Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Associated PressJune 8, 2017

Former FBI Director James Comey accused the Trump administration Thursday of spreading “lies, plain and simple” about him and the FBI in the aftermath of his abrupt firing, in dramatic testimony that threatened to undermine Donald Trump’s presidency. As he opened his much anticipated first public telling of his relationship with Trump, Comey disputed the […]

Jim RosicaJune 8, 2017

In a 4-3 decision, the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday agreed with a lower court and said limiting certain damages in personal-injury medical malpractice lawsuits is unconstitutional. The ruling split along the usual lines, with the progressive-leaning justices concurring, and the conservatives—now including new Justice C. Alan Lawson—in dissent. The Legislature established $500,000 limits, or caps, […]

Bill RuftyJune 8, 2017

Former state Rep. Baxter Troutman of Winter Haven said he will run for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture. The grandson of the late citrus baron and one-time gubernatorial candidate, Ben Hill Griffin Jr., Troutman will enter the competitive race to succeed Adam Putnam, a Bartow Republican who is term-limited and is running for governor. “I will file […]

Associated PressJune 8, 2017

Voters will decide whether alcohol sales should be limited following fatal Memorial Day weekend shootings in a Florida beach city. The Miami Herald reports that Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine said on Wednesday the issue should go to the people, and city commissioners unanimously agreed the question will appear on the November ballot. Voters will […]

Associated PressJune 8, 2017

President Donald Trump‘s decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement could accelerate damage to his family’s real estate empire in the coming decades, especially his properties that lie just feet from the encroaching sea in low-lying South Florida. The president’s Mar-a-Lago estate, the soaring apartment towers bearing his name on Miami-area beaches and […]

Mitch PerryJune 7, 2017

David Jolly fully intends to appear on “Real Time with Bill Maher” Friday night, as do previously scheduled guests Ice Cube and Symone Sanders, the former national press secretary for Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. This despite the controversy circling around the comedian, who used the N-word during his show last Friday night, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for HBO to oust […]

Peter SchorschJune 7, 2017

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Lawmakers reached agreement early Wednesday, hours before the start of this week’s Special Session, to include medical marijuana implementation in the call. After FloridaPolitics.com broke this news, the Florida Senate announced that Sen. Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican, would “file legislation to implement Article X, section 29 of the Florida Constitution, which allows the use […]

Jim RosicaJune 7, 2017

Stephen Lawson has left the post of communications director for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to become Vice President of Government Relations for VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism marketing agency. He announced the job change in an email Wednesday. Lawson has been making the rounds of Gov. Rick Scott’s administration, previously serving as communications director […]

Michael MolineJune 7, 2017

The newest project on the state’s priority list for conservation land buys is a 4,700-acre spread in eastern Alachua County, containing valuable wildlife, water, and plant resources, but also largely given over to pine harvesting. That’s if Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet approve an updated Florida Forever work plan during a meeting scheduled for […]

Staff ReportsJune 7, 2017

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a Democratic candidate for governor in 2018, issued a brief statement Tuesday calling this week’s Special Session “a complete embarrassment to our state.” Gillum also took a swipe at a education policy bill (HB 7069) Gov. Rick Scott is considering that, among other things, could funnel more money to privately-managed charter […]

Headlines

James Comey: Donald Trump administration spread ‘lies, plain and simple’

Supreme Court strikes down limit on medical malpractice awards

Baxter Troutman entering competitive Agriculture Commissioner race

Miami Beach voters will decide on alcohol sales limit

Climate decision could accelerate damage to Donald Trump’s Florida properties

David Jolly still appearing on Bill Maher’s show Friday; says Al Franken should too

Lawmakers agree to tackle medical marijuana during Special Session

Personnel note: Stephen Lawson moves to VISIT FLORIDA

Governor and Cabinet to take up environmental land-acquisition priorities

Andrew Gillum ‘slams’ Special Session