Florida Policy Index

Hydrogen may play an important role in transportation, manufacturing, energy storage, and resilient power generation. But the flood of private capital and public funding into the sector has also created opportunities for promoters to sell ambition as achievement. Recent fraud cases reveal a consistent pattern: the technology may be legitimate, while the advertised facilities, customers, production capacity, and commercial milestones are not.

Florida's premium cigar industry is one of the state's most distinctive economic and cultural success stories. Today, Florida's cigar market exceeds $2 billion, supporting manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, premium cigar lounges, hospitality businesses, tourism, and thousands of jobs throughout the state. Beyond its commercial value, the industry represents a unique blend of craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, international trade, and Florida heritage.

Policies restricting or banning student cellphone use in schools are rapidly gaining nationwide support, backed by extensive research, mounting evidence of harm, and disturbing victim testimony. Yet enforcement remains the central challenge, as many school district administrations wrongly believe that consistent implementation would require substantial additional staffing and pull teachers and administrators away from instruction and student support.

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling involving Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act did more than reshape the legal standards surrounding redistricting disputes. It fundamentally altered the political incentives governing congressional mapmaking across the United States.

The 2026 Florida Regular Legislative Session concluded on March 13, 2026, with lawmakers adjourning sine die without passing a state budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) and other nicotine alternatives are designed to reduce exposure to harmful toxicants by eliminating combustion—the primary driver of smoking-related disease. Backed by extensive scientific research, engineering, and regulatory submissions, these products represent a fundamentally different risk profile than traditional cigarettes. Yet, public policy has been slow to reflect that distinction.

Digital distraction is no longer a minor nuisance — it is a measurable safety and economic issue. The impact extends beyond safety. Broader digital distraction and disengagement are estimated to cost U.S. employers up to $1.9 trillion annually in lost productivity. TRUCE Software applies contextual mobility management to set intelligent boundaries around device use to eliminate digital distractions without banning mobile devices and phones outright.

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has introduced the More Affordable Care Act, a reform package designed to return control of health care decisions to patients and families rather than insurance companies or federal bureaucracies.

Republican lawmakers are pushing the largest property tax relief package in years — and the battle lines are already drawn between the Legislature, local governments, and Democrats warning of revenue impacts.

While Massachusetts leads the nation in fentanyl-related overdose deaths, its legislature has decided that the real threat to public health is… nicotine.

Florida legislative proposals HB 901 and SB 976 tighten procedures around the use of court-appointed psychologists in family court cases to promote fairness and accountability.

Free market conservatives, including Americans for Tax Reform, are descending on the state capitol, urging lawmakers to keep so-called alternative tobacco (Nicotine) products “tax-free” in Florida.

AT&T has announced its plan to discontinue traditional landline phone services in Florida and nearly all of its U.S. service areas.

Florida AG Ashley Moody, joined by 41 other state attorneys general, is urging congressional leaders to pass critical legislation.

Congressional Republicans are rallying behind Zyn, a leading brand of flavored oral nicotine pouches, following Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s call for federal agencies to investigate its marketing and health effects.

The legislation represents a significant change in Florida law. For decades, regulation of smoking had been largely preempted to the state, preventing local governments from adopting their own restrictions on smoking in public outdoor spaces. HB 105 creates a limited exception by allowing local governments to adopt ordinances restricting the use of cigarettes and electronic smoking devices at public beaches and parks within their jurisdictions.

In recognition of his contributions to public safety policy and his longstanding work with Florida's fire service community, Sebastian was awarded the Chief's Axe by the Professional Firefighters & Paramedics of Palm Beach County. Inscribed on the award are the words: "In Appreciation of Your Years of Dedication to Our Goals, Guidance to Our Political Team, and Most of All, Our Success in Fighting the Political Fires!"