A triple homicide in South Florida this year is driving a renewed push by Democratic lawmakers to strengthen state protections against domestic violence.

Boca Raton Sen. Tina Scott Polsky and Rep. Robin Bartleman of Weston have filed twin bills (SB 858, HB 729) that would require law enforcement to seize firearms when domestic violence injunctions are issued and impose tougher penalties on repeat violators.

The proposal follows the February killings of Mary Gingles, her father, David Ponzer, and her neighbor Andrew Ferrin in Tamarac.

Gingles had sought domestic violence injunctions against her husband twice in 2024, and a Judge ordered him to surrender his firearms.

Under existing Florida statute, however, deputies are not required to collect those weapons when serving the injunction, nor are agencies required to document whether the surrender occurred.

The gun used in the killings could have been seized, but wasn’t.

Polsky and Bartleman’s proposal would change that. It would establish a mandatory process requiring law enforcement agencies to take possession of a respondent’s firearms and ammunition once a court orders their surrender under a domestic violence injunction.

It would also require documentation confirming whether weapons were collected and where they are stored. Further, the measure would raise the penalty for a second violation of a domestic violence injunction from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

“Deaths resulting from domestic violence, especially those involving the use of firearms, are not isolated incidents in our state. In fact, 217 Floridians lost their lives from domestic violence homicide in 2020, representing 20% of all homicides in our state, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families,” Polsky said in a statement.

“This bill is one way we can effectively cut the number of deaths caused by domestic violence down significantly. Domestic violence doesn’t just affect individuals; it affects entire families and our communities. This is a moment for the Legislature to say we see you, we hear you, and we will take action to stop this violence from shattering communities further.”

Bartleman said in a statement that too many families in Florida “know the tragic reality of losing someone to domestic violence.”

“We hear their stories every day. Victims murdered in their homes, children caught in the crossfire of violence they should never have to experience,” she said. “Each one reported the violence, each one tried to get help, and each one was left waiting for action that never came. We cannot keep asking survivors to risk everything while the system continues to fall short.”

Advocates argue the absence of an enforcement mechanism undermines judicial authority and leaves survivors vulnerable even after Judges recognize the danger. Kelley Joseph, Gingles’ lawyer, said in a statement that Polsky and Bartleman’s proposal would provide verification and accountability so law enforcement and courts can intervene effectively before violence escalates.

“Had the firearm at issue been properly seized when the domestic violence injunction was served, Mary might still be alive today, instead of leaving behind a four-year-old child who witnessed unspeakable violence,” Joseph said.

“By incorporating red-flag procedures into the domestic violence statute, this reform would ensure judicial oversight and reliable verification so law enforcement and the courts would have the tools needed to help keep more victims safe and alive.”

Both sponsors have worked for years on domestic violence and public safety policies. Polsky has supported legislation to expand gun control strictures and strengthen survivor protections, while Bartleman has backed reforms to improve police response to domestic violence and add privacy protections for sexual assault survivors.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is renewing his annual partnership with Santa Claus, rolling out personalized “Certificates of Clearance” that officially authorize the big man in red and his reindeer to enter Florida and deliver presents across the Sunshine State.

The holiday tradition allows the certificates, customized with each child’s name and signed by the Commissioner himself, to serve as a keepsake confirming that Santa’s operation has met all Florida requirements.

“From our beaches to our farmlands, Florida families know how to make Christmas special. I’m proud to partner with my pal Santa again this year to ensure he and his reindeer have everything they need to make their travels as safe and smooth as possible,” Simpson said.

“Children across Florida can celebrate Santa’s official clearance with a fun keepsake certificate — a reminder that Florida always cherishes its families and traditions.”

Santa, for his part, sounded pleased with the arrangement.

“Florida has always been one of my favorite stops on Christmas Eve, and my reindeer look forward to it every year. I’m grateful to Commissioner Simpson for helping us to make sure we have a safe and joyful trip across the state — fueled, of course, by Fresh From Florida treats!” Santa said.

Parents and guardians can generate personal certificates online. After setting up an account, families receive a digital certificate they can print and display ahead of Santa’s arrival — a preemptive stamp of approval designed to add a little extra magic to Christmas Eve.

But the paperwork doesn’t stop there.

As part of the annual agreement between the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the North Pole, Simpson is expected to issue an emergency order later this month. The order will waive any Department rules or requirements that could otherwise interfere with Santa’s overnight travel across Florida, ensuring a smooth sleigh ride uninterrupted by red tape.

The emergency order has become a recurring feature of the season, underscoring FDACS’ wide-ranging authority over everything from fuel standards to animal health — including, apparently, flying reindeer.

The certificates and waiver have become a reliable holiday outreach effort for the Agriculture Commissioner’s Office. Additional details about the emergency order will be released once it’s issued.

Until then, Florida families can rest easy knowing Santa’s route is being reviewed, approved and officially stamped by the Commissioner.

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis is on board with a movement to reduce the impacts of the Clean Water Act and ease some restrictions on development.

Patronis, a Republican in Florida’s 1st Congressional District in the Panhandle, voted with many of his colleagues in favor of the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT Act HR 3893). Many Republicans say the proposed measure is designed to “reduce red tape.”

The proposal “eliminated duplicative and costly Clean Water Act permit requirements that do not improve environmental safety,” according to a House GOP statement.

The PERMIT Act, drafted by U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, a Georgia Republican, would also provide amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Patronis voted in favor of the measure, saying it’s long overdue.

“I am honored to support the passage of the PERMIT Act that will streamline … permitting, while ensuring the environment is protected,” Patronis said. “We must keep the government out of our backyards and restore power to the states.”

The measure has yet to go to the full floor of the U.S. Senate for consideration.

But the bill, according to supporters, reduces costly project delays and unnecessary litigation. It provides certainty to infrastructure builders, farmers, water utilities and small businesses, according to wording in the measure.

The bill would limit the scope of the Clean Water Act, which was originally approved by Congress in 1972. When it comes to permitting under the Clean Water Act, the new measure Patronis supports would exclude waste treatment systems, prior converted cropland, groundwater, or features that are determined to be excluded by the U.S. Army Corps Engineers.

While conservatives in Congress support the PERMIT Act, the measure has drawn criticism from environmental activist organizations.

The Hydropower Reform Coalition assailed the proposal for what it says undercuts long-standing environmental protections for many of America’s waterways.

“This prevents states from considering upstream, downstream, or cumulative impacts of projects like dams, pipelines, or large-scale developments,” a Coalition analysis said. “Enforcement authority would rest only with federal permitting agencies, leaving states unable to enforce the very conditions they might place on a project.”