Good Tuesday morning.

A deeper dive into a new study by the Florida League of Cities shows that eliminating or sharply reducing property taxes would disproportionately affect Florida’s rural communities, many of which already operate with little fiscal margin and limited revenue options.

As lawmakers consider proposals to eliminate or significantly expand the state’s homestead exemption, the analysis finds the fiscal fallout would be uneven, placing disproportionate strain on rural and inland municipalities that rely heavily on predictable ad valorem revenue to fund core services.

In smaller, mostly rural cities, property taxes are the backbone of municipal budgets, supporting police and fire protection, emergency medical services, infrastructure maintenance and local economic development. In some Panhandle jurisdictions, public safety spending alone exceeds 100% of property tax revenue, forcing cities to draw on other general fund sources to maintain essential services.

Infrastructure costs further compound the challenge. A microsimulation conducted for the League found that public works and transportation spending is especially vulnerable in rural and coastal communities with large land areas and infrastructure-intensive responsibilities, where roads, drainage systems and stormwater management impose costs mismatched with local taxable value.

“Without compensatory measures, reforms risk eroding long-term service capacity and weakening rural revitalization strategies,” the report warns.

Statewide, the study estimates that eliminating homestead property taxes would reduce ad valorem revenue by 38% and overall general fund revenue by 14%, requiring millage rates to nearly double to avoid service cuts. Even significant fixed-dollar exemptions of $250,000 to $500,000 would produce losses of 25% to 32%.

The study follows Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto of a $1 million budget earmark for a state-run property tax impact analysis. It comes amid broader debate over how Florida would replace lost local revenue.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@rustem_umerov: Over the past two days, Ukrainian-US negotiations have been constructive and productive, with real progress achieved. We hope we will reach an agreement that will bring us closer to peace by the end of the day. There is a lot of noise and anonymous speculation in the media right now. Please don’t fall for rumors and provocations. The American team led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are working extremely constructively to help Ukraine find a way to a peace agreement that lasts. The Ukrainian team is enormously grateful to President (Donald) Trump and his team for all the efforts they are putting in.

—@RealDonaldTrump: A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS. He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace!

Tweet, tweet:

—@GovChristie: Everything is not about you, Mr. President. Especially not a tragedy when two people were senselessly murdered and a member of their own family is alleged to have killed them. Despite their unimaginable pain, you have to use it as an opportunity to put your grievances about their political views at the center of this awful event. Completely shocking and not the least bit surprising at the very same time.

—@JakeTapper: The President’s TruthSocial post about the Reiners’ horrific deaths is quite a contrast from how Rob Reiner reacted to the murder of Charlie Kirk.

—@FreedLander: Just unusual behavior from someone who, only last week, was awarded the FIFA Peace Prize

—@BarackObama: Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people — and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.

—@JimNorton: Just a heads up, it’s OK to be sad about Rob Reiner’s death without letting everyone know that you “didn’t agree with this politics.” No one gives a fuck.

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@MerriamWebster: Merriam-Webster’s human editors have chosen ‘slop’ as the 2025 Word of the Year.

— DAYS UNTIL —

DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 1; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 3; ‘ELWAY’ documentary premieres on Netflix — 6; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 9; ‘Industry’ season four premieres — 26; 2026 Australian Open begins — 27; Special Primary Election for HD 87 — 28; HD 51 Special Primary and two Boca Raton referendums — 28; 2026 Legislative Session begins — 28; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 28; The James Madison Institute’s 2026 Red, White & Bluegrass event — 29; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 33; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 45; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 51; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 52; Special (General) Election for HD 87 — 69; ‘Paradise’ season two premieres on Hulu — 69; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 75; Boca Raton Mayoral and City Council Elections — 84; last day of the Regular Session — 87; Special Election for HD 51 (if necessary) — 98; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 99; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 100; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 108; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 111; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 120; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 120; First Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (Federal) — 125; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 129; F1 Miami begins — 136; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 157; A new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ ride premieres at Disney World — 157; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 168; Second Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (State) — 174; South Africa in the FIFA 2026 World Cup opener in Mexico City — 177; State Qualifying Period ends — 178; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 185; Mexico will face live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 197; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 200; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 205; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 210; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 212; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 216; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 233; Primary Election 2026: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 235; Primary Election Day 2026 — 245; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 269; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 273; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 277; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 282; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 289; General Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote — 293; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 312; 2026 General Election — 322; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 367; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 367; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 367; Tampa Mayoral Election — 441; Jacksonville First Election — 462; Jacksonville General Election — 518; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 536; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 598; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 654; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 731; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 941; U.S. Presidential Election — 1057; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1457; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2188.

—TOP STORY—

“Florida’s new immigration policies are upending lives, USF study finds” via Juan Carlos Chavez of the Tampa Bay Times — A new study by researchers at the University of South Florida finds that Florida’s immigration policies and actions under the Trump administration have reshaped daily life for immigrants well beyond those who lack legal status. The report is based on interviews with 53 people in central and west-central Florida conducted by USF’s Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center.

Researchers found that recent state and federal measures have created a climate of fear, distrust, and constant vigilance among immigrants regardless of legal standing. Participants described changes in work, travel, health care access, and family life driven by heightened enforcement and uncertainty.

In 2023, Gov. DeSantis signed SB 1718, expanding employment verification requirements, invalidating some out-of-state driver’s licenses, cutting immigrant ID programs and requiring Medicaid-accepting hospitals to collect patients’ legal status information. This year, Florida approved additional enforcement laws, funded detention efforts and opened two new facilities, including Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades.

According to the study, enforcement impacts spilled into legal immigrant communities. Researchers cited cases involving a U.S. citizen detained during immigration enforcement and families abandoning seasonal work or limiting travel due to fear of traffic stops and police encounters.

The report also documents economic harm and social withdrawal. Families reported job scams, declining small businesses, rising housing pressures and reduced mobility as immigrants avoided driving, public spaces, and contact with authorities, including police and health providers.

Participants who experienced detention reported inadequate access to basic needs and lasting mental-health effects after release. The study found increased anxiety, depression, and disrupted education plans for young people, even as churches and community organizations remain critical sources of support.

— STATEWIDE —

“‘We have a right to do this’: Ron DeSantis wants Florida to move ahead with AI policies” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — Gov. DeSantis said Monday that Trump’s executive order limiting state action on artificial intelligence will not stop Florida from advancing its own AI safeguards, including new protections for children and consumers. Speaking at an AI event at Florida Atlantic University, DeSantis said Florida’s proposals, including an AI “bill of rights,” would withstand federal scrutiny even as the Trump administration threatens lawsuits or funding cuts against states it views as obstructive. DeSantis said Florida has the right to regulate AI and dismissed concerns about preemption, though he acknowledged potential legal challenges from Attorney General Pam Bondi. Lawmakers are weighing several AI measures ahead of the Legislative Session beginning Jan. 13.

“DeSantis calls for better school security spending in his budget recommendations” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — DeSantis wants to spend millions of dollars on school security measures to protect students from active shooters. DeSantis is proposing $64 million for “school hardening” in higher education facilities as part of his $117 billion budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Of that, $44 million would go to state colleges and $20 million would be slotted for universities, said Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas. Kamoutsas added at last week’s news conference that the funds would be used to install classroom locks. The shooting at Florida State University this April helped spark the push for better security measures. Some students and faculty members discovered, while trying to protect themselves, that classrooms could not be locked from the inside. The FSU shooting killed two people and injured others.

—“Nursing schools hopeful after DeSantis proposes $130 million investment in nursing education” via News 6

“DeSantis names sponsor of bill striking ‘climate change’ from Florida law to utility Board” via Emily L. Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — A former state lawmaker and utility official will soon be on the Florida Board that regulates utilities and decides how much they can charge residents for electricity. DeSantis announced his appointment of ex-state Rep. Bobby Payne to the five-member state utility Board earlier this year. His appointment will take effect in January, though the Florida Senate must confirm him to keep the job. Payne sponsored a 2024 bill that removed most references to “climate change” from state law, drawing national headlines. That proposal, signed into law by DeSantis, overhauled state energy policy, shifting the focus away from reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming. It also prohibited offshore wind turbines in state waters, relaxed regulations on natural gas pipelines and reduced local government control over the location of natural gas storage facilities.

“Why Florida is ground zero for coming Obamacare storm” via Lee Ann Anderson of The Hill — Florida will be hit harder than any other state if Obamacare subsidies expire at the end of the year, which is looking increasingly likely as Republicans in Congress struggle to unite behind a plan to extend the tax credits. More than 1.5 million Floridians could lose health care as monthly payments skyrocket. Average premium costs could shoot up by 132%, or by $521 annually, for Floridians who currently receive enhanced Obamacare subsidies. Florida leads the country in the number of individuals enrolled in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plan, with 1 out of 5 Floridians, or 4.7 million people, benefiting from subsidized health insurance, according to KFF, a nonprofit organization focused on health policy. The Sunshine State’s relatively large number of small-business owners and hospitality workers accounts for the exceptionally high reliance on ACA plans, said Erica Li, a health policy analyst at Florida Policy Institute.

“State Parks Foundation scores record financial impact for state facilities” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — It was a very good year for the Florida State Parks Foundation, as the organization hit yet another record in terms of annual financial impact. The nonprofit is dedicated to championing and promoting the Florida State Parks system for everyone to use. This year, the Foundation secured $2.187 million in total funding impact, representing funds from both external and internal sources allocated to projects across the state. External sources include grants, community partners and sponsorships, and grassroots donors. That makes up the majority of the group’s financial impact. Internal funding comes from the Foundation’s annual budget allocation and typically goes toward recurring programs, such as Park Impact Grants, or to meet grant match requirements. The organization has broken its funding record for four consecutive years, bringing the total financial impact to more than $8 million since 2022.

“National poll shows broad support for family-first K-12 education policies” via Florida Politics — A new national survey finds Americans across demographic and partisan lines continue to support policies that expand parental control and education choice in K-12 schools, including open enrollment, education savings accounts, and education tax credits. The polling found that 64% of respondents support allowing students to attend any public school in their state regardless of where they live. And 63% back education savings accounts that will enable families to direct public education funding toward tuition, tutoring, or other education-related expenses. Support for education tax credits reached 58%. The findings show consistent backing for education choice policies across key demographic groups, including majorities of K-12 parents, Black voters, Hispanic voters, and voters in both major political parties.

“Commemorative 250th U.S. anniversary license plates available this week in Florida” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — As the U.S. prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is releasing a commemorative license plate for motorists in the state. The U.S. officially observes the “semiquincentennial” on July 4, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Beginning this week, Floridians can purchase a commemorative license plate for the anniversary, which they can attach to their motor vehicles. “The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is honored to give Floridians a meaningful way to participate in our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said DHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “This commemorative plate reflects our shared pride in America’s history and is a symbol of our state’s connection to America’s past.”

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Democratic lawmakers push to close gun enforcement gap in domestic violence injunctions” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — 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 stricter 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.

“Small businesses in Florida could face hiring challenges with new bill” via Paul Dolan of the WINK — A new proposal in Florida could soon change the way small businesses operate. A bill filed for the 2026 Legislative Session would require all private employers, regardless of size, to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the eligibility of new hires to work in the U.S. Currently, only companies with 25 or more employees are required to do so. Joy Schwartz, owner of Wisteria Tea and Cafe Room in Fort Myers, expressed concern over the potential impact on small businesses. “This could put small businesses in a ‘moral dilemma,’ torn between following new rules and supporting people who come here to work,” said Schwartz.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“MAGA leaders warn Donald Trump the base is checking out. Will he listen?” via Natalie Allison, Kadia Goba and Hannah Knowles of The Washington Post — There are concerns that the base won’t show up over frustrations that Trump hasn’t pursued the MAGA agenda aggressively enough. And others worry that economic concerns could threaten his standing with independent voters, who are key in next year’s Midterms. Trump’s top advisers have noted the criticism from within MAGA and see it as part of the “cyclical” feedback the administration will receive throughout his term, as one senior White House official put it. Trump’s staff has planned for him to begin holding near-weekly rallies to tout his accomplishments after spending little time on the stump this year, two officials told The Washington Post, speaking on the condition of anonymity to detail internal conversations.

“Trump levels political attack on Rob Reiner in inflammatory post after his killing” via Michelle L. Price of the Orlando Sentinel — Trump blamed Reiner’s outspoken opposition to the President for the actor-director’s killing, delivering the unsubstantiated claim in a shocking post that seemed intent on decrying his opponents even in the face of a tragedy. The statement, even for Trump, was an astonishing comment that came as police were still investigating the deaths of the beloved director and his wife as an apparent homicide. The couple were found dead at their home on Sunday in Los Angeles. Investigators believe they suffered stab wounds, and the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, was in police custody early Monday. Trump has a long track record of inflammatory remarks. Still, his comments in a social media post were a marked departure from the role Presidents typically play in offering a message of condolence or tribute upon the death of a public figure. His message drew criticism even from conservatives and his supporters and laid bare Trump’s unwillingness to rise above political grievance in moments of crisis.

“MAGA turns on Trump over deranged Reiner post” via Laura Esposito of the Daily Beast — Even some of Trump’s most devoted followers recoiled at his suggestion that Hollywood director Reiner was killed because of his own “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” A day after Reiner and his wife were found murdered at their Los Angeles home on Sunday, Trump attacked the filmmaker in a Truth Social post, portraying him as a “struggling” man with “obvious paranoia” who had brought his death upon himself due to his “raging obsession” with the President. “Not classy. Expect better of you, Mr. President,” one reply read. “Terrible post and I am a big Trump supporter,” another user wrote. “Take it down!” Others noted that prominent Republicans had condemned the Reiners’ killing without politicizing it.

“Trump declares fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction” via Eric Bazail-Eimil and Jack Detsch of POLITICO — Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, giving the U.S. government additional legal firepower in its efforts to combat illegal trafficking of the synthetic drug. The executive order cites the lethality of the drug, which kills tens of thousands of Americans every year, and the fact that transnational criminal groups that the Trump administration has designated as foreign terrorist organizations use the sale of fentanyl to fund activities that undermine U.S. national security. The President said the amount of drugs coming into the U.S. by sea has decreased by 94%.

“Trump has a new deportation strategy: fast-tracking third-country removals” via Lisa Fernandez of Fox 2 — Trump has a new deportation strategy by fast-tracking what’s known as third-country removals, and it’s causing alarm within the immigrant rights community. In the Bay Area, there are 50 such cases currently pending at the immigration court in Concord and a growing number in San Francisco, though an exact number wasn’t immediately available. Put simply, third-country removals occur when immigrants are deported to a country other than their home country. And the Department of Homeland Security is asking for these removals with “pretermit” motions, which essentially ask a judge to dismiss an asylum claim without a full evidentiary hearing.

“Trump administration says it needs to fight SNAP fraud, but the extent of the problem is unclear” via Geoff Mulbihill of the Orlando Sentinel — Trump’s administration is talking tough about SNAP, saying the government’s biggest food aid program is riddled with fraud that must be stopped. His appointees are looking at Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from an enforcement perspective, seeing fraud as a significant and expensive problem, perpetrated by organized criminal organizations, individual recipients and retailers willing to break the law for profit. “We know there are instances of fraud committed by our friends and neighbors, but also transnational crime rings,” Jennifer Tiller, a senior adviser to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, said. There is little publicly available data on the extent of fraud, and other researchers studying the program are skeptical of the scale. “If you’re spending $100 billion on anything, you’re going to have some leakage,” said Christopher Bosso, a professor of public policy and politics at Northeastern University who published a book on SNAP.

“Trump administration says White House ballroom construction is a matter of national security” via The Associated Press — The Trump administration said in a court filing that the President’s White House ballroom construction project must continue for reasons of national security. The filing came in response to a lawsuit filed last Friday by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, seeking a federal judge’s order to halt the project until it undergoes multiple independent reviews and receives approval from Congress. In its filing, the administration included a declaration from the deputy director of the U.S. Secret Service stating that additional work at the former White House East Wing site remains necessary to meet the agency’s “safety and security requirements.” The administration has offered to share classified information with the judge in person, without the plaintiffs present. The government’s response to the lawsuit provides the most comprehensive look yet at the ballroom construction project, including insight into how it was approved so swiftly by the Trump administration bureaucracy and into its expanding scope.

“Ashley Moody slams Harvard for hiring protester arrested for assaulting Israeli student” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Sen. Moody slammed Harvard University for hiring a student accused of assaulting pro-Israel peers during campus protests. The Plant City Republican criticized the university after the New York Post reported that Elom Tettey-Tamaklo had been hired as a graduate teaching Fellow. He took on that role in August, months after he faced misdemeanor charges of assaulting an Israeli classmate. “Leaders must step up to not only condemn antisemitism but also show action to combat this evil faithfully. Unfortunately, many profess to want to quash this abhorrent behavior but then make decisions and promote others that bolster antisemitism with a wink and a nod,” Moody said. Especially discouraging to Moody, she said, was that she had spoken to Harvard’s leadership specifically about the need to drive out antisemitism from its campus culture.

“Jimmy Patronis backs bill to loosen Clean Water Act regulations” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Patronis is on board with a movement to reduce the impacts of the Clean Water Act and ease some restrictions on development. Patronis 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.” The PERMIT Act, drafted by U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, would also provide amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

“Rank-and-file Republicans feel heat from constituents on health care” via Karen Tumulty of The Washington Post — The office of Rep. Mike Flood gets as many as 300 telephone calls a day. Lately, their Congressman has been calling some back. These are constituents who have left messages saying they get their health coverage through the Affordable Care Act exchanges and are worried about the soaring costs they will face when tax credits put in place during the coronavirus pandemic expire at the end of the month. Those enhanced credits have spurred enrollment in the ACA marketplaces, which have more than doubled from about 11 million to more than 24 million people over the last five years. Some subsidies were already available to households earning between 100% and 400% of the poverty line.

“Disaster survivors rally support for FEMA on Capitol Hill” via Corina Cappabianca of Spectrum News — Disaster survivors from across the country, including Florida, are urging Congress to bolster FEMA and make it an independent Cabinet-level agency. It comes after the Council tasked with reviewing FEMA’s work had its meeting called off last week and did not publish a public report of its recommendations as expected. Tara Boyd, who lived through Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers Beach, was among the group visiting Capitol Hill on Monday. “We actually swam out of our house that day, we slept in a random car that night, walked home the following day, and our home had been destroyed, so we were left with nothing but our lives, the clothes that we swam out of the house in,” she said. “After three appeals, they finally did approve us, which was fantastic, but it was a little bit too late. We had already gone into a different program for housing, and it’s three years later, and we’re still living in a travel trailer,” she said.

— ELECTIONS —

Save the date:

“Robin Pegeuro nets CD 27 endorsement from Joe Geller” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Peguero just landed an endorsement from Miami-Dade County School Board member Geller as Peguero seeks to supplant Republican U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar. Geller, who previously served in the Florida House, as Mayor of North Bay and as Chair of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, said in a statement that Peguero “will fight for you and me in Congress.” “Robin will fight for lower costs and affordable health care and housing. He’ll fight to defend the rule of law and our democracy. He’ll fight to give all our families a fair shot at the American Dream,” Geller said. “Robin will take back this seat in Congress — and I’m proud to endorse him.”

“Another sweep: Fabián Basabe endorsed by every elected official in North Bay Village” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Rep. Basabe continues to rack up endorsements for his re-election effort in House District 106, now earning nods from every elected official in North Bay Village. It’s the second municipality that Basabe represents, whose elected leaders are all supporting him. All five of the North Bay Village’s voter-chosen local servants are endorsing Basabe, citing his responsiveness, collaboration, delivery of state appropriations and attention to the municipality’s needs. Mayor Rachel Streitfeld called Basabe’s state-level support for North Bay Village “invaluable” and “evident from the start.” She said in a letter that, even before Basabe’s 2022 election, he was a fixture at Village Commission meetings.

“Rep. candidate Erin Huntley highlights parental rights and school choice in Orlando District” via Michelle Vecerina of Florida’s Voice — Huntley, a candidate for Florida State Representative in District 45, said that school choice and parents’ rights in education are the top issues driving her campaign in the purple, family-focused district near Orlando’s major tourism areas. Huntley emphasized that parents are increasingly seeking varied educational options for their children. “The No. 1 thing we hear from everyone — we’ve been out on the doors the past couple of weeks — is school choice, parents’ rights, schools, schools, schools,” Huntley said, noting that every family’s educational journey is different.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“How ICE raids and tariffs can hurt Hispanic business in South Florida” via Michael Butler of the Miami Herald — As thousands of South Florida workers face pending deportations, a new report from research firm Brookings analyzes how rapid changes in immigration enforcement and tariffs are affecting small businesses and the communities they serve. Hispanic business owners are working hard to adapt to tariff changes. The United States has collected $259 billion in tariff revenue. But the federal government could owe businesses as much as $168 billion if the Supreme Court rules that the Trump administration improperly invoked an emergency powers law that imposed tariffs on dozens of countries. At Miami’s Premium Blend, Gino Santos sells small businesses wine-based liquor substitutes that allow them to pour cocktails without a liquor license. But recent tariffs on goods he sources from Spain have added a new financial challenge.

“Will Miami-Dade abandon plans to treat the mentally ill instead of jailing them?” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Miami-Dade County is one vote away from funding a mental-health center designed to lower jail costs. Still, budget strains could sink the decades-old project. With the $50 million residential treatment facility built but still unoccupied in Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood, County Commissioners are scheduled to vote Tuesday on legislation needed to operate the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery championed by retired County Judge Steven Leifman. But the legislation barely advanced a vote last week by the Appropriations Committee, a group of five County Commissioners that discusses budget items before they get voted on by the full 13-member County Commission.

“Man who tried to assassinate Trump on golf course requests attorney for sentencing” via Mike Schneider of The Associated Press — A man convicted of trying to assassinate Trump on a Florida golf course last year has decided to use an attorney during the sentencing phase instead of representing himself as he did for most of the trial. The sentencing hearing for Ryan Routh in Fort Pierce, Florida, was pushed back from this week to early February after he requested and was granted an attorney to represent him during the sentencing and appeal phases of the trial. The federal courtroom erupted into chaos in September shortly after jurors found Routh guilty on all counts, including attempting to kill a presidential candidate and several firearm-related charges. Routh tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen, and officers quickly dragged him out. The pen Routh used was designed to be flexible to prevent people in custody from using it as a weapon.

“Port Everglades blows away records in cruise passengers, cargo and energy in 2025” via David Lyons of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — In flash and glitz, 2025 has shaped up as a superlative year for Broward County’s Port Everglades, where U.S. Navy warships visited for “Fleet Week,” new cruise ships from Disney, Celebrity and Princess started calling. Nearby, a new 801-room Omni Hotel stood poised to open, with the cruise lines inquiring about how many room blocks they can book. Last week, Joseph Morris, the CEO and Port Director, took a look at the fiscal year’s traffic numbers and for the first time found record volumes for all three of the port’s main lines of business: cruise lines, cargo and energy.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Orlando ICE office becomes place of fear as asylum seekers line up to learn their fate” via Natalia Jaramillo of the Orlando Sentinel — More than 100 immigrants, many accompanied by school-aged children, lined up outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Orlando on a cold Monday morning, uncertain whether they would be allowed to remain in the United States or be detained before Christmas. Among them was Cuban asylum-seeker Pedro Yusbel Gonzalez Guerra, who fled Cuba three years ago on a dangerous boat journey and has since worked multiple jobs while complying with immigration requirements. Advocates say mandatory ICE check-ins have surged since April as the Trump administration intensifies enforcement, with detentions rising sharply. Volunteers and pastors offered prayers and basic supplies as families waited, some emerging in tears. One Cuban mother was granted a one-year reprieve.

“Controversial $2.5 billion Florida toll road through sensitive land approved” via Natalia Jaramillo of the Tampa Bay Times — Touting it as “a major milestone,” transportation officials on Tuesday approved a controversial $2.5 billion road project set to reduce congestion but also pave through environmentally sensitive land in southern Osceola County. The unanimous decision by the Central Florida Expressway Authority in favor of the Southport Connector, a 15-mile tolled expressway that will traverse the Florida Wildlife Corridor and pass near the Disney Wilderness Preserve, marks the final step in a project more than seven years in the making, overcoming lawsuits, public scrutiny and low toll projections.

“Rabbi Eli Schlanger, killed in Australia Bondi Beach mass shooting, has a unique tie to Orlando” via Camille Sarabia of Fox 35 — A rabbi who was shot and killed during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, once visited Winter Park for the Chabad of Greater Orlando’s annual Hanukkah celebration. Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, was a Jewish leader – serving as assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi in Australia. Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, said 16 people died in this shooting – 15 innocent people and one perpetrator – and 42 people are in New South Wales hospitals, Minns said during a Dec. 14 news conference. Minns called this incident a “terrible, targeted attack on what should have been a joyful event that they gave every right to share with their community on Bondi Beach last night.” The shooting is Australia’s deadliest shooting in almost 30 years. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the shooting an attack of “pure evil.”

“Ben Crump secures settlement after Universal rollercoaster death” via William L. Hatfield of the Tallahassee Democrat — Days after securing a landmark $779 million verdict for the family of a security guard shot and killed at a north Florida internet gambling cafe, famed attorney Crump has settled another case that has garnered international headlines. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has determined that no criminal acts occurred in the case regarding a Florida man who died after riding a roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, was found unresponsive on the Stardust Racers coaster after riding it late at night on Sept. 17 and later died on the same night. Universal Orlando officials shut down the ride for an investigation into what happened, while Rodriguez’s family has publicly pursued answers into what went wrong.

“Florida Poly tops state in computer science, with data science program in top 20 nationally” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Florida Polytechnic University is the best in the state when it comes to undergraduate computer science education, and it’s among the best in the nation in data science. The university’s computer science program ranked No. 1 in Florida among public universities, while its data science program ranked among the nation’s Top 20 for all public and private universities. “These rankings underscore the high quality of our programs, as well as the talent and commitment of our faculty and students,” University President Devin Stephenson said. “At Florida Poly, we’re building one of the nation’s strongest STEM-focused universities, and recognitions like this show the growing impact of our work.”

— LOCAL: TB —

“St. Pete becomes Florida’s first city to allow affordable housing on religious property” via St. Pete Rising — The City of St. Pete has become the first municipality in Florida to adopt a provision into its City Code allowing affordable housing to be built on land owned by religious institutions regardless of underlying zoning, following the passage of a new state law earlier this year. While Florida Senate Bill 1730, often referred to as “Yes In God’s Backyard” (YIGBY), gives cities the option to permit affordable housing on faith-owned land, it does not require them to do so. St. Pete’s new provision turns the state statute into a clear and usable local process. Many congregations own property that is no longer fully used for worship or parking but was historically difficult to redevelop because it is zoned for institutional or public use rather than residential. Crucially, the state law permits YIGBY but does not specify review processes, development standards, or the path projects follow through local approval. St. Pete’s ordinance fills that gap.

—“St. Pete LGBTQ+ Liaison Nathan Bruemmer on visibility, trust and community” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics

“Clearwater City Attorney David Margolis submits resignation letter” via Colbi Edmonds of the Tampa Bay Times — Clearwater’s top attorney said he intends to leave the post after four years. City Attorney Margolis sent a resignation letter to the City Council on Friday, stating that his final day of employment will be April 13. His announced departure comes amid a legal dispute with the state Attorney General over a proposed land transaction between the City and the Church of Scientology. “I look forward to finishing strong and celebrating the appointment of my successor,” Margolis wrote in his letter. “I will always be grateful to our prior and current elected officials for trusting me with this role — on the first day of service, and every day since.”

“Former Gulfport City Council member Michael Fridovich dies at 78” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Former Gulfport City Council member and longtime community staple Fridovich has passed away. Condolences from family, friends and political colleagues on social media confirmed his death. It was first announced by his brother, Tony Fridovich, in a Monday morning Facebook post. “My brother Michael passed away yesterday, Dec. 14, 2025. He was 78. Life was a struggle these last few weeks and his breathing and heart just couldn’t handle it anymore. He hoped he made a difference in the world. His wish is to be cremated and no funeral. So please have a cigar or drink in his memory. He will be missed,” Fridovich wrote.

“Temple Terrace pauses pickleball complex over financing concerns” via John C. Cotey of the Tampa Bay Times — Amid mounting concerns about financial risk, the Temple Terrace City Council stopped short this month of advancing a purchase-and-sale agreement for a proposed $8 million pickleball and restaurant complex in the heart of its evolving downtown area. Council members said they like the Blazin’ Paddles concept — a 35,000-square-foot venue with 12 pickleball courts, a restaurant, a bar and potential music space — but said the developers, Courtside Group LLC, lack the working capital to give the City confidence the project won’t collapse shortly after opening. The Council, however, reiterated its approval of the project, voting to grant the developers more time to return with at least $1 million in working capital. Courtside Group currently has $270,000 in its proposal, but it says other mechanisms in its financial plan would significantly increase that total.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Leon County to consider consolidation with City with non-binding initiative on ballot for Midterms” via Maya Sargent of WTXL — Leon County to consider consolidation with City by placing a non-binding initiative on ballot for Midterms. The decision follows a motion passed at a County Commission meeting in early December. Two out of five County Commissioners voted against this motion. Two government agencies, just a short distance apart, could be consolidating. While any merger might be a while away, the Leon County Commission is advancing the conversation. That’s after a motion passed at a recent County Commission meeting to add a straw poll to the ballot next year to gauge voter sentiment on consolidation. “So, you really don’t want to be trying to take your entire local government services and jam two organizations together that currently have issues you need to resolve,” said Commissioner David O’Keefe, one of two dissenting Commissioners. O’Keefe said he’d rather focus on resolving issues between the City and County, like fire services.

“‘Why aren’t we involved?’ Jacksonville leaders discuss ways to save neighborhood schools” via Deja Mayfield of Action News Jax — Two Jacksonville City Council members met with Duval County School Board members to discuss how the City and the district can collaborate to prevent further neighborhood school closures. City Council members Ju’Coby Pittman and Jimmy Peluso held the meeting just weeks after Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier recommended another round of school consolidations, including a proposal to merge R.L. Brown Elementary and Long Branch Elementary in 2027.

—“Volunteers place wreaths on veterans’ graves in Jacksonville. See photos” via Gary T. Mills of The Florida Times-Union

“Jacksonville Council member holding virtual meeting on traffic-calming project” via ActionNewsJax — Council member Rahman Johnson, District 14, will host a community meeting via Microsoft Teams at 6 p.m. Monday. This meeting will focus on a requested traffic-calming project for Skyler Jean Drive in the Gentle Woods community. Residents have asked the City to consider installing speed humps at the proposed locations along the corridor between Morse Avenue and 118th Street. The meeting will provide neighbors with an opportunity to hear the details, ask questions, and share their feedback.

“Two FAMU alums are replaced as Board of Governors appoints trustees” via Tarah Jean of the Tallahassee Democrat — Newcomers are replacing two alumni and veteran trustees of Florida A&M University’s Board after the Florida Board of Governors announced new appointments Friday. The Florida Board of Governors met virtually Dec. 12 to appoint businessman Victor Young, the CEO of a disaster relief company and a distillery, and Houston, Texas based lawyer Prerak Shah, a former acting attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, to serve on FAMU’s Board of Trustees, with terms beginning Jan. 7. Neither of the new appointees are FAMU graduates. While Young will replace FAMU trustee Kristin Harper – a FAMU alumna and the Board’s immediate past Chair who is set to serve as the keynote speaker at the university’s 6 p.m. Fall commencement ceremony Dec. 12 – Shah will replace trustee Craig Reed.

“‘The doors don’t lock’: After FSU shooting, petition demands locks on classroom doors” via Liv Caputo of The Floridian — When a gunman opened fire outside of Florida State University’s busiest building, nearby students desperately used chairs and desks to barricade themselves inside classrooms with a near-fatal flaw: the doors have no locks. Two students hope to change that. Seniors Meghan Bannister and Sarah Walker started an online petition demanding FSU install internal locks on all of its doors, mere hours after a 20-year-old shooter killed two and wounded multiple others outside of the Student Union — a building away from the women’s classroom. As of Monday morning, they’ve gathered nearly 30,000 signatures.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Lee County Commissioner Trish Petrosky sworn in quietly, declines interviews” via Mickenzie Hannon of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — Petrosky, DeSantis’ appointee to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, was sworn into office during a courthouse-steps ceremony that was not publicly announced beforehand. The ceremony came after an email from the Governor’s Office announcing Petrosky’s appointment late Friday afternoon. The Governor’s Office did not respond to follow-up questions from The News-Press regarding the timing of the swearing-in. More than 20 people gathered outside the Old Lee County Courthouse for the brief ceremony. Commissioners Cecil Pendergrass and David Mulicka attended. It is unclear how attendees learned when the ceremony would take place.

“Eight candidates running for Naples City Council on Feb. 3” via Liz Freeman of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — Candidates include one current Council member, Ray Christman, and two who served on the Council previously. They are Ted Blankenship and Penny Taylor. The five other candidates are Dan Barone, John J. Krol, John A. Langley, Sally Petersen and Scott T. Schultz. The nonpartisan elections are for three of the seven seats on the Board. Council members serve four-year terms. Council members Beth Petrunoff and Terry Hutchison are not seeking re-election. The City Council plays a significant role in shaping the quality of life in Naples, which has a population of roughly 20,000 and covers 16.5 square miles along the coast of Collier County.

“Offering few details, DEP seeks Cabinet OK for deal on nearly 11K acres of Collier property” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO — The Department of Environmental Protection is asking the Florida Cabinet for authority to pursue a conservation easement on nearly 11,000 acres owned by Barron Collier Partnership LLLP, a proposal drawing scrutiny for lacking basic details. The request does not disclose the purchase price, appraisals, or the easement’s conditions, including whether mineral rights would be retained. Environmental advocates and former officials warned that Cabinet members are increasingly delegating major land decisions to DEP, limiting public oversight. The Governor’s Office referred questions to DEP, which did not provide additional information. Administration aides described the proposal as critical to protecting land near the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge as the Cabinet prepares to meet on Wednesday.

— TOP OPINION —

“Rethinking what we know about U.S. drug prices” via Newt Gingrich of Gingrich 360 — For years, Americans have been told they pay far more for prescription drugs than patients in other developed countries, a belief that has powered bipartisan enthusiasm for price controls, punitive taxes, and even government takeover fantasies. Patients feel the pain at the pharmacy counter, while lawmakers see health care devouring federal and state budgets, creating pressure to act fast and bluntly.

But a new analysis suggests this tidy narrative is wrong. A recent Unleash Prosperity study challenges the assumption that the U.S. drug-pricing system is uniquely broken and argues that, taken as a whole, it actually delivers lower prices than public systems abroad.

Unlike earlier research that fixated on brand-name drugs, the study examined both branded and generic medicines across the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan, while accounting for prescription volume. That broader lens matters because it reflects what patients actually use, not what grabs headlines.

The results are uncomfortable for critics of the U.S. model. Medicare and Medicaid pay an average of 18% less per prescription than public programs in the comparison countries. The key factor is generics, which account for 93% of U.S. prescriptions and cost substantially less than their foreign counterparts.

In other countries, generics account for a smaller share of prescriptions and command higher prices, thereby offsetting savings from brand-name drugs. Americans, by contrast, benefit from a system that makes the vast majority of prescriptions affordable, even if some branded drugs remain expensive.

The U.S. approach blends market pricing with limited patent protections, encouraging innovation while allowing competition to slash prices over time. Rather than importing European-style controls, reforms should build on what works, address middleman distortions, and ensure that savings reach patients, preserving affordability today and innovation tomorrow.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“Trump is getting a lesson in the limits of grade inflation” via Frank Bruni of The New York Times — While fretting over whether too many students deserved A-minuses, I was reminded that restraint has no place in the Trump era. Trump recently graded his own economic performance as an “A-plus,” then reconsidered and upgraded himself to an “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus,” because moderation is apparently for other people. This compulsive self-upgrading reflects a broader culture of excess that defines his administration, where officials compete to outdo one another with “historic,” “unprecedented,” and ever-expanding superlatives. Bragging is no longer a flaw but a bonding ritual, with pluses stacked on pluses like trophies. Yet reality keeps intruding. Polls show Americans remain unconvinced about the economy, handing Trump not a glowing report card but a failing grade weighted down by minus signs.

“The year in Trump cashing in” via John Cassidy of The New Yorker — The timeline begins in September 2024, a couple of months before the presidential election. It was then that Trump announced that his family was partnering with the family of a longtime friend of his, the real-estate developer Steve Witkoff, and two little-known online entrepreneurs, Zachary Folkman and Chase Herro, to create a new crypto company, World Liberty Financial, which his three sons, Eric Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Barron Trump, would all be involved with. The Trumps are entitled to receive seventy cents for every dollar raised from World Liberty’s token sales. On Jan. 17, 2025, three days before Trump’s second Inauguration, he took another leap into the crypto world, releasing a new meme coin: $TRUMP. Trump announced on social media that the Pentagon would accept the 747 from the Qatari royal family to replace Air Force One as a “GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE.”

“Julio Gonzalez, Meg Weinberger: Keep Florida for Floridians and make Florida more affordable for full-time residents” via Florida Politics — Floridians are under siege. Property insurance rates have skyrocketed. Property taxes are rising. Meanwhile, out-of-state investors, hedge funds and part-time residents are profiting while the very people who call Florida home 365 days a year are being left behind. The rental market has become unaffordable, as full-time Florida residents are struggling to purchase homes due to extremely high insurance rates and property taxes. It’s time to put Florida homeowners first! That’s why we are proposing the Florida Property Tax Offset Act — a bold, common sense solution that delivers real relief to full-time Florida residents while strengthening our housing market, holding government and the insurance companies accountable and making Florida more affordable.

“William Mattox: Bedrock, we have a problem” via Florida Politics — The Senate wants to address a problem that has arisen in Florida’s highly popular school choice programs — namely, tracking students as they move from one mode of education to another during the school year. Florida’s public-school computers don’t communicate with our state’s scholarship program computers, so the seemingly obvious solution is to fix the computers and create a single point of entry for every Florida K-12 student to register with the state. The sponsor of the Senate “glitch bill” acknowledges this. But instead of involving the tech team, he wants Florida parents to start filing paperwork — every month! — confirming that their child is still in the scholarship program and wishes to remain there.

“Florida could lead AI data centers… just not the way Tallahassee thinks” via Jeff Brandes for Florida Politics — Florida’s debate over AI data centers has focused on familiar concerns such as power prices, water use, land, grid capacity, and who bears the costs, but that may be the wrong question. The larger issue is whether the future of AI infrastructure needs to be built on Florida soil at all. AI’s true constraint is physics: powerful systems generate enormous heat that requires costly cooling, water, and electricity, while stressing grids already vulnerable to hurricanes. The argument presented is that space offers a compelling alternative, with abundant solar power, efficient heat radiation, and freedom from storm risks. With unmatched access to orbit through the Space Coast, Florida’s real advantage may be launching AI infrastructure, not plugging it into the grid.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Wilton Simpson offers personalized certificates recognizing Santa’s imminent entry into Florida” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — 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.

Happening tonight:

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating today are former Rep. and Monroe County Commissioner Holly Raschein, Alex Dominguez, Caleb Hawkes, and Jessica Hunter.

___

Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

Floridians are under siege. Property insurance rates have skyrocketed. Property taxes are rising. And meanwhile, out-of-state investors, hedge funds and part-time residents are profiting while the very people who call Florida home 365 days a year are being left behind.

The rental market has spiraled out of control as full-time residents of Florida are having a difficult time purchasing a home due to insanely high insurance rates and property taxes.

Since 2020, mortgage rates, homeowners insurance premiums and housing costs have surged, placing unprecedented pressure on Florida homeowners. Then, President Donald Trump got elected and interest rates are coming down. Thank you, President Trump!

It’s time to put Florida homeowners first!

That’s why we are proposing the Florida Property Tax Offset Act — a bold, commonsense solution that delivers real relief to full-time Florida residents while strengthening our housing market, holding government and the insurance companies accountable and making Florida more affordable.

How it works

If you are a full-time Florida resident and you insure your primary home in Florida, you should be rewarded — not punished — for doing the right thing.

Under our proposal, for every $1 you pay in qualified homeowners insurance premiums, you will receive a $1 reduction in your annual property tax bill, up to a cap based on your home’s value.

Example: If your insurance premium is $4,200 and your property tax bill is $5,000, you would receive a $4,200 offset and owe just $800 — plus a required minimum contribution.

Eligibility requirements

To protect against abuse and keep the focus on true residents, the following criteria apply:

— You must have established Florida residency for at least 10 years.

— You must live in the home for 12 months per year, eliminating the six month plus one day permanent residency program.

— It must be a non-revenue generating property.

— No rental, business, or short-term income use allowed (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.).

— The home may be a primary residence, retirement home or vacation home only if used exclusively for personal purposes.

— It would cap the taxed value of the home at the purchase price and there will never be an increase in the taxable value of the home.

— Vacant land is not eligible.

Why now?

Florida is at a tipping point. Homeownership is becoming unaffordable. Rising insurance premiums and rising property taxes are pricing people out of the market. Investors are buying homes to flip or rent, driving up prices and depleting inventory.

Without bold action, we risk becoming a state of short-term rentals and seasonal visitors — not thriving communities.

The Florida Property Tax Offset Act encourages homeownership, takes pressure off the rental market, and rewards long-term stability. It also keeps more spending power in the hands of Floridians, stimulates local economies, takes pressure off of the rental communities by making home ownership more affordable and can even contribute to more stable mortgage rates through consistent demand.

Florida first — not tourist first

This is about more than just taxes, it’s about our identity and our future. Do we want to be a state of revolving-door investors and short-term guests? Or do we want to protect the families, veterans, retirees and workers who live here year-round, invest in their neighborhoods, rebuild after every storm and, most importantly, contribute to the Florida economy 12 months a year?

This is a win-win for Florida residents and insurance companies. It also creates the checks and balances between the state, the consumer and the insurance companies.

The Florida Property Tax Offset Act is a smart, conservative and fiscally sound step to preserve the Florida Dream — not just for the wealthy, but for the working class, the middle class and the next generation.

Let’s reward those who live in Florida full time, spend money in Florida, and serve the great state of Florida full time — and keep Florida. This plan will ensure that our state becomes more affordable for all Floridians.

Florida can lead the nation by proving that affordability, fiscal responsibility, and homeowner protection are not mutually exclusive. The Florida Property Tax Offset Act restores balance — and puts Floridians first!

___

Julio Gonzalez is the founder of the Gonzalez Family Office and CEO of Engineered Tax Services, the nation’s largest specialty tax engineering firm. Rep. Meg Weinberger is a Representative for House District 94, a wife, mother, a small-business owner and an advocate for animal welfare and affordable homeownership.

Florida is having a loud debate about AI data centers. Power prices. Water use. Land. Transmission lines. Who pays. Who benefits?

It is a familiar fight. And like many familiar fights, it may already be aimed at the wrong target.

In Tallahassee, the question is where to put AI data centers. In Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, and Miami, the question is whether the grid can handle them. Florida Power & Light and Duke Energy are part of the conversation. So are ratepayers.

Those are fair concerns. But they are not the biggest question Florida should be asking.

The bigger question is beyond whether the future of AI data centers needs to be built on Florida soil at all. Perhaps Florida has something better to offer the data center discussion, and it’s beyond our soil. That sounds like science fiction. It is not.

The real limit on AI today is not talent or software. It is physics.

Every AI model runs on chips that turn electricity into computation. Physics tells us something unavoidable. Almost all of that electricity eventually becomes heat. The more powerful the model, the more heat it produces. On Earth, heat is the enemy.

It must be removed continuously; otherwise, systems fail. That means massive cooling equipment, significant water demand, and substantial electricity consumption to remove heat from machines. It also means more power plants, more transmission lines, and more stress on already crowded grids.

In Florida, that stress shows up directly in conversations about FPL and Duke. New generation takes years to build. Grid upgrades are expensive. And those costs ultimately flow back to customers.   There is also another physical reality layered on top of all of this.

Hurricanes.

Every large data center built in Florida must assume power interruptions, grid instability, flooding risk, wind hardening, backup generation, and fuel logistics during storms. Cooling systems depend on electricity that may not be available when hurricanes make landfall. Even short interruptions can damage sensitive equipment.

Storm hardening adds cost. Backup systems add complexity. And every hurricane season reminds us that Florida’s grid, no matter how well run by FPL or Duke, is exposed to forces no zoning decision can eliminate.

So every new data center raises the same worry. Will regular customers subsidize big tech? Will neighborhoods bear the risks? Will the grid hold up during the next major storm?

Florida is not alone in facing these limits.

But Florida has something most states do not.

A launchpad.

In space, the physics change. Solar energy is available almost all the time. More importantly, heat behaves differently. Instead of fighting to move heat through air and water, systems can radiate heat directly into the cold vacuum of space. Cooling becomes simpler, cheaper, and far more efficient.

And there are no hurricanes.

No flooding.

No wind damage.

No storm-related outages.

No long recovery cycles.

Picture what that future looks like.

Small, modular data centers orbit the Earth as satellites. Solar panels collect sunlight while Florida sleeps. AI systems running overhead while communities below board up windows and prepare for storms.

New computing power arrives by rocket, not by bulldozer.

This is why orbital data centers are no longer a fringe idea. As AI demand grows every few years, grid upgrades take a decade, and climate risk increases, physics starts to favor space over land.

Recently, an AI model was trained in orbit using advanced computer chips. The model itself was not the point. The location was. It showed that high-powered computing does not have to live where power politics, weather risk, and local permitting collide.

Once you see that, Florida’s current debate starts to feel incomplete.

We are arguing about where to site AI data centers, assuming they must be placed here in the first place. Florida’s real advantage has never been cheap land or cheap power. If that were the case, Texas or the Midwest would already own this space.

Florida’s advantage is access to orbit.

The Space Coast, from Cape Canaveral to Merritt Island, is the busiest launch corridor in the world. Rockets launch so often that they barely make the news. Space infrastructure already supports daily life, from GPS to communications to weather forecasting.

This infrastructure was not built for AI.

AI is simply discovering it.

In a future where data centers can be launched rather than built, Florida does not compete with other states on land use or electricity prices.

It competes on physics, resilience, and access to space.

That is a very different game.

The most important places in Florida’s AI story may not be office parks in Orlando or industrial sites outside Tampa. There may be communities along the Space Coast that help launch, service, and manage the next generation of digital infrastructure.

Orbital data centers will not replace land-based ones overnight. But they will shape investment decisions this decade. They reduce exposure to grid failures, water shortages, and hurricane risk while easing pressure on utilities like FPL and Duke.

History shows how this works. When systems hit hard limits, technology does not argue. It finds another path. Shipping containers reshaped trade. Satellites changed navigation.

The internet rewrote the media. AI infrastructure is next.

Elon Musk often says, “The future should look like the future.”

Right now, Florida is still arguing about plugging into the past.

The future of AI data centers will not be decided only in zoning meetings, rate hearings, or hurricane preparedness plans.

It will be decided on the Space Coast.

Because the future should look like the future.

And in Florida, that future is launched, not plugged in.

___

Jeff Brandes is a former Florida State Senator known for his leadership in transportation innovation, criminal justice reform, property insurance modernization, and technology-forward public policy. He is the founder and president of the Florida Policy Project and a national voice on autonomous mobility, infrastructure modernization, and the future of transportation in Florida.