Florida News That Impacts You – September 29th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Two disturbances remain active in the Atlantic. Tropical Storm Philippe, which forecasters have had a hard time projecting, is now expected to head north of the Leeward Islands and dissipate early next week. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rina has developed behind Phillippe and is likewise expected to head north and dissipate without a threat to populated areas. Our weather continues to be impacted by a front with the potential to become a disturbance off our coast which will have brought a few inches of rain to most South Florida communities by the end of the weekend. Localized flooding is possible today due to the impact of King Tide in addition to heavy rainfall accumulations.
- Florida’s minimum wage will rise from $11 per hour to $12 per hour tomorrow. The minimum hourly wage for tipped employees will increase to $8.98. The minimum wage increase is called for as a result of a constitutional amendment passed in 2020 which increases Florida’s minimum wage by $1 per hour annually on September 30th until $15 per hour is established.
- Sunday is the third busiest day of the year for new laws to take effect. Over 30 new laws become official October 1st including 15 new criminal justice laws which commonly raise the punishment for criminal offenses. The Local Ordinances bill, which enables civil actions to result in the recovery of legal costs from local governments, takes effect. Ten new Government Oversight and Operations bills will be law along with two Health and Human Services laws, four new housing laws and three transportation laws. Among the new transportation laws is the Operation of a Golf Cart law which mandates bans any person under the age of 18 from operating a golf cart on a road unless they have a driver’s license or learner’s permit.
- Gas prices continued lower Thursday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.51 per gallon – 13 cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.72 per gallon, which is the 6th highest price in the state.