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

Jim RosicaSeptember 28, 2016

A proposed class-action suit says Florida has been illegally collecting real estate “doc stamp” taxes on homes bought from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Richard A. Castorri filed suit last week in Leon County Circuit civil court against the Department of Revenue (DOR), court dockets show. He bought a house in Leon County from […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 28, 2016

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Nearly 60 people already have applied to Gov. Rick Scott for a seat on the panel that reviews the state’s constitution every two decades. According to a list the governor’s office released Wednesday, among those seeking to be on the Constitution Revision Commission are: Frederick Brummer, a Republican former lawmaker and past Orange County commissioner. Kurt Browning, a former secretary […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 28, 2016

A Christian school in Tampa is suing the state’s high-school athletics oversight body over its ban on pre-game prayer broadcast over loudspeakers. Cambridge Christian School filed its suit Tuesday against the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) in federal court. The lawsuit says the association violated the school’s constitutional right to religious speech. The school says the FHSAA “refused to […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 28, 2016

People renting scooters when they visit Northwest Florida’s beaches may be saying goodbye to those florescent “safety vests.” An appellate court on Wednesday struck down local ordinances in Bay County and Panama City Beach imposing safety and insurance requirements on businesses that rent motor-scooters or mopeds, usually to tourists. A unanimous three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 28, 2016

The City of Tallahassee and Leon County Wednesday announced a free community picnic to thank “electric lineman, public works crews, first responders, volunteers (and) neighborhood leaders” who helped in the wake of Hurricane Hermine. The picnic will take place Sunday, Oct. 2, from 1-5 p.m. at Tom Brown Park. Offerings include “complimentary hot dogs and drinks, […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 26, 2016

State Rep. Kathleen Peters on Monday said she’ll sponsor legislation next session to require public notification “of contamination to our environment within 24 hours.” “The public deserves notification when there are pollutants being introduced to our environment,” she said in a statement. “Our water is one of our most precious resources; it is life. I remain committed […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 26, 2016

The state’s Department of Corrections and Bridges of America, an Orlando-based nonprofit, are once more warring over transitional programs for the state’s inmates. On Monday morning, Bridges representatives and supporters say they will rally at the organization’s Orlando Transition Center “to respond to (DOC’s) plans to shut the center down,” the group said. Lori Constantino-Brown, president […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 26, 2016

An expert political fundraiser is joining Joe Negron’s team as he prepares to become the new President of the Florida Senate. Ashley Ross will become a Deputy Chief of Staff, according to spokeswoman Katie Betta. She also will be a Senior Policy Advisor to the President for commerce and tourism, military and veterans affairs, space and […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 23, 2016

The presidential search committee for Enterprise Florida (EFI) on Friday whittled down its list of finalists to lead the state’s public-private economic development organization. The final two are: — Michael Finney, former chief executive officer, Michigan Economic Development Corp., who was ranked No. 1 by five of the committee’s six members. — Richard M. Biter, a retired assistant secretary […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 23, 2016

Democrat Loranne Ausley will post contributions of $14,330 for the latest campaign finance report in the House District 9 race. Her report had not been posted online by the state’s Division of Elections by Friday afternoon; a campaign assistant provided the figures upon request. The campaign will report no expenditures. Republican candidate and Tallahassee attorney Jim Messer, on […]

Jim Rosica
Aerial photo courtesy Jesse Biter.

‘Doc stamp’ tax on Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae deals is illegal, suit says

Dozens apply to Rick Scott for Constitution Revision Commission

Christian school sues over state’s ban on prayer over PA systems

Court says local gov’t can’t regulate vacation scooters

City, county to throw ‘Picnic in the Park’ to honor electric workers

Kathleen Peters plans to file transparency legislation

Dept of Corrections, Bridges of America battling again over inmate programs

Personnel note: Ashley Ross to join Senate President’s office

Enterprise Florida narrows finalist list for new CEO

Loranne Ausley again bests GOP opponent in fundraising