TAMPA, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $112 million in grants to improve water quality and quantity across Florida. The funding includes $50 million in funding to support 14 alternative water supply projects, $50 million in funding to support 23 projects aimed at restoring Florida’s natural freshwater springs, and $12 million for 16 innovative technology projects that will help detect, prevent, and mitigate harmful algal blooms.
“My administration has made historic investments in protecting our water resources,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida is a leader in water resource protection, and we will continue to deliver results and act as responsible stewards of our resources.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, our decisions are driven by science and long-term stewardship,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “The funding announced today will help communities secure reliable water supplies, improve water quality and better respond to environmental challenges. These investments reflect our commitment to protecting the resources that support our economy and our way of life.”
Alternative Water Supply Investments – $50 Million
Governor DeSantis awarded $50 million to support 14 projects that will collectively produce more than 94 million gallons of new water supply per day once fully operational. These projects expand reclaimed water, enhance aquifer recharge, and promote conservation—ensuring Florida’s communities and natural systems have adequate supplies for generations to come. Continue reading
LOXAHATCHEE, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis announced proposal to protect puppies in Florida. In partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the state will develop standard practices to ensure ethical dog breeding. Through this proposal, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation will be directed to license dog breeders and hold accountable puppy mills that abuse dogs, whether by overbreeding them, leaving them out in extreme weather, cramming them into small cages, or limiting their access to water.
“In Florida, we will always fight to protect man’s best friend,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The proposal we announced today will end unethical puppy mills, hold accountable abusive breeders, and help shelter dogs find loving homes.”
Additional proposal actions includes:
- Establishing a hotline for individuals to call and report abuse by breeders to better crack down on these bad actors.
- Requiring pet stores to offer their space to local shelters for adoption before they use that space to sell dogs from puppy mills. As shelters across the state face overcrowding, offering animals for adoption at pet stores will help save them from being euthanized.
- Developing additional legislation that provides for increased penalties for individuals who abuse or torture animals in front of a minor.
THE VILLAGES, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis announced a proposal to protect consumers by establishing an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights for citizens. Additionally, Governor DeSantis announced a proposal to protect Floridians from footing the bill for Hyperscale AI Data Centers and to empower local governments to reject their development in their communities.
“Today, I proposed new legislation on artificial intelligence and AI data centers to protect Floridians’ privacy, security, and quality of life,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our AI proposal will establish an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights to define and safeguard Floridians’ rights—including data privacy, parental controls, consumer protections, and restrictions on AI use of an individual’s name, image or likeness without consent.”
The Artificial Intelligence proposal will establish an AI Bill of Rights to provide consumers with protections.
- Reenact protections Florida has already passed against “deep fakes” and explicit material, including those depicting minors.
- Prohibit any state or local government agency from utilizing DeepSeek or any other Chinese-created AI tools to protect American data.
- Prohibit AI from using an individual’s Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) without their consent – tie it to harm or sale of a product (political ads, schemes to defraud already in law).
- Require a notice to consumers when interacting with AI (Company chatbots).
- Prohibit entities from providing “licensed” therapy or mental health counseling through artificial intelligence. This can be expanded to include use of AI to imitate a licensed professional.
- Provide parental controls for minors which will allow parents to access the conversation their child has with a large language model, set parameters for when the child can access the platform, and notify parents if their child exhibits concerning behavior.
- Ensure data inputted to AI is secure and private.
- Prohibit companies from selling or sharing personal identifying information with third parties (deidentified) and mirror data privacy protections in current law.
- Limit insurance companies from using AI for insurance claims. Require that AI cannot be used as the sole determination in adjusting or denying a claim. Insurers that use AI for claims must detail the use and allow the Office of Insurance Regulation to inspect the AI model to ensure it does not violate unfair insurance trade practices.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $20 million across eight projects through the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program to bolster continuing efforts to improve water quality in the bay. The Governor also announced $9.5 million across 11 projects that advance the state’s long-term strategy to restore Florida’s Coral Reef—the only living barrier reef in the continental United States.
“It was great to be in Miami this morning to announce new investments of almost $30 million to improve Biscayne Bay water quality and support the long-term recovery of Florida’s Coral Reef,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Protecting and restoring Florida’s waterways is essential to our way of life. To-date, my administration has awarded over $3.5 billion to over 1,000 local projects aimed at protecting Florida’s water resources. Now, we are building on those historic investments to ensure that our state’s natural treasures are preserved for generations to come.”
“Biscayne Bay is Florida’s largest estuary and home to an array of important species of plants and wildlife,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “By making strategic investments in the bay’s water quality, we are revitalizing waters that support not only our wildlife but also our economy and way of life.”
Governor DeSantis has prioritized revitalizing Biscayne Bay since taking office, and since 2019, the state of Florida has invested $90 million for targeted water quality projects in the bay. Biscayne Bay plays a key role in Florida’s economy and the health of the state’s waters. In 2021, Governor DeSantis signed legislation to expedite water quality improvements to Biscayne Bay. This legislation established the Biscayne Bay Commission, which ensures that objective and sound science informs decision-making regarding the bay. Continue reading
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott K. H. Bessent, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), urging swift action to address a Chinese investment that threatens U.S. intellectual property, jobs, and national security. The letter highlights growing concerns surrounding FastWave Medical, a Minnesota-based American startup pioneering laser-based intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) technology—a lifesaving advancement in cardiovascular care with critical dual-use applications in semiconductor manufacturing and precision military systems.
FastWave’s technology is classified under federal export controls as a “critical technology” due to its national-security implications. Yet the company’s future is being jeopardized by Grand Pharmaceutical (GP), a Chinese investor operating through its Hong Kong subsidiary, which has used its veto power to block new U.S. capital investment for more than a year.
“This is exactly how the Chinese Communist Party seeks to gain leverage over American innovation,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “They buy in, block out U.S. investors, and bleed out the company until they can siphon off our intellectual property and take it back to Beijing. We can’t let that happen—not with technologies that save American lives and protect our national security.”
“Grand Pharmaceutical’s actions are preventing a vital U.S. innovation from reaching the patients who need it most,” said Dr. Arthur Lee, an interventional cardiologist based in Gainesville, Florida, and Managing Partner at Epic Venture Partners, an investor in FastWave. “America’s technological leadership, economic security, and the health of millions of citizens are on the line. A U.S. MedTech startup pursuing federally regulated critical technology is being suffocated by a foreign entity with clear connections to the People’s Republic of China. We need CFIUS to act decisively so FastWave can raise investment capital and continue its journey toward delivering life-saving technology to patients here at home.” Continue reading
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) released the following statement after House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), landmark legislation that advances President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda and delivers critical support to America’s warfighters, military families, and defense industrial base. The legislation includes Congresswoman Cammack’s amendment to ensure National Guard units have the equipment they need to execute homeland defense missions.
“From strengthening deterrence to rebuilding our industrial base, the FY26 NDAA restores America’s military advantage and ensures our servicemembers have the tools, training, and support they deserve,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “America relies on the National Guard every single day—whether in natural disaster response or homeland defense. They cannot do their jobs without the right equipment, and this provision gives Congress the transparency needed to address these shortfalls and ensure our Guard is fully prepared to meet any mission.”
The FY26 NDAA fulfills several major priorities: Continue reading
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) released the following statement after the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform passed her bill, the Unauthorized Spending Accountability (USA) Act:
“I’m grateful to Chairman Comer and my colleagues for advancing this critical bill,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “For too long, Washington has allowed billions of taxpayer dollars to flow to programs that haven’t been reviewed or reauthorized in years—sometimes decades. The USA Act restores accountability by forcing Congress to do its job: examine these programs every three years, determine whether they are effective, and ensure that federal funds are being used responsibly. This is a commonsense, necessary step to rein in wasteful spending and return real oversight to the American people.”
Chairman James Comer (KY-01) praised the legislation, saying: “It is not too much to ask that Congress provide the appropriate level of scrutiny over the federal programs it has established and find the time every three years to ensure that federal funds are being used responsibly and effectively. The timeframe under the USA Act forces that to happen. Ensuring that every federal program is properly authorized gives Congress the oversight and budgetary tools to increase government efficiency, improve the effectiveness of federal agency programs and missions, and help reduce government spending.”
The USA Act puts all unauthorized programs on a pathway to sunset in 3 years and requires any new authorizations or reauthorizations to include a sunset clause. This means every government program will be routinely scrutinized and updated by the People’s representatives.
In its latest report, CBO found 1,264 authorizations that expired before fiscal year 2024 began and 25l that are set to expire before the end of the fiscal year. Additionally, it reported that $516 billion in appropriations for 2024 is linked to 491 expired authorizations. Two decades ago, this figure was $35 billion marking an 1,374% increase of unauthorized programs and agencies that are still taxpayer funded.
Congresswoman Kat Cammack represents Florida’s Third Congressional District, covering 12 counties across North Central and Northeast Florida. She serves on the House Agriculture and Energy and Commerce Committees and chairs both the Republican Women’s Caucus and the Republican Study Committee’s Emerging Tech Task Force.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit successfully seized cryptocurrency valued at $1.5 million USD in a money laundering case against a Chinese national.
“While scammers are changing their methods, I am proud of our Statewide Prosecutors’ ability to adapt and deliver justice,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “I want to thank our Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office for their continued dedication and for making this fraudster’s victim whole again.”
The investigation started in July 2024 after a report was filed with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. The victim, a Citrus County resident, reported he had been scammed out of $47,421 USD through an internet-based investment scheme.
As a result of the investigation, Tu Weizhi, of China, was charged with Money Laundering, Grand Theft, and Organized Scheme to Defraud. If Weizhi ever attempts to enter the U.S., he will be arrested. The seizure was conducted under the Fugitive Disentitlement Act.
A seizure warrant was filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit to recover Weizhi’s entire cryptocurrency wallet, valued at approximately $1.5 million, which contained AVAX (Avalanche), DOGE (Dogecoin), PEPE (Pepe), and SOL (Solana) cryptocurrency tokens.
Cryptocurrency-related crimes are on the rise. If you believe you have been the victim of fraudulent activity, you may file a complaint at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.
FORT MYERS, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution secured the conviction of Ivan Gutierrez Miranda for stealing and reselling trailers meant for recovering hurricane victims who lost and were rebuilding their homes. Miranda is a Cuban national who entered the United States illegally in 2022.
“This illegal alien was allowed in by the Biden administration, and he targeted critical resources during a disaster when many Floridians needed temporary housing,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Paul Thomas and Tim Donnelly, this criminal will stay behind bars for a long time before we send him back to where he came from.”
The investigation, conducted by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol, revealed that Miranda and his codefendants operated in the early morning hours as well as late evening in an attempt to blend in during the state of emergency where RVs/Campers were being moved daily to aid displaced Floridians in need due to Hurricane Ian.
After a week-and-a-half-long trial, the Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a guilty verdict against Miranda. A key piece of evidence in the trial was a video Miranda filmed, in which he advertised the features of the stolen trailers.
The jury found the defendant guilty on the charges below:
- RICO
- Conspiracy to Commit RICO
- Organized Scheme to Defraud
- Dealing in Stolen Property – 5 counts
Sentencing is scheduled for January 26, 2026. Miranda faces up to 165 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, with a mandatory minimum of eight years. After serving his sentence, Miranda will be deported.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrests of Jorge Armando Nieto, 39, Martin Theodore Cassady, 61, and Joel Orellana, 25, all from the greater Orlando area, on a combined 81 felony charges of Possession of Child Pornography.
“The depraved individuals who choose to engage in and trade content showing the sexual abuse of children will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Protecting our kids is my utmost priority, and I am confident in our Statewide Prosecutors’ ability to hold these predators accountable for this abhorrent behavior.”
The investigations were launched by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Cybercrimes Task Force following tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The executed search warrants revealed graphic sexual abuse materials involving children and animals on their personal devices. Some of the children appear to be under two years old.
These cases will be prosecuted in the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida by Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Rodrigo Caruco.
The investigations are ongoing, and further charges may be added once the information is filed.
