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

Jim RosicaJanuary 10, 2016

This is one of two gambling stories in advance of the 2016 Legislative Session. For a separate preview of gambling issues besides the Seminole Compact, click here. The back-and-forth and backroom dealing is over, and lawmakers soon will publicly comb through the new blackjack deal between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The 63-page document […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 10, 2016

The start of the 2016 Legislative Session means a cessation of political fundraising – sitting lawmakers are barred from ginning up cash while they legislate. But session begins Tuesday, so the Monday before is the usual orgy of tippling, grip-and-grinning and check writing. House Majority 2016, Senate Majority 2016 and others sent out emails last week detailing the various events, subject […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 8, 2016

The Florida Legislature is continuing to oppose an effort by the plaintiffs’ attorneys to get their fees paid by state government now that the congressional redistricting case has been closed. Lawyers for House and Senate filed more legal authority with the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday to support their position that the opposing lawyers are “not entitled to […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 8, 2016

A former officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission who says he was fired for reporting wrongdoing in the department is asking for his job back. Travis Hooker, who was a lieutenant in the FWC’s law enforcement division, filed a “petition for temporary reinstatement” this week while his state whistleblower’s case is pending, Leon County court records show. Hooker […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 7, 2016

A member of the Legislature’s unofficial “disruptive technology” caucus has filed legislation that would allow for digital versions of state-issued driver, hunting, fishing and boating licenses. State Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican, filed the bill (SB 1430) on Wednesday. He’s a technology advocate who has sponsored legislation to allow driverless cars on Florida’s roads. The measure also […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 7, 2016

The head of an anti-gambling expansion group says a new Florida Chamber of Commerce poll “paints an inaccurate picture of public opinion” regarding a new proposed blackjack agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. On Thursday, the Chamber released poll results showing three-quarters of voters say blackjack “has been good for the state” and that […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 7, 2016

The Florida Chamber of Commerce came out in support of the new Seminole Compact on Thursday, releasing poll results showing three-quarters of voters say the blackjack deal “has been good for the state.” The deal, negotiated by Gov. Rick Scott, allows the Seminole Tribe of Florida to continue offering blackjack at its casinos in return for […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 7, 2016

Outgoing Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty “is vying to become the next head” of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, according to a Wednesday news report. SNL Financial, relying on unidentified sources, reported on its website that McCarty “spent recent weeks discussing his potential candidacy with several other insurance commissioners … and is now confident that he has […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 7, 2016

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater says he’s “championing” bills this legislative session in three policy areas: Life insurance, divestment from Iran and medical billing. Atwater, first elected in 2010, laid out his priorities in an email sent Wednesday. Life insurance: Atwater wants to “ensure that insurance companies will utilize current technology and public information that will assist […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 6, 2016

The chairman of the Florida Senate’s Transportation committee has filed legislation aimed at reining in the burgeoning number of specialty license plates. State Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican, filed the bill (SB 1390) on Wednesday. The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles and Highway Safety now lists 124 approved and available specialty plates. Now, groups in Florida […]

Jim Rosica

2016 Legislative Food Fights: Seminole Compact faces skeptical Legislature

Fundraising galore before start of 2016 Legislative Session

The next redistricting fight: Who pays the attorneys?

Fired FWC whistleblower seeks job back

Jeff Brandes backs “digital ID” bill

No Casinos blasts Chamber poll on Seminole Compact

Chamber of Commerce poll shows support for Seminole blackjack deal

Report: Kevin McCarty in the running for NAIC top post

Jeff Atwater lays out legislative wish list

Jeff Brandes cracking down on specialty auto tags