Jim DeFede

Miami

Investigative Reporter at WFOR-TV (Miami, FL)

Investigative reporter CBS News Miami; host of Facing South Florida on Sunday mornings. Author of The Day The World Came To Town Email:[email protected]

Articles

State Senator Jason Pizzo tells CBS News Miami, "Yes, I am" running for governor

5 days ago | cbsnews.com | Jim DeFede |Byron Donalds

Two weeks after proclaiming the Democratic Party "dead" in Florida and switching his registration to NPA, State Senator Jason Pizzo declared he was running for governor in 2026 as an independent during an interview with CBS News Miami. Although it was widely viewed that he made the switch with the intention of running for governor, this was the first time he stated it as a matter of fact. "Yes, I am," he said when asked the question.
Condo reform

1 week ago | cbsnews.com | Jim DeFede

Condo reformAfter the Champlain Towers collapsed in 2021, killing 98 people in Surfside, the Florida legislature passed some of the strictest rules anywhere in the country to make sure buildings were being inspected, structural tests were done and repairs would be made. The costs passed on to condo owners has left many facing the loss of their homes. This week, the legislature passed measures to ease some of that financial burden.
Social Security concerns

1 week ago | cbsnews.com | Jim DeFede

Social Security concernsJim interviews Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz about social security concerns that exist due to moves the Trump administration and Elon Musk are making that could threaten benefits. Guest: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz/D- Florida 25th District In: Elon Musk Florida Legislature Donald Trump Social Security Administration Florida Social Security
"Tristin Murphy Act" passes unanimously, heading to Gov. DeSantis

1 week ago | cbsnews.com | Jim DeFede

On Friday evening, the Florida Legislature formally passed the Tristin Murphy Act, the most comprehensive reform to mental health inside the criminal justice system in decades. Murphy, a 37-year-old schizophrenic, had been in and out of jail for years because of his mental illness, without ever receiving the treatment or long-term care he needed. Murphy's final arrest came when he allowed his pickup truck to roll into a pond near the Charlotte County Jail.
Former HHS secretary, Rep. Donna Shalala talks impacts of DOGE cuts

2 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Jim DeFede

Jim talks with Donna Shalala about DOGE cuts to HHS CBS News Miami's Jim DeFede interviewed former Rep. Donna Shalala about cuts made by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE. Shalala, who was also the president of the University of Miami from 2001 through 2015 and the former HHS secretary during the Clinton administration, shared how the cuts, orchestrated by Musk, will impact not only her former department but also everyday Americans.
Florida's fluoride controversy. Where the issue stands among state's former surgeon general

2 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Jim DeFede

Former state Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees on Florida's fluoride controversy CBS News Miami's Jim DeFede interviewed former Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees concerning the state's fluoride controversy. The Miami-Dade County Commission recently voted to end the process of adding fluoride to the county's water. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava vetoed that, and in two weeks, commissioners will have the opportunity to override her veto.
Hope Florida controversy

3 weeks ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Jim DeFede

Share Jim DeFede explores the growing controversy surrounding Hope Florida. The chairman of a foundation tied to Hope Florida — Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis' signature welfare-assistance program — said under oath last Tuesday that "mistakes were made" with the foundation's record-keeping, as a skirmish over the group's finances continued to escalate.
Florida State University shooting and gun control

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Jim DeFede

Florida State University shooting/gun controlThursday's deadly mass shooting at Florida State University has renewed cries for gun control in the state. Two people were killed and six were injured Thursday during a mass shooting at Florida State University's Student Union, officials said. The alleged shooter, identified as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, was also wounded by responding officers and remained in the hospital.
Hope Florida controversy

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Jim DeFede

Hope Florida controversyJim DeFede explores the growing controversy surrounding Hope Florida. The chairman of a foundation tied to Hope Florida — Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis' signature welfare-assistance program — said under oath last Tuesday that "mistakes were made" with the foundation's record-keeping, as a skirmish over the group's finances continued to escalate.
One-on-one with Florida Senate President Ben Albritton

1 month ago | cbsnews.com | Jim DeFede

One-on-one with Florida Senate President Ben Albritton One-on-one with Florida Senate President Ben AlbrittonSenate President Ben Albritton is emerging as the most influential player in Tallahassee this session as he is the swing vote between the ongoing war between House Speaker Danny Perez and Governor Ron DeSantis.