TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Legislature opened a 60-day session Tuesday that will take on the business of running the country’s third most populous state while tackling a slate of potentially controversial measures — from shielding businesses against COVID-related lawsuits to clamping down on protesters who turn violent.
The state Senate, its members and staff donning face masks on the chamber floor, gaveled into session shortly after 9:30 a.m., and the House followed.
Bouquets festooned both chambers. Gov. Ron DeSantis later delivered his State of the State address, saying he was looking forward to working with lawmakers on the key issues facing their state.