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

Jim RosicaOctober 13, 2015

A fight over an important but otherwise obscure evidentiary standard used in court cases looms later this week. The Florida Bar’s Board of Governors will consider whether to recommend rejecting a change in evidence law that’s favored by conservative lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott. It promises to revive, at least temporarily, the debate over “tort reform,” […]

Jim RosicaOctober 13, 2015

The latest Sunshine State Survey data show “a conflicted populace” on the question of expanding gambling in Florida, with about a third wanting Nevada-style casinos and another 20 percent wanting no gambling at all. More survey results released Monday included a question on gambling: “Do you believe the State of Florida should allow casino gambling only at Seminole […]

Jim RosicaOctober 12, 2015

A new bill would criminalize the use of drones by sexual predators to take photos or videos of children. State Sen. Dorothy Hukill filed her bill (SB 510) on Monday. The latest bill adds to a long line of legislation aimed at reining in the remotely-controlled and usually miniature aircraft. Generally, Florida lawmakers have been concerned […]

Jim RosicaOctober 12, 2015

A state panel on Monday continued to gather information as it crunches the numbers on a proposed constitutional amendment allowing the medical use of marijuana. For example, the state’s Department of Revenue told members of the Financial Impact Estimating Conference that it still hasn’t decided whether to classify medical cannabis as “agricultural production” because it is a controlled substance […]

Jim RosicaOctober 12, 2015

State Sen. Dorothy Hukill wants to protect your ghost in the machine. The Port Orange Republican has refiled a bill (SB 494) that would protect one’s “digital assets” after death, meaning someone of your choosing could have access to and control your financial accounts, social media and anything else you have online. Her bill last session died before […]

Jim RosicaOctober 12, 2015

Congressmen Ron DeSantis and David Jolly, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, and combat veteran Todd Wilcox will appear at the the Republican Party of Florida’s Sunshine Summit in Orlando next month, the party announced Monday. The candidates won’t debate each other, but will have set times to speak to Summit attendees and explain their campaigns. “In 2016, Florida […]

Jim RosicaOctober 10, 2015

Fred Leonhardt‘s law firm said the 65-year-old died at home “of an apparent heart attack,” according to a Saturday afternoon press release. Leonhardt, a longtime lawyer-lobbyist, was based in Orlando but was well-known in Tallahassee. (A post from earlier today on his passing is here.) “We ask that you keep Fred and his family in your […]

Jim RosicaOctober 9, 2015

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A Florida judge on Friday endorsed a map drawn by the League of Women Voters of Florida and Common Cause as the new boundary lines for the state’s 27 congressional districts. What it portends is a topsy-turvy time for Florida’s politics, with some members of Congress virtually ensured an exit from office next election. By late afternoon, […]

Jim RosicaOctober 9, 2015

Florida State University’s board of trustees on Friday approved a new pay package for President John Thrasher that includes a $90,000 bonus. The full board unanimously OK’d a recommendation from the board’s compensation committee. Thrasher, a former state lawmaker and lobbyist, also will get a bump in his base salary from $430,000 to $473,000, which includes a general […]

Jim RosicaOctober 9, 2015

Republican candidate Donald Trump on Friday said he’s “never getting out” of the race for the presidency, denying reports that he’s plateaued in popularity. Trump joined MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program, his 14th appearance on that show either in person or by phone since announcing his candidacy. Host Joe Scarborough, a former North Florida congressman, jokingly warned Trump […]

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Will Legislature and Florida Bar get into tug of war over obscure court rule?

Floridians divided on expanding gambling, survey says

New bill would criminalize sex predators with drones

Marijuana lollipops? Department of Revenue says they’re taxable

Dorothy Hukill tries again to protect “digital assets”

RPOF says Senate candidates will be at Sunshine Summit

Fred Leonhardt died of apparent heart attack, firm says

Judge rules for plaintiffs in congressional redistricting challenge

FSU trustees OK pay raise for John Thrasher

Donald Trump says he’s never ever getting out of the race