2023 promises to be an important year for Florida governor Ron DeSantis, as he looks to establish a clear political direction (and potentially a widely predicted presidential campaign in 2024). Many are speculating about the different legislature DeSantis could seek to introduce over the coming year, as he sets out his own unique vision for Florida. We’ve prepared a brief introduction to some of the possible priorities on DeSantis’ agenda in 2023 – there are many potential changes on the horizon.
Gambling Laws
Currently, sports betting in Florida is at a standstill. After briefly becoming legal for Florida residents back in 2021 due to a pact reached between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis, legal challenges have meant that sports betting has once again been shut down in the state. We should soon know more about when a ruling will be reached, and many Florida residents are eagerly awaiting a conclusion to this case. If this is something you’re looking forward to you can do some research now, as if sports betting does soon return in Florida, you’ll already know where you can find a new instant withdrawal casino, the best US online sportsbooks, and where to gamble safely.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida are involved in an ongoing court appeal as they battle for their right to have control of sports betting and online gambling throughout Florida. In theory, a new bill could permit the Seminole Tribe to operate sports betting and online gambling platforms in exchange for a share of the revenue generated. The outcome of this case could have a wider impact on tribal laws in other US states. It is still unclear how much longer Florida residents will have to wait for a decision in this case, but some people predict that an outcome will soon be reached this year.
If changes to legislation bring about the expansion of gambling options, this would allow for the opening of new casinos, sports betting facilities, and online gambling platforms in Florida. A move like this one would be expected to increase revenue for the state, as well as potentially creating job opportunities for thousands of Floridians. However, opponents of more permissive gambling laws argue that the availability of more gambling options could lead to an increase in gambling addiction, which can cause financial and emotional harm to individuals and families.
Overall, any changes in 2023 to gambling legislation in Florida promise to bring significant change to the industry. While the expansion of gambling options is expected to increase revenue and create job opportunities, it also raises concerns about the potential negative impacts on Florida’s society. As with any major policy change, the potential benefits and drawbacks of expanded gambling options are yet to be seen.
Reduced Gun Controls
DeSantis opposes gun control, and has made it pretty clear that the expansion of gun rights is one of his top priorities for 2023. He is keen to establish a ‘constitutional carry’ measure – this means allowing people to carry concealed loaded guns anywhere they want, without having to have a concealed weapons license. Gov. DeSantis has long been opposed to gun controls, and is keen to please his Republican base with this highly contentious issue that many feel strongly about in Florida today.
At present, the state law requires a background check, and training, for anyone seeking a concealed weapons permit. It would be a huge change if Floridians were soon able to carry a firearm without having a license, and the possibility of this has attracted major criticism from gun safety advocates, who argue that this would increase the likelihood of gun violence and deadly shootings.
Defamation Bill
Gov. DeSantis also seems keen to introduce a new defamation bill, which would make it easier for public officials to sue journalistic publications and news organizations for publishing any suspected defamation or false information. DeSantis has a keen interest in this topic and he has been known to frequently criticize the news industry. This bill would curb the abilities of reporters and news organizations, as they would no longer be free to report on political news without the fear of being sued for defamation.
It’s unlikely that this particular bill will get very far, as it would come up against long standing Supreme Court legislation around freedom of speech. Many people are opposed to the idea of curbing press freedoms in the US, so despite his dislike of news organizations, DeSantis may struggle to make any headway with this particular bill – but it will certainly remain to be a hot topic for him throughout 2023.
There are due to be a number of legislative proposals from DeSantis in 2023, so watch this space for further development on Florida law. DeSantis is keen to carve out his political niche and impress his Republican voter base, so we can expect some major policy proposals this year and beyond.