Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJune 15, 2018

Ballard Partners inked lobbying deals with a pair of new principals this week as it continues to expand its operations in the District of Columbia. The firm headed up by Brian Ballard is now representing Deerfield Beach-based health technology company Sentry Data Systems and Egyptian car importer ARTOC Auto. Sentry Data Systems bills itself as […]

Peter SchorschJune 15, 2018

Top fundraisers in May for state House campaigns were a combination of newcomers and incumbent lawmakers, according to newly filed finance reports. Democrat Michael Grieco, who is seeking to replace outgoing Rep. David Richardson, in Miami-Dade County’s House District 113, raised $67,805 for his campaign account after getting into the race in early May. Rep. […]

Drew WilsonJune 15, 2018

House Speaker Richard Corcoran won’t be on the ballot this year, but that hasn’t stopped his political committee from spending beaucoup bucks. Corcoran started Watchdog PAC in April 2017, and shortly after wrapping his first Legislative Session with the Speaker’s gavel, he started piling on cash — more than $6.9 million between May 2017 and […]

Jim RosicaJune 14, 2018

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Veteran lobbyist Jonathan Kilman has finally realized a “long term dream of starting (his) own firm” with the creation of Converge Government Affairs, with offices in Miami, Orlando and Tallahassee. Kilman, formerly with the Foley & Lardner law firm, announced the new concern this week in a LinkedIn post. (An earlier story is here.) The announcement, […]

Danny McAuliffeJune 13, 2018

Lobbyists representing clients before the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation will soon have to disclose their efforts publicly. Citizens President and CEO Barry Gilway told Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis at a Wednesday Cabinet meeting that a new lobbying disclosure system will be operating August 1 and those who wish to lobby the state’s insurer […]

Staff ReportsJune 13, 2018

Florida employers will save nearly $20 million in workers’ compensation premiums next year because of “sound financial management” of the state’s two compensation trust funds, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said Wednesday. “Just last month, we announced that a 1.8 percent decrease in workers’ compensation rates could mean a $79.5 million savings for Florida businesses,” […]

Drew WilsonJune 11, 2018

The five lawmakers representing a piece of Polk County in the Florida House continued cruising toward Election Day with more than $90,000 in combined campaign fundraising. Winter Haven Republican Rep. Sam Killebrew had the strongest May fundraising report of the five members of the Polk delegation, all of whom are Republicans. The House District 41 […]

Drew WilsonJune 11, 2018

Rebekah Bydlak has a bundle of cash on in the bank a couple months out from her primary showdown against former Republican Rep. Mike Hill in House District 1. The Gonzalez Republican added about $18,500 to her campaign account last month — her best tally since August 2017— and spent just $2,350, leaving her with […]

Jim RosicaJune 11, 2018

State medical marijuana regulators are slated to hold three rulemaking hearings Monday in Tallahassee. The Department of Health regulates the drug through its Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The first hearing, at 9 a.m., will cover a proposed rule on the “Medical Marijuana Treatment Center Supplemental Licensing Fee,” the “annual payment by a registered (provider) to cover […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2018

Jonathan Kilman, formerly with Foley & Lardner, has started his own influence firm, Converge Government Affairs. Kilman, chairman and partner of the new company, announced the move on LinkedIn this week. “I am pleased (OK, excited) to announce the launch of Converge Government Affairs, a Miami-based government and public affairs firm,” he wrote. The new concern […]

Influence
St. Peterburg begins the long road to recovery. Image via Duke Energy/X.

Ballard Partners signs Sentry Data Systems and ARTOC Auto

Margaret Good, Michael Greico, Tom Leek top House money chase in May

Richard Corcoran’s political committee continues spending spree in May

Dream realized: Jonathan Kilman opens his own influence firm

Citizens rolls out new lobbying disclosure requirements

Jimmy Patronis announces efficiency savings in workers’ comp oversight efforts

Polk County delegation piles on the campaign cash in May

Rebekah Bydlak has over $100K on hand for HD 1 bid

Regulators to convene on medical marijuana rules

Personnel note: Jonathan Kilman opens own lobbying firm