Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersJanuary 24, 2017

Proposals from state Rep. Mike La Rosa and state Sen. Greg Steube would restrict how local governments may regulate vacation rentals, a move that could help preserve that market for the rapidly-expanding Airbnb phenomenon and similar home-sharing services. On Tuesday La Rosa introduced House Bill 425. Like Steube’s Senate Bill 188, introduced earlier, it would […]

Associated PressJanuary 24, 2017

The Latest on President Donald Trump (all times local): 2 p.m. A spokesman says President Donald Trump’s belief that there were millions of illegal votes cast in the November election is based on “studies and evidence.” But spokesman Sean Spicer did not provide examples of that evidence. Trump first made the false claim during the […]

Scott PowersJanuary 24, 2017

If President Donald Trump wants to spend big on America’s infrastructure, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and other Democratic leaders are offering their plan: $1 trillion, with money included possibly for Florida rail, seaports, highways and Everglades restoration. Nelson and the Democrats unveiled their “A Blueprint to Rebuild America’s Infrastructure” Tuesday afternoon, proposing $1 trillion in […]

Associated PressJanuary 24, 2017

The Latest on activities in Congress (all times EST): 12:25 p.m. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has overwhelmingly approved South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley‘s nomination to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. By voice vote, the panel recommended President Donald Trump‘s selection of Haley to the full Senate. She is expected to be confirmed […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 24, 2017

South Florida Representative Ted Deutch has joined a host of other Democrats in reintroducing the Democracy for All Amendment, a constitutional amendment aimed at getting big money out of politics. The amendment would affirm the right of the people to pass state and federal laws regulating spending in elections by essentially reversing the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court’s […]

Scott PowersJanuary 24, 2017

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The first shoe has fallen in newly-elected chairman Stephen Bittel‘s reorganization of the Florida Democratic Party with executive director Scott Arceneaux on his way out. The party announced Tuesday that Arceneaux, who has served in that role through the tenures of three previous state party chairs, is stepping down, though not immediately. When Bittel won a […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 24, 2017

As Florida’s “Eyeball Wars” start up again, research in the Journal of the American Medical Association gives new insight on what is at stake in the struggle between ophthalmologists and optometrists. In October 2016, a team of medical professionals, mostly from the University of Michigan, issued a report examining the difference in treatment outcomes between […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 24, 2017

More details have emerged in the negotiations between the Atlanta Braves and Sarasota County, which could lead to the creation of a new spring training facility and year round academy by in the county by 2019. “We’re hopeful that we come to a conclusion that benefits both parties, that is creative and beneficial, that is […]

Michael MolineJanuary 24, 2017

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A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers have endorsed proposed legislation to ban extraction of oil and gas via hydraulic fracturing in Florida. “This bill is concise and straightforward. It bans fracking of all types in Florida,” Senate sponsor Dana Young said Tuesday during a news conference outside the Senate chamber. “As a sixth generation Floridian and avid […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 23, 2017

House Speaker Richard Corcoran late Monday said his chamber won’t agree to hand over any more money for the Department of Environmental Protection to pay its legal bills until the agency gives a full accounting of what’s already been spent. Corcoran was reacting to the DEP’s request to the Joint Legislative Budget Commission for an additional $13 million to pay outside legal […]

Headlines
Donald Trump. Image via AP.

Bills would restrict local regulation of vacation rentals

Sean Spicer cites ‘studies’ to back Donald Trump voter claim

Bill Nelson, Democrats, unveil their $1 trillion infrastructure plan

Senate panel approves Nikki Haley nomination to U.N.

Ted Deutch joins other Democrats in reintroducing legislation that attempts to overturn Citizens United

Scott Arceneaux out as Florida Democrats’ chief

JAMA study shows research not on optometrists’ side in Eyeball Wars

Sarasota County Commission hears more details about potential spring training facility with Atlanta Braves

Bill to ban hydraulic fracking attracts bipartisan support

Richard Corcoran: House won’t OK legal money for DEP