Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bill RuftyAugust 8, 2018

A poll released by the state Senate campaign of retired Circuit Judge Robert Doyel, a Winter Haven Democrat, shows him edging Republican incumbent Sen. Kelli Stargel of Lakeland in the November general election for the Republican-leaning District 22. The poll shows a preference of 45 percent for Doyel to 40 percent for Stargel with 15 […]

Peter SchorschAugust 8, 2018

There’s been a lot of talk about whether Gov. Rick Scott will topple U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in the fall. Ditto for the race to replace him Governor’s mansion. Lost in the shuffle, however, are the dozens of down-ballot races only a small amount of voter outreach and an even smaller amount of public polling […]

Jim RosicaAugust 7, 2018

Despite a Tallahassee judge declaring significant parts of the state’s medical marijuana law unconstitutional, the law’s chief architect on Tuesday said he was confident the law would be affirmed. “The trial court ruling injected unnecessary uncertainty into the emerging medical marijuana marketplace,” said Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican. “I’m confident that our appellate courts will […]

Staff ReportsAugust 7, 2018

Two water and mold restoration companies have joined a Florida Chamber of Commerce-led effort to stop abuse of assignment of benefits agreements, or AOBs. They are Rytech and VetCor Services. Also joining the Consumer Protection Coalition Tuesday was the Insurance Information Institute and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. “Rytech is a strong supporter of the coalition and its […]

Peter SchorschAugust 6, 2018

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The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) on Monday said it had hired Guilherme Cunha as Regional Director of its Central Florida chapter. “Cunha brings extensive experience in event management and fundraising as well as a proven track record in tourism development to the association promoting the Sunshine State’s largest industry,” a press release said. […]

Michael MolineAugust 6, 2018

Florida’s no-fault insurance system continues to generate fraud, judging by allegations in a lawsuit that insurer State Farm filed in federal court. The suit, filed in the Southern District of Florida on Aug. 1, alleges three clinics cheated it out of $4.7 million. Will suits like these help break the policy logjam that has prevented […]

Michael MolineAugust 6, 2018

Tom Lee is psyching himself up for another term in the Florida Senate. “I was pretty much resolved to step away for a little while, and get on with some business and try to help my son get through high school,” the Thonotosassa Republican (and Senate President in 2004-06) said last week. After considering runs for […]

Drew WilsonAugust 3, 2018

Florida Realtors PAC, the political arm of the state’s largest professional trade association, gave its blessing to another five candidates running for state legislative seats in the fall. Making the cut in the new round of endorsements were five state House candidates, three of them Republicans and two of them Democrats. In southeastern Hillsborough County’s […]

Staff ReportsAugust 3, 2018

The Protect Dogs-Yes on 13 campaign announced late Thursday that it received the endorsement of 57 local businesses from across the state. The campaign, which is promoting passage of a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ending live dog racing in Florida, is pressing ahead despite a judge’s ruling that the measure’s ballot title and summary are defective […]

Staff ReportsAugust 2, 2018

In what he called a “continued effort to bring clarity to cryptocurrency in Florida,” Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis on Thursday announced that Ken Lawson, CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, would be his “cryptocurrency advisor.” The role is an unpaid consulting position; Lawson will remain full-time at VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s public-private marketing tourism agency. “He will lead […]

Influence

Poll: Bob Doyel slightly edges incumbent Kelli Stargel in Senate District 22

Internal polling puts Democrats ahead in GOP-held state House seats

Rob Bradley says medical marijuana law will be upheld

The anti-AOB abuse crowd picks up remediation companies

Personnel note: Guilherme Cunha joins FRLA

New lawsuit highlights legislative logjam over PIP reform

Tom Lee says he’s looking forward to leadership change in Senate

Florida Realtors release third wave of legislative endorsements

Businesses across Florida endorse dog-racing ban

CFO Jimmy Patronis taps Ken Lawson as ‘cryptocurrency advisor’