Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Martin DyckmanJuly 12, 2016

What might have been only a run-of-the-mill bribery case became a major chapter in Florida history, and a forerunner of a recent deeply disturbing decision at the U.S. Supreme Court. A Ft. Lauderdale labor union local wanted to dig a canal on property it owned. Seeking a shortcut, the president and two henchmen passed $1,000 […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerJuly 8, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments Nov. 2 on a proposed constitutional limit on gambling. The state’s highest court will hear about 40 minutes of arguments over the Voter Control of Gambling amendment that seeks to give Florida voters a larger role in decisions to expand gambling. The measure is opposed by gambling interests, […]

Associated PressJuly 7, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court is placing sanctions on a central Florida judge who jailed a domestic violence victim for not showing up to testify against her alleged abuser. The court on Thursday ordered that Seminole County Judge Jerri Collins take an anger management class and attend a domestic violence course. Collins will also be publicly […]

Jim RosicaJune 30, 2016

The Alabama-based Poarch Band of Creek Indians is expanding its casino business into Louisiana and Nevada. What’s not clear is what that means for their stalled efforts to open a casino in Florida. The band’s PCI Gaming Authority has struck a deal to buy Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana, near Shreveport. That deal is […]

Jim RosicaJune 13, 2016

Despite a Florida Supreme Court decision to the contrary, a judicial candidate still wants to get on the ballot. Lakeland attorney Steve Pincket lodged a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief against Gov. Rick Scott and Secretary of State Ken Detzner, also the state’s chief elections officer. A declaratory judgment determines whether someone has a legal right to […]

Ryan RayJune 10, 2016

A group of dog racing track owners and other gaming interests filed a brief with the Florida Supreme Court on Friday urging Attorney General Pam Bondi and the high court to nix a proposed amendment to the state constitution that could expand gambling by allowing counties to hold referendums on the matter. The amendment’s opponents — including the […]

Martin DyckmanJune 10, 2016

Assume that Pam Bondi were a judge. That’s a dismal prospect but bear with it. Assume further that she asked for a campaign contribution from a big shot businessman who was being sued in her court — and that after getting the money, she dismissed the case. If she was a judge, instead of Florida’s […]

Staff ReportsJune 9, 2016

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Two Florida lawyers accused of orchestrating the arrest of a rival attorney are asking the state’s Supreme Court not to disbar them for good. Robert Adams and Adam Filthaut of Tampa are requesting disbarment with an opportunity for reinstatement in five years. Their attorneys gave oral argument in the matter Thursday. Pinellas County Judge W. […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2016

The state’s business lobbying groups called for legislative action Thursday after a Florida Supreme Court decision earlier that day on the worker’s compensation law. The court’s 5-2 ruling for injured St. Petersburg firefighter Bradley Westphal strikes down a provision in the law limiting the time that injured workers can get temporary disability benefits. (Story here.) Three justices, […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2016

The state’s Supreme Court on Thursday delivered another blow to Florida’s workers’ compensation law. In a 5-2 decision, the court ruled unconstitutional part of the law that “cuts off disability benefits … to a worker who is totally disabled and incapable of working but who has not yet reached maximum medical improvement,” or in other words, the person cannot heal any further. That cutoff […]

Tag: Florida Supreme Court

Martin Dyckman: In wake of Bob McDonnell case, Congress needs to close bribery loophole

Florida Supreme Court schedules arguments on gambling control amendment

Sanctions placed on Florida judge who punished victim

With moves in Louisiana, Nevada, will Poarch give up on Florida?

Judicial candidate still fighting to get on ballot

Gaming interests in SCOFL brief: Leave expansion amendment off the ballot

Martin Dyckman: Pam Bondi’s mess too pungent to ignore

‘Love Sponge’ lawyers plead to keep law licenses

Business lobby upset over worker’s comp decision

Florida Supreme Court strikes down another part of worker’s comp law