Jim Turner - News Service of Florida

The proposal mirrors a Texas law, dubbed the Star-Spangled Banner Protection Act, that went into effect in September.

DeSantis initially pitched the emergency fund last year when outlining how he’d like to see legislators allocate billions of dollars received through the American Rescue Plan Act federal stimulus law.

The proposal from Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, would provide tax credits up to $2 million for projects that provide “high returns” on investment and economic benefits to the state.

The federal government poured billions of dollars into the state as stimulus during the COVID-19 pandemic, while tax revenues exceeded expectations.

The president and CEO of Visit Florida said the agency will continue to expand its marketing efforts and encourage tourists to vacation in Florida this winter.

If unchanged, the estimate for the week ending Dec. 25 would be the fewest number of claims for a single week since another holiday-shortened week in late December 2019.

Among DeSantis' legislative priorities are elections enforcement, the Florida State Guard, funding for law enforcement and teachers, and a gas tax cut.

Tourism officials are slightly lowering expectations through the middle of 2022 for Canadian and overseas travelers, along with looking at the impact on the state's economy.

The tax break on gas would last for five months beginning on July 1. It would still require approval from the Florida Legisture.

They say working-class Floridians will see few direct benefits without increased funding in areas including affordable housing, nursing, and education.