Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ana CeballosMarch 11, 2018

The Florida Legislature during a rare Sunday session passed an $88.7 billion state budget — the largest one in the state’s history. “This balanced budget includes unprecedented K-12 per student funding, targeted pay raises for state law enforcement, state firefighters, and Department of Juvenile Justice probation and detention officers, and $100 million for Florida Forever, while […]

Drew WilsonMarch 11, 2018

A bill that would have changed election dates for municipal offices died in the closing days of the 2018 Legislative Session. HB 7037, sponsored by Lehigh Acres Republican Rep. Matt Caldwell, aimed to narrow the choices for when municipal governments could set elections to either the third Tuesday in March, or the first Tuesday after […]

Drew WilsonMarch 11, 2018

A bill that would allow write-in candidates to run for districts they do not live in cleared the Legislature in the closing days of Session and is now ready for a signature from Gov. Rick Scott. HB 6009, sponsored by Dania Beach Democratic Rep. Joe Geller, fixes some inconsistencies in the law when it comes […]

Jim RosicaMarch 11, 2018

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Tallahassee is devoted to certain traditions on “sine die,” the final day of the yearly Legislative Session, but it’s the not only state that has them. In Idaho, capital reporters wear ugly ties near session’s end to “encourage legislators to finish their business quickly and go home,” says a Legislative Research Librarians newsletter. In the Magnolia State, Mississippi State University […]

Ana CeballosMarch 10, 2018

After state Sen. Gary Farmer came under fire for saying state Sen. Lauren Book’s family responsibilities may be too much to balance if she was chosen as the Senate Democratic Leader-designate, he apologized. “I recognize that I failed to properly express my thoughts about the difficulties that a Caucus leadership role can play for any […]

Ana CeballosMarch 9, 2018

Almost immediately after Gov. Rick Scott signed gun-control measures that are unprecedented in the state, the National Rifle Association filed a federal lawsuit to try to block it. Scott signed the “Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Act” flanked by some of the parents who lost their children in the school mass shooting on Valentine’s Day. […]

Danny McAuliffeMarch 9, 2018

Disgraced former Sen. Jack Latvala has withdrawn his bid for the Governor’s Mansion. The Clearwater Republican sent a formal termination of his gubernatorial campaign Friday to Secretary of State Ken Detzner. The Florida Division of Elections website indicates that Latvala’s campaign is no longer active. The move comes a little more than two months after he […]

Drew WilsonMarch 9, 2018

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam raised $905,630 for his gubernatorial bid in February, ending the month with nearly $17.5 million on hand. Putnam is one of three major Republicans running to replace termed-out Gov. Rick Scott in 2018. He faces U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Richard Corcoran. Putnam’s campaign finance report is not yet […]

Bill RuftyMarch 9, 2018

Former state Rep. Baxter Troutman reported raising $2.9 million by the end of February in his run for Florida Agriculture Commissioner. The Winter Haven Republican still has $2.7 million in the bank. In money collected, Troutman is ahead of his Republican primary opponents, and his campaign manager feels he is ahead in qualifications, dubbing both in […]

Joe HendersonMarch 9, 2018

Republican Ronda Storms, whose controversial career has included two terms each in the Florida Senate and Hillsborough County Commission, has decided to attempt a political comeback. Storms announced Friday on her Facebook page that she will run for HD 59, a seat currently held by Ross Spano, who is running for the Republican nomination for Attorney […]

Headlines

Legislature passes $88.7B state budget to close out extended session

Municipal elections bill dies in Senate

Bill changing write-in rules clears Legislature

Tallahassee not only capitol with ‘sine die’ traditions

Gary Farmer apologizes for taking ’emotional’ jab at Lauren Book

NRA sues state shortly after Rick Scott signs gun-control measures

Jack Latvala officially out of Governor’s race

Adam Putnam raises $905K in February

Baxter Troutman campaign snarks opponents in Agriculture Commissioner race

Ronda Storms announces HD 59 bid