts

County emergency agencies across Florida are finalizing preparedness plans and urging residents to review emergency measures as the National Hurricane Center updates forecasts for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

Florida Lawmakers Prepare for Property Tax Debate Ahead of Legislative Session

State legislators are expected to focus heavily on property tax reform as a proposed constitutional amendment advances toward the November ballot despite concerns from local officials about potential funding gaps for public services.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Suspends Florida Governor Campaign After Cancer Diagnosis

Jerry Demings has paused his bid for Florida governor following a recent prostate cancer diagnosis, reshaping the Democratic field ahead of the next election cycle.