Navigation Florida blogger-registration bill in limbo in the wake of criticism
A bill that would have required bloggers who write about the governor or state lawmakers to register with the state government or face fines of up to $2,500 “per report” is now in limbo, but the fact it was even introduced worries free speech advocates.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders this week came out in opposition to Senate Bill 1316, which would have required bloggers who are paid to write about elected state officials, including the governor and lawmakers, to register with the Office of Legislative Services or the Commission on Ethics. State Sen. Jason Brodeur (R-Lake Mary) authored the bill, which would have exempted newspaper reporters and those working for “similar publications.”
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression called the bill an affront to the First Amendment and freedom of the press.
