Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsJanuary 10, 2018

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Americans for Prosperity-Florida—the pro-free market, government spending watchdog—is sending out direct mail to urge support for ending “corporate welfare” for billionaire sports-team owners. Legislation pending in the 2018 Session would “eliminate taxpayer handouts to build stadiums on public lands, and end a program that gives professional sports teams subsidies to expand their stadiums,” the group […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 10, 2018

Calling it a “shot of adrenaline,” South Florida Sen. Annette Taddeo on Wednesday stumped for her bill to bring TV and film incentives back to the Sunshine State. Her measure (SB 1606) would create the “Florida Motion Picture Capital Corporation” to “encourage the use of this state as a site for scripted productions by providing financing to […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 10, 2018

In the wake of recent high-profile data breaches compromising the information of thousands of Floridians, legislators and cabinet members on Wednesday advocated for two bills that would eliminate credit report freeze fees for consumers. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam are backing two measures proposed in the Legislature, which they say […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 10, 2018

A state nominating panel has set Jan. 18 for picking the “most qualified” applicants to fill a vacancy on the Florida Public Service Commission. Then, on Jan. 25, the Public Service Commission Nominating Council will do interviews, and make a final selection. Gov. Rick Scott had picked former Rep. Ritch Workman to replace Ronald Brisé on the panel, which regulates […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 10, 2018

The state’s largest professional trade association, Florida Realtors, wants to secure more opportunities for vacation rentals, affordable housing, and business growth, while also resolving issues impacting property insurance. Each Legislative Session, the association acts as a strong advocate for homeownership initiatives and private property rights. This Session is no different. In detail, here’s what Florida […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 10, 2018

Cape Coral Republican Rep. Dane Eagle detailed a pair of bills he’s sponsoring Tuesday, one of which would provide property tax relief for Floridians whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Irma. “Many Floridians have been unable to live in their primary residences due to the destruction caused by Mother Nature through Hurricane Irma, and adding […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 9, 2018

A Senate panel on Tuesday advanced a bill that would grant people immunity for carrying small amounts of drugs if they seek medical help for an overdose. The proposal applies to individuals who are found in possession of any drug, including fentanyl and illicit opioids, if they ask for medical assistance in “good faith” when […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 9, 2018

State Sen. Lauren Book doesn’t like the idea of Floridians changing their children’s diapers in the parking lot, so she’s championing a sales tax credit for restaurants if they purchase and install diaper changing stations. Book, a Plantation Democrat, testified on behalf of SB 236 on Tuesday at the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism. The bill […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 9, 2018

A bill that would change texting-while-driving to a ‘primary’ offense unanimously cleared a House committee on Tuesday, the first day of the 2018 Legislative Session. The bill (HB 33), sponsored by Tampa Republican Jackie Toledo and Boca Raton Democrat Emily Slosberg, was considered by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. Florida was one of the last states in […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 9, 2018

A panel that vets applicants for judgeships has set interviews to fill a vacancy on the 2nd Judicial Circuit in north Florida. The circuit’s Judicial Nominating Commission will meet at 9 a.m. on Jan. 16, at the Leon County Court House Annex, 1920 Thomasville Road, Room 213, Tallahassee. Commissioners will interview the following applicants for the opening, created by the retirement of […]

Influence

AFP mailer: End public financing of private stadiums

And … action! Annette Taddeo fights for film incentives

After high-profile data breaches, legislators want to toss credit freeze fees

Regulate this: Panel moves on filling open PSC seat

Florida Realtors unveils Session priorities

Dane Eagle rounds out slate of bills for 2018 Legislative Session

Florida could grant legal immunity for reporting drug overdoses

Lauren Book wants more baby changing stations in restaurants

House panel moves texting-while-driving bill

Interviews set for open Tallahassee judgeship