Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaSeptember 6, 2018

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A Tallahassee judge is challenging a Florida thoroughbred horsemen’s group to convince him he shouldn’t throw out a challenge of a South Florida track’s gambling permit. Administrative Law Judge E. Gary Early on Wednesday gave the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) till next Wednesday to show him why he shouldn’t dismiss what he called “an impermissible […]

Staff ReportsJune 25, 2018

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Marc Dunbar, the Tallahassee-based gaming lawyer and lobbyist, no longer will represent Canada’s The Stronach Group, operator of Hallandale Beach’s Gulfstream Park racetrack and casino. The group bills itself as “North America’s largest thoroughbred horse-racing company.” Dunbar said he withdrew his lobbying registration for the group on Friday. The parting was mutual, he added. “I […]

Drew WilsonMay 25, 2018

Jones Walker reported median earnings of $521,000 during the first quarter of 2018, which included the whole of the 2018 Legislative Session. Lobbyists must report their quarterly earnings in ranges covering $10,000 increments up to $50,000. If Jones Walker’s clients paid the top dollar in their reported ranges, the firm could have brought up to $750,000 […]

Staff ReportsAugust 21, 2017

The second quarter proved to be a busy one for Paul Hawkes. Hawkes had a roster of 16 legislative and 13 executive branch clients helped him bring at least $130,00 — $75,000 for legislative work and $55,000 for executive branch work — during the three-month period. He could earn a maximum of $249,977 — a maximum of […]

Peter SchorschAugust 15, 2017

Mike Haridopolos is going strong, preparing to report strong second quarter earnings when it comes to his work in both the state’s legislative and executive branches. Haridolopos earned at least $300,000 — approximately $155,000 for legislative work and $145,000 for executive branch work — during the second quarter of the year, which included the second half […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 27, 2016

A bill to legalize and regulate fantasy sports play in Florida cleared its first Senate review panel on Wednesday. The Regulated Industries Committee OK’d the “Fantasy Contest Amusement Act” (SB 832) with only two ‘no’ votes from Sen. Gwen Margolis, a Miami Democrat, and committee chairman Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican. The bill states that “fantasy […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 25, 2016

One of the hottest issues facing lawmakers in the 2016 Legislative Session is the regulation of the daily fantasy sports industry. Moving toward that goal is HB 707: Fantasy Contests, sponsored by state Rep. Matt Gaetz, has recently move out the Business & Professions Subcommittee, its first stop in the Florida House. What the bill seeks to […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 15, 2016

One of the Legislature’s most stalwart opponents to gambling and its expansion in the Sunshine State nonetheless voted for a House bill that would explicitly legalize fantasy sports play in Florida. State Rep. Scott Plakon, a Longwood Republican, sits on the House Business and Professions Subcommittee that OK’d the bill (HB 707) by a 10-3 vote earlier […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2016

A House bill that would explicitly legalize fantasy sports play in Florida cleared its first committee on Tuesday. The House Business and Professions Subcommittee OK’d the bill (HB 707) by a 10-3 vote. Florida is among many states struggling with whether to regulate fantasy sports, and if so, how. Current Florida legislation would require fantasy operators to register […]

Tag: The Stronach Group
Image via Palatka Main Street.

Judge set to dismiss horse group’s challenge of Calder Casino gambling permit

Personnel note: Marc Dunbar, Stronach Group part ways

Jones Walker earns $500K-plus in Q1

Paul Hawkes could report Q2 earnings of more than $249K

Mike Haridopolos could earn nearly $500K for Q2 lobbying fees

Senate panel clears fantasy sports bill

5 questions for Fantasy Sports Trade Association after DFS bill first committee stop

Scott Plakon: Fantasy sports play legal “under current law”

Fantasy sports bill clears House committee