Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMay 27, 2016

The state’s business groups are saying “we told you so” over the cost of workers’ compensation insurance. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has asked the state to consider a 17 percent rate hike in the cost of workers’ comp to employers. Workers’ comp is mandated by states to pay workers who get hurt on the job. The council submitted its filing to […]

Jim RosicaMay 27, 2016

Despite “nothing about Hamilton Downs (being) real in terms of racetrack standards,” an administrative law judge nonetheless sided with the north Florida horse track, tossing out the state’s complaint that the track ran “flag drop” races contrary to its license. Administrative Law Judge E. Gary Early submitted his recommended order on Thursday, dismissing the action by state pari-mutuel regulators. […]

Associated PressMay 26, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court ruled that the state can impose a sales tax on a web-based florist for flowers sold to out-of-state customers and delivered outside of Florida. The Court on Thursday overturned an appeals court decision that said the Department of Revenue couldn’t collect taxes from American Business USA Corp.’s out-of-state sales. The Supreme […]

Jim RosicaMay 24, 2016

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A former state Senator has signed on to represent the backers of a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling. Florida Supreme Court records show Miami attorney Dan Gelber filed a notice of appearance on behalf of Voters In Charge, the committee behind the amendment. Gelber, 55, also was Democratic leader when he served in the House and unsuccessfully […]

Associated PressMay 19, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court says that the state’s largest utility can’t make customers pay for the costs associated with a natural gas drilling project in another state. The court ruled 6-1 on Thursday that state regulators were wrong to permit Florida Power & Light to charge customers for its investments in an Oklahoma natural gas […]

Jim RosicaMay 19, 2016

It’s not clear whether a proposed gambling-control amendment will help or hinder the state’s finances. A panel of state economists stalemated this week on the financial impact of the Voter Control of Gambling amendment. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference’s final report was hand-delivered to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of State Ken Detzner on Thursday. A summary reads: “The […]

Jim RosicaMay 13, 2016

Sometimes, respecting the rules of the game means you have to lose. That was the message delivered Friday at an ethics forum for judicial candidates held in Tallahassee. Similar events were held around the state this week. Current and retired judges and others briefed several area contenders for judgeships on Florida’s Code of Judicial Conduct, which also […]

guestMay 10, 2016

By all accounts, the Jericho School, a private facility opened 21 years ago in Jacksonville, does a wonderful job helping students with autism and other special needs succeed academically. That nearly all of its students are enrolled through two state voucher programs also reflects the fertile nature of Florida’s expanding educational choice landscape. In a […]

Peter SchorschMay 8, 2016

How many times can Department of Corrections officials tick off Greg Evers before they’re really in for it? The Republican state Senator from North Florida has been on a one-man crusade against the department. Evers chairs the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, which has held hearings about the agency’s ability and integrity. Evers, a farmer from Baker, has even made some unannounced […]

Jim RosicaMay 6, 2016

Attorney General Pam Bondi is asking the state Supreme Court to review a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling. Bondi sent a letter to the court Friday, asking it to judge the initiative’s “validity.” The request, however, is pro forma. It’s required under law when an initiative garners enough signatures. As of Friday, the Voter Control of Gambling […]

Tag: Florida Supreme Court

Business lobby blasts workers’ comp rate hike

Judge sides with track over ‘flag drop’ races

Florida Supreme Court says web-based florist must pay taxes

Dan Gelber will represent anti-gambling amendment

Court says no to FP&L charging for drilling plan

Economists uncertain of gambling amendment’s effect

Judicial candidates schooled on campaign ethics

Jon East: Tax-credit scholarships benefit 78,000 of Florida’s poorest schoolchildren

Peter Schorsch: Irritated senator, no love for Guv, panther numbers

Pam Bondi asks court to review gambling initiative