Florida News That Impacts You – May 2nd, 2023

Florida News That Impacts You – May 2nd, 2023 

Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.  

  • Recent movers in the state legislative session included the Term Limits for District School Board Members bill. The legislation, which would limit school board terms to 8 years, advances to Governor DeSantis to sign. The legislature unanimously approved the Venomous Reptiles bill. The legislation increases penalties for illegally possessing venomous reptiles in an effort to curb the introduction of non-native species into Florida’s environment. The Operation of a Golf Cart bill is also on the way to the governor on a unanimous vote. The legislation mandates a driver of a golf cart to have a driver's license or learner’s permit in order to drive a golf cart on roadways. Another unanimous vote took place on the My Safe Florida Home Program which allows eligible Floridians up to $10,000 in grants to harden properties against storm and flood risks and mandates free hurricane mitigation inspections by licensed inspectors.  
  • Governor DeSantis signed multiple bills into law on Monday. The Capital Sexual Battery bill, Offenses Involving Fentanyl or Fentanyl Analogs bill and Pretrial Release and Detention bill are all now laws in Florida. The new laws add the death penalty as an option for sentences for child sex offenders, add mandatory minimum penalties for drugs traffickers and limit the opportunities for bail to be reduced for suspects awaiting trial. Additionally, there will be more stringent guidelines for the release of certain suspects.  
  • Gas prices dropped a penny on Monday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.63 per gallon – seven cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price remains $3.83 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state. 
  • For the 2nd consecutive year, the annual CEO study conducted by the Chief Executive Group ranks Florida as the 2nd best state for business. Florida gained on Texas over the past year and the current ranking is the highest in the 22-year history of the study.  

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