Florida News That Impacts You – April 17th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida. Gas prices continued lower through the weekend.
- Recent movers in the state legislative session included the unanimous passage by the House of an expansion of Florida KidCare. Florida KidCare is the state's Medicaid expansion program for minors. The current law enables families access to the program which earn up to 215% of the federal poverty level. The current bill expands access to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level, or about $83,250 for a family of four. The senate likewise passed its companion last week. Another mover is the Flooding and Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Studies bill. The bill would provide local governments especially vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding issues to seek grants from the Resilient Florida program to create plans to harden communities. The bill is ready for a final committee vote in the Senate and will be taken up in the House tomorrow.
- Gas prices were mostly flat through the weekend. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is currently $3.56 per gallon – 2 cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price remains $3.75 per gallon, which is the highest price in the state.
- Numerous gas stations throughout South Florida, including within the Palm Beaches, experienced gas shortages over the weekend related to Broward’s record flooding last week. Gas supplies come through Broward’s Port Everglades, and many shipments were stranded at the port while flood waters persisted. Officials say plenty of gas is available and it’s a matter of reestablishing supplies.
- There’s a new private flood insurance option in Florida. The British firm FloodFlash, is initiating policies in Florida and four other states promising to underwrite coverage regardless of the risk profile of a property.
- A new analysis from the American Legislative Exchange found Florida’s economy has been the top performing economy in the country over the prior decade, growing by greater than 66% between 2011 to 2021. According to their findings Florida’s economy is positioned to be the 9th best performer this year, while remaining the top performer among large states.