Attorney General Ashley Moody and 41 other attorneys general are calling on congressional leaders to pass legislation requiring a U.S. Surgeon General warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. The letter comes amid growing scrutiny of social media companies for their role in causing generational harm to young people’s mental health.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Studies show that there is a link between youth’s use of social media and psychological harm. We are fighting to protect our youth online by calling on Congress to pass legislation requiring a U.S. Surgeon General warning on these platforms. This warning would not only highlight the inherent risks that social media platforms presently pose for young people, but also complement other efforts to spur attention, research and investment into the oversight of social media platforms.”

Attorney General Moody and the coalition cited growing bodies of research that link young people’s use of algorithm-driven social media platforms to psychological harm, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts in kids and teens. The attorneys general also note how platforms feature irresistible algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling, and a constant stream of notifications that are designed to keep kids relentlessly engaged on the platforms, even at the expense of taking breaks, engaging in other activities, or sleeping. Continue reading →

In recognition of National Preparedness Month and with storms brewing in the Atlantic Ocean, Attorney General Ashley Moody is encouraging all Floridians to take proactive steps to be ready for potential storm strikes. September is also the peak of hurricane season, and it is important that Floridians review emergency plans, gather essential supplies and stay informed about possible threats.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It is National Preparedness Month, and we are in the peak of hurricane season. With multiple tropical disturbances currently being tracked in the Atlantic, it is crucial for every Floridian to assess emergency plans, update disaster kits and remain alert.”

Attorney General Moody is issuing the following tips during National Preparedness Month: Continue reading →

Everyone has heard the story of The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen where a very vain emperor obsessed with his appearance is approached by two weavers who claim they can weave the finest clothes imaginable. So fine that they are invisible to anyone who is unfit for their position or hopelessly stupid. Eager to flaunt these magical garments, the emperor commissions the weavers who proceed to pretend to work at their looms but

producing nothing. Fearing to be seen as unfit or stupid, the emperor pretends to see the nonexistent clothing and decides to give a formal parade to show off his new garments.

For a time, all the parade observers are eager to show that they are not stupid so they exclaimed how wonderful the emperor’s new clothes seem. However the ruse is exposed when a child points out to his mother that the emperor is wearing nothing at all. Hearing the child, others begin to say the same thing and the embarrassed emperor is hurried back to his castle.

What does this fairytale have to do with reform of the U.S. tax system? Since 1913, the Elites have told the American people that only people “unfit for their position or hopelessly stupid” would question the logic and benefits of a system that: Continue reading →

From the Desk of Senator Dennis Baxley—-

Good morning, friends-The Primary elections are over.  The General election is just around the corner, including the Presidential election and six Constitutional Amendments.  Make sure you have read and understand about the amendments.  They include Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards; The Right to Fish and Hunt; Adult Personal Use of Marijuana; Limit Government Interference with Abortion; Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions; and Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement.

For more information you can reach out to your Supervisor of Elections office.

Initial mailout of Vote-by-Mail Ballots for the November 2024 General Election for Military and Overseas Voters is September 20, 2024, Initial Mailout of Vote-by-Mail Ballots for the 2024 November General Election is September 27, 2024. Vote-By-Mail Ballot Mailouts and Counter Pickups continue for the November 2024 General Election September 30-October 4, 2024.

Early Voting dates and times for the General Election are October 21^st – November 2^nd, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  The General Election is on November 5^th, voting is from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

GET OUT THE VOTE!!!

Onward & Upward

SARASOTA, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced “Activate Hope,” an expansion of Hope Florida to serve Floridians recovering from the impacts of disasters. Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more.

“The state of Florida leads the nation in storm preparation and disaster response,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The launch of Activate Hope through Hope Florida and the Florida Division of Emergency Management will enable us to strengthen our recovery efforts and rebuild stronger communities by utilizing the existing Hope Florida network to help those impacted by disasters find the help they need.”

“With today’s launch of Activate Hope, we can now bring Hope Florida directly to a community in exceptional need—like those dealing with the impacts of a storm,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “This new Hope Florida expansion will ensure that in the future, Floridians impacted by storms or other emergency situations can readily connect with Hope Navigators and receive the help, services, and supplies they need. On the flip side, Hope Florida can rally communities and empower them to help their fellow Floridians in need, especially during a disaster.” Continue reading →

Dear Neighbor,

Where did the time go? Just like that, August is nearly over and the House will reconvene on September 9.It’s been an incredibly productive district work period and I’m thrilled to keep the momentum going into the fall.

This week marked the three-year anniversary of the deaths of 13 American heroes at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan. After the Biden-Harris administration hastily removed troops from Afghanistan with no withdrawal plan, we lost 13 service members in a deadly attack that could have been prevented. As we remembered them this week, we keep their family members and friends in our thoughts as they embark upon another year without their loved ones.

Back in Florida, our community remembered the life of USPS Carrier Pam Rock. Pam Rock served as a postal worker in Putnam County and was tragically killed in 2022 after being attacked by dogs while on her mail route in Interlachen. Together with Representative Aaron Bean and Senators Rubio and Scott, we passed legislation to rename the Melrose Post Office after Pam. Take a look at photos from the ceremony earlier this week below. Continue reading →

Dear Neighbor,

This last month brought our first serious storm of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Our first responders and National Guard troops were prepared and on the ground working to ensure our safety after the storm while linemen from across the southeast got to work quickly to restore power. These folks’ service has been tremendously appreciated this week.

I and several members of our team fed dinner to our local linemen earlier this week to thank them, and yesterday, Senator Rubio and I were in Live Oak to thank the National Guardsmen and women who came to Florida’s aid.  You can take a look at my message to all of those who have been helpful below.

With hurricane recovery top-of-mind, if you are still in need of recovery assistance, please call my team in our Gainesville office at (352) 505-0838. We are here to advocate for you and provide you with the resources you need to take care of your family, your business, and your property. Continue reading →

Ahead of National Senior Citizens Day, Attorney General Moody is asking older Floridians to watch out for fraud. Florida is home to more than 5.5 million seniors. Attorney General Moody is highlighting efforts to protect these Floridians from fraudulent schemes. After taking office in 2019, Attorney General Moody launched Florida’s Senior Protection Team, an intra-agency group of experts working together to fight fraud. Last year, the team secured more than $1 million in financial relief for Florida seniors.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Florida may be known as the Sunshine State, but we are also a silver state—and we prioritize protecting those who choose to live out their golden years here. Ahead of National Senior Citizens Day, we’re asking older Floridians to watch out for fraud and highlighting efforts to help seniors avoid falling victim.”

Attorney General Moody’s Senior Protection Team consists of members from the Office of Statewide Prosecution, Consumer Protection Division and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Together, the team fights elder abuse and fraud as well as develops strategies to help seniors avoid falling victim to scammers or criminals. Since Attorney General Moody took office in 2019, the Senior Protection Team secured more than $8 million in financial relief for Florida seniors. Continue reading →

As colleges and universities begin a new academic year, Attorney General Ashley Moody today sent a reminder to higher education officials in Florida about their duty to protect Florida’s Jewish students from harassment, intimidation and other incidents of antisemitism. The reminder comes in the wake of radical antisemitic protests continuing around the nation and following the destructive protests witnessed at colleges and universities in the previous academic year.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Last year, my office circulated a memo advising higher education officials of the zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism in our state. Florida offered an example to the rest of the country with swift action while other states witnessed their colleges and universities overtaken by chaos and, in some instances, crime. Let this serve as a reminder, there is no room in our state for lawlessness or antisemitism. As a new school year begins, we are renewing our commitment to making Florida a safe state for Jewish students.”

The letter states, “In the days and months following the horrific October 7 attacks on Israel, America saw university administrators across the country utterly fail to protect Jewish students and maintain law and order. Many schools allowed encampments and demonstrations to disrupt student life and school operations…Some of these schools even tolerated overt acts of antisemitic harassment and violence. And because school administrators allowed this unconscionable conduct to continue throughout the entire school year, some universities were forced to cancel graduation ceremonies.” Continue reading →

Attorney General Ashley Moody today in Orlando encouraged vigilance in spotting and reporting voter fraud at the Florida Tax Collectors Association Annual Conference. Tax collector offices around the state are where Floridians go to interact face to face with government. In Florida, tax collectors are independent constitutional officers duly elected by registered voters.

These county government leaders do more than collect taxes. In tax collector offices, Floridians can receive vehicle tags, hunting licenses, driver’s licenses and even submit voter registration forms. With the 2024 presidential election around the corner, Attorney General Moody is encouraging tax collectors to display information about reporting voter registration crimes to Florida’s Voter Fraud Hotline: 1(877) 868-3737.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “For many Floridians, tax collectors are the face of the government. Tax collectors help them obtain their first driver’s license and can even help them register to vote. Florida has taken great steps to ensure the integrity of our elections. Today, I encouraged tax collectors to help us keep Florida elections secure by posting information about Florida’s Voter Fraud Hotline—so Floridians know how and where to report suspicious activity.”    Continue reading →