News Service of Florida

A group of Florida university professors on Thursday filed a federal lawsuit challenging a 2023 state law and related regulations that prevent colleges from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, saying the restrictions are “punishing educators and students for expressing differing and disfavored viewpoints.

The U.S. Supreme Court considers a Texas lawsuit against a new law requiring visitors of adult content sites to verify their age. The Court's decision may impact the outcome of a similar lawsuit in Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday he is calling a special legislative session that will be held the week of Jan. 27

An appeals court said a drug-sniffing dog's alert did not justify police searching a car because the dog could not differentiate between medical marijuana and illegal pot.

Bills backing the flamingo and the scrub jay have been proposed in recent years but have not passed.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Wednesday directed officials to bring forward proposals for a possible bear hunt. The proposals are expected to be completed by a May commission meeting, giving staff members time to compile data from ongoing studies about bear populations and gather more public input.

A federal judge has paused a challenge to a new Florida law that prevents strippers under age 21 from performing in adult-entertainment establishments.

House and Senate committees will meet in parts of December, January and February to start sifting through proposals in the lead-up to the 60-day session.

A Florida amendment could make school board races partisan

Florida voters next week will decide whether to put hunting and fishing rights in the state Constitution, as opponents have struggled to get their message out.