Florida News That Impacts You – March 27th, 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 the Public Safety, or permitless carry bill. The legislation which would enable the permitless carrying of firearms in Florida passed the House on a party-line vote. The legislation is ready for a full vote before the state senate. The Housing bill, which will use government resources to redevelop abandoned commercial space creating affordable housing, passed on a nearly unanimous vote in the House after having previously passed the Senate unanimously. The bill now moves on to Governor DeSantis’ desk. The House passed the Government and Corporate Activism bill on a party-line vote. The bill bans the use of ESG investment strategies within the state and prevents Floridians from being denied banking services based on ESG related criteria. The legislation is ready for a full vote before the senate.
- Governor DeSantis signed the Civil Remedies, or tort reform bill into law. The legislation is aimed at curbing frivolous lawsuits and reining in attorney's fees.
- Gas prices dropped through the weekend. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is now $3.37 per gallon – 8 cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is now $3.57 per gallon, which is the second highest price in the state.
- Florida added 34,000 private sector jobs in February with an unemployment rate of 2.6% compared to the 3.6% national average. A total of 406,600 jobs have been added over the past twelve months in the state, representing 5% growth compared to a 1.5% growth rat nationally.
- Miami rallied from 13-down in the 2nd half against Texas to join FAU in the Final Four with an 88-81 win over Texas. Miami will play #4 seed Connecticut on Saturday with FAU set to take on #5 seed San Diego St. FAU and Miami will be making their first ever Final Four appearances.