Mitch Perry, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryApril 19, 2017

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With just over two weeks left in Florida’s regular Legislative Session, a group of over 100 members of the business community released a statement Wednesday indicating support for a statewide fracking ban. “If something goes wrong, I know that will have an impact on us,” said Mark Amis, the owner of Little Tommie’s Tiki located at […]

Mitch PerryApril 19, 2017

A modified proposal to protect black bears in Florida won support Wednesday in the Senate committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation. But SB 1304 was measurably reduced in scope from Orlando Republican Linda Stewart‘s original bill. Stewart’s initial proposal would have banned bear hunting in Florida for 10 years. The amended bill calls for no such action. The proposal came […]

Mitch PerryApril 19, 2017

Andrew Gillum is refusing to forgive Miami Republican Frank Artiles, who apologized on the Senate floor Wednesday for using the N-word toward two black lawmakers. The Tallahassee mayor, an African-American who is running for governor next year, says Artiles needs to resign from the Florida Senate. “We have struggled with days when these words were too common,” Gillum […]

Mitch PerryApril 19, 2017

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After years of intense debate, the Florida Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill to create statewide regulations for transportation network companies. The measure (HB 221) cleared the upper chamber on a 36-1 vote. The bill now heads to Gov. Rick Scott for his consideration. “Today we sent a strong message that Florida embraces transportation innovation. The […]

Mitch PerryApril 19, 2017

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A modified bill to put additional limits on Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA) advanced Wednesday in the House Government Accountability Committee. Local governments use CRAs to promote affordable housing, economic development, health and safety in under-served neighborhoods. They hold a set percentage of property taxes paid by residents of a community, investing that money — also known as […]

Mitch PerryApril 18, 2017

A controversial bill placing stricter requirements on community redevelopment agencies (CRA’s) received a “no vote” in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development on Tuesday. Moments later, it was temporarily postponed, technically keeping it alive. Barely. The Community Redevelopment Act of 1969 authorized cities and counties to create agencies to direct money into slums […]

Mitch PerryApril 18, 2017

Legislation creating a statewide regulatory framework for ridesharing companies was debated Tuesday on the Senate floor. Sponsored by St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes, SB 340 would require ride-sharing companies to carry $100,000 of insurance for bodily injury or death and $25,000 for property damage while a driver is logged onto their app but hasn’t secured a passenger. […]

Mitch PerryApril 18, 2017

The Florida Senate unanimously approved legislation Tuesday requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to inform the public within 24 hours after a spill occurs. Senators passed SB 532 on its third and final reading. Sponsored by Manatee County Republican Bill Galvano, the bill was filed in the wake of Gov. Rick Scott‘s request for new public notification rules and legislation to ensure […]

Mitch PerryApril 17, 2017

A bill limiting the placement of local sales tax referendum to primary or general election ballots advanced Monday through the Florida Senate Community Affairs Committee. The intent of the bill (SB 278), sponsored by Sarasota Republican Greg Steube, is to maximize participation in elections. Last year, a similar bill from Blaise Ingoglia passed the House but died in […]

Mitch PerryApril 17, 2017

Legislation to reconfigure the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) was approved Monday by the Florida Senate Commerce Committee. However, the bill passed with changes taking some power from the agency and giving it to the state. Sponsored by Clearwater Republican Jack Latvala, SB 1672 would change TBARTA to a transit agency (no longer transportation) and would encompass […]

Mitch Perry

With weeks left in Session, small-businesses rally for statewide fracking ban

Senate panel OKs modified bill to protect black bears

Andrew Gillum: Frank Artiles needs to go

After four years of debate, bill regulating ride-sharing companies will go to Rick Scott’s desk

House advances bill giving power to state legislators for CRAs

Stricter requirements on CRA’s gets ‘no vote’ in Senate committee

Ridesharing bill advances to final vote in Senate

Senate gives full support to pollution notification rules change

Taxing questions: Bill would allow ballot questions on taxes only in November

Senate advances plan for new Tampa Bay-area transit agency