Florida News That Impacts You – September 21st, 2022
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.
- The statewide average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is now $3.39 per gallon, a penny lower than yesterday and the lowest price in seven months. In Southeast Florida prices range from an average low of $3.43 per gallon in Broward to an average high of $3.59 per gallon in the Palm Beaches.
- New COVID-19 cases remain at the lowest levels in exactly four months in Florida. Florida’s weekly trend for daily COVID-19 cases is currently about 2,896 daily cases, the lowest since April 21st.
- Governor DeSantis has announced his proposal for sales tax holidays for the upcoming year. In addition to retaining the sales tax holidays implemented this year, the governor is proposing permanent sales tax exemptions for diapers, baby wipes, clothing, shoes, cribs and strollers for children under the age of 5. Additionally, the governor’s plan calls for a permanent sales tax exemption for medical supplies and equipment that’s not already exempt under state law. Additionally, the governor is calling for a permanent exemption for otc pet medications and treatments. The plan also proposes a 1-year exemption for household items under $25, a la toiletries, a 1-year exemption for children’s books, toys and athletic equipment. The plan also calls for a 1-year exemption for pet food.
- Governor DeSantis issued an executive order suspending Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe Martinez citing felony charges of unlawful compensation for official behavior and conspiracy to carry out the unlawful compensation. He stated he’d fill the seat in coming weeks. The commissioner was recently arrested for an alleged scheme to influence policy which would have aided in a business owner avoiding code violations.