Florida still has the second-highest foreclosure rate in the nation and its unemployment rate remains dangerously close to 12 percent, but some businesses and economists see signs for cautious optimism for a steady, albeit prolonged, recovery in the months ahead.

Republicans from Florida are taking aim at new search techniques being employed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on airline passengers -- even as a poll shows most Americans accept these measures as necessary for greater security.

A "Repeal Amendment" empowering states to revoke federal laws is gaining traction among conservative lawmakers across the country.

Close to half of the Florida Senate and almost one-third of state House members are millionaires, with this months elections sweeping a number of wealthier lawmakers into office, state financial disclosure reports show.

With multimillionaire Republican Rick Scott heading into the governors office, Florida voters also are turning to a Legislature packed with millionaires to lead the state out of its long and deep economic trench.

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, unveiled his committee assignments Tuesday, assignments that will shape the course of Florida government for the next two years.

When lawmakers return to Capitol Hill after their Thanksgiving break, they will have barely a month to decide whether to raise taxes.