Florida
DeSantis and Trump priorities hold sway as Florida lawmakers begin legislative session
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — As Florida lawmakers officially kicked off their 2025 legislative session Tuesday, the political aspirations of two of the state’s best-known residents — Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump — were driving the conversation amid the pomp and ceremony.
As DeSantis approaches the end of his second term as governor, the popular Republican leader has been talking up one potential heir to succeed him: his wife, Casey DeSantis. At the same time, DeSantis has been sparring with some of Trump’s allies in the Legislature, working to lay the groundwork for his own political future while the president’s supporters in Tallahassee try to follow through on the campaign promises of the man DeSantis dared to challenge for the Republican party nomination.
Addressing a joint session of the Legislature on Tuesday, DeSantis touted the laws he signed last month to crackdown on illegal immigration in the state, which lawmakers passed after huddling in three special sessions that sparked a bitter feud between the governor and legislative leaders as they battled over whose ideas would better deliver on Trump’s vision.
But speaking to a House chamber packed with lawmakers, DeSantis congratulated the legislative leaders standing by his side on the immigration measures.
“No state has done more and no state did it sooner than we did in the free state of Florida,” DeSantis said. “We can and we must continue to lead.”
Heading into the regular session, DeSantis has called on lawmakers to consider a proposal to eliminate the state’s property taxes, to roll back gun restrictions that a bipartisan coalition passed in the wake of the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland and to significantly restructure the citizens’ ballot initiative process. In November, Florida voters used the ballot process to propose legalizing recreational marijuana and expanding abortion rights, though the measure fell short of the 60% needed to pass.
“We saw how that constitutional amendment process was perverted,” DeSantis said, alleging there was fraud in the petitions used to get the measures on the ballot. “We need to clean up this out of control amendment process.”
Lawmakers have teed up a slate of bills aimed at addressing some of their constituents’ most pressing concerns: the continued impact of back-to-back hurricanes, the rising cost of property insurance and housing, as well as immigration and the threats posed by climate change and sea level rise.
But also on the Legislature’s docket are bills aimed at carrying out some of Trump’s asks, from banning fluoride in public water systems, which the president’s Health and Human Services secretary has advocated, to codifying the use of the “Gulf of America” by state agencies and in teaching materials after Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico.
“It seems like they all want to please him,” House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell said of Republican leaders. “So I do worry about the influence of the federal government, and particularly Donald Trump, on what we do this legislative session.”
Republican Senate President Ben Albritton focused his remarks on what he called the need for government efficiency at a time when the Trump administration is working to dismantle the federal workforce.
“To be clear, we will take the opportunity to build on and modernize some of Florida’s long-standing accountability processes. Now is the time to do it,” Albritton said.
In past sessions, legislative leaders have fast-tracked the governor’s priorities with little public resistance, helping DeSantis build his national profile as a bold executive eager to take on the left and make the state the envy of conservative activists across the country.
But in recent months, Florida’s Republican lawmakers have challenged DeSantis’ leadership like never before, initially resisting his call for a special session on illegal immigration. Some lawmakers have filed bills to roll back DeSantis administration efforts, such as a proposal to take power away from state officials appointed by the governor to oversee the hiring of new university presidents.
Republican House Speaker Daniel Perez encouraged his members to embrace the opportunities for change “in this time of chaos.”
“We can’t be afraid to break the status quo,” Perez said. “We must rise to meet this moment.”
___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Florida State has made the decision to keep Mike Norvell as head coach going into the 2026 season.
Since releasing a statement which promised a “comprehensive assessment’ at the end of the year, the Seminoles have gone 2-2, with both of those losses coming by double-digits on the road.
READ MORE: Mike Norvell returning as FSU football’s head coach in 2026
Norvell is 38-33 overall and 22-26 against ACC opponents at Florida State. So, why do the powers at be plan to retain him for a seventh year on the job?
Fsu President Mccullough001 / Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK
Shortly after news broke that Norvell would be sticking around in Tallahassee, Florida State released a statement from multiple decision-makers; university president Richard McCullough, athletic director Michael Alford, and BOT chairman Peter Collins.
With support from leadership, Norvell has pledged to make fundamental changes in ‘specific areas’ to help meet Florida State’s standard.
“FSU Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins, Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford, and I are in complete agreement that changes are needed for our program to improve,” McCullough said. “Coach Norvell embraces our support in that process and agrees that success must be achieved.
“He continues to demonstrate an unwavering belief in this program’s future, and so do we,” McCullough continued. “This decision reflects a unified commitment to competing in the rapidly evolving landscape of college football, while maintaining continuity within the program.”
Alford cited Florida State’s massive financial investment in the football program. The Seminoles would owe Norvell around $54 million if he’s fired after December 31.
“Our responsibility is to do what gives Florida State the strongest competitive position – not just today, but for years to come,” Alford said. “Florida State has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in its football program over the past few years with high expectations.
“Chairman Collins, President McCullough, and I are aligned in partnering with Coach and improving our ability to compete for championships,” Alford added. “Our mission is unwavering in putting Florida State football at the forefront of college athletics.”
Collins believes Florida State needs to address other deficiencies within the program.
“In addition to addressing the reality that on-field results have been far from acceptable to the FSU standard, we also realize our responsibilities as stewards of program revenues and how to best allocate those dollars to compete at an elite level – something we will not compromise,” Collins said.
“Throughout the assessment, one goal will remain beyond all others – achieving sustained championship-level success. We will address performance deficiencies in the program,” Collins added. “These deficiencies may include structural changes to the very large and complex program FSU football has become, and these areas are where we will focus and invest.”
In the release, Norvell shared his love for Florida State.
“This program has been built on belief, sacrifice, and putting the team first,” Norvell said. “That set of values has always guided my actions, and those of our players. The driving motivation behind this is to make certain that we are doing everything properly to obtain and retain elite players, add critical pieces, and sustain long-term success.”
“I love Florida State, and I am fully committed to this program, and our shared goals.”
READ MORE: FSU football’s bizarre special teams chaos defies explanation: ‘once in a lifetime’
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GAINESVILLE, FL – The No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers head to Florida to take on the Gators in a primetime SEC matchup today, Saturday, Nov. 22. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. Eastern on ABC.
If you’ve cut ties with your cable provider, there are still ways you can tune in. Several streaming services will broadcast the game live and you can watch on Fubo (free trial), DIRECTV (free trial), Sling (promotional offers as low as $4.99) and the ESPN streaming app.
The SEC is packed with teams that are filled with dogs that look to do nothing but win. Tennessee has been part of that club this season; among the teams in the AP Top 25, they hold the lowest rank in the conference at No. 20.
On the other side of the field is a Florida squad with a losing record, but they get to play the role of spoiler.
A look at Tennessee
The Volunteers offense has been on fire this season. The squad ranks second in points per game (43.4), second in total yards per game (495.0), and third in passing yards per game (318.3).
They score at a rate that makes the rest of their conference look silly, as far as how they prepare to get the ball into the endzone.
It was further shown in their recent 42-9 blowout win over New Mexico State. In a game where they were bouncing off the loss to Oklahoma, the defense was sturdy and held the Aggies run game to 27 yards on the day, while quarterback Joey Aguilar completed 73.9% of his passes for 204 yards, one score and two interceptions.
Now they get to prepare for a Florida squad who’s earned all three of their wins on home turf.
Within the rivalry, the last time they won consecutive games was the 2003 and 2004 season.
Tennessee players to watch
Joey Aguilar
One of the best quarterbacks in college football, Aguilar ranks eighth in passing yards (2,941) and ties for ninth in passing touchdowns (22) within all of college football.
Continuing his play at this rate could help the Volunteers creep into the College Football Playoff.
DeSean Bishop
Bishop has been a sturdy back that’s kept the run game afloat, ranking sixth in yards (770) and fourth in touchdowns within the SEC.
Watch No. 20 Tennessee vs. Florida for free on FuboTV
A look at Florida
A 3-7 record isn’t enough to make the College Football Playoff, and with only two games remaining on the schedule, Florida can say goodbye to meeting the six-win requirement to make a bowl game.
However, the Gators can spoil the seasons of their peers, especially the Volunteers. Doing so would end a three-game skid for the Florida squad.
The Gators offense ranks 12th in passing yards (217.1) and 15th in points (20.8) within the conference. The defense ties for 12th in points allowed (23.6) and ranks 12th in rushing yards allowed (143.2) in the conference.
Florida players to watch
DJ Lagway
The sophomore quarterback could be better, with a 12 touchdowns-13 interceptions ratio to his name.
Jadan Baugh
Baugh has been solid with 808 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Watch No. 20 Tennessee vs. Florida for free on DIRECTV
Who is announcing Tennessee vs. Florida?
With this primetime matchup being broadcasted on ABC, it will be announced by Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline reporter).
What are the latest odds for Tennessee vs. Florida?
Note: These odds are as of Friday afternoon.
Spread: TENN (-4, -112) | FL (+4, -108)
Moneyline: TENN (-205) | FL (+170)
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
Check out more information on how to watch the No. 20 Tennessee vs. Florida game today on TV and streaming services:
What: No. 20 Tennessee vs. Florida college football
When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | Gainesville, Fla.
Channel: ABC
Best streaming options: Fubo (free trial), DIRECTV (free trial), Sling (promotional offers as low as $4.99), ESPN streaming
About Fubo
Fubo, which offers a free trial, has three main packages: Pro costs $79.99/month; Elite is $89.99; Premier is priced at $99.99. Cancel before the free trial ends to avoid being charged. Fubo includes access to more than 185 sports, entertainment and news channels. You can record games, TV shows, movies and more.
About DIRECTV
DIRECTV, which also gives customers a free trial, offers four packages if you continue with the service after your trial ends: Entertainment for $69.99; Choice for $84.99; Ultimate for $109.99; and premier for $159.99. Choice offers the most channels for sports enthusiasts.
About Sling
Sling TV users can get a Day Pass for $4.99; Weekend Pass for $9.99; Week Pass for $14.99; Monthly Pass for $45.99 (and get half off your first month); and Season Pass for $199.99 for 5 months, then $45.99 per month thereafter. You can also subscribe to either the Blue package or the Orange package depending on your viewing preferences. Sling Blue allows up to three streams at a time and Sling Orange allows one stream at a time.
About ESPN
ESPN now offers an Unlimited Plan for $29.99 per month (or $299.99 for entire year) and a Select Plan for $11.99 per month (or $119.99 for entire year), which replicates its previous coverage of select games and broadcasts on ESPN Plus.
Tennessee has almost certainly played itself out of the College Football Playoff conversation, but it can still put itself into a decent bowl and end its season on a high note with a win here, combined with another against insurgent rival Vanderbilt.
Florida has no ability to get to a bowl at just 3-7, but can hand two of its rivals an ugly late-season loss with a good showing against the Vols this week and then against Florida State in the finale.
1. Tennessee’s Offensive Explosiveness
Tennessee enters the matchup with the No. 2 offense in the country, led by quarterback Joey Aguilar and a host of playmakers at the skill positions.
The Volunteers average 43.4 points per game and almost 500 total yards, frequently hitting explosive plays in the passing game and mixing in a solid running attack.
For Florida to have a chance, its defense must contain Tennessee’s high-powered offense and disrupt Aguilar’s rhythm early.
2. Florida’s Run Defense and Second-Half Play
A key storyline is Florida’s struggle against the run, giving up 470 rushing yards in its last two games, and its inability to play a full 60 minutes, particularly on offense.
Tennessee uses their run game to set up play action, and Florida’s defense must get set quickly against the Vols’ up-tempo approach.
The Gators also need to improve offensively in the second half, as scoring droughts and stalled drives have cost them winnable games.
3. Turnover Margin
Both teams have had turnover issues, but it has been particularly damaging for Florida, ranking near the bottom nationally in giveaways.
Tennessee is opportunistic, forcing 19 turnovers this season, and the Volunteers thrive when winning the turnover battle.
Key takeaways or lost possessions could swing momentum and prove decisive in a game that is expected to be close, with simulations and expert picks predicting a one-score outcome.
Bettors predictably are siding with the Vols, but expect a much closer game.
Tennessee is a 3.5 point favorite against Florida, according to the updates game lines posted to FanDuel Sportsbook.
FanDuel lists the total at 57.5 points for the matchup, and set the moneyline odds for Tennessee at -178 and for Florida at +150 to win outright.
Tennessee has not won a game at Florida since 2003, a streak of 10 straight losses, but if there is a year where the Gators can get got in the Swamp, this is it. Just ask USF.
Joey Aguilar leads a Vols offense that is among the most explosive and consistent in college football, but it has one major weakness, turning the ball over at the worst times. Still, the Gators are worse in that department, averaging 90th in FBS in turnover margin.
Florida has bodies on defense that can make this interesting. Consider close results against Georgia and Ole Miss, and a win against a then top-ten Texas at home.
And with nothing to lose, they could make this very close, especially against a Tennessee pass defense that is just 118th in the country.
College Football HQ picks…
When: Sat., Nov. 22
Where: Florida
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern
TV: ABC network
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams
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