Florida News That Impacts You – July 5th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- A federal appellate court has overturned a judge's decision to invalidate the 2021 Seminole Compact signed by Governor DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe which allowed for sports betting. The 3-0 panel decision paves the path for the Seminole Tribe to relaunch sports betting in the state which briefly took place in the fall of 2021 prior to the initial judge’s decision.
- Governor DeSantis completed his executive actions pertaining to the legislation passed during this year’s state legislative session. He signed the Florida Retirement System bill into law, in addition to the Dissolution of Marriage bill. The Governor vetoed the Contract Liability bill. The Dissolution of Marriage bill ends lifetime alimony in Florida and sets new income standards for alimony payouts. The retirement system bill allows a retiree to offer volunteer services to a state employer while maintaining retirement status. The Contract Liability bill would have reformed state vendor liability requirements.
- A temporary injunction against Florida’s newly signed election integrity law has halted its implementation. Federal Judge Mark Walker, an Obama appointee who frequently has ruled against the Scott and DeSantis administrations – with his decisions frequently overturned on appeal – granted an injunction sought by the ACLU. At issue, a provision in the law which bans former felons and illegal immigrants from handling voter registration forms.
- Gas prices continued lower through the 4th. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.26 per gallon – 7 cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price is $3.43 per gallon, which is the 7th highest in the state.