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

Jim RosicaMarch 31, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday barely approved a proposed state constitutional amendment on solar power for the 2016 ballot. In a 4-3 decision, the court OK’d the amendment in question, called “Rights of Electricity Consumers Regarding Solar Energy Choice.” It’s backed by Consumers For Smart Solar, supported by the state’s biggest private utilities, including Duke Energy Florida, Florida […]

Jim RosicaMarch 30, 2016

Long overdue renovations in the state’s Senate chamber are under way. Most of it has been gutted in preparation for a fresh look. FloridaPolitics.com reported last month that the Senate would finally jettison its 1970s look, unchanged since the Capitol first opened, with a nearly $5 million renovation this year. The very day after the Legislature adjourned this […]

Jim RosicaMarch 29, 2016

Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday declined to say whether she will return a $25,000 political contribution made in error to her by Donald Trump‘s charitable foundation three years ago, but told reporters she did “nothing wrong.” Bondi took questions after Tuesday’s Florida Cabinet meeting. She also wouldn’t clarify who requested the contribution, which went […]

Jim RosicaMarch 29, 2016

With no clear winner between finalists Jeffrey Bragg and Bill Hager, Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday decided to keep taking applications for state Insurance Commissioner. Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam agreed to extend the deadline to April 15. The next Cabinet meeting is […]

Jim RosicaMarch 25, 2016

A lawyer for U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown on Friday told a panel of federal judges that Florida’s new congressional map flies in the face of 100 years of history and would do violence to the voting rights of her black constituency. William Sheppard argued that the former district, which meanders from Jacksonville through Gainesville to Sanford, follows […]

Jim RosicaMarch 25, 2016

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With the oldest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. standing behind her, U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown held a master class in political theater at a Tallahassee buffet restaurant Friday. It came after a court hearing on her legal challenge of the state’s new congressional district map. In the morning, a panel of federal judges heard […]

Jim RosicaMarch 25, 2016

A trio of federal judges on Friday will hear arguments from an attorney for U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown on her move to temporarily stop a congressional redistricting scheme ordered by the Florida Supreme Court. The one-hour hearing is set for 9 a.m. in the U.S. Courthouse in Tallahassee. U.S. Circuit Judge Robin Rosenbaum and U.S. District Judges Mark Walker […]

Jim RosicaMarch 24, 2016

An appeal court in Tallahassee has upheld a trial judge’s denial of attorney fees to the plaintiffs who won a congressional redistricting case. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal agreed with Circuit Judge Terry Lewis that the League of Women Voters of Florida, Common Cause and others “waived their right” to get their […]

Jim RosicaMarch 24, 2016

Because of differences between federal and state campaign finance laws, Mike Haridopolos can use money left over from his failed U.S. Senate bid to run for state Senate, but Matt Gaetz, who switched from a state Senate seat to a congressional bid, is out of luck. Haridopolos, a Merritt Island Republican and former Senate President, is […]

Jim RosicaMarch 23, 2016

With a proposed $3 billion gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida having died this past legislative session, the tribe’s lawyer on Tuesday said its fight to keep blackjack in tribal casinos now moves to a federal court. Barry Richard, a Greenberg Traurig shareholder based in Tallahassee, is representing the tribe in a case against […]

Jim Rosica
Image via AP.

“Smart Solar” amendment narrowly passes Supreme Court review

Florida Senate renovations proceed apace

Pam Bondi on Donald Trump contribution: “I’ve done nothing wrong”

Rick Scott, Cabinet make no decision on next Insurance Commissioner

Corrine Brown’s lawyer argues that old district lines follow historical precedent

Corrine Brown, fired up and ready to go – to lunch

Judges to consider Corrine Brown challenge to congressional redistricting

Court strikes down fee request in redistricting case

Campaign finance laws can help or hinder candidates, like Matt Gaetz or Mike Haridopolos, switching races

Seminole Tribe’s lawyer now watching court cases after Compact’s demise