Gov. DeSantis' crackdown on homelessness, public camping & Florida ranks No. 1 for immigration court backlogs
February 8, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
Gov. DeSantis cracksdown on homelessness, public camping
Gov. Ron DeSantis has thrown his weight behind a proposed bill aimed at combatting homelessness across the state by preempting local government control of the issue. The identical bills, currently navigating through the House and Senate, would require counties and municipalities to ban public sleeping or camping on public property such as streets, sidewalks, and parks without a permit. Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers) is sponsoring the bill, which encourages the establishment of designated areas for sleeping and camping with essential amenities like restrooms, security, and mental health services. If signed into law, unhoused individuals who sleep or camp in non-designated areas could face arrest.
While speaking behind a podium that read “Don’t allow Florida to become San Francisco,” DeSantis decried other cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, and New York City, major metropolitian areas plagued by chronic homelessness for years. While touting his efforts to reduce crime and homelessness, he emphasized the need to move unhoused individuals off the streets and provide local governments with funding for shelters, substance abuse and mental health treatment options. Another provision of the bill could allow local businesses and citizens to file lawsuits against local governments not complying with the law. Despite claims during Monday’s press conference that homeless has gone down in Florida in recent years, data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shows the state ranked No. 2 for the most unsheltered homeless people, behind California and New York. In the 2023 point-in-count, Florida reported 15,482 unsheltered individuals or 6% of the national total of people who are unhoused. The state saw a 17% rise in its homelessness rate between 2022 and 2023, but the rate has dropped 30% since 2007. While the bill still has to clear several Committees in the House and Senate before reaching the floors of both chambers for a full vote, but DeSantis is optimistic about its prospects and its potential to provide robust protections for Floridians.
Miami Beach already has a similar law in place that allows police to arrest homeless individuals found sleeping in public and who refuse to be placed in shelter. Miami has also banned public camping since 2022.
Florida ranks No. 1 for immigration court backlogs
The U.S. is in the midst of an immigration crisis with a constant influx of migrants that has reached unprecedented levels. New data shows that Florida is ground zero of the crisis as the state currently leads the nation in immigration court backlogs, with over 481,000 pending cases. The federal data analyzed by Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse shows the U.S. court backlog exceeding 3 million cases in 2023, which includes asylum-seekers and immigrants seeking permanent residency. Highlighting the chaos in the immigration system, Florida reported just 17,000 pending cases in 2012 – a 2,800% increase in 11 years. The backlog surge is attributed to exaggerated factors created by a rising number of new immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, leading to an uptick in asylum applications and appeals, which also adds to pending deportations and existing unresolved cases from prior years. The federal immigration budget is also operating at a deficit that results in years-long delays in asylum cases and work permit issuance. Florida was followed by Texas and California with the next-highest number of backlogged cases at 458,630 and 348,138, respectively. New York was No. 4 with 344,505 immigration cases pending.
Florida House passes bill to weaken child labor laws
The Florida House has passed a controversial bill, HB49, that would ease child labor restrictions, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to work more than eight hours a day even when school is the next day. The bill passed in an 80-35 vote, granting teens the ability to work more than 30 hours a week during the school year and eliminating the requirement for breaks every four hours of work, aligning their break schedule with other employees, which could result in no breaks at all. There would be limits preventing minors from working between 11 PM and 6 AM on days before school. The legislation has faced criticism from opponents who argue it could negatively impact teenagers' health and academic performance, including House Democrats’ unsuccessful efforts to propose amendments that would offer protections. But supporters say it would boost the economy and offer teens more opportunities to gain skills and earn a paycheck. The Senate's version of the bill, SB1596, has key differences and maintains some child labor protections intact.
Are luxury apartment projects receiving affordable housing tax breaks?
Florida’s Live Local Act became law following the 2023 Legislative Session as a priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples), promising to increase the availability of affordable housing options for essential workers. The new law aims to promote workforce housing development through tax breaks and incentives that work to address the state’s overall affordability crisis. But the Live Local Act has garnered criticism among local government officials since Gov. DeSantis signed it into law on March 29, 2023. The law is allowing existing apartment owners, even those offering luxury rentals, to claim tax rebates without contributing to the affordable housing stock or offering low rents. Two apartment complexes in Pasco County have applied for tax breaks potentially amounting to $86 million over time. Dozens of other existing apartment complexes across the state have applied to qualify for the tax rebate program. Under Live Local, 40% of residences are to be considered affordable for households making one-third to 120% of the area median income, with property owners qualifying for a 100% annual property tax rebate on units occupied by households making less than $50,000. Occupants earning between $50,000 and $70,000 can qualify for a 75% tax rebate on the assessed value of the unit.
Legislature seeks to end local civilian police review boards
A bill progressing in the Florida Legislature aims to abolish all local civilian police review boards statewide, which investigate misconduct complaints against officers. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill) and Rep. Wyman Duggan (R-Jacksonville), has gained approval in multiple committees in both chambers. If passed, it would prevent local review boards from meeting after July 1, prompting criticism from city officials who view it as an infringement on local governance. Proponents including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch say the boards are essential for law enforcement to gain input and help foster trust between police departments and the community. The bills seek to apply uniform standards to complaints filed against officers and eliminate local governments from enacting an ordinance that governs that process. Currently, police departments are required by law to maintain their own procedure for investigating complaints, with officers’ rights codified in Florida Statute.
Group aims to put Medicaid expansion on the 2026 ballot
A coalition called Florida Decides Healthcare is launching a petition campaign to put Medicaid expansion on the 2026 ballot as Florida is one of ten states that have not expanded Medicaid. The proposed constitutional amendment aims to extend Medicaid access to adults earning at or below 138% of the federal poverty level – about $20,120 a year for a single person. Currently, only pregnant or postpartum women and parents with young children who make a few thousand dollars per year qualify for Medicaid in Florida. The coalition will need more than 891,000 validated petitions from Florida voters, with 60% of voters' approval for the amendment to become a protection in the Florida Constitution. About 11% of Floridians are without health insurance coverage, ranking 46th in the nation.
Lawmakers seek to define antisemitism
A bill is advancing through the Florida Legislature that aims to curtail hate speech directed at Jews and Israel that is on the rise. The legislation introduced following Hamas’ attack on Israel in October would adopt the definition of antisemitism in Florida Statutes as outlined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and determine what is considered prosecutable hate speech. Promoting the deaths of Jewish people, denying the Holocaust, or propagating stereotypes against Jews engaged in a global conspiracy or controlling facets of government or society are some examples listed in the bill as examples of antisemitic expressions. Despite passing overwhelmingly in House, critics are concerned that it would restrict legitimate free speech against actions taken by Israel in response to the Hamas attack. Attempting to strike a balance between what are considered First Amendment free speech protections and hate speech against Jews, Sen. Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach) has filed an amendment that would specify “antisemitism” does not include “criticism of Israel” that mirrors criticism directed at “any other country.” The amendment would also add a provision that the definition may not “infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment” or “conflict with federal or state antidiscrimination laws.”
DeSantis vs. lab-grown meat
Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed support for legislative measures aimed at preventing the production and sale of lab-grown or "cultivated" meat in the state. DeSantis emphasized the importance of preserving real meat in Florida, stating "We're not going to have fake meat. Like that doesn't work." Supporters of the ban argue that it is necessary to protect Florida's cattle industry and ensure food safety as cultivated meat involves taking a sample of cultured cells from animals and growing them in a controlled environment to mimic natural biological processes. However, opponents highlight the stringent regulatory oversight by federal agencies. The proposed ban is part of bills HB 1071 and SB 1084, which also involve changes to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Miami ranks among the worst traffic in the U.S.
Rush-hour traffic is on the rise as more employees return to the office following the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigation software company TomTom released its annual Traffic Index report for 2023, analyzing commuting trends in 387 cities worldwide and finding decreased average traffic speeds in 228 cities compared to 2022. Miami, Florida, was ranked the 10th worst in the U.S. for traffic, with average travel time for motorists calculated at 15 minutes to travel a distance of six miles. Drivers lost an average of 66 hours in rush hour traffic during 2023 and Dolphin Expressway was deemed the busiest roadway in Miami. Meanwhile, Tampa secured the No. 30 spot in the U.S. as the average time annually lost in rush hour traffic was calculated at 49 hours and the busiest roadway was the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. The Cape Coral-Fort Myers area ranked No. 24 and Orlando took the 49th spot. New York City topped the list for worst traffic in the U.S., with commuters spending nearly 25 minutes driving six miles in 2023. Oklahoma City had the quickest commute of cities analyzed at eight minutes and forty seconds to travel six miles.
Florida: The state with the fewest state employees per capita
During Gov. DeSantis’ State of the State address in early January, he touted his frugal administration of taxpayer dollars in operating the state, highlighting that Florida has the fewest state employees per capita in the country. Data from a Florida Department of Management Services report from 2022 supports this claim, showing Florida with the lowest ratio of state government workers per 10,000 residents, both in terms of total employees and full-time equivalent positions. Across total full-time and part-time employees, this amounted to 96 state government workers for every 10,000 residents – the lowest in the nation and well below the national average of 198 state employees per capita. However, the meager state workforce was present when now-Sen. Rick Scott served as governor immediately preceding DeSantis. An independent analysis by the American Legislative Exchange Council ranks Florida the third-lowest nationally when factoring both state and local government employees. Despite being a point of pride for DeSantis, Florida's low ratio of government workers has created problems such as employee shortages leading to high turnover, overwhelming caseloads in state agencies, and safety concerns in state-run prisons.
Clearwater Beach property sells for $24.75M
In one of Tampa Bay’s most expensive real estate transactions so far in 2024, a 3.2-acre waterfront property on Clearwater Beach sold to a luxury condo developer for $24.75 million. Developers BH3 Management and U.S. Development purchased the former Fisherman’s Wharf property at 805 S. Gulfview Blvd. with plans to build an 86-unit luxury condo project that features two nine-story buildings with a resort-style pool and 270 feet of private beach. Residences will range from 2,000 to 5,500 square feet, with prices spanning from $2 million to $10 million per unit. The transaction is the most expensive vacant lot ever sold in Clearwater Beach.
Electric utilities seek to increase rates in 2025
Tampa Electric Co. (TECO) has announced plans to seek rate increases starting in 2025, with expectations to raise rates by more than $450 million through 2027, according to a filed notice. The utility, serving approximately 840,000 customers in Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, cited inflation and the need to meet the demands of a growing customer base. The proposed rate increase includes $290 million to $320 million in 2025, an additional $100 million in 2026, and $70 million in 2027. Tampa Electric is set to file a detailed proposal with the Florida Public Service Commission on April 2, seeking approval for the rate adjustments. TECO expects to see its number of customers grow by 10% from 2024 to 2030. Meanwhile, Duke Energy filed a similar notice with the Public Service Commission to increase base rates by $596 million in 2025, including an additional $95 million in 2026 and $127 million in 2027.
Popular Tampa venue offers 25 concerts for $239
One of Tampa’s largest concert venues, MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, is offering concertgoers a summer pass to attend up to 25 concerts for just $239. Live Nation announced the Lawnie Pass that grants pass holders lawn seating for select shows between May 4 and September 26, including big names like Chris Stapleton (May 10); Dave Matthews Band (May 22); Alanis Morissette (June 19); Red Hot Chili Peppers (June 21); The Doobie Brothers (July 11); Janet Jackson (July 16); Styx & Foreigner (July 20); Chicago & Earth, Wind & Fire (August 16); Luke Bryan (September 14), among others. The pass includes parking. Tickets go on sale at 1 PM on February 7 at lawnpass.livenation.com.
BayCare Health seeks to tackle Florida’s doctor shortage
BayCare Health Systems Inc., the largest not-for-profit healthcare provider in the Tampa Bay area, is seeking to address the state’s doctor shortage with plans to launch several residency programs to train young physicians. The system will introduce at least seven multiyear residency programs across medical centers in the region, focusing on internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction medicine, and emergency medicine. BayCare currently has four residency programs with 77 positions, and by 2029, it aims to expand to over 650 positions, bringing close to 200 new resident physicians and fellows to the region annually. Tampa Bay’s post-pandemic population surge and its aging demographic, coupled with a large percentage of doctors who are retiring, is outpacing the pipeline of young physicians into the state.
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