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The Liberty Partners of Tallahassee team wishes you and your family a Happy Easter.
IN STATEWIDE NEWS:
Legislation that was passed during the 2026 regular Legislative Session continues to slowly get sent to Governor Ron DeSantis to be signed into law, vetoed, or become law without the Governor’s signature. Of the 237 bills passed by the Legislature, 201 bills await presentation to Governor DeSantis. Governor DeSantis has approved 27 bills so far, and eight are currently on his desk for consideration.
Governor DeSantis approved 16 bills last week, including legislation related to dangerous crimes, commercial service airports, election integrity, and rural electric cooperatives. Additionally, Governor DeSantis signed legislation into law on Tuesday that strengthens child protection and increases penalties for sexual offenses. HB 445 - known as Missy’s Law - strengthens pretrial detention for specific dangerous crimes and expands dangerous crimes to include child pornography and exploitation offenses. HB 1159 was also signed into law and increases criminal penalties for sexual offenses involving children, establishing mandatory minimum prison terms for certain offenses and creating a life felony for aggravated exploitation of a child younger than 12 years old.
The Legislature is expected to return to Tallahassee during the week of April 13 to begin budget negotiations on the state’s FY 2026-27 spending plan. The chambers remain nearly $1.5 billion apart in their respective proposals and will seek to reconcile these differences during the budget conference process. Furthermore, the Legislature is slated to be in Tallahassee during the week of April 20 for a Special Session on Congressional redistricting. Property tax relief and the state’s FY 2026-27 tax package are also likely to be negotiated between the two chambers, as any property tax relief proposal put forth by the Legislature must be approved by at least 60% of voters at the ballot box via Constitutional amendment.
IN CLIENT NEWS:
Representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently toured the newly completed terminal at DeFuniak Springs Airport. The project is one of several major expansions aimed at increasing air traffic at Walton County’s only airport. DeFuniak Springs Mayor Bob Campbell, Councilman Josh Sconiers, and Airport Manager Andre Lewis-Kent updated the team on project progress and the grants supporting economic development. We are excited to be part of the significant growth potential at DeFuniak Springs Airport.
Uber is expanding fuel savings and incentives for U.S. Uber drivers and couriers through May 26. Using the Upside app, Uber drivers can save up to $1 per gallon and receive additional discounts through Shell Fuel Rewards, with benefits tied to their Uber Pro tier. Those using the Uber Pro Card can also earn 5% to 15% cash back on fuel purchases. Delivery drivers will receive weekly mileage-based payments ranging from $5 to $15 based on distance traveled. This spring, Uber is also launching Uber Golf, allowing riders to book trips with space for passengers and their golf clubs. Through the Uber app, users can reserve rides up to 90 days in advance. Additionally, Uber One members will receive 20% off gameplay at TopGolf through a new partnership running through the end of the year.
AT&T has launched OneConnect, a single-subscription offering with unlimited connectivity. This concept is the first of its kind, offering wireless and home internet coverage across devices with a single flat monthly price.
Expedia has introduced budget-friendly “saver routes,” featuring some of the best flight deals of 2026, including domestic fares to Florida under $160 and international trips under $275. These routes provide consistently lower prices year-round for cost-conscious travelers. Sample deals include round-trip flights from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale for $107 and Tampa to Fort Lauderdale for $136. Demand for destinations like Vero Beach has surged, with a major increase in interest and expanded flight options. Expedia is also offering international deals, such as round trips to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale and Miami for around $242–$246. Travelers can use Expedia’s Price Tracking and Flight Deals tools, along with its 2026 Air Hacks Report, to find the best times to book and maximize savings.
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