Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bruce RitchieMarch 12, 2015

Rep. John Wood told House subcommittee members on Thursday that he doesn’t consider carbon dioxide to be a pollutant and if they think it is, “then everybody zip up their mouths and don’t exhale the rest of the meeting.” Wood, a Republican from Winter Haven, was answering questions on his bill that would require legislative ratification of […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 12, 2015

The Greater Arlington Republican Club held a forum with the two Jacksonville City Council District 3 candidates, Aaron Bowman and James Nealis, Wednesday night at the University of North Florida. The two Republican candidates agreed on more points than they disagreed, but there were enough moments of genuine contrast to give voters a real choice. One of the questions, regarding […]

Associated PressMarch 12, 2015

Class size limits could be eased for Florida’s schools under a bill now moving in the Florida Legislature. A House committee approved the measure Thursday. A 2002 state constitutional amendment limits classes in core subjects to 18 students in kindergarten through third grade, 22 in fourth through eighth grade and 25 in high school. The […]

Peter SchorschMarch 12, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott is heading to the West Coast. Scott plans an April trip as part of his effort to lure businesses from other states. The Republican governor sent a letter Thursday to shipping companies. Scott is urging them to shift their business to Florida after labor disputes in California ports. Scott’s letter says he will […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 12, 2015

A House health care panel approved a telehealth bill Thursday but there were warnings that the measure isn’t “floor ready.” The reason? The bill, HB 545, has no requirement that government or third parties to reimburse doctors and health care providers for rendering telehealth services. “I’m concerned the bill says nothing about reimbursement and holds […]

Staff ReportsMarch 12, 2015

Melbourne businessman Brian Hodgers will run for House District 52 in 2016, according the Florida Division of Elections. In a statement, Hodgers voiced his commitment to the conservative tenets which are dominant in today’s Florida House. “I am committed to making sure Florida’s economy remains strong, and the best way to do that is to make sure […]

Ryan RayMarch 12, 2015

As reported this week in Florida Politics, Pete Antonacci — former general counsel for Gov. Rick Scott — is back in the influence business at his former firm GrayRobinson. Last week, Antonacci’s roster of clients were relatively inoffensive, but not so as of Thursday with the registration of his fourth client. Antonacci has signed up private prison giant Corizon, a company […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2015

Although many people in Tampa are hoping a Cuban consulate comes to Tampa, a committee in the state Senate on Thursday officially disapproved of any such diplomatic outpost coming to Florida. The Senate Rules Committee approved SM 866, a largely symbolic bill that puts the committee on the record as expressing “profound disagreement” with President Barack Obama‘s […]

Bob SparksMarch 12, 2015

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Florida Republican legislators are waving the white flag. The fight seems to be over. Peace is at hand. After two insurrections against Republican National Committee (RNC) mandates covering presidential primary dates, the Florida House and Senate are poised to make a wise decision to cease hostilities. House Bill 7035 (and a companion Senate bill) opens […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2015

As we reported this past weekend, no group has appeared more bothered by the prospect of a constitutional amendment giving Floridians the opportunity to install rooftop solar energy on their homes than Americans for Prosperity. The Koch Brothers-funded libertarian group has been feuding with Conservatives for Energy Freedom, who have been spearheading the effort to get […]

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Tim Weisheyer was appointed to the Florida State University Board of Trustees. Image via FloridaRealtors.com.

John Wood says “God gave us CO2” as Dems question his bill

James Nealis, Aaron Bowman debate Jax Council District 3 issues

Class size limits could be eased for school districts

Rick Scott entices California businesses, taunts Jerry Brown’s “tax and spend” ways

House OKs telehealth bill; reimbursement issue looms

Brian Hodgers launches bid for House District 52

Pete Antonacci locks up controversial lobbying client

Senate panel opposes opening Cuban consulate in state

Bob Sparks: Florida nears end of renegade primary era

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy main funder for Floridians for Solar Choice