He said the Florida Legislature will make closing the "digital divide" a priority, ensuring that students have access to the technology needed for remote learning.

Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls indicated support for legislation that would protect businesses from lawsuits related to disease.

New Senate President Wilton Simpson of Spring Hill gave remarks during the legislature’s organizational session Tuesday, giving a glimpse of how the Senate will look with him at the helm.

Tuesday’s first meeting of the Florida Legislature since March acted as a preview of what lawmakers can expect when they reconvene next year. Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls of Palm Harbor focused on law enforcement.

The request from Florida Conservation Voters comes in a letter to top lawmakers, both from the greater Tampa Bay region.

On the eve of the Florida legislature’s organizational session, influential Republican Senator Manny Diaz talked about COVID-19 protocols, the 2020 election, and more. He’s also eyeing a key leadership position down the road.

The House and Senate will hold organizational meetings Tuesday to swear in newly elected legislators.

This week, incoming House speaker Chris Sprowls published a list of proposed rule changes for the chamber during his two-year term.

House Speaker Chris Sprowls sent a memo to House members that named a dozen leaders for the next two years and outlined changes such as creation of the Pandemics & Public Emergencies Committee.

Florida Republicans picked up open seats and successfully defended districts against Democratic challenges to maintain control of the state House.

Republicans have held the Florida Senate 1994. They went into Tuesday night with a 23-17 majority.

Here are the results for the Florida Senate and House of Representatives races across the greater Tampa Bay region.