Florida News That Impacts You – May 4th, 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 Controlled Substance Testing bill. The Legislature unanimously passed the legislation which would decriminalize the use of fentanyl test strips. It’s on its way to Governor DeSantis. The Legislature also unanimously passed the Deceased Individuals bill, or Curtis’ Law, defines what next of kin means and mandates law enforcement follow a specific notification procedure following the death of a minor. On a party-line vote, the Legislature passed a permanent ban on mask and vaccine mandates within Florida. The policy was set to expire this year. A party-line vote also passed the Facility Requirements Based on Sex, or “bathrooms” bill, which mandates public restrooms are to be used according to one’s biological sex. Another bill heading to the governor is the Higher Education bill. The legislation restricts DEI programs in Florida’s colleges among a host of spending transparency measures to be reviewed annually by Florida’s Board of Governors.
- Governor DeSantis signed two bills into law Wednesday. The Prescription Drugs bill and Public Records bill are now law. The related laws will crack down on third party negotiated prices/practices which lead to less transparency and markups for prescribed drugs within the state – a priority of Governor DeSantis. The laws also mandate 100% of all manufacture discounting of drugs is to be passed onto consumers.
- Gas prices dropped another two cents on Wednesday. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.60 per gallon – eight cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.81 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.
- New IRS data, based on recent tax filings, shows Florida gained greater than 709,000 new residents post-pandemic and currently remains the fastest growth state for net migration. There was a first within the data as well. Texas, which remains 2nd nationally in net migration, lost population to Florida for the first time on record. Just over 1,000 more Texans have moved to Florida compared to Floridians relocating to Texas.