Galvano says Supreme Court makeover could prompt ‘bold’ education reforms

State Senate President Bill Galvano told a Sarasota business audience Tuesday that the more conservative Florida Supreme Court being fashioned by Gov. Ron DeSantis could pave the way for education reforms that had been struck down in the past.  “We have a new court,” Galvano, R-Bradenton, told a sold-out crowd of 270 at the Argus…

Florida may seek internet tax collections

Florida law requires residents to report and pay the sales taxes they own on items purchased from mail order catalogs or the internet. Few residents actually do this, but a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision cleared the way for out of state businesses to begin the collections, but the change would require legislative approval. Read…

*VIDEO* – FSBA Legislative Weekly – Interim Committee Week 2

Tallahassee, FL – With Florida’s 2019 Legislative Session Interim Committee weeks underway, Executive Director Andrea Messina provides members with a video update of Week 2’s events: Education related bills, Inauguration activities, and more.  Be sure to visit the  2019 Legislative Session page for in-depth summaries, resources, bill tracking and more.

FSBA Session Spotlight — January 14, 2019

This issue of the Session Spotlight provides highlights of events during the past week including activities and meetings during Legislative Interim Committee Meeting Week 2, information about the online Review of the Report of the Marjory Stoneman Douglass Public Safety Commission conducted by Commission member and Citrus County School Board member Doug Dodd, and other…

Should school board member face term limits? Florida lawmakers revive the debate

Florida voters who want to limit the length of time school board members serve in office might get their chance in 2020.  The idea, which appeared to have traction last fall in private polls, is headed back to the Legislature for another round of consideration. Read More

Florida lawmakers continue to look for ‘alternative pathways’ to high school graduation

Florida lawmakers and school leaders make a big deal about the state’s rising graduation rates, citing the importance of earning a diploma to finding success in college and career.  Yet despite the climbing percentages, many students cannot pass the state’s required tests in reading or math. Some turn to alternate exams, some to adult education.…

Ron DeSantis becomes Florida’s newest governor: ‘Our rights are endowed by God, not government’

Florida’s state capital seemed to hold its breath in relative silence, if only for a moment, as Ronald Dion DeSantis placed his hand on a Bible and took the oath as Florida’s 46th governor just before 12 p.m. on Tuesday.  Following the dramatic 19-gun salute and Florida National Guard flyover, DeSantis then took to the…

Florida Supreme Court tosses out decade-old education funding lawsuit

Florida’s 10-year-old lawsuit contending the state has shortchanged some of its public education students has ended with the Supreme Court’s narrow rejection of the complaint.  Three justices plus a substitute associate justice, subbing in for recused Justice Ricky Polston, agreed with the trial and appellate court rulings that the constitutional terms the plaintiffs relied upon are political…

Gov. Scott appoints two to Florida Board of Education, including parent of Parkland victim

Andrew Pollack, the father of slain Marjory Stoneman Douglas High student Meadow Pollack, is one of two appointees to the Florida Board of Education.  Gov. Rick Scott nominated Pollack to a four-year term replacing Jacksonville businessman Gary Chartrand, who was ineligible because of term limits. Scott also reappointed former state Rep. Tom Grady of Naples…

Commission issues school safety recommendations, including a call to Florida lawmakers for more funding

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission on Wednesday released its long-awaited findings and recommendations in the aftermath of the Feb. 14 Parkland high school shooting — including a call to allow some teachers to carry weapons on campus. Read More Read Initial Report