State

(The Center Square) — The most recent data from the Federal Energy Information Administration places Florida’s electricity rates at the lower end of the scale nationwide.

For residential consumers in March 2023, the price per kilowatt hour for electricity in Florida was 14.76 cents. In March 2022, prices sat at 13.50 cents — an increase of 1.26 cents over the year.

At its May Commission meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed boating and waterways staff to reevaluate the proposal and evidence for the establishment of a Springs Protection Zone at Weeki Wachee Spring and a portion of the spring’s associated spring run in Hernando County. 

Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control.

(The Center Square) — Dozens of bills remain for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to either sign, allow to become law without his signature or even veto.

The biggest agenda item left on the list of bills that passed both chambers of the Legislature is a record $117 billion budget.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation will conduct a rate hearing to hear testimony from the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and receive public comment on their proposed rate filings.

(The Center Square) — A recent audit of Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation revealed issues with employee contracts, contract management by unqualified personnel and a lack of contract reporting.

Following a successful National Safe Boating Week and a Memorial Day weekend with zero boating fatalities, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released the 2022 Boating Accident Statistical Report. 

“We had fewer boating accidents in Florida in 2022 than we did in 2021 but fatalities statewide were up,” said Lt. Col. Brian Smith, Acting Director for the FWC Division of Law Enforcement.

(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law this week that will help protect Florida’s water resources and support conservation efforts in the Sunshine State.

House Bill 1379 was sponsored by Rep. Kevin Steele, R-Hudson, and Rep.Tobin Overdorf, R-Stuart, and will create designated funding for the state’s conservation efforts as part of DeSantis’ common sense conservation agenda.