The Daily Caller reports that 10 states -- including Florida -- have increased or will be increasing their minimum wages this year, and reminds readers of the potentially disastrous economic ramifications of it.

U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., issued a statement Thursday evening defending his vote for U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, against incumbent and re-electee John Boehner.

Many conservatives and libertarians from within the Republican Party have lambasted Boehner for what they believe to be his compromise on key party principles.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi andFlorida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)Secretary Liz Dudek on Thursday jointly released the annual Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Report. A few of the highlights include:

Return on Investment: For every $1 spent to prevent fraud andabuse or to recover Medicaid funds due to fraud and abuse, the state ofFlorida gains $6.80.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi released a statement Wednesday joining President Barack Obama inrecognizing January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking PreventionMonth.

Raising awareness about the prevalence of human trafficking is a crucialcomponent to combating this $32 billion industry that exploits women,children and men, Bondi stated in a press release. I remain dedicatedto doing everything within my power to make Florida a zero-tolerance statefor human trafficking.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday praised at least one aspect of the U.S. Congress's "fiscal cliff" compromise: aone-year tax relief extension for borrowers who have mortgagedebt canceled or forgiven due to financial hardship.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's Office of Civil Rightstoday released the 2011 HateCrimes in Florida Report, which includes detailed information on the typesof hate crimes being committed throughout the Sunshine State. In 2011, 139 hate crimes were reported by 58 of the 407 local lawenforcement agencies that provide data to the Florida Department of LawEnforcement through the Uniform Crime Reporting information system.

As many prepare to shed some of those pounds gained during holiday feasting, Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released Friday five tips to Floridians soliciting the services of health studios (e.g., gyms). They are:

"1. Shop around. Many health studios allow prospective members to use the facility on a trial basis. If the health studio offers this option, consumers should consider trying out the health studio to determine whether it is the right health studio to help them meet their fitness goals.

Will Florida outlaw certain types of political campaign speech, or protesting within 500 feet of a funeral, or texting while driving? Will the Sunshine State finally ratify the Equal Rights Amendment? Will the state provide financial incentives for students to take classes inPortugueseand Mandarin? Will "Stand Your Ground" stand its ground in the 2013 session?

What do you get when you cross pop artist Romero Britto, FloridaMarlins' great Jeff Conine,the Miami Heat's DJ Irie,boxing promoter Don King,Heat forward Rashard Lewis,celebrity chef Steve Martorano,former National Hurricane Center director Max Mayfield,"People's Court" judge Marilyn Milian,former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula, the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, the Miami Heat dancers, and Dolphins players Mike Pouncey, John Jerry, and Sean Smith?

In a wide-ranging exclusive interview with Newsmax, Gov. Rick Scott of Florida says he is "open to ideas" about arming Florida's public school teachers, in the wake of theSandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Asked about Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnells call for a discussion on arming school officials, Scott told Newsmax: Im always open to ideas to understand how we can reduce our crime rate. Whenever something happens, you always open your ears to listen to more things.