Cities Brace for Property Tax Change

The auditor for Jacksonville’s city council estimates that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed expansion of the homestead exemption would cost the city more than $300 million annually.

Florida’s special legislative session opened Monday in Tallahassee to consider the “Save Our Homes” proposal. The plan would raise the homestead exemption, phased in starting in 2027.

Bedroom communities face steeper tax revenue losses. Belle Isle could lose 33% of its property tax revenue, while Winter Garden also estimates a loss of up to one-third.

If it passes, the measure will require voter approval by more than 60% in November. The $250,000 exemption could eliminate property taxes for roughly 60% of Florida homeowners.

Florida Sues OpenAI over Safety Risks

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, on Monday for offering a product with known safety risks.

The lawsuit charges OpenAI with 10 counts, including deceptive trade practices, negligence, and product liability. The complaint alleges ChatGPT’s systems present a serious danger to users.

The suit links the FSU shooting and the killing of two University of South Florida graduate students to ChatGPT. Uthmeier seeks to hold Altman personally liable for what he calls “utter disregard for the risk to human life.”

The civil action seeks civil penalties only. It is separate from a criminal investigation into OpenAI that Uthmeier opened in late April, which remains ongoing.

New Florida Laws Take Effect July 1

More than 87 new Florida laws take effect July 1, impacting tax breaks, veterinarian bills, and neighborhood safety.

Hunters, anglers, and campers receive a new sales tax holiday from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, covering ammunition, firearms, fishing gear, and camping supplies, with no price cap on ammo. Homeowners can also seek a sales tax refund on hurricane-resistant doors, windows, and garage doors through June 2029.

Starting July 1, your veterinarian must inform you that you can fill pet prescriptions at any pharmacy you choose. New consumer protections also require pet dealers to disclose financing terms and provide veterinary records before finalizing a sale.

Sex offenders convicted of crimes against children may no longer live within 1,000 feet of a public pool. Local governments are also banned from outlawing gas-powered lawn equipment under a new agriculture law.

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➤ Clearwater Beach: A 17-year-old was shot Sunday evening when a social-media-organized “teen takeover” at Pier 60 turned violent, drawing hundreds of teenagers. Police made several arrests and warned that such gatherings would not be tolerated. (More)

➤ Sunrise: The Broward County Steak ‘n Shake was temporarily shut down after state inspectors found evidence of rodent activity inside the restaurant. The closure was among several South Florida eateries flagged in the latest round of health inspections. (More)

➤ Tallahassee: Ball State freshman Gavin Yates-Lyons, 18, died Saturday after being caught in a shooting crossfire while visiting Tallahassee last week. The defensive back from Greenville, Florida, had just completed his first semester with the Cardinals. (More)

➤ Key West: Three fishermen were cited after Florida Fish and Wildlife officers discovered 51 barracudas hidden in a cooler—50 over the legal limit for the area. The trio now faces significant fines and possible license revocation. (More)

➤ Starke: Marine Sgt. Albert Haynes II, 24, a drill instructor from Parris Island, was found dead in a hotel room in Bradford County, where he had been conducting a recruiter event. (More)

➤ Lynn Haven: A local man hit the jackpot at a Walmart, winning $1 million on a Gold Rush Multiplier scratch-off ticket—part of the Florida Lottery’s $25,000,000 Gold Rush series. (More)

➤ FSU baseball’s season ended with a 5-4 loss to St. John’s yesterday in the NCAA tournament after a go-ahead grand slam in the fifth inning erased their 2-0 lead. (See Highlight)

➤ Meanwhile, Florida baseball’s season also ended last night with a 10-2 loss to Troy in the Gainesville Regional final. Coming into the tournament, Troy was 32-30 on the season. (More)

➤ Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh donated $20,000 to Moffitt Cancer Center through his “Bald Eagle” merchandise initiative this season. He launched the campaign in honor of his father, who died of pancreatic cancer in March. (More)

➤ USF hired Stanford assistant Jo Kremer to become the head coach of their beach volleyball program. Kremer helped guide the Cardinals to a 39-5 record and the NCAA championship match this season. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | NCAASB | NCAAB | WNBA | Tennis

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➤ Devin Galetta, who joined the Department of Financial Services in 2018 and served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer, has left state government to become campaign director for Army veteran Luke Murphy’s congressional run in Florida’s 2nd District. (More)

➤ Duke Energy Florida implemented its third rate reduction of 2026, lowering bills for Tampa Bay customers. The cuts are in effect from June through September. (More)

➤ Fort Myers personal injury firm Viles & Beckman ranked No. 1 in Gulfshore Business‘ list of the 27 best places to work in Southwest Florida for 2026. (More)

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➤ A Florida baby boy named Cassian was literally born twice—partially delivered at 25 weeks for emergency airway surgery, then fully born six weeks later at an Orlando hospital. (More)

➤ The Swan and Dolphin hotels near EPCOT are offering annual Walt Disney World passholders and Florida residents up to 30% off summer stays. (More)

➤ The Tampa Bay Boat Show returns June 26-28 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, featuring hundreds of boats, fishing gear, free seminars, and free admission. (More)

➤ Universal Orlando is returning Volcano Bay Nights, a limited-capacity after-hours event at its water park featuring live entertainment and character experiences. (More)

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Of these options, which breakfast would you prefer?

1. Doughnuts and coffee
2. Bowl of cereal
3. Eggs and bacon
4. Yogurt and fruit
5. No breakfast

Yesterday’s Results:

Are you prepared for hurricane season?

1. Mostly prepared: 44%
2. Fully prepared: 22%
3. Working on it: 19%
4. Not prepared: 15%

Which organization established National Donut Day in 1938?

Show me the answer