New Black history standards adopted by the Florida Board of Education are criticized as “a big step backward”

Classroom – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by smolaw A new set of guidelines for how Black history should be taught in the state’s public schools, which the Florida Board of Education adopted, drew criticism from advocates for education and civil rights who believed that pupils should be able to understand the “full truth” of American

What you need to know before Florida’s new carry law goes into effect

Man with concealed carry permit application and pistol gun firearm Courtesy: Shutterstock – Photo by ja-images The new “constitutional carry” law that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law earlier this year is scheduled to go into effect on July 1. Previously punishable as a third-degree crime, the bill (HB 543) now permits some Floridians to

Florida House backs lowering the age to purchase guns

Guns – Permitless Carry – Protestors rallying for gun control – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Heidi Besen In a vote to undo a controversial move made following the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, the Florida House approved a bill on Friday that would lower the legal

Florida bill proposes 12-month school plan for elementary students

Florida bill proposes longer schooling – Elementary school kids in a classroom raising their hands – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Monkey Business Images TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate started debating a plan on Tuesday that would implement a trial year-round school program at a few primary schools. “The purpose of the program is for

Florida’s permitless carry law–5 things to know

Permitless Carry – Man shooting gun at gun range – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Prath Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill into law allowing people to carry concealed weapons in public without a permit or training. Before the actual start of the legislative session, almost all of the legislation’s committee stops were completed

Florida House passes the permitless carry bill

Permitless Carry – Protestors rallying for gun control – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Heidi Besen A bill allowing gun owners to carry a concealed weapon without state permission was approved by lawmakers in the Florida House of Representatives on Friday. Following passing the bill by a vote of 76-32, HB-543 will now proceed to

In Florida, left-hand-lane driving might be outlawed in 2024

Driving on South Florida Highway – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Julian Prizont-Cado Recently introduced legislation in the Florida Senate aims to fine motorists who “continuously” drive in the left lane without intending to pass. Vehicles would not be allowed to continuously travel “in the furthermost left-hand lane of certain roadways,” i.e., streets, highways, and

Lawmakers pushing Florida high school diplomas to require financial literacy

Financial Literacy — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Monthira Florida lawmakers are considering making a financial literacy course a requirement for high school graduation as more states look to improve the younger generation’s understanding of how to manage their personal finances. A bipartisan bill making its way through the Florida House of Representatives would require high school

Florida lawmakers cracking down on ‘pop-up’ events

Car Meet Pop-Up Events — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Chawapon Wongchuen Authorities may be able to double fines and impound vehicles for days on noncriminal traffic infractions to crackdown on sizable unsanctioned events put together on social media, under a measure heading to the Senate floor. Bill sponsor Tom Wright, R-New Smyrna Beach, said the proposal

Controversial abortion bill heads to Florida Senate

Abortion Rights Protest — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Bob Korn A bill that would subsequently ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy is set to take another step forward on Monday, February 21. The agenda for Florida’s Senate Appropriations Committee includes the “Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality” bill. The legislation being proposed revises the requirements and