Roughly half of all small businesses in the United States are home-based businesses. For Floridians, it has not always been easy to know whether it is legal to run simple businesses, like baking cookies or selling hand-crafted items, from your home. But that will soon change if Gov. DeSantis signs into law two recent reforms that passed the Florida Legislature.
Lizette Galdames knows how badly these reforms are needed. When her husband suffered a stroke a few years ago, she did not know what she was going to do until she sold her homemade jams and preserves at South Florida farmers’ markets. And she never stopped.
League of Women Voters of Florida files suit to overturn new election law
By NATHAN MAYBERG - | May 12, 2021
Gov. Ron DeSantis
The League of Women Voters of Florida has filed a lawsuit challenging election legislation signed into law last week by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The legislation, which critics –including the League say could suppress voting, was supported by Lee County’s Republican delegation including Sen. Ray Rodrigues (R-Estero), Sen. Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula), Sen. Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples), representatives Adam Botana (R-Bonita Springs), Spencer Roach (R-North Fort Myers), Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R-Fort Myers) and Mike Giallambardo (R-Cape Coral).
Rodrigues said the bill, known as SB-90, “makes it very difficult to cheat.” He said the legislation will create more safeguards for drop box locations. Previously, some counties did not guard drop boxes in the way the election law intended, he said.
Gov. DeSantis signs online tax bill
By NATHAN MAYBERG - | Apr 28, 2021
Gov. Ron DeSantis
A new state law which will require online companies based outside of Florida to collect sales tax on purchases made by Floridians, was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis after being approved by the state legislature.
The law was supported by DeSantis a way to replenish the state’s unemployment reserve funds. State Sen. Ray Rodrigues (R-Estero), whose district includes most of Lee County, supported the bill. State representatives Mike Giallombardo, R-Cape Coral,) Adam Botana (R-Bonita Springs) and Spencer Roach (R-North Fort Myers), whose districts include much of Lee County, also voted in favor.