Jim Rosica, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2017

House Speaker Richard Corcoran is saving the profanities—for now. At a Thursday press availability, Corcoran was asked about comments by a lobbyist involved in this year’s gambling legislation, which the Senate has taken the lead on with an omnibus bill (SB 8). The person was overheard in a Capitol corridor saying he had spoken with the […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2017

House Speaker Richard Corcoran Thursday told reporters he took no personal offense at ethics suggestions sent by Gov. Rick Scott. Scott’s office earlier in the day sent Corcoran, who is on an ethics reform tear this year, more ideas, including a provision that would ban lawmakers from working for companies, including law firms, that lobby the Legislature. […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2017

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Even though the bill sailed through its first committee, state Sen. Anitere Flores Thursday said she would tweak her “whiskey and Wheaties” legislation to make sure it wouldn’t apply to gas station convenience stores. The Senate Regulated Industries committee cleared the bill (SB 106) to repeal the Prohibition-era state law requiring businesses, such as grocery chains and big-box […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 25, 2017

The Florida Senate has seemingly fast-tracked the chamber’s gambling overhaul for this year, as its first panel gave unanimous thumbs up to the measure one hour into a meeting that had been scheduled to last four. The bill (SB 8) was cleared Wednesday by the Regulated Industries committee, which oversees gambling policy. It has only one […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 25, 2017

Sorry, Publix customers: You won’t be able to buy “lip balm, sunglasses, gift cards, balloons, mosquito repellant (or) sunscreen” in the supermarket chain’s liquor shops anytime soon. The Lakeland-based chain had sought permission from the state’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco to add those items to those its sells in its separate stores that offer hard […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 24, 2017

The Department of Environmental Protection has withdrawn a request to lawmakers for more money to pay lawyers waging a water use fight against Georgia, its spokeswoman says. The department had planned to ask lawmakers for an additional $13 million to pay expected legal bills from the still-unresolved case. The Joint Legislative Budget Commission was scheduled to take up […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 24, 2017

A new House ethics panel on Tuesday unanimously approved two measures as part of Speaker Richard Corcoran’s new “culture of transparency.” One (PIE 17-01) would increase the ban on former lawmakers and statewide elected officers lobbying their colleagues after leaving office from two years to six years by way of a constitutional amendment. The other […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 24, 2017

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A bill filed Tuesday would allow delivery drones to operate in Florida. The legislation (SB 460), however, focuses on ground drones, or “personal delivery devices.” Such a unit is defined as a “motorized device for use primarily on sidewalks and crosswalks at a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour, which weighs 50 pounds or less excluding […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 24, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott suggested he wasn’t bothered by one of his agency heads overseeing the flow of millions of dollars to a law firm that he’s now going to work for. Scott spoke to reporters after Tuesday’s Florida Cabinet meeting. “We have people that come to work for the state and they work hard,” Scott […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 24, 2017

FanDuel, the national fantasy sports website, has sent a “call to action” email to its Florida users, asking them to contact lawmakers in support of their hobby. “With the Big Game just around the corner, we have an important message to share with every Florida fantasy sports player,” the email says. “A new bill has […]

Jim Rosica

Richard Corcoran already vexed by Senate gambling plan

Richard Corcoran: Rick Scott’s ethics proposals not personal

Anitere Flores: Gas stations will be carved out of ‘whiskey and Wheaties’ bill

Senate panel OKs gambling overhaul bill, including Seminole provisions

State says no to balloons, lip balm in Publix liquor stores

DEP withdraws request to pay lawyers in ‘water war’

House panel OK’s lobbying ban extensions, won’t impeach judge

Jeff Brandes bill would legalize delivery drones

Rick Scott not bothered by Jon Steverson’s departure

FanDuel calls on Florida fans to support fantasy sports