Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayFebruary 2, 2016

The House advanced a controversial proposal designed to stop Florida cities and counties from shielding undocumented immigrants from federal immigration laws. HB 675 by Rep. Larry Metz would create potential penalties and fines for local governments that don’t comply with detainers from the Immigration and Customs Service, or otherwise fail to act when they suspect illegal aliens are […]

Ryan RayFebruary 2, 2016

A week after Florida State University finally settled the legal matter surrounding its handling of allegations against Jameis Winston, the school’s annual FSU Day at the state Capitol went on as usual on a dreary Tuesday afternoon. FSU President John Thrasher gave the benediction amid spirited brass and fanfare, keeping his remarks short and sticking mostly to athletics. […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 2, 2016

Both the Florida House and Senate are off to a great start in the 2016 Session, having passed significant legislation expanding job and education opportunities for people with disabilities and approving a historic water bill. Thanks to Gov. Rick Scott, both of those bills are now law. The comprehensive water bill has been the subject […]

Ryan RayJanuary 28, 2016

The Florida Senate approved a bill Thursday to allow Floridians to break into a vehicle in order to rescue distressed people or animals left unattended. The upper chamber passed the proposal 38-0, a day after the House gave its unanimous approval too. The bill — HB 131 by Republican Rep. Dana Young — now moves on to […]

Associated PressJanuary 28, 2016

The Florida Senate has passed a bill that would expand the state’s “stand your ground” law to place more burden on prosecutors to prove self-defense wasn’t a factor when charging someone with assaulting or killing another person. The Senate voted 24-12 for the bill on Thursday. If the bill becomes law, the state would have […]

Ryan RayJanuary 27, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott hewed to his usual job-growth message Thursday afternoon in an appearance on CNN’s Newsroom with Brooke Baldwin. The interview is part of a swing through Washington D.C. this week to network with Republican leaders and address national media. Scott said it was “still early” when asked if he would publicly endorse GOP presidential […]

Ryan RayJanuary 27, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott hewed to his usual job-growth message Wednesday afternoon in an appearance on CNN’s “Newsroom with Brooke Baldwin.” The interview was part of a swing through Washington D.C. this week to network with Republican leaders and address national media. Scott said it was “still early” when asked whether he would publicly endorse GOP presidential […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 27, 2016

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The Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties have withdrawn their opposition to a bill prohibiting local governments from banning hydraulic fracturing. Rebecca O’Hara, a lobbyist with the Florida League of Cities, said the decision to drop its opposition came after working with sponsors of the bill (HB 191/SB 318) to reach […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 27, 2016

A standing-room-only crowd came out early Wednesday to hear retired NFL coach Tony Dungy speak at this year’s Legislative Prayer Breakfast held in the Capitol. Dungy, an evangelical Christian, was a longtime player and head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts. It was with the Colts that he became the first black coach […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 26, 2016

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The Republican-led state House rejected more than a dozen amendments — all of which were sponsored by House Democrats — to a proposal aimed at regulating hydraulic fracturing. House Democrats put forth at least 20 amendments to the bill (HB 191). The changes included requiring drillers to submit water to the Department of Environmental every […]

Tag: 2016 Legislative Session

House tees up bill to stop “sanctuary” cities

John Thrasher addresses the faithful at FSU Day

Charlie Dean and Matt Caldwell: Criticism of new water law off-base

Good Samaritan vehicle-rescue bill gets final OK from lawmakers

Senate passes “stand your ground” expansion, gun bills

Rick Scott on CNN: still too early to endorse in 2016

Rick Scott still won’t commit to Donald Trump endorsement

Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities drop opposition to fracking bill

Tony Dungy speaks at Legislative Prayer Breakfast

House Republicans reject amendments to fracking bill sponsored by Democrats