Good Friday morning.

As lawmakers explore placing a property tax repeal on the 2026 ballot, a new poll shows voters would prefer they focus on a different portion of their monthly housing costs.

A statewide survey conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy on behalf of the Florida Policy Institute finds nearly two-thirds (63%) of Florida voters say property insurance relief should be the priority, compared to 32% who favor a property tax cut.

The preference held across party lines, including 73% of Democrats, 58% of Republicans and 60% of third- and no-party voters.

The poll comes as lawmakers and the Governor continue to signal interest in advancing a constitutional amendment addressing property taxes, though there is no consensus on what such a proposal would look like. Currently, the House is advancing multiple proposals, while the Governor has signaled he may call a Special Session to tackle the issue later this year.

Still, even a narrowly targeted potential implementation — the repeal of non-school property taxes on homesteads — was underwater at 49%-39%, with 12% undecided after voters were primed on the potential impact on local government services. According to FPI research, the toll would be $7.8 billion at the county level and $3 billion at the city level.

The findings indicate a tough road to a November win, especially given the familiar dynamic in Florida ballot politics: support for proposed amendments typically starts high and ticks down as Election Day approaches.

“Florida voters have been vocal about the need for property insurance relief, and that is reflected in the results of this poll. It’s clear that families here are feeling the squeeze,” FPI CEO Sadaf Knight said, adding that policymakers could better address affordability through a “Working Floridians Tax Rebate, a state-level version of the Earned Income Tax Credit, or a property tax circuit breaker program to provide a property tax rebate for people with low to moderate income.”

The survey was conducted Jan. 8–12. The sample includes 625 registered Florida voters reached by telephone and the margin of error is +/- 4%. The full poll is available here.

___

A new statewide poll commissioned by the Florida Chamber of Commerce finds Floridians entering the 2026 election cycle modestly optimistic about the direction of the state — even as views of the nation remain more pessimistic.

The survey shows a five-point margin between voters who say Florida is headed in the right direction (49%) and those who say it is on the wrong track (44%). The national outlook is flipped, with 51% saying the U.S. is on the wrong track and 43% saying it is headed in the right direction.

The poll also found job approval for Gov. Ron DeSantis slightly outpacing President Donald Trump’s, with the Governor scoring a 52% approval rating to the President’s 50%.

On ballot issues, support for legalizing recreational marijuana ticked down to 51%, marking the lowest level of support the Florida Chamber has recorded on the issue in four years of polling. While still backed by a slim majority, the proposal stands well short of the 60% threshold required for passage under Florida’s Constitution.

The survey also touched on artificial intelligence, finding voters evenly split (37%-38%) on whether AI is making things better or worse. AI usage shows a similar split: about half of respondents report using AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini at least monthly, while nearly as many say they rarely or never use them.

Included alongside the poll was a voter registration update showing the state’s Republican shift continues unabated.

According to Florida Division of Elections data, Republicans held a net edge of more than 1.4 million registered voters over Democrats, 5.52 million to 4.10 million as of Nov. 30. Another 3.83 million voters are registered with no party affiliation or with minor parties.

Further, Republicans have increased their share of the active electorate in all 67 counties since the 2022 General Election, while Democrats have lost share in every county. Voters registering with no party affiliation or minor parties have also outpaced Democrats in recent months, further narrowing the gap between the two groups.

The poll was conducted Jan. 2–10 by Cherry Communications. The sample includes 602 likely Florida voters reached by telephone and the margin of error is +/- 4%.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@RepThomasMassie: Psst, Denmark… Tell this administration the (Jeffrey) Epstein files are in Greenland… they’ll lose all interest and will never be able to find it.

—@aishahhasnie: NEW: Venezuela opposition leader (María Corina) MACHADO just told Fox she presented the Nobel Peace Prize to TRUMP today “I presented the President of the United States the medal, the peace, the Nobel peace prize …”

—@LivCaputo: DeSantis says there haven’t been any new migrant detention centers approved yet by DHS. “We’re not gonna do it unless it’s approved and the reimbursements are authorized,” he says.

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@JacobOgles: Cut! @ParisHilton will speak next week in support of a bill from @RepLaurelLee and @RepAOC that could allow those exploited in deepfake sex tapes to sue people who produce, distribute, sell or buy them.

—@GabeGroisman: James Fishback’s rhetoric has no place in Florida. His campaign is going nowhere because Floridians see right through it. For Florida’s sake and for the next candidate who tries this, our party and its leadership must soundly reject this now.

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

— DAYS UNTIL —

‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 2; Florida Tourism Day — 5; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 14; The Grammy Awards — 16; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 20; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 21; ‘Paradise’ season two premieres on Hulu — 38; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 44; Boca Raton Mayoral referendums and City Council Elections — 53; last day of the Regular Session — 56; The Oscars — 58; ‘Peaky Blinders’ movie premieres on Netflix — 63; Special Election for SD 14, HD 87, HD 51 and HD 52 — 67; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 68; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 69; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 77; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 80; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 89; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 89; First Qualifying Period begins (Federal) — 94; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 98; F1 Miami begins — 105; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 126; new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ premieres at Disney World — 126; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 137; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) — 143; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 146; Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ premieres — 147; State Qualifying Period ends — 147; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 154; Florida GOP’s statewide debates for the Primary in its “Sunshine State Showdown” — 161; Mexico will face live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 166; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 169; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 174; MLB All-Star Game — 179; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 181; Primary Election: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 185; Primary Election: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 202; Primary Election: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 204; Primary Election Day — 214; Yankees host the Mets to mark the anniversary of 9/11 — 238; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 242; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 246; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 251; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 258; General Election: Deadline to register to vote — 262; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 281; 2026 General Election — 291; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero‘ premieres — 294; Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 336; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 336; untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 336; Tampa Mayoral Election — 410; Jacksonville First Election — 431; Jacksonville General Election — 487; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 505; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 567; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 623; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 700; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 910; U.S. Presidential Election — 1026; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1426; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2157.

— TOP STORY —

“Jerry Demings, David Jolly, unknown to most Florida voters, poll says, while Byron Donalds leads GOP” via Leslie Postal of the Orlando Sentinel — Republican Donalds holds a significant early advantage in the race to become Florida’s next Governor, while Democrats remain unsettled with no clear front-runner, according to a new Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy survey released Thursday. With DeSantis term-limited, the contest is wide-open, though voter familiarity remains uneven across both parties.

Among Republicans, Donalds stands out largely because voters know him. The Trump-endorsed congressman is recognized by 72% of GOP voters, and 37% said they would support him if the election were held now. Even so, nearly half of Republican voters remain undecided, underscoring how early the race remains.

Other Republican contenders trail far behind. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who entered the race this week, drew support from 7% of GOP voters, while former House Speaker Paul Renner and James Fishback registered at 4% and 3%, respectively. Roughly three-quarters of respondents said they did not recognize any of them.

Democrats, meanwhile, are still searching for a clear standard-bearer. Orange County Mayor Demings received support from 19% of Democratic voters, but 60% said they do not recognize his name. Former U.S. Rep. Jolly polled slightly higher at 23%, though 55% of Democrats said they are unfamiliar with him.

With 58% of Democratic voters undecided, the poll’s authors cautioned that Jolly’s narrow edge is insignificant. The findings suggest both parties are in the earliest stages of a race defined more by name recognition gaps than firm voter commitments.

— STATEWIDE —

“Ron DeSantis defends ICE’s right to operate, criticizes Jacksonville official for not respecting ‘rule of law’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis defended federal immigration enforcement in Jacksonville Thursday, pushing back at a local official he said was not “respecting the rule of law,” after an ICE operation in the city drew criticism. DeSantis, speaking at a news conference, said Immigration and Customs Enforcement has the right to operate and enforce immigration laws and accused critics of undermining public safety. DeSantis’ remarks came amid broader state efforts to bolster cooperation with federal immigration authorities and expand detention capacity, including high-profile facilities such as the Everglades site known as “Alligator Alcatraz” and a planned center in Baker County. Supporters of strict enforcement have praised the state’s alignment with federal policy, while immigrant rights advocates have protested what they see as overly aggressive tactics.

“Florida joins Texas in splitting from the American Bar Association” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — Florida’s Supreme Court voted Thursday to end the American Bar Association’s status as the sole accreditor of law schools whose graduates can sit for the state’s bar exam, carrying out a priority of DeSantis and aligning Florida with Texas. The court said relying exclusively on the ABA is no longer in Floridians’ best interest, opening the door for alternative accrediting entities beginning Oct. 1. DeSantis has criticized the ABA as a partisan organization advancing a progressive agenda, arguing it should not control legal education standards. Most justices agreed, citing concerns about gatekeeping power. Justice Jorge Labarga dissented sharply, warning that the court is abandoning an established, experienced accreditor in favor of an unknown alternative. The move follows broader efforts by Florida to overhaul higher education accreditation and curb diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

“Thousands in Florida to lose coverage for HIV meds because of state cuts” via Ana Goñi-Lessan of USA Today Network — For thousands in Florida who rely on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), the Florida Department of Health is about to change up their medication plans or even get rid of covering them altogether, citing federal cuts as the culprit. Public health advocates warned legislators at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 14, that cutting funds would push people off their meds and separate them from their doctors, causing lower adherence rates. When life-saving HIV medication isn’t taken daily, viral loads go up, making the virus transmissible again and putting people at risk for opportunistic infections.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Property tax proposal on homestead exemptions moves forward” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — A House proposal that would ask voters to phase out non-school homestead property taxes moved forward, as lawmakers and DeSantis try to reach an agreement on a November ballot measure. The Republican-controlled House State Affairs Committee voted along party lines to back a proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 203) that would annually increase the homestead exemption by $100,000 over the next decade, with a full exemption for non-school taxes in 2037. The proposal, which would require approval by 60% of voters, also would seek to prevent local funding cuts for law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders.

“House again passes repeal of Florida’s ‘free kill’ law, but bill’s path in Senate questionable” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — For the second consecutive Session, House lawmakers have approved legislation to repeal a unique Florida law that today denies some families legal recourse in medical malpractice cases. It’s the same measure the Legislature passed last year with overwhelming support before DeSantis vetoed it, warning the bill’s lack of caps on damages would cause malpractice insurance premiums to skyrocket. This time, however, the bill (HB 6003) lacks a Senate companion, making its path through the upper chamber more challenging. And because it passed without any changes, making it essentially the same as last year’s measure, the bill’s survival is unlikely if it again reaches the Governor’s desk.

“E-Verify expansions pass Florida House with Senate fate up in the air” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — State House Republicans advanced legislation Thursday to expand Florida’s immigration crackdown by requiring all private employers, regardless of size, to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm workers’ legal status. The House voted 80-30 to pass the bill, which would extend requirements already applied to public agencies and larger companies to hundreds of thousands of small businesses. Supporters argued the move strengthens workforce integrity and aligns with DeSantis’ aggressive immigration agenda. Democrats countered that E-Verify is unreliable and would impose new burdens on small employers, most of whom already comply through existing federal forms. The proposal now faces an uncertain path in the Senate, where a similar measure was stalled last year and has yet to receive a hearing.

“House passes bill expanding Wrongful Death Act to cover fetuses” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The House has passed a bill to expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to cover fetuses at any stage of development. HB 289 passed 76-34 and featured a partisan debate on the House floor. Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner called the measure “a dumpster fire,” “asinine,” and “a slap in the faces of women who struggle to find bodily autonomy” amid concerns about the state’s continued crackdown on abortion. Republicans argued that the bill is instead necessary to update the law to allow grieving parents to recover damages if their unborn baby dies in a car crash or another tragedy. The bill specifically states that a mother cannot be sued.

“House passes nursing school oversight bill” via Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel — The Florida House gave near-unanimous approval to a proposal that would tighten the state Board of Nursing’s oversight of nursing schools, a change that supporters say is needed because poorly performing programs have left graduates ill-prepared to work in the high-demand field. The proposal (HB 121) is intended to help weed out programs that don’t prepare their graduates to pass the National Council Licensure Exam, or NCLEX, a requirement to work in the profession. “The goal of this legislation is to create accountability for underperforming programs so that they can someday be counted among the highest-performing programs in our state and in our nation,” said bill sponsor Rep. Toby Overdorf, just ahead of the vote.

“House approves proposal to raise sovereign immunity caps” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — The Florida House overwhelmingly approved legislation Thursday to raise limits on how much people can recover in lawsuits against cities, counties and other government entities, advancing a long-running debate over sovereign immunity. Lawmakers voted 104-7 to pass HB 145, sponsored by Rep. McFarland, which would increase current caps beginning in 2026 and again in 2031. The bill would also allow local governments to settle claims above the caps without first seeking legislative approval and align filing deadlines with those for private lawsuits. Supporters said the changes modernize outdated limits and reduce disparities between victims harmed by private actors and those injured by government negligence. Local governments warned that higher caps could increase insurance costs and strain budgets. The measure now heads to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain.

“House approves Lawrence McClure proposal shielding owners of former phosphate lands” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — House members have approved a bill limiting liability for owners of former phosphate-mining lands, reviving a proposal that stalled in the Legislature last year amid concerns over environmental disclosure and consumer protections. The House voted 87-24 to approve HB 167, sponsored by Rep. McClure. The bill establishes a defense to strict liability for landowners if two conditions are met: a Department of Health study is conducted at the owner’s request, and the property is recorded with the local government as formerly mined phosphate land. The debate focused on how future buyers and renters would be informed of a property’s history as phosphate-mining land, with critics arguing that the bill relies too heavily on public records and buyer due diligence.

— MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“Legislative Session preview: Tom Fabricio highlights bills on tax relief, vehicle registration, teacher oath” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Miami Lakes Republican Rep. Fabricio is bringing a package of policy proposals, both new and familiar, into the 2026 Legislative Session. Some cover widely publicized issues, such as property taxes and affordability. Others center on more under-the-radar concerns, from red tape in day-to-day government transactions to a renewed push for what he calls constitutional clarity in Florida’s classrooms.” “This Legislative Session will, yet again, be an opportunity to do the work of the people,” Fabricio said in a statement. On affordability, Fabricio is sponsoring legislation with Doral Republican Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez to tighten rules on homestead portability, the system that allows many homeowners to carry forward accumulated property tax savings when they move from one primary residence to another.

“House backs bill to lower gun-buying age to 18, repeal provisions in post-Parkland law” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Once again, the House has overwhelmingly passed a controversial bill that would lower the gun-buying age from 21 to 18 years old and roll back a bipartisan law put in place after the Parkland school shootings. And once again, questions persist on whether the measure will advance in the Senate to become law. The House passed HB 133 with a vote of 74-37. The process featured an emotional debate from multiple lawmakers who were local officials responding to the mass shooting in 2018. “Two hundred ninety-six days, less than a year ago, we sat in this same room, on this same floor, this same chamber with the same piece of legislation under a different bill number,” said Rep. Dan Daley, who responded to the shooting as a then-Coral Springs City Commissioner. “It’s déjà vu all over again.”

“‘Parkland learned this the hard way:’ Victim’s parents decry bill to lower gun-buying age” via Angie DiMichele of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The yellow school bus has taken Manuel and Patricia Oliver far. They have driven it around the country, from coast to coast, three times in the past five years, advocating for an end to gun violence on behalf of their son, Joaquin “Guac” Oliver, who was among the 17 killed in the Parkland school shooting. On Wednesday afternoon, the Olivers parked the retrofitted bus in front of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where their son, his schoolmates and multiple teachers were murdered by a 19-year-old former student who legally purchased the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle. The Olivers stood holding up a giant sign that read: “Protect Kids” and “No on HB 133.”

The American Diabetes Association backs bills to modernize obesity management, prevent diabetes — The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is supporting legislation (SB 1070/HB 977) aimed at modernizing Florida’s approach to obesity management by instituting a comprehensive, evidence-based program to replace a pilot currently offered by the Division of State Group Insurance for state employees and their families. The bills would replace the current pilot with a uniform obesity management program that integrates intensive lifestyle and behavioral therapy with FDA-approved weight-management medications, as clinically appropriate. “Obesity is a chronic disease that requires sustained, clinically appropriate treatment, paired with intensive lifestyle and behavioral therapy, to ensure sustained weight-management in an effort to mitigate chronic disease, including diabetes,” said Douglas Dunsavage, the ADA’s state director of government affairs.

— LEG. SKED. —

9 a.m.

Revenue estimating impact conference, Room 117, Knott Building.

— HB 0313, Housing (Nix, Jr.).

— HB 1131, Ad valorem tax exemption for nonprofit homes for the aged (Smith).

— SB 1430, Ad valorem tax exemption for nonprofit homes for the aged (Wright).

— HB 0925, Clerks of court (Trabulsy).

— SB 1322, Clerks of the court (Martin).

— SB 1076, Research and development tax credit (Calatayud).

— HB 0937, Transportation (Yarkosky).

— SB 1032, Medical marijuana (Calatayud).

— HB 0951, One-cent piece (McFarland).

— SB 1074, One-cent piece (Gaetz).

5 p.m.

Deadline: House APR attestation form.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Tim Walz pleads for calm after Donald Trump’s Insurrection Act threat” via Mitch Smith, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, and Reis Thebault of The New York Times — Walz sought to calm escalating tensions in his state, asking protesters to demonstrate peacefully and pleading with Trump to back off his threat to deploy the U.S. military to Minneapolis. White House officials, in turn, accused Walz and other local leaders of encouraging violence. Another shooting by a federal agent — the second there in a week — touched off more clashes between protesters and police officers in Minneapolis. In response, Trump said he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act, which allows him to use the military to quash an insurrection or invasion. Walz implored the President to “turn the temperature down” and “stop this campaign of retribution,” as administration officials used increasingly strident language to describe demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement action. Raids and arrests by federal agents have put the region on edge, with officials letting students attend classes online after a clash outside a Minneapolis high school.

“Congress clears first funding bills since government shutdown ended” via Katherine Tully-McManus and Jennifer Scholtes of POLITICO — The Senate voted 82-15 on Thursday to pass a three-bill spending package funding several federal agencies through the end of the fiscal year, sending the measure to Trump and advancing efforts to avert a government shutdown ahead of a Jan. 30 deadline. The legislation covers the departments of Justice, Interior, Commerce and Energy, along with the EPA, water programs and federal science initiatives. Another spending package funding Treasury and State is expected when Senators return from recess next week. While leaders touted progress after last year’s prolonged funding lapse, more than 75% of discretionary spending remains unresolved, including Defense and Homeland Security, raising the prospect of another short-term funding extension.

“María Corina Machado says she presented Trump with her Nobel peace prize medal” via Tom Phillips and Hugo Lowell of The Guardian — The Venezuelan opposition leader Machado has said she “presented” her gold Nobel peace prize medal to Trump after meeting him in the White House, nearly two weeks after he ordered the abduction of Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro. Machado, who received the award last year for her struggle against Maduro’s “brutal, authoritarian state,” told reporters she had done so “in recognition [of] his unique commitment [to] our freedom.” It was not immediately clear whether Trump had accepted the gift. Earlier in the day, the Nobel organizers posted on X: “A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel peace prize laureate cannot.” Machado, whose movement is widely believed to have beaten Maduro in Venezuela’s 2024 Election, was unexpectedly sidelined by Trump after U.S. special forces troops captured her political rival in the early hours of Jan. 3.

“Trump releases health policy outline” via Cheyenne Haslett of POLITICO — Trump released a health care framework that calls on Congress to codify his efforts to reduce prescription drug prices, send money to Health Savings Accounts instead of insurers via Affordable Care Act subsidies, and force more price transparency from insurance companies, hospitals and physicians. “We’re calling it the Great Health Care Plan. Instead of putting the needs of big corporations and special interests first, our plan finally puts you first and puts more money in your pocket,” Trump said in a video published by the White House on Thursday with little advance notice.

“Trump administration reinstates drug, mental health programs it cut days earlier” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — The Trump administration reinstated about $2 billion in mental health and substance abuse funding — two days after it canceled those grants and left Central Florida agencies worried about how they would manage significant cuts to the region’s limited resources. Central Florida’s largest mental health and substance abuse provider had nearly $1.2 million in payments canceled overnight on Tuesday, but by Thursday morning, it learned it would receive its funds. Both notices arrived via email from the federal Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. A Kissimmee clinic, Pan-American Behavioral Health Services, also lost funding and had it reinstated within that two-day span, its CEO, Brendan Ramirez, said.

“With sextortion and suicides on the rise, Jimmy Patronis seeks to strip Big Tech of Section 230 immunity” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Patronis says it’s time to take major legal protections away from Big Tech firms, citing the dangers of online child exploitation. The Fort Walton Beach Republican wants to repeal Section 230, a controversial provision of the Communications Decency Act that shields companies from lawsuits related to criminal activity on their social media platforms. The Promoting Responsible Online Technology and Ensuring Consumer Trust (PROTECT) Act (HR 7045) would delete those protections in federal law. “As a father of two young boys, I refuse to stand by while Big Tech poisons our kids without consequence,” Patronis said.

— ELECTIONS —

“Elections offices audited over marijuana amendment petitions” via Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Times — As Florida’s recreational marijuana campaign again tries to get in front of voters, the state has levied pressure on local elections supervisors — putting them, one official said, “in the middle of a political war.” That scrutiny intensified this week, when the state Office of Election Crimes and Security told elections supervisors in Orange, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties that it would be conducting audits of certain verified petitions. It’s unclear if other counties will also be audited. DeSantis fiercely opposes recreational marijuana. In 2024, his administration used state power and millions of taxpayer dollars to fight a legalization proposal sponsored by the group Smart & Safe Florida.

“Three Democrats already challenging Neal Dunn see opportunity in CD 2 following retirement news” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — News that U.S. Rep. Dunn will retire after this year has fueled speculation about who may enter the race. But three Democrats have been running for months, collectively raising more than a quarter million dollars to take on the incumbent. Yen Bailey, who challenged Dunn in 2024, was preparing for a rematch. But the race also drew in foreign aid professional Amanda Maria Green and tech entrepreneur Nic Zateslo. Former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham confirmed to Florida Politics that she is considering a run. And many expect interest from former U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Tallahassee Democrat who lost to Dunn in 2022, and former state Sen. Loranne Ausley, a Tallahassee Democrat. But the candidates already in the running have a jump on organizing and fundraising, even if they don’t have as much experience on the trail.

“Jason Shoaf will seek re-election to Legislature, sit out race to succeed Dunn in Congress” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — State Rep. Shoaf says he will not run to succeed Dunn. “I am fully focused on serving the people of North Florida in the Florida House of Representatives, and I am committed to fulfill my term through 2028,” Shoaf said. The Port St. Joe Republican first won his legislative seat in a 2019 Special Election. Term limits will not prohibit him from seeking re-election this year. He dismissed rumors that he might run for Congress two days after Dunn, a Panama City Republican serving his fifth term in the House, announced his retirement at the end of this Congress. Shoaf said he feels he can best serve his community by remaining in the Florida Legislature as a senior member. He currently serves on the Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee. Shoaf remains the only candidate filed in House District 7.

“Cook Political Report shifts ratings, says Cory Mills looks more vulnerable” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Cook Political Report has moved Florida’s 7th Congressional District from its “Solid Republican” to “Likely Republican” column. The shift came as the high-profile election predictions site moved 18 House races nationwide toward a favorable outcome for Democrats. That suggests a hostile climate for Republicans overall, two years after Trump’s return to the White House. But Mills’ particular situation has also been impacted by a series of scandals. The New Smyrna Beach Republican remains under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for a number of issues, including allegations about him profiting from Defense Department contracts while serving in Congress, assaulting a girlfriend in their shared Washington apartment, threatening to publicly distribute intimate photos of an ex-girlfriend who lived with him in New Smyrna Beach, and exaggerating his military service.

“Earle Ford banks $200K in grassroots push to take on Anna Paulina Luna” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — U.S. Army veteran Ford has raised more than $200,000 from over 6,500 individual donors. “I am honored to receive such powerful support from the people in our District,” Ford said. “We shattered our end-of-year fundraising goal because our people are tired of elected officials who promote their own interests and the interests of the richest 1% over the District. My focus is on the needs of people and communities in the 13th District alone. There are many local issues we need to address, and I’m going to fight for those issues in Congress to better the lives of everyone in the 13th District.”

FMA PAC backs Josie Tomkow in SD 14 Special Election — The Florida Medical Association PAC endorsed Republican Tomkow in the Special Election for Senate District 14, adding the influential medical group’s support to the open-seat contest. The PAC cited Tomkow’s leadership on health care issues and her role as Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee as key reasons for the endorsement. Tomkow said she was honored to earn the backing of Florida’s physicians, highlighting their work to expand access to care and improve health outcomes statewide. SD 14 includes part of Hillsborough County and is vacant following Collins’s appointment as Lieutenant Governor. The Special General Election is scheduled for March 24, 2026.

“Anne Gerwig adds $87K to HD 93 re-election bid as Dem foe outspends her” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Rep. Gerwig raised more than $87,000 last quarter to keep her House District 93 seat representing an inland portion of Palm Beach County. The haul, taken entirely through her campaign account, pushed her total gains this cycle past $106,000. Her sole Democratic challenger so far, lawyer August Mangeney, collected a comparatively paltry $6,400. But he outspent Gerwig nearly twofold. Gerwig’s fourth quarter gains included a $50,000 self-loan not denoted as such in her campaign’s filings with the Division of Elections website. She also received 65 donations — a blend of personal checks, corporate contributions and additions from political committees.

“Democratic candidates stack $216K in Q4 toward Primary race for GOP-controlled HD 106” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Two Miami-Dade Democrats competing to challenge Republican Rep. Fabián Basabe in House District 106 each raised more than $100,000 in the final quarter of 2025, though their fundraising strategies differed sharply. Lucia Báez-Geller added nearly $116,000, largely through a $100,000 self-loan, while relying on hundreds of small-dollar donations for outside support. Ashley Litwin Diego raised just over $100,000, mostly from attorneys and political committees, with far fewer but much larger contributions. Basabe brought in a comparatively modest $30,500 last quarter but benefited from significant in-kind support from Republican committees. The coastal Miami-Dade District has become increasingly competitive as candidates build early financial foundations ahead of the 2026 Election.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Miami-Dade Clerk greenlights petition to recall Daniella Levine Cava” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Miami-Dade Clerk Juan Fernandez-Barquin’s Office has approved a recall petition against Mayor Levine Cava, launching a 120-day signature-gathering window that could trigger her removal. Levine Cava now faces a determined opposition effort as organizers race to collect nearly 66,000 signatures, representing 4% of the county’s more than 1.64 million registered voters, by the May 14 deadline. Levine Cava, first elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024 with 58% of the vote, responded to the Clerk’s approval by calling the campaign “frivolous and politically motivated,” but stressed it won’t change her focus at County Hall.

“Nestor Menendez opens Coral Gables Commission bid with $30K haul — all from in-city donors” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Menendez, a first-time candidate for the Coral Gables Commission’s Group 4 seat, is touting an early fundraising surge. He reported raising $30,500 in his first quarter running for the seat now held by Melissa Castro, a frequent foil of Mayor Vince Lago at City Hall. Menendez’s gains came through 42 personal checks between Oct. 20 and Dec. 29. All were from donors listing Coral Gables addresses. In a statement announcing the haul, Menendez — a lawyer at DiFalco Fernandez LLLP in an of-counsel capacity — framed the promising start as a neighborhood-backed campaign rather than an outside-funded effort.

“Indiantown borders may grow by 62% as it ponders annexation” via Keith Burbank of Treasure Coast Newspapers — More than 5,700 acres are likely to be added to this rapidly developing village, increasing the land area by 62% while providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional tax revenue. The move to add 5,722 acres follows a request from Florida Power & Light (FPL), which owns the land and plans to build a substation there. Indiantown is now 9,212 acres. “We can do an expedited review,” Village Manager Taryn Kryzda said, explaining why FPL asked Indiantown to annex the property. Also, FPL wants the land designated light industrial rather than agricultural, Kryzda said, and the company has no guarantee that Martin County will designate it light industrial.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Despite furry ban, Brevard Schools’ Mascot Olympics doesn’t break policy” via Finch Walker of Florida Today — A menagerie of birds, cats and other fuzzy creatures took to Viera High School’s football field with a common goal: show their school spirit. The group of mascots from around the School District competed in Brevard Public School’s first “Mascot Olympics” on Jan. 10, with decked-out students and adults facing off for a variety of titles and medals. “(Competitors) all brought their A-game and tons of school spirit to this fun-filled community event,” the District wrote on their Facebook page. “From the Walk Out Challenge to the Not-so-50 Yard Dash, Relay Race, and Tug of War, the competition was fierce and funny!” For some locals, however, the event caused fur to fly.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Ken Babby sets hard date for new ballpark, inspires confidence in new Rays leadership” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Babby, the new CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays, said the franchise intends to open a new permanent ballpark by April 2029, signaling an aggressive push to resolve a decadeslong stadium debate. Speaking on a podcast, Babby acknowledged the Rays face significant challenges but said the Tampa Bay region offers the best opportunity for long-term success. The ownership group envisions a large-scale, mixed-use development, modeled in part on Atlanta’s Battery District, which would serve as an economic engine and boost attendance. Owners are seeking roughly 100 acres and have said some public subsidy would be part of any deal. While the team plans to remain in the region, Tampa has emerged as the likeliest site.

“Is Ken Welch a victim, or just incompetent? Two things can be true” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — St. Petersburg Mayor Welch is the victim of an alleged six-figure theft from a political committee supporting his re-election, but the episode raises serious questions about his judgment and oversight. Prosecutors say the committee’s former treasurer siphoned more than $200,000 through unauthorized payments, a scheme that went undetected for months. While Welch is not accused of wrongdoing, the lapse is striking given his background as an accountant and his prior compliance issues with earlier committees. The fallout leaves the PAC nearly drained and donor confidence shaken. The episode compounds broader concerns about Welch’s leadership, fundraising struggles, and a growing sense among political insiders that his campaign is faltering as challengers circle.

“‘Not concerned’: Welch breaks silence on campaign turmoil” via St. Pete Catalyst — Welch’s re-election campaign has recently taken two significant hits: His war chest was allegedly robbed of over $200,000, and a formidable opponent in the St. Petersburg race reported a fundraising windfall. Welch expressed confidence in his ability to overcome challenges and pride in his community-based support. “We’ve been here,” Welch said. “We’ve been in the battle, and our opponent has not.” The incumbent was referring to former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, who is mulling a mayoral campaign in his hometown. A political committee created to gauge support for his potential run, St. Pete Shines, raised $338,687 between Nov. 12 and Dec. 31. St. Pete Shines also transferred $336,458 from Friends of Charlie Crist, a disbanded political action committee (PAC) established in 2022 to support his last gubernatorial bid. The challenger now has $712,283 on hand, nearly 15 times the amount remaining in Welch’s account.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Two new candidates enter the race for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 5” via Mishalynn Brown and Matt Hoffmann of WCTV — Two new candidates have filed for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 5, where Dianne Williams-Cox currently sits. Tiffany Hill and Joseph (Joe) Kalicki have both filed this week, and their challengers include Williams-Cox, who is seeking re-election, and Bernard Stevens II. Hill, a retired U.S. Army combat veteran and Tallahassee local, filed for candidacy. “I’m running for Tallahassee City Commissioner, Seat 5, because our community deserves leadership that listens, understands, acts with integrity, research, and follows up with the people who bring issues before you,” Hill said. Hill said Tallahassee is her home and she wants “real solutions” as she’s worked with residents who struggle for housing, services and having their voices heard. She said she wants to involve residents in the decision-making process.

“Jacksonville official placed on leave after urging social media followers to dodge ICE enforcement” via Frank Kopylov of Florida’s Voice — A Jacksonville city employee tasked with outreach to the Hispanic community has been placed on administrative leave after using her taxpayer-funded position and recording the video in her city office during work hours to broadcast warnings and evasion tips to potential immigration violators, undermining the critical work of federal agents enforcing U.S. law. Yanira Cardona, the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator appointed by Mayor Donna Deegan, went live on Instagram on Wednesday, sounding the alarm that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were “out and about” in the city. She detailed alleged hot spots, including speed traps on Emerson, Beach Boulevard, and Atlantic Boulevard, as well as on highways, where agents were allegedly targeting lawn care companies, air conditioning services, and construction vans.

“Defiant Donna Deegan says staffer’s ICE warning broke social media policy, but was legal” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Deegan said Thursday that a city employee who advised undocumented immigrants on how to respond to immigration enforcement did not break the law, but did violate city social media policy, prompting administrative leave. Deegan said Cardona made the comments without required approval and repeatedly failed to follow communications rules governing public statements that could be construed as representing the Mayor’s office. City General Counsel Michael Fackler determined the remarks were legal, a conclusion Deegan said conflicted with Attorney General James Uthmeier’s public criticism. Deegan described Cardona’s comments as motivated by compassion for immigrants affected by enforcement but said the situation became “grist for the political mill.” She declined to say whether Cardona would be fired.

“Amazon $13.8 million conveyor upgrade approved in West Jacksonville” via Karen Brune Mathis of The Jacksonville Daily Record — Internet retailer Amazon.com is adding a platform and conveyor at its West Jacksonville fulfillment center now that the city issued a permit Jan. 14 for the almost $13.78 million project. Designed Conveyor Systems LLC of Franklin, Tennessee, is permitted to demolish the existing conveyor and install a new one on an elevated platform at Amazon’s 1.1 million-square-foot center at 13333 103rd St. in AllianceFlorida at Cecil Commerce Center. The city is reviewing a permit application for a $1.8 million project by Kroll Konstruction LLC to add a 30,000-square-foot mezzanine in the northwest corner of the building. Known as JAX3, the center opened Oct. 1, 2017, to handle larger consumer items. During a July 2018 tour, the center’s general manager said it had the capacity to hold an estimated 3 million items, depending on size and seasonality.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Bridget Ziegler is burning down the Sarasota School Board … and handing Democrats the keys” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Ziegler’s proposed resolution pledging cooperation between Sarasota County schools and Immigration and Customs Enforcement is not governance. It is a culture-war message designed to provoke and likely to have lasting political consequences. The measure changes no law, fixes no problem and does nothing to improve student safety or outcomes, but it strips away any remaining pretense that School Board races are nonpartisan. Republicans already turn out for these elections. Moves like this energize everyone else — moderates, independents, teachers and parents who do not want schools turned into ideological battlegrounds. Coming from a leader whose credibility has been badly damaged by scandal, the resolution risks nationalizing local races and driving opposition turnout. The result could be a conservative-leaning Board flipping control later this year.

“What would Ziegler ICE resolution mean for Sarasota students?” via Melissa Pérez-Carrillo of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Sarasota School Board member and Chair Ziegler has put forth a resolution for the School District and its police to pledge their support for officers from ICE. Ziegler shared the resolution on her Facebook page, slamming fellow School Board member Tom Edwards for attending a Jan. 10 protest against ICE violence in the wake of the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by a federal agent in Minneapolis. Edwards spoke to nearly 500 protesters, sharing that ICE agents must obtain a warrant before entering a school after consulting with Sarasota County School Superintendent Terry Connor and the School Board’s legal counsel on the District’s rights regarding ICE agents.

“Scams targeting seniors are becoming an ‘epidemic,’ Bradenton Police say” via Amaia Gavica of the Bradenton Herald — Manatee County seniors are falling victim to scams daily — and the results can be disastrous, Bradenton Police say. Fraud investigators say it’s a trend that’s getting worse across the nation, and it can leave retirement-age residents at risk of losing their entire life savings in the blink of an eye. The Bradenton Police Department recently launched an Elder Fraud Unit to address these crimes through investigations and educational sessions. “Elder fraud, it’s an epidemic that no one talks about. It doesn’t get the respect it should because they don’t see what we see,” Detective Jim Curulla told the Bradenton Herald. “Every single week, we have an elderly senior who sits in our office and talks about how they have lost everything.”

— TOP OPINION —

“Something is rotten in the state of America” via David French of The New York Times — The story of Mark Peters should matter to Americans. In 2009, the Danish soldier lost both lower legs after stepping on an improvised explosive device while fighting alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

Denmark answered America’s call after 9/11, suffering heavy casualties for a small nation and demonstrating the deepest form of alliance — shared sacrifice. That history matters now, as the United States threatens to upend one of its closest partnerships.

The Trump administration’s push to acquire Greenland from Denmark is not diplomacy; it is coercion. Public threats, including references to military force, have placed an ally in the crosshairs despite Denmark already granting the United States sweeping access to Greenland for defense purposes under a long-standing agreement.

Denmark has resisted tyranny, stood with NATO, and fought beside Americans from Afghanistan to the Red Sea.

This approach reflects a dangerous shift from cooperation to domination. Alliances built on shared values and consent have long been the foundation of American power. Empires built on coercion are costly, brittle, and ultimately weaker, draining resources to enforce control rather than strengthen partnerships.

Turning allies into adversaries will leave the United States more isolated, more indebted, and less secure. Denmark’s refusal to capitulate underscores a simple truth: strength comes from trust, not threats.

If America abandons its allies for pride or greed, it will not gain power — it will lose its character, its credibility, and the very alliances that have long made it strong.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“Florida housing crisis has a SHIP and SAIL, but no rudder” via Jeff Brandes for Florida Politics — Florida’s housing crisis has reached the point where consequences, not data, are driving the conversation. The shortage is structural, with population growth outpacing housing production for years, leaving more than a third of households cost-burdened and pushing workers farther from jobs. Funding programs like SHIP and SAIL help, but money alone cannot overcome zoning rules, land costs, and approval delays that drive up per-unit prices. In fast-growing markets, land economics and restrictive local policies quietly erase affordability through teardowns and luxury replacements. The solution is not a single fix but a set of coordinated reforms that reduce per-home land costs by allowing smaller lots, lot splits, and missing middle housing. Without that shift, Florida risks choosing permanent unaffordability by default.

“Lift outdated zoning rules to expand affordable housing opportunities for Florida families” via Skylar Zander for Florida Politics — Florida is facing a deepening housing affordability crisis as outdated zoning rules continue to restrict supply and drive up costs statewide. Rapid population growth, rising construction expenses and high taxes have worsened the squeeze, but minimum lot-size mandates are increasingly blamed for limiting new construction. Many local governments still require oversized lots, which block smaller, more affordable homes and prevent families from adapting properties for multigenerational living. Florida faces a housing shortfall of more than 486,000 homes, with average prices near $400,000. Lawmakers are pushing reforms through SB 948 and HB 1143 to modernize lot-size rules, alongside separate legislation supporting accessory dwelling units. Supporters argue the changes would expand housing options, lower costs, and restore flexibility for homeowners, builders and families being priced out of their communities.

“Florida’s AI laws are stronger than you think” via Turner Loesel for Florida Politics — As Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session approaches, artificial intelligence is emerging as a major policy focus, with more than 30 bills already filed at the urging of DeSantis. But before rushing to regulate, lawmakers should recognize that Florida already has a strong legal foundation for AI accountability. Testimony during the House’s inaugural AI Week highlighted that existing, process-neutral laws address many AI concerns by penalizing harmful outcomes regardless of the technology used. Protections covering misuse of a person’s likeness, professional malpractice, and ethical violations already apply to AI tools. Where gaps have appeared, lawmakers have addressed them through measures such as Brooke’s Law and political advertising disclosure requirements. The opportunity now is to build on that foundation, not discard it, by trusting the floor already in place.

What Peter Schorsch is reading — “Why Walmart is out. And bodegas are in.” via Chris Cillizza of So What — A recent Substack Live conversation with music critic Steven Hyden turned into a broader reflection on how media has fundamentally changed. With Hyden writing more on his Evil Speakers Substack after a reduced role at Uproxx, the discussion quickly moved beyond music to the realities of modern journalism. Hyden offered a simple but sharp analogy: media no longer rewards being Walmart, but being a bodega — smaller, leaner, and built around a loyal audience rather than mass reach. That idea captures the shift from chasing clicks to cultivating community, from breadth to depth. The conversation underscored how liberating that change can be, allowing writers to focus on instinct, taste, and substance. Music, media economics, and creative independence all collided in a wide-ranging, timely exchange.

— WEEKEND TV —

ABC Action News Full Circle with Paul LaGrone on Channel 10 WFTS: Dr. Susan MacManus breaks down the major political developments shaping the week, while Tallahassee correspondent Forrest Saunders discusses the opening of Florida’s Legislative Session and Lt. Gov. Collins’ entry into the race. USF supply chain expert Seckin Ozkul examines tariffs and the role of Venezuelan oil in global markets, and political science expert Bo Kabala analyzes new Gallup polling showing more Americans now identify as independents than as Democrats or Republicans.

Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show provides viewers with an in-depth look at politics in South Florida and other issues affecting the region.

In Focus with Allison Walker on Bay News 9/CF 13: A look at the state of manatee health in Florida, now four years after a record number of manatee deaths sounded alarms for the manatee population. Joining Walker are Holly Davis, District 5, Citrus County Commission, and Dr. Beth Brady, Director of Science and Conservation, Save the Manatee Club.

Political Connections on Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete and Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando: The weekly Sunday show is now a joint weeknight show airing Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.

The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Gary Yordon speaks with Hammerhead Communications President Skip Foster.

This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: Collins and Rick Mullaney, director of the Haskell Public Policy Institute at Jacksonville University.

This Week in South Florida with Glenna Milberg on Local 10 WPLG: Milberg sits down for one-on-one interviews with Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez and House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell to talk about each of their priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session. Plus, breaking down the first week at the State Capitol in the Reporter Roundtable with POLITICO Florida politics reporter Kimberly Leonard, E.W. Scripps Florida Capitol reporter Forrest Saunders and Florida Phoenix Florida immigration reporter Liv Caputo. The big news of the week and the newsmakers on Sunday at 11 a.m.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“‘Star Wars’ boss departs, ending an asteroid-filled reign” via Brooks Barnes of The New York Times — Disney said Kathleen Kennedy would step down as the president of Lucasfilm after nearly 14 years, a period marked by successes, some misses and near-constant culture-war-related turbulence. She will be succeeded by Dave Filoni, Lucasfilm’s chief creative officer, and Lynwen Brennan, the studio’s business affairs and operations chief. Their appointments are effective immediately. Filoni will serve as president while remaining chief creative officer. Brennan will be co-president. Kennedy, 72, will return to her storied producing career, which started in 1982 with “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Poltergeist.” She is a lead producer for two upcoming “Star Wars” movies. Disney gave her an effusive send-off, even by Hollywood standards, with Robert A. Iger, the company’s chief executive, calling Kennedy “a visionary” in a statement and Alan Bergman, co-Chair of Disney Entertainment, also lavishing praise on her.

“This lip-syncing robot face could help future bots talk like us” via Julian Dossett of CNET — The slight unease that creeps up your spine when you see something that acts human but isn’t remains a big issue in robotics, especially for robots built to look and speak like us. That peculiar feeling is called the uncanny valley. One way roboticists bridge that valley is by synchronizing a robot’s lip movements with its voice. On Wednesday, Columbia University announced research that delves into how a new wave of robot faces can speak more realistically. Hod Lipson, a Columbia engineering professor who worked on the research, told CNET that a key reason robots are “uncanny” is that they don’t move their lips like humans when they speak. “We are aiming to solve this problem, which has been neglected in robotics,” Lipson said.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Belated birthday wishes to Melody Arnold. Celebrating today are former Rep. José Felix Diaz, now a lobbyist with Ballard Partners, and Meredith Ivey, former spokesperson for Gov. DeSantis and former Deputy Secretary for the Department of Commerce.

___

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

Andy Thomson is continuing to flex fundraising muscle in the Boca Raton Mayor’s race, clearing the $400,000 mark.

New campaign finance reports show Thomson raised more than $18,000 during the fourth quarter through his official campaign account, while his political committee, Running with Andy Thomson, collected $114,000 over the same period.

Building on previous fundraising success, the campaign has raised nearly $407,000 across both accounts. And all of the money has come from outside contributors, not personal loans.

“This fundraising milestone reflects the deep community support behind our campaign and the strength of a truly grassroots effort,” Thomson said in a statement.

Thomson is competing in a three-person race to lead the city. Businessman Mike Liebelson and Boca Raton Deputy Mayor Fran Nachlas are also running.

Nachlas eclipsed the $400,000 mark in a previous report, but that included $100,000 in candidate loans. She added just under $30,000 via her campaign account last quarter and another $31,000 via her political committee.

Liebelson, meanwhile, has raised just under $5,300 and has also added a $50,000 candidate loan.

Thomson, a lawyer, served in Seat A on the Boca Raton City Council from 2018 to 2022 and was elected to Seat D in 2024.

In addition to his latest fundraising haul, Thomson’s campaign announced a new endorsement from the public safety sector. Boca Raton Firefighters, Local 1560, has formally backed his bid for Mayor.

“For as long as I have served Boca Raton, public safety has been my top priority, and that will never change,” Thomson said.

“Our firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect Boca Raton families. As Mayor, I will always stand with them, ensure they have the resources they need, and keep Boca Raton safe for everyone who calls it home.”

The candidates are running to succeed Mayor Scott Singer, who is facing term limits. The Boca Raton election takes place on March 10.

Two Miami-Dade Democrats vying for their party’s nomination to face a twice-elected Republican incumbent in once-blue House District 106 amassed more than $100,000 each last quarter, though they took different fundraising routes to do so.

Lucia Báez-Geller, a former Miami-Dade School Board member who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2024, added nearly $116,000 to her campaign account between Oct. 1 and New Year’s Eve.

Most of that sum — $100,000 — came from her bank account as a self-loan that, if not spent, is refundable.

Her Primary opponent, lawyer Ashley Litwin Diego, raised just over $100,000. Of that, $15,000 was self-loaned.

The man they hope to supplant in November, Miami Beach Republican Rep. Fabián Basabe, collected a comparatively modest $30,500. But he also received nearly $45,000 in in-kind aid from his party for consulting, phone calls, and food and beverage expenses.

Of the three, Báez-Geller is taking the most grassroots approach to external gains. Just one contribution to her last quarter wasn’t a personal check: $1,000 from Floridians for Better Government, a political committee (PC) linked to former state lawmaker and Miami Beach Commissioner David Richardson.

Báez-Geller received 332 outside donations in Q4, 95% of which came from Florida donors, with the majority coming from South Florida.

Her average donation was $47.29. Several notable figures chipped in.

Miami-Dade School Board member Joe Geller (no relation), who succeeded Báez-Geller on the School Board, gave $250, adding to another $1,000 he donated through his eponymous PC in Q3.

Hollywood Commissioner Caryl Shuham gave $100. Another $30 came from Alachua County School Board member Sarah Rockwell, who drew criticism in July for saying it was “good” that late pro wrestler and Donald Trump supporter Hulk Hogan died because it meant “one less MAGA in the world.” (She apologized amid calls for her resignation.)

Báez-Geller also got $100 from South Florida Tech Hub CEO Imran Siddiqui and $150 from repeat political candidate Raquel Pacheco, who was in headlines this week after she posted a video of Miami Beach police questioning her at home for a critical Facebook comment she wrote about Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.

Báez-Geller spent about $36,000 last quarter. More than half — $18,800 — went to Plantation-based Sunrise Strategies Group for fundraising. Another $15,000 went to Miami-based Palm Media for consulting services.

She also spent $1,600 on fundraising database services from California-headquartered Numero Inc. The rest covered banking and donation-processing fees.

So far this cycle, Báez-Geller has raised nearly $190,400. All but $40,400 was self-given. She entered 2026 with $153,500 in cash on hand.

Litwin Diego, who launched her campaign Oct. 20, collected about $80,000 through her campaign account and $20,350 through her PC, Friends of Ashley Litwin Diego PC, by New Year’s Eve.

She also spent nearly $20,000, leaving roughly $80,400 in her account by New Year’s Day.

She received 134 outside contributions, more than a third of which came from fellow lawyers. Three people with the last name Litwin each gave $1,000. Her average donation was $628.

Her biggest donor, Surfside photographer Melissa Galindez, gave $3,500. Coral Gables lawyer Marilyn Rodriguez contributed $3,000, while Miami attorney Lara Rios kicked in $2,500.

Former Pinecrest Council member Anna Hochkammer, who runs the Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition, gave $500.

Litwin Diego also received $5,500 from Residents First Leadership, a county-level PC run by Democratic consultant Christian Ulvert, and $5,000 from New Leadership for Florida, a state PC Ulvert ran in 2021 for then-House candidate Maureen Porras.

The preponderance of Litwin Diego’s spending went to firms Ulvert owns and operates, including $8,300 to EDGE Communications and $1,400 to Win Canvass.

She also paid $5,000 to consultant Michael Worley’s MDW Communications, $1,500 to Miami-based Good Catch Inc. for apparel and $250 to TG Benson Photography, also in Miami, for campaign pics.

The rest went to bank supplies, bank fees and donation-processing fees.

Basabe, who won his HD 106 seat in 2022 by less than a percentage point and won re-election two years later by a 4-point margin, leaned heavily on political and business donors last quarter.

He received 41 contributions in Q4 through his campaign account and the political committee Common Sense For Florida, with an average donation of $744.

His most significant personal donation came from Fort Myers eye surgeon Jonathan Frantz, who gave $3,500.

YMP Family Foundation Director Yaffa Yakubov, a Miami Beach resident, gave $1,000. So did economist, public policy analyst and professor Jeffrey Sachs, who leads Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Development and serves as President of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Republican Reps. Jennifer Canady of Lakeland, Patt Maney of Shalimar and David Smith of Winter Springs each gave $1,000 through their respective PCs.

Basabe also accepted $1,000 from the PCs of the Florida Police Benevolent Association, Florida Professional Firefighters, Florida Insurance Council, Maritime Leadership Committee and Faith Family & Coalition. Another $500 came from the Underground Utility Contractors of Florida.

He received $2,000 from the PC of Florida Partners. Lobbyist Ron Book gave $3,000. Book’s wife, Pat, contributed an extra $1,000.

Lobbyist Sebastian Aleksander gave the same through his eponymous Palm Beach firm.

Other notable contributions included $1,000 apiece from the Miccosukee Tribe and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

Basabe spent about $12,000 in Q4. Of that, $6,700 went to Tallahassee-based PAC Financial Management for treasury services and campaign shirts. He also paid roughly $1,900 to Union Printing & Signs in Lauderhill.

Other spending included $800 to consultant Anthony Pedicini’s SimWins firm, $787 to Hector Lopez of Miami Shores for contract labor, $500 to Jesse Kerner of Sebastian for website work, $185 to Miami Beach-based XO Hospitality Group for food and beverages, $20 to Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia’s Office for voter data and a $113 travel reimbursement to his aide, Robert Novo, a one-time candidate for the Miami Beach Commission.

Basabe has raised $97,500 so far in the 2026 election cycle, with $16,000 of that amount being self-loaned. He had just under $38,000 left in his campaign account and PC by Jan. 1.

HD 106 covers a coastal strip of Miami-Dade between Miami Beach and Aventura.

Candidates faced a Monday deadline to report all campaign finance activities for the period through Dec. 31.