DOME Briefing: What Moves Florida Politics Today | July 10, 2026
Good morning from Tallahassee. Friday’s biggest political developments come from the courtroom and the campaign trail, as the lawsuit challenging James Fishback’s eligibility moves toward a hearing, the Stop WOKE Act remains partially blocked in federal court, and President Donald J. Trump International Airport begins operations under its new name.
🏛️ Under the Dome
Fishback Eligibility Lawsuit Moves Toward July Hearing
A Leon County judge has scheduled a two-day hearing beginning July 21 in the lawsuit challenging whether Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback satisfies Florida’s constitutional seven-year residency requirement.
The challenge, brought by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, comes just weeks before the Aug. 18 Republican primary. While ballots are already moving into production, the court could still determine whether votes cast for Fishback ultimately count.
Why it matters: The ruling could significantly alter the Republican governor’s race just weeks before primary voters head to the polls.
⚖️ Courts & Legal Affairs
Appeals Court Keeps Stop WOKE Act on Hold
Florida officials are weighing their next legal move after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld an injunction blocking enforcement of key higher education provisions of the Stop WOKE Act.
The 2-1 ruling concluded the challenged provisions are likely unconstitutional because they restrict professors’ classroom speech at Florida’s public colleges and universities.
What’s next: State attorneys may seek rehearing before the full Eleventh Circuit or ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.
✈️ Around Florida
Trump International Airport Officially Opens
The former Palm Beach International Airport officially began operating Thursday as President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
“Trump Force One” became the first aircraft to land under the airport’s new name, carrying Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Florida officials participating in opening-day events.
Why it matters: The renaming represents one of Florida’s most high-profile symbolic actions of 2026 and further cements President Trump’s ties to Palm Beach County.
🗳️ Campaign Watch
- Republican gubernatorial candidates continue campaigning ahead of the Aug. 18 primary.
- The Fishback residency lawsuit remains the most closely watched legal battle of the election cycle.
- Campaign fundraising and endorsements are expected to intensify through July.
🏛️ Capitol Watch
State agencies continue implementing legislation that took effect July 1 while lawmakers begin shaping priorities for next year’s legislative session.
Education, immigration, and property tax reform remain among the issues expected to dominate Florida’s political agenda.
💰 Money Trail
Campaign finance activity is expected to increase as statewide candidates prepare their next fundraising reports and expand television and digital advertising ahead of the primary.
👀 What We’re Watching
- New filings in the Fishback eligibility lawsuit.
- Whether Florida appeals the Stop WOKE Act ruling.
- Additional gubernatorial endorsements.
- New campaign finance reports from statewide candidates.
📅 Political Calendar
July 21 — Fishback eligibility hearing begins in Leon County.
Aug. 6 — Deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot for Florida’s primary election.
Aug. 18 — Florida Primary Election.
