Florida News That Impacts You – February 2nd, 2023   

Florida News That Impacts You – February 2nd, 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.  

• Governor DeSantis formalized his budget proposal for consideration in the upcoming state legislative session. In what he’s dubbed the “Framework for Freedom” Budget, a record $114.8 billion would be spent in support of a myriad of economic, educational, environmental and public safety initiatives. Among the features of the budget, expanded sales tax holidays, a minimum 5% across-the-board pay increase for state employees, record raises for law enforcement, in addition to the previously expanded teacher pay raises.  
• Florida’s gas prices are a penny lower today with a statewide average of $3.53 per gallon for regular unleaded. In the Palm Beaches, the average price is flat at $3.73 per gallon, remaining the highest price in the state. 
• The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has launched a “Stay at the Scene” campaign to raise awareness of ongoing issues with hit and run drivers across the state. Last year Florida Highway Patrol recorded 104,895 hit-and-run crashes – over a thousand of which resulted in injuries and 266 of which resulted in fatalities. As part of the awareness campaign, the state is highlighting increased penalties for hit-and-run drivers, up to and including felony charges. 
• The Florida Chamber of Commerce has released its 2023 economic outlook. The Chamber shows continued economic outperformance throughout the state resulting in record GDP growth, record job growth and wages. They’re also projecting strong net migration into the state to continue.