AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Courts: Left-wing groups sued to block Florida’s new “terrorist” designation law, arguing it’s unconstitutional after Gov. DeSantis moved to target CAIR and Antifa under the statute that took effect July 1. Everglades & Accountability: “Alligator Alcatraz” is shutting down, but the fight over the site isn’t over—Miami-Dade still can’t take over the land because the state hasn’t returned it. State Politics: Lt. Gov. Jay Collins defended his debate performance and doubled down on issues like AI data centers and his lawsuit over a rival’s eligibility as Florida’s GOP governor race heats up. Elections & Voting Rules: A Florida-linked debate over federal housing and voter rules continues, with Trump signaling he won’t sign the housing act until the SAVE Act passes. Tech & Mobility: Tesla launched robotaxi service in Miami, stepping into the driverless ride-hailing race against Waymo. Public Safety: Florida rolled out the Spectrum Alert to speed help when a missing child has autism. Business & Community: Adams Multimedia Florida’s outlets brought home multiple awards at the Florida Media Conference.

Governor’s Veto Pen: Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have raised the cap on damages in lawsuits against state and local governments, arguing it could fuel more litigation, and also rejected changes tied to lawyer trust accounts and new rules for biosolids fertilizer and compost. Summer Safety: Florida Realtors urged homeowners to lock up every time, use timers or smart lights, and avoid posting vacation plans in real time to reduce burglary risk while homes sit empty. Everglades & Climate: A new study highlights how Everglades marshes and mangroves pull carbon from the air—while draining peat could flip that benefit into emissions. Disaster Aid Fight: Mobile home owners in Naples are battling FEMA and a collections contractor over denied hurricane repair funding, with Social Security garnishments underway. Local Government & Schools: Lee County got $1 million to modernize student transportation, and Nassau County released its 2026 primary canvassing board schedule. New Law for Beach Alerts: “Lulu’s Law” will push shark-attack alerts to Wireless Emergency Alerts so beachgoers get real-time warnings. Politics & Courts: A Supreme Court ruling leaves Southwest Florida’s Haitian community in limbo as TPS termination moves forward.

Budget & Courts: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $117.6B budget but used line-item vetoes to cut about $1.6B, while keeping major court priorities like judge and court-staff security and funding for a new Sixth District Court of Appeal facility in Lakeland. Sovereign Immunity: DeSantis vetoed HB 145, arguing proposed changes to government negligence liability caps would invite “meritless lawsuits” and strain local budgets. Immigration & College Access: Florida education officials advanced a rule requiring students to prove they’re citizens or “lawfully present,” effectively barring undocumented students from state colleges and universities—sparking backlash from immigrant-rights groups. Terror Designations: DeSantis moved to designate nearly 100 groups under a new terrorism-labeling framework, including CAIR and Antifa, with more designations expected. Politics & Campaigns: Byron Donalds’ governor bid picked up another high-profile endorsement from CFO Blaise Ingoglia, while U.S. Senate Democrat Alex Vindman reported $8.5M raised in three months. Legal Discipline: The Florida Supreme Court disciplined 18 attorneys over misconduct ranging from forgeries to election interference.

Terror Designations: Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida will use a new state law to designate dozens of alleged terrorist groups, including CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood and Antifa, with final approval by the governor and Cabinet. Immigration & Colleges: Florida’s Board of Education approved a rule barring undocumented students from public college admissions and also blocks them from GED and other state-funded adult programs. Domestic Violence: New Florida laws take effect with tougher penalties for repeat domestic and dating violence offenders, adding enhanced sentencing after recent high-profile cases. Courts & Records: Former CIA director John Brennan sued the Trump administration seeking a court order to preserve records tied to investigations he says are vindictive. UF Leadership: The Florida Board of Governors voted to appoint Stuart Bell as University of Florida president after a contentious, two-year search. Public Safety & Health: A new state drowning-prevention law expands access to free swim lessons for young children via vouchers. Local Governance: Highlands County is moving to rein in the Sun ’N Lake of Sebring special district over spending and election concerns.

New Laws Take Effect: More than 100 Florida laws kicked in July 1, reshaping schools and public safety—cursive requirements, new PE credit options, and rules for epinephrine devices—while also tightening how teachers can return to classrooms and how districts can move staff. Counterterror Framework: Gov. Ron DeSantis moved forward with a new statutory authority to designate terrorist groups in Florida, including labels tied to Antifa, CAIR, and drug cartels. Data Center Fight: SB 484 went into effect to stop utilities from passing hyperscale data-center costs to residents and to preserve local zoning power. Education Leadership: The Florida Board of Governors confirmed Stuart Bell as UF’s 14th president after a two-year search. Local Politics: Pasco County’s school board races drew nine candidates for two seats, setting up an Aug. 18 primary. 4th of July Safety: Burn bans are active in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, limiting fireworks and open fires. Courts & Records: Former CIA Director John Brennan sued the Trump administration seeking preservation of records tied to investigations into him.

Immigration & Higher Ed: The Florida Board of Education voted to bar undocumented students from enrolling in the state’s 28 public colleges and from adult education programs that prepare for the GED, a move that could cost schools more than $15M a year in tuition and fees. Citizenship Fight: After the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s birthright citizenship order, Republicans are still pushing bills that would restrict citizenship at birth, keeping the issue front and center in Florida politics. Local Ballots: DeSantis signed a law sending a possible merger of the Fort Myers Beach and Iona McGregor fire districts to voters this November, despite a feasibility study finding no strong financial or operational case. Housing & Growth: Sarasota County is facing a lawsuit after trying to block Live Local Act apartment projects in rural areas, setting up a court fight over how far the state’s affordable-housing law can reach. Energy & Climate: A new report warns Florida’s solar growth could slow as federal tax credits expire, even as the state remains the Southeast’s solar leader. Public Safety: Florida officials urged businesses to test hurricane plans, not just keep them on paper. Politics in Washington: House Republicans again hit a standstill over election-related demands, including the SAVE America Act.

Budget & Vetoes: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $117.6B 2026-27 budget but vetoed major line items, including $15M for security grants for Miami-Dade Catholic schools. Property Taxes: DeSantis says he won’t lead the November property tax-cut campaign, arguing the ballot language “wasn’t my proposal,” as opponents warn local services could suffer. New Laws July 1: About 140 measures kick in Wednesday, including rules on restaurant “operations charges,” updates tied to data centers, and other everyday changes. Immigration Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order; Alachua County leaders are weighing the fallout. TPS Shock: The court also cleared the Trump administration to end TPS for Haitians and Syrians, raising alarms for Florida’s Haitian community. Politics in Tallahassee: DeSantis named five judges and made key education leadership moves, including an interim education commissioner. Sports (Local): The Florida Panthers acquired goalie Jacob Markstrom in a trade with New Jersey.

State Budget: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s nearly $117.6B budget, touting four straight years of reduced state spending after vetoing about $800M in line items, while Democrats say vetoes disproportionately hit Democratic districts. Education & Courts: The package includes teacher pay raises and Everglades restoration, plus $4M in restitution for the Groveland Four families; DeSantis also announced five judicial appointments and new leadership at Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers. Local Politics: Highlands County school board candidate Andy Tuck is set to speak at a Tea Party meeting, while community leaders marked the life of educator Ruth Handley. Public Safety & Health Policy: DeSantis vetoed an e-bike safety bill, citing enforcement and privacy concerns. Culture Wars: A new report alleges book bans are increasingly coordinated across U.S. schools and libraries by political groups and officials. National/Global: A self-exiled Chinese billionaire was sentenced to 30 years in U.S. prison for fraud.

State Budget Showdown: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $117.6B budget but vetoed about $810M, including major cuts tied to corrections, education, local infrastructure, arts, and prison-related funding, while also rejecting a $750M transfer to the rainy-day fund. Local Pride Debate: In Lady Lake, a Pride Month proclamation sparked a tense commission vote over who controls proclamations, with the mayor and attorney pointing to the mayor’s legal authority. Civil Rights Restitution: Florida approved $4M in restitution for the Groveland Four families, closing a 77-year fight after pardons and exonerations. Courts & Voting: Florida Republicans blasted a U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing postmarked mail ballots to be counted after Election Day, arguing it undermines election integrity and pushing renewed SAVE America Act momentum. Public Safety & Justice: DeSantis set an execution window for a Pasco County double-murder case and also vetoed a bill that would have raised compensation caps for local government negligence lawsuits. LGBTQ+ Access: A new Orlando guide highlights that gender-affirming care for adults remains legal, even as Florida’s earlier restrictions on minors continue to shape the landscape. Defense & Florida’s Role: The U.S. Air Force moved F-15EX and F-15E aircraft to Kadena, signaling stronger deterrence near Taiwan and the East China Sea.

Immigration & Enforcement: Florida-linked headlines keep circling back to immigration pressure, including a new Mississippi plan to compile a statewide registry of undocumented residents and fresh fallout from a U.S. Supreme Court TPS decision that has South Florida Haitian communities bracing for deportation. Local Governance: In Islamorada, a charter panel voted to extend and stagger council terms to reduce full-seat turnover and smooth budget continuity. Education & Workforce: Monroe County schools reported graduation gains and highlighted Career and Technical Education options, while Florida also rolled out a new student-athlete ECG law taking effect this week. Public Safety & Emergency Prep: DeSoto County is urging residents with disabilities or special needs to register for Florida’s Special Needs Shelter Registry ahead of hurricane season. Politics & Power: Florida’s SAVE Act and voter ID fight continues to roil the Legislature as Republicans clash over what moves next. Community & Culture: St. Petersburg drew huge crowds for St. Pete Pride, with organizers calling it a major show of visibility and resistance.

Immigration Detention: Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center is now closed, claiming it fulfilled its mission—while critics point to cost and alleged abuse. Elections & Voting Rules: Florida’s congressional redistricting is already reshuffling ballots, with Sarasota County mailing new voter information cards to about 48,000 voters. State Politics: Florida Republicans are pushing property tax relief to the November ballot, but opponents warn it could hit local services hardest. Local Governance: Lee County Commissioner Trish Petrosky retracted claims that her candidacy paperwork was “doctored,” saying it was a ZIP-code typo. Consumer Protection: DeSantis signed a new law requiring restaurants to disclose mandatory “operations” fees upfront, starting July 1. Public Safety: Wildfire crews in the West suffered three firefighter deaths while battling fast-moving blazes along the Colorado-Utah border. Community & Health: Florida nonprofits can apply for autism license plate grant funding from July 1–31.

EPA & Climate Policy: A new push to rescind the 2009 “endangerment” finding would roll back the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gases—raising alarms that the impacts will hit Florida locally, from power and industry to transportation. AI & Water: Florida conservation and water advocates warn that big data centers tied to the AI boom could strain groundwater and land stability, especially over the Floridan Aquifer. Energy Costs: Gas prices are climbing again statewide as Iran-related oil market jitters continue. Local Permitting: Orange City adopted revised permit exemptions and fee rules to stay aligned with new state requirements—while still requiring permits for key work and banning “splitting” projects to dodge thresholds. Immigration & Courts: The fallout from TPS decisions keeps pressure on Florida and South Florida Haitian communities, while national debates over noncitizen voting and enforcement plans keep heating up. Public Safety: A Port Charlotte teen was critically injured in an e-bike crash; the driver was arrested for leaving the scene. Politics & Elections: Florida’s governor continues veto fights, while election-season attention turns to local races and broader GOP election priorities. Community Notes: Key West plans a Juneteenth celebration at Higgs Beach.

Death Penalty Debate: A former Florida prison warden is urging corrections workers to refuse executions, arguing the process leaves lifelong trauma and that today’s laws might not have sentenced Dusty Spencer. Education & Testing: Gov. Ron DeSantis says more than 60% of Florida students met or exceeded grade-level benchmarks on state testing, pointing to FAST progress monitoring. Immigration & Detention: Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center is closed after about a year, with critics slamming costs and supporters calling it a win. Elections & Civic Life: Charlotte County’s Supervisor of Elections announced winners of a high school “I Voted” sticker contest, including an “America 250” design and a gubernatorial-election theme. Statehouse Watch: Gov. DeSantis vetoed bills on naturopathic medicine and inmate education/workforce development, citing concerns about licensing and implementation. Local Public Safety: With wildfire risk rising nationwide, Florida leaders are weighing whether to curb fireworks during drought and burn bans. Housing/Planning: Islamorada’s comprehensive land use plan remains in draft, with state law limiting certain changes until 2027.

Statehouse Watch: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed 15 bills and vetoed three, including a statewide e-bike safety measure (SB 382) that critics say would have set clearer rules; he also approved renaming parts of roads for Trump and Charlie Kirk while blocking other proposals. New Laws on the Calendar: About 140 laws take effect July 1, including major changes tied to data centers and other statewide rules, as DeSantis prepares to use his veto pen on the $114.5B budget. Local Government & Growth: South Florida State College is laying out a $25M capital wish list for renovations, while Florida’s data-center boom keeps triggering local pushback over water, power, and noise. Immigration Shockwave: The Supreme Court’s TPS rollback is roiling Haitian communities in South Florida, with families facing work-permit uncertainty and possible deportation. Environment & Accountability: After DeSantis moved to shut down “Alligator Alcatraz,” environmental groups are pressing for independent review of any wetland harm. Sports (Florida): The NHL offseason is heating up: the Ottawa Senators traded Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in a blockbuster. Community Notes: Sun Coast Media hosted a free Home & Hurricane Expo in Englewood to help residents prep for storm season.

Immigration Enforcement: ICE asked Florida not to release Juan Andres Gonzalez-Diaz, a Colombian man arrested in Miramar for allegedly murdering his stepfather; DHS says he overstayed a visa and that Florida’s cooperation will keep him from returning to the streets. DeSantis & Transportation Policy: Gov. DeSantis vetoed an e-bike bill (SB 382), arguing the proposed 10 mph near-pedestrians rule is hard to measure and that enforcement would require speed detection and “enhanced surveillance,” plus he objected to a micromobility task force without a sunset. Immigration Detention: DeSantis says “Alligator Alcatraz” is permanently closing after about a year, with detainees transferred elsewhere as demobilization begins. Food Assistance Oversight: Florida’s SNAP payment error rate fell to 12.97% in 2025, still above the federal 10% threshold, putting the state at risk of nearly $1 billion in penalties and corrective action. Education Results: DeSantis touted that over 60% of Florida students met grade-level standards on state tests, citing gains in English and math under the FAST progressive monitoring system. Property Taxes: A property tax “revolt” is spreading nationwide, and Florida local leaders warn that changes could force cuts to public safety and other services. Criminal Justice: Florida executed 74-year-old Dusty Ray Spencer for a 1992 murder of his wife, the oldest execution in modern Florida history.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, a 6-3 ruling that could put hundreds of thousands at risk of deportation—South Florida leaders and faith officials are already sounding alarms about what it means for families and healthcare workers. State Politics: Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed Florida’s e-bike bill (SB 382), citing concerns about surveillance and enforcement. Detention Update: “Alligator Alcatraz” has officially shut down after nearly a year, with DeSantis saying it fulfilled its emergency deportation role and that detainees were transferred. Elections: Lee County started mailing updated voter ID cards for voters affected by congressional redistricting and polling place changes. Public Safety: Florida executed Dusty Ray Spencer, 74, becoming the oldest man put to death in modern Florida history. Weather & Health: Lee County extended heat-relief efforts with cooling stations and buses as heat index readings topped 100+ in Southwest Florida. Local Government Oversight: Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency gained direct access to Cape Coral’s systems to review city financial and personnel information.