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

Jim RosicaJune 13, 2016

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, whose office also handles security guard licenses and concealed carry permits, says the Orlando shooter held security guard licenses that allowed him to carry firearms. Putnam spoke Monday to a group of reporters outside the state’s Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. The commissioner said Omar Mateen of Fort Pierce had a “D” license […]

Jim RosicaJune 13, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court is signaling it agrees with the proposed punishment for a Broward judge. A panel of the Judicial Qualifications Commission had recommended a public reprimand, mentoring and stress management classes after Circuit Judge John Patrick Contini was brought up on judicial conduct charges last year. The court issued an order to Contini on […]

Jim RosicaJune 13, 2016

Hillary Clinton on Monday said the Orlando nightclub massacre called for “statesmanship, not partisanship.” The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee spoke on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program. “This is a moment for Republicans, Democrats and Independents to work together as one team,” she said, according to a rush transcript. “The American team.” “I think that our fellow American […]

Jim RosicaJune 13, 2016

Despite a Florida Supreme Court decision to the contrary, a judicial candidate still wants to get on the ballot. Lakeland attorney Steve Pincket lodged a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief against Gov. Rick Scott and Secretary of State Ken Detzner, also the state’s chief elections officer. A declaratory judgment determines whether someone has a legal right to […]

Jim RosicaJune 10, 2016

A judicial discipline panel has recommended a public reprimand and 90-day suspension for a judge who “circulated a deceptive, misleading advertisement.” Its members also suggested paranoia on the part of Circuit Judge Kimberly Shepard, who believed “sinister forces (were) at work” trying to defeat her, they said. Shepard, who sits in Osceola County, ran for office and won […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2016

At first, it looked like a slam dunk. An appeals court Thursday said the Department of Corrections isn’t liable for breaking a lease Brevard County because the rent money wasn’t in the state budget. That sounded like it could take the legal steam from another ongoing dispute between owners of a Tallahassee office complex and several state agencies […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2016

The state’s business lobbying groups called for legislative action Thursday after a Florida Supreme Court decision earlier that day on the worker’s compensation law. The court’s 5-2 ruling for injured St. Petersburg firefighter Bradley Westphal strikes down a provision in the law limiting the time that injured workers can get temporary disability benefits. (Story here.) Three justices, […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2016

The state’s Supreme Court on Thursday delivered another blow to Florida’s workers’ compensation law. In a 5-2 decision, the court ruled unconstitutional part of the law that “cuts off disability benefits … to a worker who is totally disabled and incapable of working but who has not yet reached maximum medical improvement,” or in other words, the person cannot heal any further. That cutoff […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2016

When it comes to attorney’s fees, how much is not enough? The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday heard argument on a law firm’s position that it didn’t get paid enough for helping a brain-damaged young man get a claim bill from the Florida Legislature. Lawmakers in 2012 passed such a bill for Aaron Edwards, who born […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2016

Chief Deputy Attorney General Tyler Cathey is leaving Pam Bondi‘s office for the private sector, her office announced Wednesday. “I want to thank Tyler for his service as my chief deputy and congratulate him on his new role as chief operating officer and general counsel at a Tampa-based nationwide commercial real estate and financial services firm,” […]

Jim Rosica

Orlando shooter was licensed as armed security guard in Florida

Supreme Court could reprimand judge over ‘undignified conduct’

Hillary Clinton talks teamwork in wake of Orlando tragedy

Judicial candidate still fighting to get on ballot

Judge could be suspended for ‘deceptive’ campaign flier

Appellate decision may not affect Northwood Centre case

Business lobby upset over worker’s comp decision

Florida Supreme Court strikes down another part of worker’s comp law

Claim bill process under judicial microscope

Pam Bondi’s chief of staff leaves for private sector