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Gov. DeSantis: Florida Opts Into Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit to Expand School Choice

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida will opt in to the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, a new program created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, further expanding school choice opportunities for families across the state.

“Florida families have access to the nation’s top-ranked and largest school choice program,” DeSantis said. “About 1.4 million students are enrolled in school choice options in Florida—more than most other states’ entire K-12 school population. This new federal program will allow Florida families to supplement their existing scholarships.”

Federal Tax Credit Expands Education Freedom
The Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, allows taxpayers to receive a tax credit of up to $1,700 annually for contributions that help K-12 students cover educational expenses. By opting into the program, Florida enables families to combine federal benefits with existing state-based scholarships, further broadening access to educational options.

Florida’s Leadership in School Choice
Florida enacted universal school choice in 2023, ensuring every family has access to education options that meet their needs. Nearly half of all students in the state now participate in school choice programs, including private schools, charter schools, virtual education, and homeschooling.

National Recognition and Rankings
Florida continues to lead the nation in education freedom. The Heritage Foundation ranked Florida No. 1 in Education Freedom for the fourth consecutive year, also awarding top marks in Education Choice, Civic Education, Academic Transparency, and Teacher Freedom. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) ranked Florida No. 1 for Education Freedom for the third straight year, citing student-centered funding, charter schools, and homeschooling. The Center for Education Reform also ranked Florida No. 1 on its Parent Power Index for the fourth consecutive year, highlighting the state’s leadership in transformational learning and choice programs.

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Florida

Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11

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The ad was produced by political strategist Brad Herold of Something Else Strategies and marks the first major media investment of the campaign.

$5 MILLION PERSONAL LOAN TO CAMPAIGN

Strada, founder of Strada Services, announced last week that he had loaned his congressional campaign $5 million, providing the campaign with substantial financial resources early in the election cycle.

Strada Services is one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned companies specializing in air conditioning, electrical, security, and plumbing services.

The campaign said the loan and advertising investment demonstrate Strada’s commitment to communicating directly with voters throughout Central Florida.


FIRST MAJOR MEDIA PUSH

The $1 million advertising effort is expected to reach voters across Florida’s 11th Congressional District through a combination of television, radio, and digital media platforms.

The campaign has positioned Strada as a conservative outsider and successful entrepreneur focused on bringing private-sector experience to Washington.

Additional details regarding future advertising and campaign events are expected in the coming weeks.

ABOUT FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Florida’s 11th Congressional District includes portions of Central Florida and is expected to be one of the state’s closely watched congressional races during the 2026 election cycle.

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Florida

Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47

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Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Rep. Paula Stark has been disqualified from seeking reelection in Florida House District 47 after failing to satisfy candidate qualifying requirements before the noon Friday filing deadline.

According to state election records, Stark’s candidacy was disqualified due to a deficiency involving required financial disclosure filings, commonly referred to as Form 6. Florida law requires candidates for legislative office to timely submit all qualifying documents, including financial disclosure forms, to appear on the ballot.

 

Form 6 Financial Disclosure Requirement

Form 6 is a public financial disclosure document required for state elected officials and candidates. The form requires candidates to disclose assets, liabilities, sources of income, and other financial interests.

The disclosure includes a sworn certification stating: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Form 6 and that the facts stated in it are true.”

Candidates are required to complete, sign and timely file the disclosure as part of Florida’s qualifying process. Failure to properly file required qualifying documents, including Form 6, by the statutory deadline can result in disqualification from the ballot.

Democrats Advance to Primary Election

With Stark removed from contention, Democrats now have an opportunity to capture the Republican-held seat in House District 47.

The only candidates remaining in the race are:

  • Jorge Figueroa, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
  • Anthony Nieves, a state investigator

The two Democrats will compete in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, with the winner becoming Representative-Elect.

House District 47 covers portions of Osceola County and has been represented by Stark since her election to the Florida House.

The disqualification was among the most notable developments of Florida’s 2026 candidate qualifying period and significantly alters the political landscape in a district Republicans had hoped to retain.

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Central Florida News

State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.

Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.

Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.

Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.

Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.

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