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Staff ReportsMarch 7, 2017

Americans for Prosperity-Florida applauded Gov. Rick Scott for his passion for job creation, but once again called on the Legislature to approve legislation that would eliminate economic incentive programs. “There is no question that Governor Scott and the Florida legislature have helped Florida endure the recent recession, and through their effective leadership the state of […]

Jim RosicaMarch 7, 2017

In what was his most personally felt State of the State speech so far, Gov. Rick Scott Tuesday delivered an impassioned plea for Florida’s economic development organization and business incentives targeted for elimination by the House of Representatives. House Speaker Richard Corcoran is seeking to abolish Enterprise Florida and other financial programs he has termed “corporate welfare.” […]

Michael MolineMarch 7, 2017

Sen. Dorthy Hukill wasn’t in Tallahassee for opening day of the 2017 Legislature, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t on the job. Hukill, chairwoman of the Education Committee, is recovering from surgery for cervical cancer, and her doctors wouldn’t let her travel to the state capital. Nevertheless, the Port Orange Republican has remained active in the […]

Gary FineoutMarch 7, 2017

Once the Florida Legislature kicks off its 60-day Session March 7, legislators are expected to pass, or kill, dozens of measures dealing with everything from abortion to gambling and the environment. So far, more than 2,000 bills have been filed, but in the end, legislators usually pass fewer than 300 pieces of legislation each year. […]

Michael MolineMarch 6, 2017

The National Council on Compensation Insurance will take no position on a Senate bill that would require workers’ compensation carriers to propose their own rates to the Office of Insurance Regulation. “We don’t have an opinion in it. We operate in both environments,” Susan Donegan, chief regulatory services officer for NCCI, said in a telephone interview Monday. […]

Staff ReportsMarch 6, 2017

The 2017 Legislative Session kicks off Tuesday, which can only mean one thing: It’s time for a party. Associated Industries of Florida will host its annual pre-session welcome back reception for legislators, lobbyists and a host of other politicos this evening. The shindig has helped kick off the annual 60-day legislative session for more than […]

Michael MolineMarch 6, 2017

The insurance industry already has a good idea how one of it’s top priorities for the 2017 Legislative Session seems likely to go. It found out when the House and Senate unveiled their plans for fixing the workers’ compensation system Friday. But there’s more than that to worry about as session opens Tuesday. The industry […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2017

This is the first legislative session that South Florida’s Oscar Braynon II will be the Senate’s Democratic Leader. The 40-year-old, who succeeded term-limited former Leader Arthenia Joyner, was first elected in 2011 after serving in the House and on the Miami Gardens City Council before that. Though he’s in the minority, Braynon has high hopes […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2017

Get ready for a rumble: Lawmakers will again tackle the sticky issue of alimony in the 2017 Legislative Session. Companion bills filed in the House and Senate aim to overhaul state alimony law to toughen the standards by which alimony is granted and changed. That’s despite unsuccessful tries in the last few years. Neither bill […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2017

With competing legislation now set up in both chambers, the question remains whether lawmakers finally will pass a gambling overhaul or whether the effort will founder as it has in years past. Hanging in the balance is a new blackjack exclusivity deal for the Seminole Tribe of Florida that promises a cut to the state […]

Tag: 2017 Legislative Session
Golf ball and golf club in bag on green grass

AFP-FL encourages Legislature to continue to support bill to eliminate Enterprise Florida

Rick Scott gets personal in 2017 ‘State of The State’ address

Dorothy Hukill, recovering from cancer, watching from home as Senate convenes

Guns, gambling and taxes: Legislators return to work

With role on the line, NCCI insists: We’re not ‘an evil empire unto itself’

Associated Industries of Florida shindig marks start of 2017 Legislative Session

Insurance companies have plenty to worry about as Legislative Session opens

2017 Legislative Session preview: Oscar Braynon on juvenile justice, incentives and Chance the Rapper

2017 Legislative Session preview: Alimony rears its head

2017 Legislative Session preview: Showdown over gambling—again