Florida News That Impacts You – March 22nd, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida. Gas prices continued lower through the weekend.
- Recent movers in the state legislative session included legislation which would make it easier for defamation lawsuits against media outlets and reporters. The bill passed a final Senate committee along party lines. Legislation which would preserve abandoned African American cemeteries passed its 2nd House committee in a unanimous vote. The bill which would set term limits for County Commissioners and School Board members at 8 years passed its first Senate committee along party lines - the companion has already passed the full House. A bill which would cut taxes on cell phones bills unanimously passed its first Senate committee vote. The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee passed through a bill which would authorize executions for child rapists with a supermajority vote of a jury in a mostly partyline vote.
- Gas prices dropped another penny on Tuesday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.43 per gallon – 10 cents higher than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the price likewise fell a penny to $3.61 per gallon, which is once again the highest price in the state.
- In Florida home sales fell by 21% year-over-year in February – however prices continued to rise – averaging 3.5% gains over the past year. The median price is currently $395,000 for single-family homes and $315,000 for condos and town houses according to the Florida Association of Realtors.
- Another independent study suggests Florida is the top state in the country for small businesses. The Capital on Tap findings show the combination of Florida’s favorable tax structure, supportive policies and economy are unmatched nationally.