Florida is weird right now. Honestly, there’s no other way to put it.
While most of the country is staring at January sleet, we’re sitting here watching a giant moon rocket crawl toward a launch pad in Brevard County while politicians in Tallahassee are literally refusing to shake hands. It’s a strange mix of high-tech ambition and middle-school-level pettiness.
If you’re trying to keep up with today in florida news, you’ve probably noticed the vibe is a bit tense. The 2026 legislative session just kicked off, and it didn't take long for things to get awkward. Governor Ron DeSantis gave his final State of the State address this week, and the biggest headline wasn't just about the $117.36 billion budget he proposed.
It was a handshake. Or rather, the lack of one.
The Tallahassee Snub Everyone is Talking About
Basically, DeSantis walked into the chamber, shook hands with Senate President Ben Albritton, and then completely bypassed House Speaker Daniel Perez. Like he wasn't even there. People who have worked in the Capitol for decades are calling it "unprecedented."
Why does this matter for your wallet? Because these are the guys who have to agree on how to fix the property insurance crisis and whether or not to slash property taxes.
💡 You might also like: Brian Walshe Trial Date: What Really Happened with the Verdict
DeSantis is pushing hard to put a property tax repeal on the November 2026 ballot. He says people are "locked into their homes" because they can't afford the taxes on a new place. He's not wrong about the squeeze. Local property tax revenue has jumped from $32 billion to $56 billion in just seven years. That's a massive hit to the average family.
But here's the catch: a new Mason-Dixon poll just dropped showing that 63% of Floridians actually care way more about property insurance relief than property tax cuts. It’s a classic Florida standoff. The Governor wants a legacy-defining tax cut, while the voters are just trying to figure out how to pay a $6,000 insurance premium without selling a kidney.
NASA’s Artemis 2 is Finally Moving
While the politicians are bickering, the engineers are actually getting stuff done.
Today, Jan. 17, 2026, NASA began the slow, painstaking rollout of the Artemis 2 moon rocket at Kennedy Space Center. It’s headed to Launch Pad 39B. This is the big one—the mission that’s going to carry humans around the Moon for the first time in over fifty years.
Watching that thing move is a reminder that Florida still does "big" better than anyone else. It's a four-mile crawl that takes nearly half a day. If you’re over on the Space Coast today, you can probably see the silhouette on the horizon. It’s a nice break from the constant political noise.
📖 Related: How Old is CHRR? What People Get Wrong About the Ohio State Research Giant
The Real Estate Reality Check
We have to talk about the housing market. It’s kind of a mess, but in a way that might actually help buyers soon.
Florida now has the most foreclosures of any state in the U.S. That sounds scary, and for a lot of families, it is. Investors are fleeing the state—purchases by big investment firms are down 50% to 70% in places like Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
The silver lining? Builders are starting to sweat. About 40% of builders in the state reported cutting prices this month. They’re also throwing in crazy incentives—65% of new builds now come with some kind of "deal" just to get people in the door.
If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the "implosion," you're starting to see the cracks. Home values are down about 5.3% statewide over the last year, but in some specific pockets, they’ve dipped more than 13%.
Weather: The Front is Coming
Quick heads up for anyone in North Florida or the Panhandle: the warmth we’ve had today is about to vanish.
👉 See also: The Yogurt Shop Murders Location: What Actually Stands There Today
A cold front is moving in late this afternoon. Jacksonville and the surrounding areas are looking at a "freeze" warning for tonight and into Sunday. Overnight lows are expected to hit the 30s in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
It’s not just the cold, either. We actually need the rain. Forecasters are calling for about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch of rain north of I-10 tonight. South of that, expect maybe a quarter-inch. Sunday is going to be chilly with a northwesterly breeze that’ll keep highs in the 40s for a lot of people.
Basically, keep the hoodie handy.
What You Should Actually Do Today
Don't just scroll past the headlines. Here’s how to actually handle today in florida news without losing your mind:
- Check your property tax assessment: With the Governor pushing for a repeal, now is the time to look at what you’re actually paying and see if you qualify for any current exemptions (like the Homestead exemption) before the laws shift.
- Negotiate with builders: If you’re in the market for a house, don't pay sticker price. With 40% of builders cutting prices, you have the leverage for the first time in years. Ask for rate buy-downs.
- Watch the sky: The Artemis 2 rollout is a historic moment. If you can’t get to Titusville, find a live stream. It’s a lot more inspiring than watching two politicians ignore each other.
- Drip your pipes: If you're in the northern part of the state, don't ignore that freeze warning. A few hours of 30-degree weather is all it takes to ruin a Sunday morning.
Florida is a lot of things, but it's never boring. Between the rockets and the tax battles, there's always something moving. Just make sure you're the one moving with it.