By Jim Saunders and Tom Urban

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. policy count drops below 800,000

Citizens Property Insurance Corp.’s policy count dropped below 800,000 last week and is projected to plunge to fewer than 654,000 by the end of the year, the state insurer’s top executive said Wednesday.Citizens had 777,592 policies on Friday, the lowest number at a comparable time of year since June 2021, according to data on its website. Friday’s total also was down from 820,882 policies a week earlier, amid what is known as a “depopulation” program aimed at shifting customers into the private market.

FILE - Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, center, signs a bill that prevents transgender girls and women from competing on female sports teams, March 30, 2022, in Oklahoma City. A new rule from President Joe Biden's administration assuring transgender students be allowed to use the school bathrooms that align with their gender identity could conflict with laws in Republican-controlled states that seek to make sure they can't. (AP Photo/Sean Murphy, File)

Government & Politics

Florida, three other states target Title IX rule interpretation

By Jim Saunders and Tom Urban

Targeting issues about sexual orientation and gender identity, Florida joined three other states Monday in filing a federal lawsuit challenging a new Biden administration rule about sex-based discrimination in education programs.The lawsuit, filed by the attorneys general of Florida, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina and four organizations, seeks to block the rule that would help carry out Title IX, a landmark 1972 law that bars discrimination in education programs based on sex.

Oranges rot on the ground Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, at Roy Petteway's Citrus and Cattle Farm after they were knocked off the trees from the effects of Hurricane Ian in Zolfo Springs, Fla. The USDA’s January forecast for all Florida oranges decreased by 2 million boxes, bringing the new forecast total for the 22-23 season to 18 million boxes.

Agriculture

Florida's citrus production could get a bump in the wake of Ian

By Jim Saunders and Tom Urban

Still recovering from Hurricane Ian, Florida’s citrus industry is expected to see an increase in production after last year’s storm-damaged crop.

Abortion rights supporters protested a bill that would prevent abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

Government & Politics

Lawmakers pass 6-week abortion limit; measure heads to DeSantis

By Jim Saunders and Tom Urban

The Florida House on Thursday gave final approval to a bill that would prevent abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, setting up a showdown at the state Supreme Court that could determine the future of abortion rights in Florida.The Republican-controlled House voted 70-40 to pass the six-week limit (SB 300), which also was approved April 3 by the Senate. The bill is ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it.