Gov. DeSantis Vetoes Vacation Rental Bill & Florida Supreme Court Allows Judicial Candidates to Identify as ‘Liberal’ or ‘Conservative’
July 4, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Happy Independence Day! Here’s the latest from Florida…
DeSantis Vetoes Bill to Preempt Local Vacation Rental Regulation
Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have preempted local governments from regulating vacation rentals, following an unusual alliance of cities, counties, and vacation rental companies like Airbnb urging him to do so. The bill, SB 280, had aimed to standardize local regulations but faced criticism from municipalities for limiting enforcement of violations while short-term rental companies sought more control than the legislation provided. DeSantis stated the bill would undermine local authority and criticized the “ one-size-fits-all” approach in the language when considering the diverse vacation rental markets across Florida. The bill had aimed to override pre-existing local policies regulating vacation rentals but gave cities and counties some latitude to impose regulations on hosts like occupancy limits and the ability to revoke licenses after a series of violations. The contentious issue of vacation rentals is far from resolved, with stakeholders calling for a new solution that balances regulation and property rights.
Florida Supreme Court Allows Judicial Candidates to Identify as ‘Liberal’ or ‘Conservative’
The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that judicial candidates across the state can publicly express their political ideologies, such as being conservative or liberal, as long as they don’t disclose their party affiliation. This decision resulted from a case involving a St. Johns County judge who identified as conservative in a 2022 campaign voicemail. In a per curium opinion, justices found that identifying “oneself as a ‘conservative’ does not signal bias, pro or con, toward anyone or on any issue” nor is such a label inherently “partisan.” Critics and legal experts argue that this ruling will lead to partisan judicial races, reduce public trust in the judiciary, and lead to an increase in campaign-related disqualification motions being filed. Lawyers predict the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) will face complaints from candidates against their opponents over statements made, compelling the JQC to wade into arguments about political speech and language, and deciding on the permissibility of political, philosophical, or ideological expressions.
DeSantis Eliminates State Authority to Close Beaches Over Water Quality
Gov. DeSantis vetoed a bill last week granting the Department of Health (DOH) authority to close beaches, waterways, and swimming pools that fail to meet health standards. Despite warnings about fecal pollution at several Florida beaches earlier this year, DeSantis argued that the DOH should not “supersede local jurisdictions” regarding beach operations. The bill would have required local authorities to notify the DOH when water tests were substandard, allowing the department to require the closure of beaches and public bathing places if deemed necessary to protect the health and safety of the public. Some critics have expressed concerns about the potential health risks of leaving this power to local authorities. Over the past month, high levels of enterococci bacteria have been detected in some beach waters, indicating possible stormwater runoff or fecal pollution.
DeSantis Cites “Sexual” Festival for $32M Veto in Art Grants
Last month’s widely-criticized veto of $32 million in arts and culture grants by Gov. DeSantis stemmed from concerns about the Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival, he revealed, an event he described as "sexual." DeSantis argued that such events were inappropriate for taxpayer funding but it’s unclear whether the Fringe Festival was to receive a grant allocation as state awards are ranked based on priority. A similar festival in Tampa was also cited. Both annual events were reported to be ranked low for grant allocation. The Fringe Festival describes itself as featuring “live entertainment, unique theatre experiences, visual art displays, kid-friendly shows and activities, and free outdoor concerts” that celebrate independent artists through artistic freedom and inclusivity. Some performances and displays at the event that turn “sexual” prompted DeSantis to push for reevaluating state spending, ultimately deciding to cut $32 million in funding for the Tampa and Orlando Museums of Art, ZooTampa, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Tampa Performing Arts Center, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and more than 500 other institutions across the state.
Florida Homeowners Insurers Deny Nearly Half of Claims, per Report
Three major homeowners insurance providers in Florida failed to pay nearly half of their claims to policyholders in 2023, according to a report by Weiss Ratings that analyzed data from some of the state’s largest policyholders. The report found that Allstate Insurance Company (dba. Castle Key Indemnity Company) denied 47.1% of the claims it closed last year, State Farm Florida Insurance Company denied 46.4%, and another Allstate subsidiary (dba. Castle Key Insurance Company) closed 46% without payment. Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the state's largest provider of homeowners policies, did not submit requested claims data. Three other property insurance companies, although smaller, also denied any payment on over 40% of their closed claims in 2023. Dr. Martin Weiss, founder of Weiss Ratings, commented, “some of the companies in Florida with the highest denial rates do have the financial strength to afford to pay a much larger portion of their closed claims.” A 2022 MCAS survey revealed Florida insurers had the highest denial and unprocessed claim rates nationally.
Property Insurers Reduce Rates for Homeowners as Market Strengthens
Despite predictions of an active hurricane season, six Florida insurance companies have been approved to lower their rates this year, according to the Office of Insurance Regulation. American National Property and Casualty, Florida Peninsula, and Safe Harbor Insurance are among the companies with decreasing rates, with reductions ranging from 1.5% to 3.3%. In May, a total of nine companies filed a rate decrease with state regulators, while another 10 insurers have announced no change in their premiums for customers in 2024. This move indicates a strengthening insurance market, offering relief to Florida homeowners who currently pay the highest property insurance rates in the nation.
Florida Lags in EV Charger Funding Despite Federal Support
Despite having the second-most EVs in the nation, Florida has been slow to disburse federal funding for EV chargers along major highways. The Charge Ahead Partnership, representing gas stations including Wawa and Buc-ee's, has urged the state to open applications for the $198 million that the state will receive over the next five years under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. Gas stations see business opportunities by adding EV chargers, the installation costs of which would be funded by 80% through the grants. Critics argue that the state's largest utility, Florida Power & Light, holds a dominant position in the EV charging market by operating more than 1,000 chargers in the state, making it difficult for other businesses to compete. However, this represents a small percentage of the more than 10,000 chargers in Florida, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy. The state’s slow progress in releasing federal EV charger funding may hinder the expansion of the charging infrastructure needed to support the growing number of EV drivers, which is expected to double by 2030.
Tampa City Council Votes to Raise Their Pay $20K
Tampa City Council members have voted to give themselves a $20,000 annual raise, aiming to make public office more accessible and encourage more candidates to run. The new annual salary will be over $75,000, a nearly 40% increase from about $54,000. In the 4-3 vote, some council members believed the raise would diversify political representation, but other councilors opposed the timing and amount of the raise. Proposals included making the pay raise an annual adjustment to keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
Florida Launches Website Criticizing Biden, Federal Infrastructure Policies
Governor Ron DeSantis announced a new website created by his administration to criticize the Biden administration's infrastructure policies, which he claims promote a “political agenda.” The website, roadsarenotforpolitics.com, run by the Florida Department of Transportation, highlights the state's opposition and legal challenges to several federal rules related to environmental impact reviews and emissions reduction efforts. In making the announcement, DeSantis criticized a $1 billion federal program aimed at combating "racist roads," referencing an initiative introduced by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, which aims to reestablish connections for communities that were previously isolated or negatively impacted by federal highway construction projects. The governor stated Florida receives minimal funding from Biden's infrastructure initiatives, emphasizing the state's independence in projects, claiming only 25% of the state’s transportation budget comes from federal sources. $64 billion is planned for improvements through 2030.
Iconic A1A Highway to be Renamed Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway
Florida’s iconic A1A highway will be renamed the “Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway,” honoring the legendary singer-songwriter who passed away in 2023. Buffett, celebrated for his beach-themed Caribbean-tinged soft rock, left a lasting legacy with hits like "Margaritaville,” "Cheeseburger in Paradise," and a 1974 album aptly titled “A1A.” The coastal highway spans 328.9 miles from Key West to Fernandina Beach along the Atlantic and will be required to carry the designation with Department of Transportation markers by August 30. Another newly-signed bill will also introduce a new “Margaritaville” specialty license plate, with proceeds benefiting the non-profit Singing for Change Foundation.
Florida Supreme Court Rules Against Pinellas County in Tax Dispute Over Out-of-County Land Ownership
The Florida Supreme Court ruled 4-2 that counties must pay property taxes on land they own outside their borders, settling a long-standing dispute between Pinellas and Pasco counties in Tampa Bay. The case centered on 12,400 acres of ranch land in Pasco County, which Pinellas County acquired in the 1970s for its groundwater resources. Pinellas stopped paying property taxes to Pasco County in the early 2010s, arguing that it was immune to taxation, leading to a lawsuit in 2015. The Supreme Court concluded that Pinellas County cannot claim tax-related sovereign immunity for land it owns outside its borders, citing cases where states and nations owning property outside their borders were not granted sovereign immunity. Pinellas resumed regular tax payments to Pasco County in 2020 after an appeals court ruling and has since paid off the remaining back taxes.
64 Arrested, Lakeland Business Shuttered in Fetanyl Sting
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested dozens and shut down two family-run businesses in Lakeland that were at the center of the fentanyl trafficking ring. The three-year, multi-agency investigation, dubbed "Operation Rooske," revealed that a family of three and their daughter’s boyfriend used their businesses, Rooske Bait and Tackle Shop and Rooske Motorcycle Parts & Accessories, to launder money for the fentanyl trafficking operation. Authorities began the investigation in 2021 after discovering hundreds of bags of fentanyl were being sold in the Lakeland area every day. The investigation revealed an extensive network of suppliers, distributors, and street-level dealers, culminating in 64 arrests and significant seizure of drugs, firearms, vehicles, and other assets. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated that most of the arrests were customers of the drug ring, with at least two fatal overdoses linked to fentanyl sold by the family.
Summer of Fun: New Adventures and Attractions Await Summer Tourists
With summer well underway, Florida's theme parks, cruise ships, and attractions have exciting updates to welcome the surge of tourists, with over 135 million visitors expected this year. Underscoring Florida’s growing popularity among tourists, the cruise industry continues to thrive post-pandemic, reporting record passengers, and revenue, and contributing significantly to the state’s economy. Florida’s seven ports continue to attract new ships and itineraries, with Royal Caribbean set to launch the world’s second-largest ship, Utopia of the Seas, on July 19 at Port Canaveral, offering three- and four-night getaways. This comes six months following the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Carribbean’s Icon of the Seas, set sail from Miami. Port Tampa Bay welcomed the latest remodeled ship of Jimmy Buffet’s cruise line Margaritaville at Sea on June 14. The Islander provides four- and five-night cruises with destinations in Key West, Cozumel, and Progreso on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It will join Margaritaville at Sea’s Paradise, which has sailed from Port Palm Beach since 2022.
Disney’s Magic Kingdom has recently opened Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, rebranding and redesigning Splash Mountain to the 2009 animated film “The Princess and the Frog,” featuring the company’s first Black princess. Country Bear Jamboree will also be revamped with new country music-inspired Disney hits, opening on July 17. On May 24, Disney Springs debuted a new nighttime drone light show called “Disney Dreams That Soar” utilizing 800 drones that dance to classic Disney songs and create colorful images of everyone’s favorite characters. The 10-minute spectacle above Lake Buena Vista runs nightly until September 2.
Universal Orlando is also not slowing down ahead of the opening of their fourth theme park, Epic Universe, next year. The park recently opened DreamWorks Land last month with characters, rides, and attractions based on “Shrek,” “Trolls,” and “Kung Fu Panda,” such as the family-friendly Trollercoaster and Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp. A new nightly show “CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular” premiered at the Universal Studios lagoon on June 14, featuring more than 200 water fountains, 600 drones, 4K projection mapping, special effects, iconic scenes, and music from Universal’s hit films. Similarly, on select nights, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade will come to life with “Hogwarts Always,” a projection show that takes guests through a magical journey against the backdrop of Hogwarts castle and concludes with a firework display. Finally, on July 3, some of the biggest and most popular movies will star in Universal Studio’s new daytime parade – the theme park’s largest ever. The “Universal Mega Movie Parade” will include 13 new floats, roughly 100 performers, and special effects centered around blockbusters such as E.T., Jaws, Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, and animated favorites like Minions, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. The parade runs on select days through November 14.
Tampa’s Busch Gardens is introducing new thrills with the Phoenix Rising coaster, reaching speeds of 44 miles per hour, and across the street at Adventure Island, the water park features a new interactive and significantly expanded toddler play area called Castaway Falls. SeaWorld adds excitement with the indoor-outdoor roller coaster Penguin Trek opening on July 7, and LEGOLAND Florida opened the new Ferrari Build and Race experience in March, allowing kids to build and race their own custom car creations. With the introduction of new experiences and attractions across the state, Florida proves to be a must-visit destination for tourists this summer. Residents can also share in unforgettable memories by enjoying special discounts at theme parks and various cruise lines.
Central Florida Cities Get $10M to Improve Infrastructure, Support 4,000 Jobs
More than $10 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) was awarded by Gov. DeSantis to support infrastructure improvements and job creation in Central Florida. The cities of Umatilla and Plant City received awards to support manufacturing industries and increase access to commercial sites, creating or retaining nearly 4,000 jobs. Umatilla will use $4.9 million to improve Lake Ferns Industrial Park and complete intersection improvements, while Plant City will use $5.5 million to construct a loop extension, providing access to 310 acres of commercial and industrial development sites. The latter is expected to deliver 2,600 new jobs and retain 1,000 existing jobs in Plant City.
UF Faculty Approves Two Liberal Arts Degrees for New Academic College
The University of Florida’s faculty senate has approved two new majors for the recently established Hamilton Center For Classical and Civic Education: Philosophy, Politics and Economics and Law, and Great Books and Ideas. The votes were 45-18 and 41-24, respectively, with the somewhat controversial decision met with skepticism amid cuts to liberal arts programs. Other critics raised concerns about the employability of graduates with degrees in the proposed majors and recruiting liberal arts faculty, which has proven difficult in an era of budget cuts to such programs. The Center’s Great Books major would include a course curriculum focused on the ability to “identify, describe, and explain the Great Books from the ancient world through the modern world,” analyzing the text and their “significance to Western Civilization.” The Hamilton Center was created by the state legislature in 2022 as a response to “cancel culture” with the mission to “educate university students in core texts and great debates of Western civilization and the…principles, ideals, and institutions of the American political order.” The academic college originated at the urging of a conservative think tank and garnered scrutiny of being politicized, especially with its focus on Western ideology. Faculty and university administration say the Hamilton Center will be apolitical and impartial in its mission, fostering civil discourse and respectful debate between clashing viewpoints. The proposed degree programs must still receive approvals from UF’s board of trustees and the Board of Governors. UF announced in May that the Center received more than 1,000 applications.
Aeromexico Begins Nonstop Daily Flights Between Tampa & Mexico City
Tampa International Airport welcomed Aeromexico's inaugural flight from Mexico City with fanfare this week, including Mariachi music, a ballet performance, and Mexican treats. The new daily nonstop route marks Aeromexico's 23rd US destination and third in Florida, connecting Tampa Bay's large Mexican population to Mexico City. The service is expected to generate $70 million annually.
Popular South Tampa Restaurant to Open St. Pete Location
Popular South Tampa Mexican restaurant Green Lemon will be opening a second location in St. Petersburg that is scheduled to open this fall. Operated by Ciccio Restaurant Group, the new location at 4400 Fourth St. N. will offer the signature Mexican favorites with creative twists, such as tacos, burritos, and nachos, along with a range of appetizers, margaritas, and bowl options. Ciccio Restaurant Group runs several popular eateries in Tampa Bay, including Fresh Kitchen, Jay Luigi, Taco Dirty, Daily Eats, Water + Flour, Sweet Soul, and Luv Child, with several restaurants in St. Pete.
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