Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJuly 23, 2018

Where the big banks say no, Justin Costello is saying ‘yes.’ Foreseeing “a multibillion-dollar industry here,” the head of Seattle-based GRN Funds says his firm has come to Florida to offer banking services to the state’s medical marijuana providers. It already handles about $500 million in deposits for clients in the cannabis industry on the […]

Drew WilsonJuly 19, 2018

The Florida Chamber of Commerce released a “second round” of endorsements for state legislative races Thursday, adding four incumbents and 16 candidates to the 60 endorsements announced in May. “To help ensure Florida remains competitive, we need candidates that are focused on supporting jobs and the Floridians they employ,” said Marian Johnson, the Florida Chamber’s […]

Jim RosicaJuly 19, 2018

The Legislature opened the state’s wallet again Thursday, granting a request from the state’s medical marijuana regulators for another $13 million in operating costs. The approval from the Joint Legislative Budget Commission didn’t come without some grousing, however. The Department of Health, under Gov. Rick Scott, regulates the drug through its Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). House Democratic […]

Jim RosicaJuly 18, 2018

A second political committee has registered to oppose a proposed state constitutional amendment requiring voter approval of new gambling. Citizens for the Truth About Amendment 3 registered on Wednesday, Division of Elections records show. It’s chaired by Dan Adkins, longtime head of Hallandale Beach’s former Mardi Gras Casino and Race Track. The group’s formation paperwork and initial campaign finance information […]

Danny McAuliffeJuly 18, 2018

Ahead of Thursday’s state Legislative Budget Commission meeting, Gov. Rick Scott is making it clear that he wants the panel to approve a $340 million federal block grant designed to help Florida citrus growers get back on their feet. “I look forward to the legislature approving these important funds tomorrow so we can get this […]

Staff ReportsJuly 18, 2018

Nearly 350 candidates are vying for state House and state Senate seats in 2018. Try as we will, Florida Politics can’t interview all of them. Just like in 2016, we’re again asking every candidate, including incumbents, to complete a questionnaire we believe offers an interesting, albeit, thumbnail sketch of who they are and why they are […]

Staff ReportsJuly 18, 2018

The Protect Dogs-Yes on 13 campaign Wednesday announced it had received endorsements from more current and former lawmakers, civic organizations, animal welfare organizations, and others. Among them: state Sen. Dana Young, a Tampa Republican. “It’s time for Florida to move beyond mandated greyhound racing,” Young said. Usually, pari-mutuels in Florida are required to continue running live dog or horse races to […]

Michael MolineJuly 17, 2018

A state panel declined Tuesday to choose among six candidates for the Public Service Commission, and instead voted unanimously to send all six names to Gov. Rick Scott. The candidates include Julie I. Brown and Gary Clark, incumbent commissioners whose terms expire at the end of the year. The Florida Constitution forbids commissioners from serving […]

Jim RosicaJuly 17, 2018

If a video game looks like a slot machine, plays like a slot machine, and pays out like a slot machine, is it still a slot machine if you know whether you’re going to win or lose? No, said an attorney for a Jacksonville company that distributes what are called “pre-reveal” games, which can be found across […]

Peter SchorschJuly 17, 2018

Former Transportation Secretary Jim Boxold, who’s been with the governmental affairs firm Capital City Consulting since January 2017, now is the firm’s managing partner. He now oversees human resources, administrative employment, firm efficiencies and processes, and work load management, the lobbying concern said in a press release. “Our firm is growing rapidly and growth requires better organization, processes and human […]

Influence

Saying ‘yes’ to marijuana money, new bank comes to Florida

Florida Chamber endorses 20 more state legislative candidates

Lawmakers grudgingly OK more money for marijuana regulators

Second group forms to fight gambling amendment

Rick Scott pressures lawmakers to OK citrus grant

Meet Debra Bellanti, Democrat running for Florida House District 60

Greyhound racing-ban group releases another round of endorsements

Panel sends Rick Scott six finalists for PSC vacancies

What’s a slot machine? Florida court will decide

Personnel note: Jim Boxold named Capital City Consulting’s managing partner