Florida’s 2024 SNAP error rate topped 15%, and a troubled MyACCESS portal has advocates warning that tightened paperwork could cost the state nearly $1 billion. Lawmakers are racing to act.

A Florida bill advanced Wednesday would require background checks for insurer officials, tighten model and rate rules, and create a statewide mitigation database for discounts. Sponsors say it builds on 2022 reforms to stabilize the market.

FAU faculty warn that a proposed statewide pause on new H‑1B hires would stall faculty searches and research; the Board of Governors will vote Feb. 23.

Rep. Greg Steube asked the DOJ to investigate states that don’t offer religious exemptions to vaccine mandates, naming New York, California, Maine and Connecticut.

Sen. Ashley Moody has filed the Punishing Health Care Fraudsters Act to raise prison terms and fines for health-care fraud. The bill cites recent fraud probes as its spur.

A Florida Senate committee added a $4M appropriation to compensate descendants of the Groveland Four; the bill now heads to the Senate floor but still needs House approval.

A Board of Governors letter to the LCME has widened Florida’s accreditation fight, raising real risks for medical schools, federal aid and residency pipelines.

Early 2026 polling shows Byron Donalds leading the GOP primary to succeed Ron DeSantis, with Trump's endorsement amplifying his edge.

State officials handed out $1.7M to Volusia and Flagler law enforcement to reimburse 287(g) immigration‑enforcement costs; Flagler received the largest share.

A Tallahassee federal trial is testing HB 1205’s new petition rules and whether they effectively block citizen‑led ballot initiatives across Florida.

Orange County will debate whether to block a possible ICE processing site in Orlando after federal site visits and rising public concern. County attorneys will brief commissioners Tuesday.

New data show ICE arrests in Florida nearly tripled, and Palm Beach County officials and businesses say deputized enforcement is reshaping schoolrooms, kitchens and neighborhoods.

A Florida lawmaker’s HB 1279 would force flagship campuses to limit out‑of‑state freshmen to about 5%, tie funding to compliance and trigger a big budget fight. Universities warn the change could cost tens of millions.