South Florida

Florida Legislature Kicks Off 60-Day Annual Session

The 60-day session of the Florida Legislature is officially underway.

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli opened up the session on Tuesday morning. Gov. Rick Scott gave his annual ``State of the State'' speech at 11 a.m.

Legislators are expected to tackle a number of issues over the next several weeks including whether to authorize the creation of two mega casinos in South Florida.

The Legislature is also required to pass an annual budget. Scott has asked for legislators to approve nearly $700 million in tax cuts including a cut in cellphones and cable television taxes.

Lawmakers are also expected to deal with environmental spending, the state's use of standardized testing and whether to change laws regulating the sale of beer and liquor.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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