florida

Florida fines key county $3.5 million for mandating vaccines

By Anthony Izaguirre, Mike Schneider, Associated Press

The Florida Department of Health issued the $3.5 million fine Tuesday for Leon County, saying the municipality violated Florida’s “vaccine passport” law.

Florida makes quarantine optional for exposed students

By Mike Schneider, Associated Press

Florida's new surgeon general has signed new protocols allowing parents to decide whether their children should quarantine or stay in school if they are asymptomatic after being exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Florida’s GOP-backed ‘anti-riot’ law blocked by judge

By Curt Anderson, Associated Press

The decision Thursday by U.S. District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee found the recently enacted law “vague and overbroad” and amounted to an assault on First Amendment rights of free speech and assembly as well as due process protections.

Judge says Florida can’t enforce ban on school mask mandates

By Curt Anderson, Associated Press

A Florida judge has ruled the state cannot enforce its ban on mask mandates in public schools to guard against the coronavirus while an appeals court sorts out whether the ban is ultimately legal.

Ex-Marine held without bond in shooting of Florida family

By Terry Spencer, Freida Frisaro, Associated Press

A combat sharpshooter accused of fatally shooting a mother, her 3-month-old baby and two others in a random attack in Florida was ordered jailed without bond Monday during his first court appearance.

Florida school mask debate headed for appeals court battle

By Curt Anderson, Associated Press

The battle over mask requirements in Florida schools is headed for a new legal phase following an appeal by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of a judge's ruling that a blanket ban on mask mandates exceeds the state's authority.

Judge blocks Florida governor’s order banning mask mandates

By Terry Spencer, Curt Anderson, Associated Press

Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper on Friday agreed with a group of parents who claimed in a lawsuit that Gov. Ron DeSantis' ban on the mandates is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced.

Big Florida school districts defy governor over mask mandate

By Freida Frisaro, Adriana Gomez Licon, Associated Press

Students in Florida's Broward County went back to school under a mask mandate Wednesday, even as their school board faces threats of penalties for defying Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Florida school mask ban faces legal challenge

By Associated Press

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ban on mask requirements in schools faces a challenge in a Tallahassee courtroom.

WATCH: Florida governor announces launch of virus rapid response unit

By Associated Press

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that he is launching a rapid response unit to expand the use of monoclonal antibodies and relieve pressure at hospitals that continue to report a rise in COVID-19 patients.