Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersApril 7, 2016

Outgoing Senate President Andy Gardiner conceded Thursday that the presidential election, the possible “Trump effect,” and other issues likely will lead to Democrats making gains in the Florida Legislature elections this fall. Gardiner, an Orlando Republican, told the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida that he is confident the GOP will retain its majority in […]

Jim RosicaApril 6, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott has approved a repeal of a 148-year-law that criminalizes an unmarried couple living together. The measure legalizing “cohabitation” (SB 498) was one of 20 bills signed into law by the governor on Wednesday. The change is largely a reflection of the times: Though Florida was among a few states that still criminalized cohabitation, its prohibition […]

Ryan RayApril 6, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott will hold a formal bill-signing ceremony in Boca Raton on Wednesday afternoon to laud a bill that will keep the state of Florida from doing business with firms that boycott Israel. Scott will meet with Jewish and pro-Israel Floridian stakeholders at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, where he will signal his public […]

Jim RosicaApril 6, 2016

Another day, another bill-signing deadline. Gov. Rick Scott has until Wednesday to act on 20 bills, all from the Senate, “including a bill that would expand courtroom protections for victims of abuse, and another that would repeal the prohibition on cohabitation,” according to LobbyTools Legislative IQ. If signed by Scott, “couples shacking up together would […]

Ryan RayApril 4, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott gave his signature Monday to an omnibus transportation bill that makes about a dozen changes to state law regarding the Florida Department of Transportation. Scott’s final approval of HB 7027 means numerous sundry changes for FDOT, one of the largest aspects of the budget and a prominent area of policy for Floridians who travel the state’s […]

Peter SchorschApril 4, 2016

One of Florida’s brightest political minds is headed into The Tiger’s Den. Steve Vancore is scheduled to speak to the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club about how state election laws prohibit great numbers from participating in the political process, and how it may get even worse on April 15. The Tallahassee pollster and political analyst will give […]

Ryan RayApril 1, 2016

Members of the Florida Capitol Press Corps broke down the 2016 Legislative Session at the Capital City Tiger Bay Club’s April meeting on Friday, April Fool’s Day. Reporters Gary Fineout of the Associated Press, Tia Mitchell of the Florida Times-Union, Bill Cotterell of the Tallahassee Democrat, Matt Dixon of POLITICO Florida, and Dara Kam of News Service of Florida answered questions posed by PR pro […]

Ryan RayMarch 29, 2016

Several of Tampa Bay’s most prominent fine arts institutions found success in the Legislature’s budget for 2016-17, navigating the delicate appropriations process and escaping Gov. Rick Scott‘s veto pen. Lawmakers approved $2 million for Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, frequently home to performances by The Florida Orchestra and national touring acts. Katie Pedretty, Director of Public Relations, said the money will go toward renovating the 33-year-old building […]

Ryan RayMarch 24, 2016

A day after signing nine bills into law on Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott gave final approval to 33 bills passed during the 2016 Legislative Session late Thursday morning. The raft of newly enacted legislation includes HB 93 by Democratic Rep. Shevrin Jones, which requires Florida law enforcement agencies to “establish policies and procedures regarding the use” of police body cameras. […]

Ryan RayMarch 23, 2016

The future of Florida’s aviation fuel taxation regime is set for a major overhaul on July 1, if Gov. Rick Scott signs an omnibus tax bill into law as expected. For the state’s largest air carriers, that’s a good thing indeed. The bill removes exemptions to the state’s jet fuel tax, which currently apply to once-upstart carriers like Southwest […]

Tag: 2016 Legislative Session

Andy Gardiner expects Democrats to make some gains in 2016 state elections

With Rick Scott’s blessing, “shacking up” now legal in Florida

Rick Scott to sign Israel anti-boycott bill in Boca Raton

More bills from 2016 Legislative Session to be signed Wednesday

Rick Scott signs omnibus FDOT bill into law

Steve Vancore to discuss political process at Suncoast Tiger Bay April 15

Capitol Press Corps talks shop after 2016 Session

Tampa Bay area arts, cultural institutions fared well in Legislature’s budget

Rick Scott signs raft of 33 bills into law

Jet fuel tax changes set to become law July 1, barring unlikely veto