Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 3.12.26

Good Thursday morning.

We start today’s burn by turning it over to my wife, Michelle Schorsch:

The first time I took over Sunburn for a shoutout, Frank Mayernick was in on the scheme. I believe he was helping Peter collect firewood at an RV park in the middle of nowhere, Georgia. That makes it especially fun to turn the tables and surprise him today in honor of his 50th birthday.

Most of you know Frank as a top lobbyist, tough negotiator, and accomplished businessman. I know him first and foremost as a devoted family man and devoted friend. When you have a problem, he’s already researching solutions before you’ve even fully grasped the situation. He will support you in your endeavors, but he’s not afraid to challenge you when he disagrees with the choice you’re making. He’ll drop everything and hop on a plane to be with a sick friend. He may laugh at a crazy idea for an adventure, but if it makes Tracy and his girls happy, he will make it happen.

The way Frank champions his wife and adores his daughters is probably my favorite thing about him. In every measure I can think of, his priorities are right. In any arena, if you have Frank Mayernick in your corner, you are winning. He doesn’t demand attention, but can’t be ignored. That’s why even though he might not love a top-of-the-burn shoutout, I’m making it happen.

Frank is a special person our family is fortunate to have in our lives, and there’s no way a Schorsch is letting his birthday go by without making sure everyone knows to wish him well today.

Happy 50th, friend!

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The third edition this year of IN SESSION, our newspaper covering the 2026 Session, is now out.

This beautiful edition features “legacy” stories on term-limited members, including Sens. Kathleen Passidomo, Lori Berman, and Joe Gruters, and Reps. Darryl Rouson and Reps. Alex Andrade, James Buchanan, Fentrice Driskell, Anna Eskamani, Chip LaMarca, and Michele Rayner.

You can enjoy the new IN SESSION by clicking here or on the image below.

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For your reading pleasure:

— ⚠️— Municipal elections elsewhere offer warnings for Ken Welch: Elections in nearby St. Pete Beach and not-so-nearby Boca Raton showed voter trends that are strikingly similar to issues facing the city of St. Pete and its embattled incumbent Mayor as he seeks re-election. In St. Pete Beach, challenger Scott Tate showed he could topple an incumbent largely based on negative perceptions of hurricane response, while development issues were top-of-mind in Boca. Taken as a whole, it’s worth wondering whether Welch is sweating yet, and whether his declared and potential challengers are reading the tea leaves.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@Kalshi: Marco Rubio is now the odds-favorite to win the 2028 Presidency

—@SenRickScott: Under Venezuela’s so-called “Amnesty” law, EVERY political prisoner arrested by (Nicolás) Maduro’s evil regime should be freed — yet over HALF remain behind bars. Innocent men and women are still suffering torture simply for standing up for democracy and freedom. Jorge Henrique Alayeto Bigott has been unjustly imprisoned since 2017 for one reason: loving his country and wanting it to be free. Delcy Rodríguez says she wants to cooperate with the United States — then prove it. Release Jorge and EVERY political prisoner NOW. We are watching.

Tweet, tweet:

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— DAYS UNTIL —

Last day of the Regular Session (probably not) — 1; The Oscars — 3; March Madness Opening Weekend — 7; ‘Peaky Blinders’ movie premieres on Netflix — 8; Special Election for SD 14, HD 87, HD 51 and HD 52 — 12; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 13; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 13; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 22; NCAA Final Four begins — 23; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 25; ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ sequel series ‘The Testaments’ premieres — 27; The Masters begin — 28; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 34; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 34; First Qualifying Period begins (U.S. Senate) — 39; 2026 Florida Housings Solutions Summit — 41; NFL Draft — 42; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 43; F1 Miami begins — 50; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 71; new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ premieres at Disney World — 71; Marvel’s ‘Spider-Noir’ live-action series with Nicolas Cage arrives on Amazon Prime — 76; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 82; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) — 88; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 91; Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ premieres — 92; Qualifying Period ends for Federal (U.S. Reps. in Congress), Governor, Cabinet Offices (Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture & Chief Financial Officer), State Sens. (even numbered districts), State Reps., County Offices and Special District Offices — 92; the Octagon® on the White House South Lawn: UFC will hold the Freedom 250 (building to America’s 250th birthday) — 94; Flag Day — 94; President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday — 94; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 99; Florida GOP’s statewide debates for the Primary in its ‘Sunshine State Showdown’ — 106; Mexico will face live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 111; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 114; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 119; MLB All-Star Game — 124; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 126; Primary Election: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 130; Primary Election: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 147; Primary Election: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 149; Primary Election Day — 159; Yankees host the Mets to mark the anniversary of 9/11 — 183; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 187; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 191; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 196; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 203; General Election: Deadline to register to vote — 207; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 226; General Election — 236; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 239; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 281; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 281; untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 281; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas — 319; Super Bowl LXI — 339; Tampa Mayoral Election — 355; Jacksonville First Election — 376; Jacksonville General Election — 432; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 450; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 512; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 568; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 645; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans — 683; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 855; U.S. Presidential Election — 971; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa — 1,047; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,371; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami — 1,411; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,102.

— TOP FLA. STORY —

“Data centers offer opportunity as lawmakers refine oversight bill” via Emily Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida lawmakers are continuing to shape policy around data centers as the state prepares for increased investment in artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure. Amendments to Senate Bill 484 reflect an effort to balance transparency with the practical needs of companies considering large-scale technology projects.

One key change allows government officials to sign limited nondisclosure agreements with companies during the early stages of site selection. Supporters say protecting proprietary information is a standard part of major corporate investments and helps Florida remain competitive with other states seeking to attract technology development.

Data centers are essential infrastructure for modern economies, powering artificial intelligence, digital services, financial systems and cloud computing. As demand for data storage and processing continues to surge, states that welcome these facilities are positioning themselves at the center of the next wave of economic growth.

The legislation also maintains important safeguards. Data centers must cover the full cost of their electricity usage so expenses are not shifted to other customers, and water management districts would still be prohibited from approving permits if projects threaten local water resources.

Lawmakers also added a statewide study to examine the industry’s long-term impacts, ensuring Florida gathers data as the sector grows.

Together, these policies aim to encourage high-tech investment while protecting taxpayers and natural resources. Supporters say the approach could help Florida attract jobs, innovation and billions in new infrastructure investment.

— BIG BILL OF THE DAY —

“Medicaid work requirements didn’t work in other states. Florida considers trying it anyway” via Kate Payne of Florida Trib — Florida lawmakers are considering a proposal that would add work requirements to the state’s Medicaid program, one of the nation’s most restrictive systems, even as a federal judge recently ruled the program is already overwhelmed and understaffed.

The proposal, SB 1758, sponsored by Sen. Don Gaetz, would require some adult recipients to report at least 80 hours of work or related activities each month to maintain benefits.

The push comes after U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard issued a 273-page ruling sharply criticizing Florida’s handling of Medicaid coverage terminations affecting nearly 500,000 people.

Morales Howard found state notices were “vague, confusing, and often incorrect,” leaving families struggling to navigate a dysfunctional system.

Advocates warn that the new requirements could worsen bureaucratic problems and cause eligible residents to lose coverage.

Research from other states shows that similar policies increased administrative costs and reduced enrollment due to paperwork burdens.

Critics say the proposal could push low-income parents into a coverage gap where they earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Senate overhauls House election integrity bill, inserts Erin Grall’s election proposal” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — The Senate has advanced a rewritten election bill that incorporates much of its approach to voter citizenship verification and election administration. Lawmakers adopted a sweeping amendment to HB 991, replacing the House language with provisions largely drawn from Sen. Grall’s SB 1334. Grall said the legislation focuses on improving citizenship verification using tools such as Real ID data and the federal SAVE database while clarifying that Florida’s primary voting method remains pen and paper. The proposal also revises voter registration procedures, requires additional documentation when names differ from citizenship records and updates election administration timelines. The measure removes student and retirement facility IDs from the list of acceptable polling place identification, which Grall said helps standardize ID requirements and prevent counterfeit documents at voting sites.

“Lawmakers to delay voter citizenship requirements until after Midterms” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — Lawmakers are planning to delay new voter citizenship verification requirements until next year, avoiding potential chaos for thousands of voters ahead of the Midterms. Senators on Wednesday agreed with their House counterparts to require voters to prove their citizenship and list that status on driver’s licenses starting Jan. 1. The legislation — if approved by the House and Senate this week — could make Florida the latest state to adopt citizenship requirements modeled on Congress’ Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, pushed by Trump. That legislation has stalled in the U.S. Senate.

“Florida moves to crack down on labor unions with new election rules” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — Florida lawmakers have approved legislation imposing stricter voting requirements for certain public-sector union elections, advancing a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis aimed at increasing participation in labor representation votes. The bill requires at least 50% of all members in a bargaining unit to participate in union elections for the results to count, while lowering the threshold for approval of certification, recertification or decertification from 60% to 50%. Supporters, including bill sponsor Jenna Persons-Mulicka, say the change ensures unions reflect the will of most workers rather than a small number of voters. The measure passed the House 73-37 and the Senate 20-14. Critics, including labor organizations and Democratic lawmakers, argue the proposal could weaken teachers’ unions and other public employee groups.

“Senate sends ‘Marsy’s Law’ bill shielding identities of crime victims, some police officers to Governor” via Gabriel Velasquez Neira for Fresh Take Florida — A bill revising Florida’s application of Marsy’s Law is headed to DeSantis after overwhelming approval in the Legislature. The measure follows a Florida Supreme Court ruling that struck down portions of the law that had been used by some police officers to shield their identities after using force. Under the revised proposal, officers who say they are victims of crimes such as assault or threats would have their identities temporarily withheld from public records. Identifying details about crime victims that could expose them to harassment or intimidation would remain confidential indefinitely. The bill does not prevent victims’ names from being revealed in court, where defendants retain the constitutional right to confront their accusers. If signed, lawmakers must revisit the policy again after 2031.

“Legislature approves ‘Officer Jason Raynor Act’ to hike manslaughter penalty for police deaths” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — It took three years, and ample work on both sides of the rotunda, but legislation to generally require life in prison without parole for killing a police officer just cleared its final hurdle in the Legislature. Members of the House voted 103-8 for the measure (SB 156) after brief but futile arguments from several Democrats who argued the changes it contemplates are unnecessary, too far-reaching and potentially harmful. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Tom Leek and Rep. Jessica Baker, is named for 26-year-old Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor, who was killed during a lawful detention on Aug. 17, 2021. Prosecutors sought a first-degree murder conviction of Raynor’s killer, Othal Wallace, who resisted detainment and shot Raynor in the head. Jurors found Wallace guilty of a lesser manslaughter charge, carrying a 30-year prison sentence.

“Senate approves Michael Owen proposals to reshape Hillsborough Commission, Superintendent selection” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — The Senate has approved three measures that would ask voters whether to overhaul the Hillsborough County Commission, give voters final say on whether the county should elect its School Superintendent, and create a new stewardship district in southern Hillsborough. The three Hillsborough County measures, sponsored by Rep. Michael Owen, were approved as part of a single 36-0 vote that OK’d many local measures approved by the House this Session. HB 4029 would place a charter amendment before Hillsborough County voters to significantly restructure the County Commission. Under the proposal, the Commission would expand from seven to nine members, with all Commissioners elected from single-member districts rather than the county’s current mix of district and countywide seats. If Hillsborough County’s population eventually reaches at least 2.5 million residents based on a future decennial census, the Board would expand again to 11 members.

— MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“Legislature votes to ban local net-zero climate programs” via Emily Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida lawmakers have approved a measure banning local governments, public schools and state universities from adopting net-zero emissions policies, sending the bill to DeSantis for consideration. The Senate passed House Bill 1217 on Wednesday after it had previously cleared the House. The legislation declares that net-zero initiatives — including carbon taxes and emissions trading programs — harm Florida’s energy security and economic interests. It prohibits local governments from purchasing vehicles or equipment based solely on fuel type and bars public funds from supporting organizations that promote net-zero goals. Sen. Bryan Avila said the measure protects residents from policies that could increase costs. Local governments will be required to file annual affidavits confirming compliance with the law if the Governor signs it.

“Legislature approves revisions to Live Local Act designed to grow affordable housing options” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The House has approved a measure updating the Live Local Act, joining action by the Senate last month. Representatives voted 109-2 to adopt the Senate bill (SB 962) sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley. The legislation revises the 3-year-old law to further expand affordable housing by easing zoning rules. Rep. Demi Busatta. sponsored the House version (HB 837). The bill would allow more dwelling unit types, limit local restrictions and protect financial sources. It would require cities and counties to allow apartment buildings or mixed-use housing projects in many areas currently zoned for commercial or industrial uses, if at least 40% of the units are set aside as affordable housing for 30 years. That could also apply to land owned by local governments, School Districts or large religious institutions.

“Legislature clears measure making it harder to sue Mosaic” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The Florida Senate has approved legislation designed to provide greater legal clarity for phosphate mining companies such as Mosaic, sending the measure to the Governor’s desk after it previously cleared the House. The bill passed the Senate 32-4, with four Democrats opposed. Sponsored by McClure and Rep. Richard Gentry, the measure establishes a legal defense against strict-liability claims arising from naturally occurring geological substances on former phosphate mine sites. Supporters say the policy provides fairness and predictability for an industry that plays a major role in Florida’s economy and supplies more than 60% of the nation’s phosphate production. By requiring radiation surveys before lawsuits move forward, the bill ensures claims are supported by scientific evidence while protecting a vital industry centered in Florida’s Bone Valley region.

“Legislative vote dissolves Citrus County Hospital Board” via Mike Wright of Florida Politics — The Citrus County Hospital Board is coming to an end after nearly 80 years. The Senate unanimously passed HB 4043, which eliminates the hospital Board and turns all its assets over to the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners. “The bill passed both chambers and will be sent to the Governor. With his approval, the hospital Board will be dissolved,” Sen. Ralph Massullo said. Rep. JJ Grow’s bill sunsets a hospital Board that created Citrus Memorial Hospital in the 1950s, only to have it leased to Hospital Corporation of America six decades later. The House approved the bill unanimously in February. The hospital Board was created by legislative act to provide health care services in Citrus County. The Governor appointed its members, and the Board had taxing authority.

“Legislature passes vertiport bill as Florida picked for U.S. pilot program” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The Legislature has passed a bill to usher in the era of flying vehicles. “Welcome to the age of the Jetsons,” Sen. Gayle Harrell said. The bill’s passage comes as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) was selected this week to be one of eight new sites for the federal government’s Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). HB 1093 updates state law to include vertiports and their charging systems as official projects eligible for public-private partnerships. The Senate took up the House bill and passed it unanimously, 38-0. Under the bill, FDOT could fully fund a vertiport if no federal funds were available. If federal government support is there, FDOT would be allowed to fund up to 80%.

“Lawmakers address coach pay, student-athlete support in new legislation” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — Florida lawmakers have approved two bills aimed at supporting K-12 coaches, sending the measures to DeSantis. One bill allows School Districts to use outside funding from booster clubs to increase coaching stipends, addressing long-standing concerns that Florida’s coaching pay lags behind other states and contributes to talent leaving. Supporters say the change will help schools recruit and retain experienced coaches who play an important mentoring role for students. A second measure, dubbed the “Teddy Bridgewater Act,” allows coaches to spend up to $15,000 annually to help student-athletes with needs such as food, transportation and recovery services, provided the assistance is reported and approved by parents. Lawmakers said the bills recognize the critical role coaches play in supporting student development.

“Lawmakers look to curb e-bike deaths across Florida” via Fresh Take Florida — As concern over e-bike crashes surges across the state, the Legislature passed a bill to collect data on and create a regulating body for micromobility, an umbrella term for small, human and electric-powered vehicles like e-bikes and e-scooters. The legislation has bipartisan support and backing from law enforcement agencies, insurance companies and local governments. The legislation’s House sponsor, Naples Republican Rep. Yvette Benarroch, said she’s been working on her bill for about a year, after a 14-year-old boy in Naples died riding an electric motorcycle. The bill establishes a task force made up of law enforcement, representatives of the micromobility industry and local government officials meant to “encourage the safe operation of micromobility devices.”

— EVEN MORE LEGISLATIVE —

Push to kill yellow license plate decal still alive — An effort to eliminate the need for the yellow license plate decal for vehicle registrations isn’t dead yet, despite it gaining no traction in the Senate this Session. The House this week amended a larger transportation package (SB 1220) to add language from the more focused bills (SB 982, HB 841) by Republican Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez and Reps. Tom Fabricio and Alex Rizo, which, if passed, would see Florida join other states like Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Vermont in eschewing a physical tag. Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez recommended the change, which he says would save Florida taxpayers more than $24 million annually by relying solely on electronic records.

Transpo bill adds nods to Bobby Bowden, John Thrasher — A transportation bill took a detour through Tallahassee after Sen. Corey Simon filed an amendment to rename Tallahassee International Airport for legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, under whom Simon played. Simon relayed several Bowden quotes during debate, including, “I want to get you to the NFL. I would much rather get you into heaven.” The amendment to SB 628 also honors John Thrasher, a former Florida State University president and former House Speaker who died last year, by renaming College Avenue “President John Thrasher Memorial Boulevard.” After the amendment was approved, the bill passed the Senate 34-3. The bill now heads back to the House for the second time — the chamber initially passed the bill in February, but a prior amendment kicked it back to the Senate.

“House approves Nick DiCeglie proposal creating Florida stablecoin payment pilot program” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — The House has approved a proposal by Sen. DiCeglie that would allow certain state fees to be paid using stablecoins, sending the measure to the Governor’s office for consideration. Lawmakers voted 108–3 in favor of SB 1568, which establishes a Florida Stablecoin Pilot Program within the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to test whether certain government payments can be processed using digital currencies designed to maintain a stable value. Under the bill, applicants and licensees who interact with DFS could voluntarily pay certain licensing, registration, application and renewal fees using approved “payment stablecoins.” The Department would be responsible for designating which stablecoins qualify based on strict financial safeguards. Approved stablecoins must be fully backed by reserve assets valued at at least $1 billion.

“Lawrence McClure credits Daniel Perez for restoring House in his farewell remarks” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Rep. McClure delivered an emotional farewell on the Florida House floor, praising House Speaker Perez for strengthening the chamber and encouraging a more member-driven legislative process. McClure said Perez’s lasting legacy would not be tied to a single policy or project, but to what he described as the “restoration of the Florida House of Representatives.” During his remarks, the term-limited Dover Republican also reflected on his own service since first being elected in 2017 and thanked House staff and fellow lawmakers for their dedication. McClure paid tribute to his parents and his wife, Courtney, crediting his family’s support during long Legislative Sessions. As he prepares to leave office, McClure said he looks forward to spending more time with his wife and their two daughters.

Gun control groups bash guns on campus bill — Gun safety advocates are blasting lawmakers after the Senate approved HB 757, a measure that would allow faculty and staff to participate in the state’s Guardian Program and carry firearms on public college and university campuses. The Florida chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action said the legislation ignores months of opposition from students, parents and faculty. “We came to college to get an education and to build a future, not to worry about whether our professors are carrying weapons in our seminars,” said Ari Dolgin, an Everytown Survivor Fellow and student at Florida State University with Students Demand Action. “Arming professors, librarians, and janitors is not the solution to the school shooting epidemic, and by ignoring the overwhelming opposition from students and faculty this legislation claims to protect — less than a year after we experienced gun violence on this very campus — lawmakers are treating our lives like a political experiment.”

Miami-Dade Tax Collector praises vehicle registration modernization — Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez is praising the House after lawmakers voted 93-17 to approve an amendment tied to SB 1220 that would eliminate Florida’s yellow vehicle registration validation stickers, a move he says would save drivers more than $24 million annually statewide, including nearly $3 million in Miami-Dade County. Fernandez said the stickers have become unnecessary because law enforcement already verifies registrations electronically. “Eliminating the yellow sticker saves taxpayers over $24 million every year,” he said, calling the current system “simply yellow tape.” Fernandez urged the Senate to pick up and pass the amended bill to “deliver real savings to drivers across Florida.”

— STATEWIDE —

“Ron DeSantis administration threatens to remove Tampa Mayor Jane Castor from office over alleged ‘sanctuary’ policies at TPD” via Valerie Smith of Creative Loafing — Castor could be removed from office over an alleged Tampa Police Department immigration policy. In a letter to Castor, James Uthmeier said TPD is violating the law by not disclosing the immigration status of crime victims to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A 2019 Florida law, drafted in part by Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, prohibits municipalities from enacting any “sanctuary policy” that “prohibits or impedes a law enforcement agency from communicating or cooperating with a federal immigration agency.” Last year, the statute was updated to require municipalities to “use best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law.” The term “best efforts” has not yet been defined or ruled on by a court. Refusing to drop the alleged policy could mean civil penalties and removal from office for Castor, which could also result in a legal battle that would define “best efforts.”

“DOH anticipates AIDS drug fix will become law” via the Florida Phoenix — The Department of Health (DOH) started to “operationalize,” preparing an emergency rule to return income eligibility for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) to 400% of the federal poverty level, a DOH attorney said. DOH outside attorney Eduardo Lombard told Leon County Circuit Judge Jonathan Sjostrom that the Department anticipates HB 697, passed by the Senate and sent to the House, to soon become law. Given the fluidity of the ADAP funding and Friday’s scheduled end of the 60-day Legislative Session, Sjostrom agreed to reschedule the hearing for March 20, if necessary.

“Citizens insurance arbitration requirement ruled constitutional by Judge” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — A Leon County Circuit Judge has upheld a law that allows the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to force claims disputes into arbitration instead of facing lawsuits. The ruling by Judge Jonathan Sjostrom came after a series of policyholders’ challenges to the arbitration process — and after the House tried to change the law to prevent required arbitration. Tampa resident Patricia Ruiz, a Citizens customer whose home was damaged in October 2024, filed the lawsuit last year, contending the arbitration requirement violated due process and equal protection rights. Those arguments centered on whether Citizens customers were improperly prevented from resolving claims disputes in court and whether they were treated differently from customers of private insurers, which cannot require arbitration.

DeSantis orders flags at half-staff to honor Eleanor Threlkel — DeSantis has directed that flags be flown at half-staff in Winter Haven to honor former Mayor Threlkel, who died Feb. 14 at age 88. In a memorandum issued Wednesday, the Governor ordered the U.S. and Florida flags lowered at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and at all local and state buildings, installations and grounds throughout the City of Winter Haven from sunrise to sunset Thursday, March 12. Threlkel served as a Winter Haven City Commissioner from 1988 to 1996 and as Mayor from 1991 to 1994. She was also active in community service, including work with local Boards and youth initiatives focused on education and anti-drug programs. State leaders said the flag order recognizes her years of civic leadership and dedication to the community.

Happening today — Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia will hold a news conference in Shalimar alongside Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden, Franklin County Sheriff AJ Tony Smith, Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson and Escambia County Sheriff Chip W. Simmons. The event will bring together state and regional law enforcement leaders to discuss issues affecting public safety in Northwest Florida. Credentialed media are invited to attend, with location details provided upon RSVP to the CFO’s office. Media arrival is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., with the news conference beginning at 10 a.m. CST in Shalimar.

“Trulieve to lay off 58 at Florida call center despite revenue growth” via TaMaryn Waters of the Tallahassee Democrat — Trulieve will enforce a mass layoff at its call center in Clearwater effective May 1, according to a notice the national medical marijuana giant is required to file with the state of Florida. The layoffs come as the company reported $1.2 billion in revenue for 2025, with 94% of its revenue stemming from retail sales. Trulieve is the largest medical marijuana retailer in the Sunshine State, where it’s based, and operates throughout the country in states that include Arizona and Pennsylvania. The company is reporting it’s “poised for accelerated growth and expansion, building scale in retail and distribution in new and existing markets through its hub strategy.”

— SKED. —

House 58th Day Rule. After the 58th day of a Regular Session, the House may consider only returning messages, Conference Reports and Concurrent Resolutions.

10:30 a.m.

House Session, House Chamber.

1 p.m.

Senate Session, Senate Chamber.

6:15 p.m.

Senate Special Order Calendar Group, Room 401, Senate Office Building.

Lunch is served — The Governors Club buffet menu for Thursday: Grilled shoulder loin of beef with rustic exotic mushrooms, Scottish salmon with dill pesto and tomato basil concasse, grilled mixed vegetable medley, three cheese mashed red potatoes, and Michelle’s dessert for dessert. Buffets include a deluxe salad bar and chef’s daily soup. A full buffet is $18; soup and salad are $14. Both prices include a beverage, a choice of coffee, tea and soda.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Donald Trump administration asks U.S. Supreme Court to strip over 350,000 Haitians of TPS” via Syra Ortiz Blanes and Jacqueline Charles of the Miami Herald — The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to end deportation protections under Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of Haitians who are living in the United States. In an emergency request to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that lower courts had overstepped by keeping the protections because they were weighing in on “an area of wide Executive Branch Latitude.” “Lower courts are again attempting to block major executive-branch policy initiatives in ways that inflict specific harms to the national interest and foreign relations,” he wrote. The request to the high court comes after two lower courts refused to allow the Trump administration to end Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status designation, which was set to terminate on Feb. 3.

“Democrats ask what happened to millions earmarked for Trump’s library” via Dan Diamond and Aaron Schaffer of The Washington Post — Congressional Democrats are opening a probe into millions of dollars private companies pledged to Trump’s planned presidential library, asking what happened to the money after the original fund was dissolved last year. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Melanie Stansbury wrote Monday to the leaders of ABC, Meta, Paramount and X, requesting information about the terms of their agreements and the status of the funds they pledged to hand over to the President’s representatives.

“Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s advisers had a plan to target covid shots. Then it fell apart.” via Lena H. Sun and Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post — A key federal vaccine advisory panel has abandoned an attack on the COVID mRNA vaccines — a shift that comes as some Republicans warn that any more changes to vaccine policy could damage the party in the Midterms. Some of Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr.’s hand-picked vaccine advisers had sought to stop recommending mRNA shots. That plan is no longer moving forward. In recent months, some members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have publicly questioned the safety and manufacturing of the shots, including raising a debunked theory that DNA contaminants in the vaccines were harmful.

“A GOP ‘MeToo’ moment? Not yet” via Valerie Yurk of CQ-Roll Call — Three Republican Congresswomen — Lauren Boebert, Nancy Mace and Anna Paulina Luna — publicly demanded the resignation of Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales after allegations surfaced that he had an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. The lawmakers used social media to pressure Gonzales and called for greater transparency about sexual misconduct in Congress, including releasing House Ethics Committee records tied to settlements. Their push briefly resembled a renewed effort to confront workplace misconduct in government, but it drew limited support from colleagues in either party. House leadership avoided taking strong public action, and a resolution by Mace to release ethics files was referred to the Committee. Gonzales later admitted making a “mistake” and announced he would not seek re-election.

— ELECTIONS —

“James Fishback has seized the Gen Z right. Now he thinks he can win Florida.” via Dan Adler of Vanity Fair — Long-shot Republican gubernatorial candidate Fishback has drawn national attention with provocative rhetoric and support from far-right influencers such as Andrew Tate and Nick Fuentes, even as he trails Trump-backed Congressman Byron Donalds in the Primary to succeed DeSantis. Fishback claims his campaign has “broken into the mainstream,” appealing to younger voters through online personalities and livestream culture. Florida Politics publisher Peter Schorsch said Fishback fits a familiar pattern in the state’s political tradition, describing him as “the copy of the copy of the copy of the copy of Florida Man.” Schorsch added that the candidate has succeeded in drawing attention in the race, “in the manner of a car wreck,” while noting that a segment of the Republican Primary electorate is receptive to his message and that Fishback has shown an ability to anticipate political trends.

—”Running on rage bait” via Nathan Taylor Pemberton of The New York Times

Kathy Castor endorses Jennifer Jenkins for Congress — U.S. Rep. Castor is endorsing Democratic candidate Jenkins in the race for Florida’s 6th Congressional District. “As someone who grew up in a working-class family — the daughter of a corrections officer and a mother living with a disability — Jennifer Jenkins knows that Florida’s affordability crisis is not an abstract issue, but a daily reality for families across our state,” Castor said. “Jennifer’s record of building a national grassroots movement and delivering real results shows she’s ready to bring that same determination to Washington.” CD 6 includes Daytona and extends northward toward St. Augustine and west toward Ocala and Gainesville. It is currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Fine.

“Sydney Gruters hasn’t made a decision to run for Congress — yet” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Political advisers to Gruters are shooting down rumors she will soon launch a campaign for Congress. But they acknowledge she is exploring a possible run. “Sydney has received a tremendous amount of encouragement and support from people across Southwest Florida, urging her to consider the race. She’s grateful for the support and is listening closely, but no announcement will be made at this time,” said Max Goodman, a Southwest Florida political consultant. The statement pushed back on a report in The Floridian that claimed Gruters was “locked into” running, citing a “source close to Florida Republican politics and attached to the Republican Party of Florida.” Gruters currently works as Executive Director of the New College Foundation and is married to Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters.

“Poll: Robin Peguero, Eliott Rodriguez in dead heat against María Elvira Salazar in CD 27” by Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — New polling suggests U.S. Rep. Salazar faces a competitive race in Florida’s 27th Congressional District, with two Democratic contenders — Robin Peguero and Eliott Rodriguez — now within striking distance of the incumbent Republican. In a head-to-head test against Salazar, 40% of respondents said they’d support Peguero, a former federal prosecutor and Jan. 6 Committee investigator, while 43% said the same of retired Rodriguez, a retired TV news anchor.

“Personnel note: Christian Ulvert leaves Richard Lamondin’s CD 27 campaign” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Political strategist Ulvert has stepped down from entrepreneur Lamondin’s campaign for Florida’s 27th Congressional District as the Democratic Primary field expands. Ulvert confirmed that he and his EDGE Communications team ended their involvement on March 1 and said he does not plan to join another campaign, adding he and his husband will support whoever wins the Aug. 18 Primary. Lamondin’s campaign called the split amicable, with Campaign Manager Manny Orozco thanking Ulvert for helping establish the campaign’s early groundwork. The staffing shift comes as Eliott Rodriguez entered the race, joining Lamondin, Peguero and CPA Alex Fornino in the Primary. Lamondin has raised nearly $700,000 so far, while Salazar holds more than $1.7 million in cash on hand.

Happening tonight:

— LOCAL: S. FL —

—”Judy Mollica wins open Delray Beach Commission seat with frequent swing vote” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

“Legislature OKs $4.1M payment to man who lost leg after Miami-Dade Metrobus hit him” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Four years after a Metrobus driver struck him at a Coral Gables crosswalk, leading to the partial amputation of his left leg, Miami-Dade man Jose Correa is set to receive the remainder of a $4.3 million settlement with the county. House members voted unanimously for the bill (SB 14), which clears a $4.1 million payment to Correa as compensation for the accident and injuries he suffered on Dec. 16, 2021, exactly one month after the Senate passed it 37-1. Rep. Omar Blanco, who carried the measure’s House twin (HB 6521), ushered the bill to passage on the floor. Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez of Doral carried SB 14 in the upper chamber. Blanco acknowledged and thanked Correa and his family, who he said were watching the vote, for trusting him to pass the bill.

“Deferred, but not defeated: Miami-Dade judge says fight will continue for mental health center” via Christina Vazquez of Local 10 News — Steven Leifman, a judge and finance Chair of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, has been on a quest to help address a societal problem he has experienced in his courtroom. The issue, he says, is defendants with untreated mental health issues leading to a revolving door of arrest and release. “Some people need involuntary commitment,” said Leifman, who has been advocating for a new mental health center to treat people suffering from severe mental health illnesses to keep them off the street and out of jail. “The problem is, community mental health only deals with the immediate crisis. There is no long-term care after that, and these are chronic illnesses, and the system is so fragmented you can’t even get people to the other parts of the system that they need to maintain recovery.”

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Fort Meade Commission delays vote on controversial data center” via Gary White of the Lakeland Ledger — The Fort Meade City Commission has delayed a vote on a 4.4 million-square-foot data center, during a meeting filled with questions and criticism of the project from residents. The original agenda called for a vote on a resolution to approve a development agreement with Stonebridge, a real estate development and investment firm based in Greater Washington, D.C. About an hour before the meeting, word began circulating among residents that the item would be pulled from the agenda. Instead, city management moved it from a resolution to a proposed ordinance on the same agenda. The Commission did not vote on the ordinance during the first reading.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Dark money org appears tied to Bill Carlson” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Richard Coates, a prominent GOP lawyer in the Tampa Bay area, filed paperwork to establish a 501(c)(4) organization in late February that appears to benefit Tampa City Council member Carlson, who is widely expected to be considering a run for Mayor next year. The organization, Leading Tampa, Inc., lists both its principal and mailing address as 1308 E. 7th Ave. in Tampa, which is the same address for Tucker/Hall, the public relations and affairs firm where Carlson serves as president. Carlson did not respond to an inquiry about the 501(c)(4). But several of its registered officers have at least some ties to Carlson, and they are politically diverse, including a self-described Trump supporter and a Democrat.

“Pinellas-Pasco Judge asked for campaign donations. Now she faces discipline” via Dan Sullivan of the Tampa Bay Times — The state Judicial Qualifications Commission accused a Pinellas-Pasco circuit judge of misconduct Monday related to a social media post and materials she produced during her campaign for office. Jennifer Cruz Dubbeld, who was elected to the bench in 2024, violated rules prohibiting judges and judicial candidates from engaging in inappropriate political activity, according to records filed with the Florida Supreme Court. Specifically, Dubbeld was accused of disparaging one of her opponents in a Facebook post, soliciting financial contributions and publishing campaign materials that gave the false appearance of attorneys and public officials endorsing her candidacy.

“Grads of Pam Bondi’s alma mater step up protest over her handling of Epstein case” via Michael Van Sickler of the Tampa Bay Times — An alumni-led campaign objecting to one of Stetson University College of Law’s most prominent graduates — U.S. Attorney General Bondi — escalated this week into a boycott of the school’s 24-hour fundraising drive. More than 400 alumni signed a letter last month asking the school to issue a formal denunciation of Bondi. After an hourlong meeting on Tuesday with 10 representatives from that group, school officials declined their request.

“Bruce Rector backs Bianca Latvala for Clearwater City Council” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Clearwater City Council candidate Bianca Latvala is getting support from Mayor Rector, the most influential voice on the Board she’s seeking. “I’ve had the opportunity to see Bianca Latvala’s dedication to Clearwater up close,” Rector said. “She brings fresh ideas and a practical, solutions-driven perspective to our city, while staying focused on responsible budgeting and putting residents first. Bianca leads with integrity, energy, and a true heart for service. I’m proud to support her for Clearwater City Council because I know she will work hard to strengthen our community and help move Clearwater in the right direction.” Latvala, a local GOP political strategist and the wife of Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala, filed for the District 4 seat last month.

VoteVets backs Stephanie Vazquez for Pasco Commission — Vazquez’s campaign for Pasco County Commission District 2 is picking up support from VoteVets, one of the nation’s largest organizations representing veterans and military families. Vazquez served in the U.S. Air Force. Her husband is an Army veteran, and her daughter currently serves in the Air Force. Vazquez said the endorsement reflects shared values rooted in her military background. “In the Air Force, we’re guided by three core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do,” Vazquez said. “Those values don’t belong to a political party. They’re about character, discipline, and doing the job right. That’s exactly how I plan to serve Pasco County.”

“Private equity turns Tampa data centers into a power play” via Chuck Merlis of TBBW — Artificial intelligence is accelerating a buildout that is changing the economics of data centers in Tampa and across the country. Electricity, cooling capacity and financing now sit at the center of the business as private equity firms, infrastructure funds and lenders pour capital into a sector racing to support cloud computing and AI workloads. That capital is reaching regional markets such as Tampa Bay, where operators are working in an industry increasingly shaped by power constraints, larger financing structures and consolidation. John Hill Jr., managing partner and co-founder of Tampa-based investment bank Hyde Park Capital, said the market has entered a rapid expansion phase. “There’s almost a gold rush going on,” Hill said. “There are estimates that there could be around 1,000 data centers in development across the United States.”

—SW FL—

“Adam Botana’s bill to elect Naples Airport Authority Board heads to Governor’s desk” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — The Senate has approved a measure by Rep. Botana to dramatically restructure how the Naples Airport Authority is governed, replacing the current City Council appointment system with countywide elections for all five seats on the Board. The measure was approved as part of a single 36-0 Senate vote, which also passed many local measures approved by the House this Session. Under HB 4005, all five seats on the City of Naples Airport Authority would be filled by Collier County voters beginning with the 2026 General Election. Three seats would be reserved for residents of the city of Naples, while two seats would be reserved for residents of unincorporated Collier County outside the city’s municipal boundaries.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Council President forms investigative Committee for JEA allegations” via David Bauerlein of The Florida Times-Union — Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico will form a special investigative Committee to examine whether JEA failed to collect millions of dollars in fees from some commercial customers and also probe allegations of a “toxic workplace culture” under CEO Vickie Cavey. Inspector General Matthew Lascell asked Carrico this week to assist in delving into JEA’s financial records and how it has charged capacity fees, the one-time fees assessed by the utility based on how much of JEA’s cost for building the water and sewage system is allocated to serve the customer’s demand. The greater the customer demand, the higher the capacity fee JEA uses to pay for the treatment plants and pipes that make up the system.

“Bill brings Bobby Bowden name to Tallahassee International Airport” via Jim Henry of the Tallahassee Democrat — A pair of Florida State University icons could receive additional honors if Florida lawmakers have their way. Sen. Corey Simon would like to see Tallahassee International Airport named after legendary Florida State football coach Bowden. Simon, an All-American defensive lineman who played for Bowden and the Seminoles from 1996-99 and helped FSU in 1999 win its second national championship, proposed the change to “Bobby Bowden Tallahassee International Airport” in a March 11 amendment to a transportation bill lawmakers are considering this Session.

— TOP OPINION —

“House Speaker is right to push for fiscal discipline in budget” via Mary Anne Mancuso of the Miami Herald — The Florida Legislature is approaching the scheduled end of the Legislative Session on Friday without completing its most important constitutional responsibility — passing a state budget. Lawmakers are again likely to work beyond the deadline as House and Senate leaders remain divided over how much the state should spend.

The dispute centers on competing proposals from the House and Senate. The House budget totals $113.6 billion, while the Senate proposal totals $115 billion — a difference of about $1.4 billion.

Speaker Perez argues that Florida should adopt a more cautious spending plan. He has warned that spending additional money today could create problems later as economic conditions change.

State economists project a $3.7 billion surplus this year, but they also forecast potential deficits totaling $8.1 billion over the next two years. Those projections have fueled concerns that expanding spending now could require future cuts or tax increases.

Supporters of the House approach say Florida’s rapid population growth does not justify unchecked expansion of government programs. They point to examples at the local level where temporary revenue increases led to long-term spending commitments.

The state has also spent more than $500 million from its emergency fund on immigration enforcement, with DeSantis saying the federal government would reimburse Florida. That reimbursement has not yet materialized.

Lawmakers are expected to reach a compromise before the new fiscal year begins in July, but the debate highlights a broader question about whether Florida will prioritize fiscal restraint or expand spending while revenues remain strong.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“DeSantis’ Free State of Florida is a joke” via John Hill for the Tampa Bay Times — A federal judge has blocked DeSantis’ executive order designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations as a foreign terrorist organization, ruling the action likely violated the First Amendment. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a preliminary injunction on March 4, finding the Governor exceeded his authority and used state power to target a Muslim civil rights group without legislative approval or judicial review. CAIR sued shortly after the December order barred the organization and its supporters from receiving state contracts or funds. Despite the ruling, the Republican-led Florida Senate moved forward with legislation that would allow the Governor to label groups as terrorist organizations, potentially cutting off public funding and imposing penalties on supporters while allowing key evidence to remain confidential.

“Florida’s Young Republicans have a hate problem” via Mary Ellen Klas of Bloomberg — A leaked WhatsApp group chat involving Republican students in Florida revealed messages containing antisemitic, racist, sexist and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, including racial slurs and graphic descriptions of violence. The chat, reportedly started by the secretary of the Miami-Dade County GOP, included participants who referenced a mythical racist civilization and glorified Nazi ideology. Florida International University President Jeanette Nuñez condemned the messages and said the school has initiated disciplinary charges for violations of its nondiscrimination and conduct policies. However, university officials said the students cannot be expelled because their speech is protected under the First Amendment. The Turning Point USA chapter at FIU said its president stepped down following the leak. The incident has renewed scrutiny of extremist rhetoric among some young conservative activists in Florida.

“If union-busting bill passes in the Legislature, Florida workers will be the losers” via Alex Vindman for Florida Politics — Unions built the foundation of the American middle class by helping workers secure fair wages, safe workplaces and dignity on the job. Supporters warn that Senate Bill 1296, now moving through the Florida Senate, threatens that foundation by weakening public-sector unions and limiting workers’ ability to organize. The proposal comes as many Floridians face rising insurance premiums, soaring rents and higher health care costs. Critics argue the measure is part of a broader campaign backed by corporate interests to undermine organized labor rather than a response to voter demand. The debate highlights a deeper question about Florida’s future: whether working people will retain a meaningful voice in their workplaces or see those protections steadily eroded through legislative changes.

“Overtime and underperforming, Florida Legislature lets record-hiding continue” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — A proposal aimed at strengthening Florida’s public records laws appears stalled in the Senate despite unanimous approval in the House. House Bill 437, sponsored by Rep. Alex Andrade, would have required government agencies to respond to public records requests within three days and limited excessive fees often charged for producing documents. Supporters said the measure was designed to improve transparency and ensure citizens can access information about government spending and decisions. However, the Senate has taken no action on the bill, effectively killing it for the Session. Critics say the inaction allows agencies to continue delaying or withholding records requests, raising concerns among transparency advocates who backed the proposal and argued that stronger enforcement of Florida’s public records laws is overdue.

“How Florida law shortchanges victims of government negligence” via Graham Brink of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida law limits how much victims of government negligence can collect, even after winning large court judgments. Under the state’s sovereign immunity statute, individuals can immediately recover only $200,000 from state or local governments, regardless of jury awards or settlements that may be far higher. To obtain additional compensation, victims must ask the Legislature to approve a claims bill, a process described in state analyses as an “act of grace.” Critics say the system creates delays, political hurdles and inconsistent outcomes as victims compete for legislative attention. Some cases take years or even decades to resolve. Lawmakers are now considering raising the cap, with the House proposing $500,000 and the Senate backing $350,000, though broader concerns about fairness and legislative influence remain.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Ireland’s Gift to Trump: Shamrocks and a $6.1 billion investment pledge” via Natalie Andrews of The Wall Street Journal — When the Irish visit the White House each year, they traditionally bring a bowl of shamrocks. This year, they are bringing $6.1 billion in planned investments. Micheál Martin, Ireland’s taoiseach, or prime minister, is planning to talk about investing billions in the U.S. as part of an annual St. Patrick’s Day visit on March 17, making him the latest world leader to pair a visit to the Oval Office with promises of spending billions to bring jobs to the U.S. and boost manufacturing. Irish investments in the U.S. being announced Wednesday include $5 billion over five years from sustainable paper-based packaging company Smurfit Westrock, $1 billion from Kingspan, an insulation and building solutions company and $100 million from nutrition company Glanbia. “We are now at record levels of investment” in the U.S., said Jenny Melia, chief executive officer of Enterprise Ireland, the country’s trade and innovation agency.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Best wishes to former Sen. Alan Hays, Steve Bousquet, Brian Franklin, Sarah Revell, and Abby MacIver.

___

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