Legislature's special session concludes on Iran, hurricane relief & court upholds Florida ban on males competing in female sports

November 16, 2023 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida

Nov 16, 2023

Welcome to this week’s edition of Floridian Today, a newsletter about all things Florida — from politics, business, real estate, and climate. Reporting from the Sunshine State, these are the most important stories you need to know. To never miss an update, subscribe here:

Here’s the latest from Florida…

Lawmakers conclude three-day special session on Iran, hurricane relief, and more

Florida lawmakers begin special session to express support for Israel, further sanction Iran - RMOutlook.com — AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

The Florida Legislature ended a three-day special session last week, successfully passing a comprehensive slate of legislation addressing sanctions on Iran, hurricane relief, enhanced security for institutions at risk of hate crimes, and a resolution supporting the State of Israel. As identified at the outset of the session, lawmakers approved expanded sanctions on Iran by divesting the Florida Retirement Fund from any company with ties to Iran and other state supporters of terrorism. The Legislature also approved legislation providing $417 million for Hurricane Idalia disaster relief, supporting individuals, agriculture and aquaculture businesses, and local governments in North Florida affected by the Category 4 storm in late August. The measures include a revolving $75 million 10-year loan program for agriculture and aquaculture producers, $37.5 million in grants for timber landowners in select counties, and $50 million for hurricane repair and recovery projects in counties that received FEMA disaster designations. The bill provides a sales tax relief provision for impacted farmers to purchase building materials and farm equipment to replace the hurricane-damaged property. Another notable initiative is the allocation of $181.5 million to the My Safe Florida Home Program, aimed at reducing homeowners' insurance costs by providing matching grants to make hurricane-resistant upgrades to homes (read more). In a separate bill, lawmakers approved a $45 million appropriation that will go toward enhancing security for Jewish schools, synagogues, community centers, and institutions amid a rise in hate crimes following the Israel-Hamas war (read more). Two similar pieces of legislation express support for the State of Israel to exist as a sovereign nation with the right to defend itself, while condemning the attacks on Israel by Hamas, resulting in the deaths of 1,400 people.

Court upholds state ban on biological males competing in female sports

A federal court has upheld the state’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act after dismissing a legal challenge to the 2021-signed law last week. The law, introduced as SB 1028, ensures school sports are separated by biological sex and faced scrutiny in a lawsuit filed on behalf of a teenage student-athlete in Broward County who identifies as a girl but was born a biological male. U.S. District Judge Roy Altman approved Governor Ron DeSantis’ motion to dismiss, rejecting claims that the law violated Title IX, equal protection, and due process rights. The judge emphasized that Florida’s law applies uniformly, regardless of transgender status or gender identity, focusing on maintaining the “inherent biological differences” between sexes. Governor DeSantis hailed the legal victory, applauding the state’s work in protecting women’s sports and ensuring fair opportunities for female athletes.

‘My Safe Florida Home’ program receives an additional $181M in funding

Here's how to apply for Florida home improvement grants | wtsp.com — via WTSP

The state-funded My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program has received an additional $181.5 million in funding from the Legislature, which offers free home inspections and matching grants (up to $10,000) for homeowners to make hurricane-resistant enhancements, aiming to fortify homes against storms and thereby, reducing insurance premiums. The MSFH program was revived in November 2022, with the Florida Legislature allocating $150 million toward inspections and grants; however, the program was quickly inundated with applicants, resulting in the need for an additional $100 million in grant money that was provided in July 2023. Despite additional funding, by August, the number of grant applications submitted for the program exceeded the available dollars allocated quickly and the Department of Financial Services, which operates the MSFH program, temporarily ceased the acceptance of additional applicants. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis applauded the program's success in assisting thousands of Floridians, saving an average of $1,000 annually on insurance premiums, and conducting over 87,000 free home inspections.

Subscribe to FLORIDIAN TODAY for free to never miss a post and support our work.

Florida gas prices hit 2023 lows

AAA's recent report reveals that gas prices in the Sunshine State have hit a new low for 2023. The average cost per gallon dipped to $3.17 a week and a half ago, down from $3.29 the previous week and five cents lower than March's low. Nationally, the average stood at $3.42 per gallon two weeks ago, signaling a broader trend of declining prices. The price at the pump in Florida is the lowest since December 2022. In terms of city averages, West Palm Beach-Boca Raton tops the list at $3.37, while Pensacola enjoys the lowest average at $3.00 per gallon.

Floridians could see more toll relief in 2024

As preparations for the 2024 legislative session are underway, Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez hinted at potential toll breaks for frequent users of toll roads. Speaking at the Republican Party of Florida’s “Freedom Summit” in Orlando, Nunez emphasized the administration's commitment to providing tax and toll relief to alleviate financial burdens caused by the Biden Administration. The current year-long program, offering 50% credits to SunPass motorists making 35 or more toll-road trips a month, is set to expire on December 31. From January 1, 2023, when the program took effect, through September, the state had issued $343.4 million in credits through the toll relief program.

Florida House allocates $45M in funding for security at Jewish schools

The Florida House has unanimously approved a bill aimed at bolstering security for educational institutions, specifically those susceptible to hate crimes, with a focus on Jewish day schools. Sponsored by Rep. Randy Fine (R-Melbourne Beach), the bill (HB 7-C) allocates $45 million in emergency funding, including $20 million that will support a program run by the Florida Department of Emergency Management that provides funds to institutions demonstrating an elevated threat level, including Jewish institutions. The remaining $25 million is designated for Jewish day schools, covering both operational costs and security enhancements. The bill is designed to ensure the safety of children in the wake of heightened threats following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war last month, passing during the state’s special legislative session.

Is Florida’s Live Local Act working? Tampa Bay politicians say ‘no’

Apartment construction at a five-year national low - South Florida Agent Magazine — via SouthFloridaAgentMagazine.com

County commissioners in greater Tampa Bay are expressing dissatisfaction with the "Live Local Act," the $711-million statewide workforce housing strategy that was signed into law by Gov. DeSantis in March, providing historic funding for affordable housing. The Act also creates a variety of new programs, incentives, and opportunities to increase the availability of affordable housing options for Florida's workforce, with an emphasis on mixed-use development. However, at a joint meeting of county commissioners from across Tampa Bay, there was criticism that the law is falling short of expectations. The legislation allows developers to construct multi-family housing in commercial and industrial zones without local government approval, but commissioners from Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties argue that the Act is not being applied as intended. They say developers are focusing on suburban areas instead of transforming buildings in the urban core such as abandoned warehouses into affordable housing. Concerns were raised about the negative impact on business growth and the disparity between Live Local's objectives of providing affordable housing closer to city centers where job opportunities are concentrated and the Act’s outcomes. Commissioners are considering signing a joint letter to lawmakers to push for a rewrite of the bill’s language.

Condo reinspection law puts residents in limbo

A condominium reinspection law in Florida, enacted last year after the 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse, has left around 2 million condo residents facing significant uncertainty. The law requires older condos, especially those three stories and taller, to undergo milestone inspections at earlier intervals than previously required. Condos must undergo inspections in the year they turn 30 years of age and every 10 years afterward. Buildings that had a certificate of occupancy issued on or before July 1, 1992, must have their first milestone inspection by December 31, 2024. Condo associations are also required to fund reserves for future maintenance and repairs. For many residents, this has resulted in unexpected and hefty special assessments that can reach six figures, causing financial strain and potential risks to homeownership. Generally, these assessments require residents to make payments over a short period to fund costly repairs unless the association can obtain a bank loan to finance the necessary improvements, which can also prove difficult or even impossible given the association’s governing authority. Unit owners looking to sell amid steep special assessments are finding it burdensome to identify a buyer who is willing to inherit the financial obligation. Meanwhile, developers are capitalizing on the situation by attempting to buy entire condo towers, terminate associations, and redevelop buildings that sit on prime real estate, leaving residents facing tough decisions about their homes.

Board of Governors moves forward to restrict social issues from discussion on campus

The Florida Board of Governors has moved forward on two rules that could cut funds from programs involved in political or social activism, or those advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The changes adopt language from the controversial Senate Bill 266 passed earlier year, which prohibits expenditures related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and amends general education requirements. The Board of Governors’ actions would ensure compliance with state law by restricting universities from spending state or federal funds on "political or social activism" programs and activities or promoting DEI on campus. The Board also broadly defined "social issues" as topics dividing society “among political, ideological, moral, or religious beliefs, positions, or norms.” The restrictions would expand beyond campus activities and programs to include student clubs and recruitment of faculty that support DEI efforts or political and social activism in general. Concerns have been raised about the rule's vagueness, particularly regarding potential impacts on free speech. Another rule being advanced removes sociology as a required general education course, a change sought by Education Commissioner Manny Diaz. Sociology would still be offered to students as a course option but would no longer count toward fulfillment of general education requirements. The public can provide feedback on the proposed rules during a 14-day window before the Board's January vote.

Health insurance rates in Florida rank the lowest in the U.S.

Florida boasts some of the lowest medical insurance rates in the U.S., per a report in a research letter published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Health Forum. The study, based on Humana's negotiated rates for seven procedures, patient office visits, and ER visits, revealed that Florida's mean county-level prices were among the nation's lowest. Citrus, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties particularly stood out, with rates ranging from $71 to $75 for office visits and medical procedures. Conversely, Hillsborough County in Tampa Bay had the highest rates, ranging from $85 to $89 for office visits. While approximately half of Floridians have private insurance, the state's uninsured rate is approximately 11%, the fifth-highest in the country.

Teacher fired for using gender-neutral title Mx.

A Florida Virtual School (FLVS) physics teacher, AV Vary, has been terminated for using the gender-neutral courtesy title "Mx." in class materials. The statewide online public school alleges Vary violated a new state law that prohibits teachers from sharing “personal titles and pronouns” not aligning with their biological sex. Vary, who identifies as non-binary, received a directive to use conventional titles like Ms., Mrs., or Miss, which was refused, leading to termination. Vary views the law as unfair and unconstitutional, filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and has contacted attorneys to take legal action to challenge the law. In response to the termination, FLVS stated that as a state public school, it is “obligated to follow Florida laws and regulations pertaining to public education,” including section 1000.071(3) of the Florida Statutes, which establishes guidelines on the use of personal titles and pronouns within the public school system. These added changes were signed into law by Gov. DeSantis in May, expanding upon the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill passed last year. Meanwhile, Vary only began identifying as non-binary earlier this year and until the summer was known to students as Ms. Vary.

Fort Lauderdale named America’s wettest city

DMC Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Award Winning Destination Management Company | COTC Events

Surpassing 100 inches of rainfall in 2023, with the total still climbing, Fort Lauderdale has claimed the title of the wettest city in America. The city is on the verge of breaking its all-time wettest-year record set in 1947 at 102.56 inches. Fort Lauderdale's current annual rainfall exceeds that of renowned rainy cities like Hilo, Hawaii, and small Washington towns outside of the Olympic Rain Forest, which generally receives recognition as the wettest location in the contiguous U.S. The achievement is attributed to multiple torrential rain events, notably the historic flooding on April 13, where the city received over 25 inches in 24 hours, setting a daily rainfall record in the state. Forecasts this week indicate more rainfall for Fort Lauderdale by as many as 10 inches, ensuring its reign as the wettest city in America.

Citrus County receives $5.3M to hire more police officers

United States Department of Justice has awarded Citrus County $5.375 million through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP), allowing the hire of 43 new deputies. Recognizing the county's pressing need for additional law enforcement personnel due to a 65% population surge over the past three decades, the funding aims to address the understaffing revealed in multiple staffing analyses. Nearly $217 million in federal funds were distributed to 394 agencies across the country as part of the CHP for the hiring of 1,730 new officers to increase community policing capacity and help reduce crime.

Congressman Vern Buchanan of Sarasota secures funding for manatee rescue and combatting red tide

U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-Sarasota) celebrates the unanimous passage of his two amendments in the U.S. House funding bill that allocates dollars to the Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The first amendment allocates $1.15 million to enhance the rescue and rehabilitation of Florida manatees, addressing the alarming rise in manatee deaths, with nearly 2,400 casualties reported since 2021. The second amendment secures $2.5 million for the National Water Quality Program to intensify research on harmful algal blooms, particularly red tide, which has adversely impacted marine life and tourism along the Gulf Coast. Buchanan emphasizes the importance of bipartisan support for these measures to safeguard the survival of endangered manatees and combat the detrimental effects of red tide on Florida's waters and tourism-dependent economy.

Attorney General Moody takes legal action against Tampa solar company for scamming hundreds of consumers

A Tampa-based solar company, MC Solar and Roofing, along with its owners are facing legal action from Attorney General Ashley Moody for allegedly scamming hundreds of consumers, including seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans. The consumer protection investigation revealed that the company employed deceptive practices, including misrepresentations and financial schemes, to lure customers into costly residential solar agreements. After receiving payment from customers, the defendants reportedly failed to complete installations and damaged homes. AG Moody said the owners engaged in unscrupulous business practices to “enrich themselves and fund a lavish lifestyle” as they forged applications, abandoned contracts, and threatened homeowners with legal action to commit consumers to a solar contract. MC Solar misrepresented the costs and interest rates on solar installations and equipment while also failing to pay third-party companies, resulting in liens being placed on homeowners’ properties. The civil complaint filed by the Attorney General seeks to permanently ban the defendants from doing future business in the solar industry and requests injunctive relief, restitution, and civil penalties.

Tampa receives $2.6M federal grant to improve street safety

The City of Tampa has secured a $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) as part of its Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The funding aims to enhance road safety by reducing vehicle speed in underserved areas of the city. Four roads—Rowlett Park Drive, Palm Avenue, East Sligh Avenue, and North 34th Street—will benefit from measures like new striping, signage, pedestrian crossings, speed feedback signs, and curb/sidewalk extensions. The grant funding aligns with Tampa MOVES, the city's 30-year, $2 billion mobility plan that is being considered, seeking to address safety concerns for bikers and pedestrians through infrastructure improvements.

FLORIDIAN TODAY