Florida in Flux: May Showdown Over Schools, Scandals, and the State Budget: Florida Legislative Update (May 2–June 2, 2025)
Despite earlier promises from House leadership of a broad sales tax break and a Senate plan for modest sales tax holidays on essentials like clothing under $75, the actual scope of these measures remains unclear and may end up being more symbolic than substantial. Meanwhile, everyday Floridians grappling with rising insurance premiums, housing costs, and healthcare expenses are left wondering when meaningful relief will materialize.
The agreement allocates $750 million to the state's Budget Stabilization Fund and sets aside $250 million annually for debt reduction. However, with Florida already boasting $14.6 billion in reserves—over 12.5% of the total budget—and having paid down nearly half of its tax-supported debt, the urgency for further debt reduction appears overstated. FLgov article
Many details regarding specific funding allocations for critical areas like education, healthcare, and social services remain undisclosed. Conference committees are scheduled to convene starting June 3 to negotiate these details, with the goal of finalizing the budget by June 16. Until then, the impact of the budget on programs benefiting women and children, including education and healthcare services, remains uncertain.
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Hope Florida Scandal Update: Criminal Investigation Underway + Share Your Story Initiative
On May 20, 2025, the Leon County State Attorney's Office confirmed an open criminal investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation, a nonprofit associated with First Lady Casey DeSantis's social services initiative. The inquiry centers on a $10 million payment from a Medicaid settlement with Centene Corp., which was directed to the foundation and subsequently funneled through two nonprofits into a political action committee opposing a marijuana legalization referendum—a cause Governor Ron DeSantis opposed.
State Rep. Alex Andrade, who led a House inquiry into the matter, alleged potential violations including money laundering and wire fraud, and referred the case to federal authorities. The House investigation concluded abruptly in April after key witnesses declined to testify, leaving the matter to law enforcement. Governor DeSantis has dismissed the investigation as politically motivated, defending the program’s mission to reduce government dependency.
The controversy has raised questions about the foundation’s financial oversight and its role in political activities, potentially impacting Casey DeSantis’s anticipated 2026 gubernatorial bid.
In response, we’ve launched a petition and a story collection initiative to elevate the voices of Floridians impacted by Hope Florida. If you or someone you know has a personal experience with the program, we invite you to share it here:
Hope Florida Accountability Project
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🗳️ Legal Battle Over HB 1205: Restricting Citizen-Led Amendments
On May 2, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law HB 1205, a measure that imposes stringent restrictions on Florida's citizen-led constitutional amendment process. The law introduces requirements such as mandatory training for petition circulators, a reduced timeframe of 10 days to submit signed petitions, and the collection of sensitive personal information from signers. Violations can result in severe penalties, including fines and felony charges.
In response, Florida Decides Healthcare (FDH), alongside the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Elias Law Group, filed a federal lawsuit challenging HB 1205. They argue that the law infringes upon First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by creating undue burdens on free speech and civic participation. FDH, which is campaigning for a 2026 ballot initiative to expand Medicaid, contends that the law's provisions could effectively halt their efforts. The League of Women Voters of Florida and the League of United Latin American Citizens have also joined the lawsuit, emphasizing that the law's restrictions disproportionately affect grassroots movements and minority communities. A preliminary injunction hearing was scheduled for May 22, 2025.
Let’s be clear: this law isn’t about preventing fraud. It’s about making it nearly impossible for regular Floridians to bring issues directly to the ballot. The kinds of grassroots efforts that brought us fair redistricting, higher minimum wages, and medical marijuana are exactly what HB 1205 is designed to stifle. By adding red tape, criminal penalties, and intimidating rules for volunteers, the powers that be are making sure only the well-funded and well-connected can play.
And who benefits from that kind of gatekeeping? Big business. Corporate donors and powerful lobbying interests have long opposed citizen initiatives that threaten their bottom line—whether it's Medicaid expansion, environmental protections, or worker rights. By signing HB 1205, DeSantis isn’t protecting the integrity of the process—he’s protecting the influence of his political benefactors. It’s not reform. It’s a calculated move to rig the system in favor of those who already hold the most power.
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🎓 DeSantis and University President Appointments: Ongoing Controversy and Updates
Governor Ron DeSantis continues to face scrutiny over his influence in the appointment of university presidents in Florida, highlighting his efforts to reshape higher education in the state.
University of Florida (UF): On May 27, 2025, the UF Board of Trustees unanimously selected Dr. Santa Ono, former president of the University of Michigan, as the university's 14th president. Ono's appointment has been met with criticism from conservative activists and some Florida Republicans due to his past support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In response, Ono has expressed alignment with DeSantis's higher education reforms aimed at curbing DEI programs and emphasized his commitment to academic excellence without ideological influence. His appointment awaits final confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors, scheduled for June 3.
Florida A&M University (FAMU): Marva Johnson, an attorney and corporate executive with ties to Governor DeSantis, was appointed as the 13th president of FAMU on May 16, 2025. Her selection has sparked opposition from students, faculty, and alumni who express concerns over her limited academic background and perceived political influence. Critics argue that her appointment reflects political interference in the governance of a historically Black university and raises questions about the future of DEI programs at FAMU. FAMU News AP News
University of West Florida (UWF): Governor DeSantis's appointments to the UWF Board of Trustees have faced significant challenges. Three of his nominees failed to secure Senate confirmation due to controversies surrounding their qualifications and political affiliations. Notably, appointee Scott Yenor, known for his controversial views on feminism and higher education, resigned from the board amid backlash. These developments have raised concerns about the politicization of university governance and the impact on academic freedom at UWF. Florida Politics APNews
House Bill 1321: In response to concerns about gubernatorial influence over university president appointments, the Florida House passed HB 1321, aiming to increase transparency in the selection process. However, Governor DeSantis has indicated he would veto the bill, calling it an overreach into executive authority. As of now, the bill has been indefinitely postponed, leaving the current appointment processes unchanged.
These ongoing developments underscore the tension between political influence and university autonomy in Florida's higher education system.
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🌀 Hurricane Season Looms Amidst Insurance Reform Stagnation
As Florida enters the 2025 hurricane season, forecasts indicate an above-average activity, with NOAA predicting 13 to 19 named storms, including up to 5 major hurricanes. Despite these projections, the state has yet to implement substantial reforms to its property insurance system, leaving many homeowners vulnerable to escalating premiums and limited coverage options.
One notable legislative effort is House Bill 913, which mandates condominium associations to conduct structural integrity reserve studies and maintain adequate reserves for significant repairs. This bill also prohibits non-compliant associations from obtaining coverage through Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the state's insurer of last resort. While HB 913 aims to enhance building safety and financial responsibility, it primarily addresses condominium governance and does not extend to the broader homeowner insurance market.
Adding to the concern, a promised investigation into the property insurance industry's financial practices has stalled. In March, House Speaker Daniel Perez announced a probe into reports that insurers were transferring billions to affiliate companies while claiming financial losses. This investigation has since been quietly dropped, leaving homeowners without answers or accountability measures. Axios
With the hurricane season underway and the state's insurance landscape remaining largely unaltered, Floridians face continued uncertainty regarding property protection and financial preparedness.
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For real-time updates on bill statuses and gubernatorial actions, check the following resources:
Bills Signed by Governor DeSantis
1. CS/CS/SB 112 – Support for Children with Developmental Disabilities
Signed into law on May 27, 2025, this bill expands services for children with autism, including the continuation of Early Steps program eligibility, startup grants for charter schools for autistic children, and offering grants for specialized summer programs.
(fsba.org)
2. SB 158 – Coverage for Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Examinations
Signed into law on May 21, 2025, this bill requires insurance coverage for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without cost-sharing for enrollees.
(flgov.com)
3. CS/CS/SB 944 – Insurance Overpayment Claims Submitted to Psychologists
Signed into law on May 20, 2025, this legislation requires that insurance overpayment claims submitted to psychologists be submitted within a specified timeframe.
(flgov.com)
4. CS/CS/SB 958 – Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection Program
Signed into law on May 20, 2025, this bill establishes a program for the early detection of Type 1 diabetes.
(flgov.com)
5. CS/CS/SB 1514 – Anaphylaxis in Public and Charter Schools
Signed into law on May 20, 2025, this legislation requires schools to implement policies for the management of anaphylaxis, ensuring the safety of students with severe allergies.
(flgov.com)
6. CS/HB 447 – Disability History and Awareness Instruction
Signed into law on May 21, 2025, this bill mandates the inclusion of disability history and awareness in school curricula.
(flgov.com)
7. CS/CS/SB 80 – State Park Preservation Act
Signed into law on May 22, 2025, this legislation prohibits the construction of new sporting facilities and large-scale lodging in Florida's state parks, ensuring these areas are preserved for conservation-based recreational uses like hiking, boating, and birdwatching. The act mandates public hearings with at least 30 days' notice for any proposed changes to park land management plans, enhancing transparency and public participation. This measure was enacted in response to public opposition to the "Great Outdoors Initiative," which had proposed developments such as golf courses and luxury lodges in state parks. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025. Suncoast Searchlight
8. CS/CS/HB 443 – Charter School Deregulation
Signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 30, 2025, this bill significantly loosens oversight of charter schools in Florida under the banner of “flexibility.” It allows charter schools to adopt their own student codes of conduct, bypassing district policies, and permits them to expand enrollment beyond approved capacity—so long as they don’t exceed the building’s physical limits and aren’t under a state improvement plan. Full-time virtual students will now be able to join interscholastic sports through public or private schools, further blurring the lines of accountability between school types. The bill also weakens governance safeguards by designating charter schools as public facilities for land-use purposes and allows some landlords or their spouses to serve on school boards despite clear conflict-of-interest concerns. While supporters claim it increases flexibility, critics argue it’s another step toward eroding oversight and public transparency—particularly at a time when traditional public schools remain underfunded and overregulated. (flsenate.gov)
9. CS/CS/HB 875 – Educator Preparation Overhaul
Signed into law on May 30, 2025, this bill restructures teacher certification and training in Florida. It establishes the Coaching for Educator Readiness and Teaching (CERT) program as an alternative certification path and creates a new teacher training center at Miami Dade College in partnership with USF. It also requires all teacher prep programs to adopt a uniform core curriculum aligned with revised Florida Educator Accomplished Practices by 2027.
While the bill passed with bipartisan support (84–27 in the House), some Democrats raised concerns over provisions limiting instruction on systemic racism and sexism, arguing it could chill honest discussion in teacher training. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
(flsenate.gov, wlrn.org)
10. CS/CS/HB 1255 – Broad Education Reform Package
Signed into law on May 30, 2025, this sweeping education bill enacts a range of changes across Florida’s K-12 and higher education systems. While it includes some bipartisan elements—such as expanding eligibility for School Readiness programs and requiring parental consent for corporal punishment—Democrats expressed concern over provisions that weaken oversight and further erode public education.WKMG
Notably, the bill removes the Commissioner of Education’s authority to ensure minority and low-income representation on school advisory councils, exempts charter schools from certain local zoning rules, and expands the use of the conservative-leaning Classical Learning Test (CLT) in state assessments. It also rebrands “critical teacher shortage areas” as “high demand teacher needs areas,” a semantic shift some see as downplaying systemic staffing issues. The bill passed the House 86–27, largely along party lines, and takes effect July 1, 2025.
And in the disappointing veto category:
11. In a significant development, Governor DeSantis vetoed HB 6017 on May 29, 2025, a bill that sought to repeal Florida's longstanding "free kill" law. This law currently prevents parents of adult children and adult children of deceased parents from recovering non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, in medical malpractice wrongful death cases when there is no surviving spouse or minor children. Despite passing both legislative chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support—104–6 in the House and 33–4 in the Senate—the governor rejected the bill, citing concerns over potential increases in healthcare costs and the risk of physicians leaving the state. But let’s be honest: it looks a lot like DeSantis is pandering to the powerful insurance and medical lobbies rather than standing up for grieving Florida families. Advocates for the bill argue that the existing law unjustly denies families the opportunity to seek full accountability for medical negligence, while opponents fear that its repeal could lead to higher malpractice insurance premiums and reduced access to care. The veto has reignited debates over patient rights, corporate influence, and the balance between legal recourse and healthcare system stability in Florida.
🧾 Final Thoughts
As always, this mix of bills reminds us that progress and setbacks often arrive side by side. While some new laws offer meaningful support—especially in healthcare access and disability inclusion—others raise serious concerns about transparency, equity, and the long-term health of our public education system.
And let’s be honest: instead of wasting time on bills that muddy the waters, invite lawsuits, or impose unnecessary restrictions, our state government should be laser-focused on fixing what’s actually broken—like Florida’s crumbling healthcare system and out-of-control insurance market. These are real problems affecting real people, and yet they continue to go unaddressed while political theater takes center stage.
We need to demand better. We need to demand accountability—for the choices being made, the issues being ignored, and the people being left behind.
Thanks for reading, and thank you for being part of a growing movement of Floridians who care deeply about fairness, transparency, and the future of our state. I’ll be back soon with updates on the final budget and next steps on education advocacy.
Until then, please don’t forget to:
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🖊️ Sign the Hope Florida Petition
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📖 Share your story if you’ve been impacted
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📡 Spread the word to your networks
— Rachel