Inside Florida Politics

No budget big problem in Tallahassee? Turns out Florida state lawmakers do like cancel culture. And just how much has the state spent on Alligator Alcatraz and its selfie sign? Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Stephany Matat of the USA Today Network Florida unpack it all.

Meager results from legislative session, a fatal shooting and a war in Iran from President Trump's club and are there be Epstein files in South Florida storage units? Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Hannah Phillips of USA Today Network Florida explain. 

Florida's first lady leans into RFK Jr.'s agenda, Pam Bondi has a rough go in defending the release of Jeffrey Epstein files and Republicans can't get along with themselves in Tallahassee. Antonio Fins,  John Kennedy and Hannah Phillips of the USA Today Network Florida talk it up. 

The governor and president differ on data centers, lunch with Trump auctioned for $2M and why a would-be presidential assassin got life sentence. Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Hannah Phillips discuss it all on the Inside Florida Politics podcast.

Ron DeSantis' final legislative session is not all kumbaya, why may thousands lose aid for a critical AIDS medication and Venezuelans clamor for democracy while Trump focused on oil. Antonio Fins, Ana Goni-Lessan and John Kennedy of the USA Today Florida Network explain it all.

President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigrants hits his own Palm Beach backyard, expiring Obamacare subsidies will hit Florida even harder and state insurance regulators declare Florida's property insurance crisis over. Antonio Fins, Anne Geggis and Valentina Palm of the USA Today Florida Network unpack it all.

Vaccine skepticism rules Florida on 5th anniversary of the COVID "jab," crunch time for controversial congressional redistricting and priorities for Gov. Ron DeSantis' last Florida legislative rodeo. Antonio Fins, Ana Goni-Lessan and John Kennedy of the USA Today Florida Network unpack it all. 

With President Trump tearing apart Marjorie Taylor Green this weekend from Mar-a-lago, is this another sign that the MAGA base may be crumbling? This is among the topics on this week's Inside Florida Politics podcast with USA Today Network - Florida crew Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Ana Goñi-Lessan. Other topics include Republican gerrymandering, H1B Visas and a push for learning cursive.

President Donald Trump sounds 2026 campaign themes in a speech in Miami. This week on the Inside Florida Politics podcast, USA Today Network - Florida's Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Ana Goni-Lessan discuss the impact of Tuesday's elections, moves in the Sunshine State to further restrict reproductive rights and the big push to end property taxes across the state.

The protests, even in red Florida, got President Donald Trump's attention, a Catholic bishop speaks out against immigration crackdown and U.S. transportation chief Sean Duffy takes on role of NASA administrator. Antonio Fins, Ana Goni-Lessan, John Kennedy and Rob Landers of the USA Today Florida Network explain it all.

GOP allies divided over Obamacare tax credits amid the government shutdown, and does a land-for-library deal mean the Ron DeSantis-Donald Trump bromance is in on-again stage — again? Antonio Fins and John Kennedy of the USA Today Florida Network figure it all out on the Inside Florida Politics podcast.

Florida undergoes a Charlie Kirk-First Amendment stress test, GOP looks to lock up a US House majority next year by redrawing districts and Hurricane Helene's forgotten Floridians. Antonio Fins, Stephany Matat, John Kennedy and Ana Goni-Lessan of the USA Today Florida Network break it down in the Inside Florida Politics podcast.

The Inside Florida Politics Podcast returns with host USA TODAY Network of Florida's Antonio Fins talking with investigations reporter Ana Goñi-Lessan about the new directive to stop illegal immigrants in the state and the fate of Alligator Alcatraz. Antonio also talks with Palm Beach Post Investigations Editor Holly Baltz about movement in the Jeffery Epstein case and the upcoming bipartisan press conference that could bring victims forward and expose more names.

It's been hard to keep a track of immigration detentions, even as another 500,000 people are eligible for deportation. Hurricane season starts with doubts about hurricane forecasting in the age of government budget-cutting. Elon Musk is gone from DOGE, and so apparently is as much as $53 million in funding at Florida State University. Listen to the Inside Florida Politics podcast with Ana Goni-Lessan, Kimberly Miller and Antonio Fins. 

Officials in Florida want more resources to detain everyone they suspect is here illegally, regardless of whether the individual has a criminal background or even a removal warrant or deportation order. USA Today Florida Network's Antonio Fins, Ana Goñi-Lessan and John Kennedy discuss. Also on deck, LGBTQ+ advocates in the state celebrate the lack of anti-gay legislation passed this year. And can Gov. Ron DeSantis convince the Legislature to cut back on Florida's property taxes?

Antonio Fins, Ana Goñi-Lessan and John Kennedy discuss the biggest capture of undocumented immigrants ever which draws into question the level of "violent criminal" status for the detained. Also, President Donald Trump begins his second hundred days in his Florida office and why is trouble brewing between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican lawmakers ahead of the looming special session.

In this week's Inside Florida Politics podcast, Antonio Fins, James Call and John Kennedy break down the fallout from a deadly and tragic shooting at Florida State University, friction between the governor and Republicans in the Florida Legislature and the local impact of the death of Pope Francis across the Sunshine State. 

President Donald Trump paused his Liberation Day tariffs stunner, but the lack of clarity in trade duties makes for fuzzy budgeting in Tallahassee. The immigration crackdown leaves hundreds of children in heart-wrenching limbo. And the intriguing reason behind the power player dynamic between Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Danny Perez. Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Ana Goni-Lessa discuss it all in the Inside Florida Politics podcast.

A key piece of the gun control legislation passed after the horrific shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland could be on the chopping block if lawmakers efforts succeed. USA TODAY Florida Network journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Ana Goñi-Lessan discuss the possible drop in Florida's gun ownership age. Also, Rep. Byron Donalds? Casey DeSantis? Still nearly two years out, candidates are already laying plans for the governor's mansion. And Is Tallahassee trying to squash control of local governments?

From Mar-a-lago to Tallahassee, President Donald Trump is obviously on the minds of Florida Legislators with bills on deck to ratify changing the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and shielding his future presidential library from local regulations. USA Today Florida Network journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Ana Goñi-Lessan talk about Trump heavy session in Tallahassee. The team also discusses the various ways state law enforcement is interpreting directives to help ICE with illegal immigrants. And if 60 percent approval wasn't enough, Florida lawmakers are now trying to make it harder for citizen-led amendments to pass in the Sunshine State.

A clash between Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders over immigration may be a sign that DeSantis is losing some of his grip on state lawmakers.  Journalists Zac Anderson, Ana Goñi-Lessan, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the immigration fight, President Donald Trump’s own immigration agenda and the effects trade wars with Canada and Mexico could have on the state.

Trump is returning to power with a Make America Florida agenda. Journalists Zac Anderson, Ana Goni-Lessan, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss Trump's Florida-themed agenda, how the president’s immigration crackdown could impact Florida residents and Gov. Ron DeSantis' efforts to cozy up to Trump.

Trump is governing from Mar-a-Lago with press conferences and Truth Social posts. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy, Ana Goni-Lessan and Antonio Fins discuss the incoming president's Florida administration in waiting, Trump's rising popularity as he stays out of the public eye and a progressive firebrand making a bid for mayor of Orlando that could position her for bigger things down the road.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has been in the mix for a Trump Cabinet position. Journalists Zac Anderson, Ana Goni-Lessan and John Kennedy discuss Trump's flirtation with DeSantis as Defense secretary, the president-elect picking former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to replace Matt Gaetz as his attorney general nominee and the Florida Legislature gets two new leaders.

Donald Trump carried Florida by 13 percentage points and ended any speculation that it's still a swing state. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss Florida's hard right shift, ballot measures on recreational marijuana and abortion rights failing and Rick Scott's return to the U.S. Senate.

Florida Republicans are blasting a Trump rally speaker’s remarks calling Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage." Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Ana Goni-Lessan discuss the fallout from the "garbage" comments, President Joe Biden weighing in and putting Democrats on the defensive and Gov. Ron DeSantis aggressively campaigning against two ballot items ahead of Election Day.

Gov. Ron DeSantis opted not to meet with Joe Biden during the president's tour of hurricane damage in Florida. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the president's visit, how back-to-back hurricanes could disrupt voting and the state's remarkably quiet presidential campaign.

President Joe Biden traveled to Florida to assess Hurricane Helene damage. Reporters Zac Anderson, Antontio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the president's visit, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris sparing over the federal government’s hurricane response and Gov. Ron. DeSantis saying Florida doesn’t need more federal help with Helene recovery.

A golf outing in West Palm Beach became a crime scene after the Secret Service stopped another alleged assassination attempt against Donald Trump. Journalists Antonio Fins, Ana Goni-Lessan, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the fallout from the foiled Florida plot, Gov. Ron DeSantis stepping in to open a state investigation into the incident and Florida health officials continuing to recommend against COVID vaccines.

Gov. Ron  DeSantis' administration is backpedaling amid criticism over plans for golf courses, pickle ball courts and hotels at state parks. Journalists Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and Gray Rohrer discuss the backlash against the state park proposal, dueling ads released in Florida by the presidential campaigns and another new poll showing a tighter race than expected in Florida between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

The race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is tightening in Florida. Journalists Zac Anderson, Wayne Washington and Mark Harper discuss the new surveys showing Harris within striking distance, where ballot measures on marijuana and abortion stand with voters and the state's upcoming Aug. 20 primary.

Florida Democrats are rallying around Kamala Harris, the party's new presidential candidate. Journalists Ana Goni-Lessan, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss whether Harris could make Florida more competitive, wrangling over the abortion rights measure that will be on Florida ballots and how the controversial Project 2025 plan tied to Trump’s campaign has lots of Florida overtones.

It’s Florida, Florida, Florida at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee with Ron DeSantis, Matt Gaetz, Byron Donalds and many other Florida leaders speaking at an event turned on its head by the attempted assassination last week of Donald Trump. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the Florida highlights from the convention.

President Joe Biden's campaign chair said recently that Florida isn't a battleground state. Journalists John Kennedy, Ana Goni-Lessan and Zac Anderson discuss the reaction in Florida to the Biden campaign comments, a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could impact how Florida communities handle their homeless populations and the reaction in Florida to Biden's poor debate performance.

Democrats believe Florida is in play after a pair of polls indicate a tight race for president. Journalists John Kennedy, Ana Goni-Lessan and Zac Anderson discuss whether Florida will be competitive this cycle, the outflow of Florida women traveling to other states for abortions after a strict new ban took effect and Gov. Ron DeSantis finally signing the state budget.

Marco Rubio aligns himself more closely with Trump as the former president considers the Florida senator as a running mate in 2024. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Ana Goni-Lessan discuss Rubio’s MAGA makeover, the Florida Department of Education sticking with history standards that say Black people benefited from slavery and whether Trump’s felony conviction puts his right to vote in question.

Former President Donald Trump is bringing controversial political figures back into his orbit for the 2024 campaign. Journalists Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and Ana Goni-Lessan discuss the pardoned felons and conspiracy theorists surrounding Trump, Florida universities cracking down on campus protests and Gov. Ron DeSantis ensuring bridges aren’t lit in rainbow colors form LGBTQ pride month.

Former President Donald Trump held a lunch event in Palm Beach recently with many of the individuals who he is considering as a running mate. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss how Trump's vice presidential selection process is heating up, the Florida GOP's resolution against a constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana and Gov. Ron DeSantis opposing efforts to fight climate change.

A new poll shows Gov. Ron Desantis has a higher favorability rating, including among Republicans, than Donald Trump in Florida after their contentious presidential primary contest. Journalists Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss DeSantis's standing in Florida, Trump leading President Joe Biden in the state and the uncertainty surrounding ballot measures on abortion and marijuana.

The Florida Supreme Court cleared the way for abortion rights and recreational marijuana constitutional amendments to be on the Florida ballot this year. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss the ballot measures, Trump eyeing two Floridians as possible running mates and a legal settlement between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney.

Florida held a meaningless presidential primary after Trump clinched the GOP nomination, but the results may signal some turbulence for the GOP nominee. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss the primary vote totals, Florida's increasingly uncompetitive status and Moms for Liberty's continued clout.

Former President Donald Trump became the GOP presidential nominee without Florida voters weighing in after Nikki Haley dropped out of the race. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss whether Trump can win over Haley supporters, Republicans in the Florida Legislature spurning their own party's legislative wish list and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott considering a bid for Senate leadership.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' actions continue to invite speculation that he still has his eyes on the White House. Journalists Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss DeSantis' moves to stay in the national spotlight, whether national Democrats are taking another look at Florida's U.S. Senate race and where DeSantis' priorities stand in the final weeks of Florida's 60-day legislative session.

The Florida GOP isn't waiting for the presidential primary to end to get behind former President Donald Trump. USA TODAY Florida - Network journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss Trump's strength in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis' continued focus on national issues after dropping out of the presidential race and where high-profile legislation stands at the midway point of Florida's 60-day legislative session. 

Six days after a massive lose in Iowa, a defeated Gov. Ron DeSantis returns to Tallahassee ahead of the first of his last three legislative sessions. But first, DeSantis bends the knee to Donald Trump, throwing his support behind the former president. What's next for DeSantis and Trump's relationship and what can Florida expect now that the governor is back in the state and off the campaign trail.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is delivering his closing message in Iowa after going hard at Nikki Haley in their final debate before the Iowa Caucus. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the final push in Iowa, Trump going off script and Florida’s legislative session kicking off.

Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the top stories in Florida politics in 2023, including DeSantis' struggling presidential campaign, the GOP cementing its grasp on Florida and Trump's resurgence.

Gov. Ron DeSantis' struggling presidential primary campaign is entering the home stretch before voting begins in Iowa. Journalists Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss the challenges facing DeSantis has he tries to pull off a surprise finish in Iowa, a pair of upcoming debates and a new poll showing Florida voters support abortion rights.

Republican presidential candidates Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley exchanged barbs in the third GOP presidential debate in Miami. Reporters Zac Anderson, Stephany Matat and Antonio Fins discuss the debate fireworks and former President Donald's Trump's rally in nearby Hialeah.

Gov. Ron DeSantis took multiple shots at former President Donald Trump during the second GOP presidential primary debate. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio fins discuss DeSantis' debate strategy, Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz's central role in a federal spending debate that has Congress on the brink of a federal shutdown and a court case challenging Florida's congressional redistricting maps.