Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 7, 2017

A bill aimed at speeding up the handling of political redistricting court cases breezed through its first Senate committee on Tuesday. The legislation (SB 352) was OK’d by the Senate Judiciary Committee with only state Sen. Bobby Powell, a Riviera Beach Democrat, voting against it. “I do believe it’s initially incumbent on us to be […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 7, 2017

Screen-Shot-2017-02-07-at-11.13.26-AM.png

Legislation that would protect small business owners who enter into franchise agreements was filed Tuesday in the Florida Legislature. State Sen. Jack Latvala and Rep. Jason Brodeur announced their support of the “Protect Florida Small Business Act” (SB 750). The bill’s intent “is to promote fair business relations between franchisees and franchisors and to protect franchisees against unfair treatment […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 7, 2017

A bill requiring a unanimous jury recommendation for a death sentence was OK’d by a Senate panel Monday. The legislation (SB 280) was cleared unanimously by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. It’s sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Randolph Bracy of Ocoee, the panel’s chair. Monday’s vote comes as a staff analysis said death penalty cases in Florida […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 6, 2017

As Tallahassee gears up for the annual 60-day Legislative Session, now a month away, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce outlines its agenda for 2017. Among the leading matters for the Chamber are transportation, the unification of PSTA-HART, tourism, and state regulation of vehicles for hire — including a bill (SB 340) from state […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 2, 2017

Each month, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam looks at the list of top job openings the governor gives him. And each month, the top jobs remains same. Nursing is usually at the top of the list, tractor-trailer drivers aren’t far behind. And their constant presence at the top of the list tells Putnam this: The state […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 2, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott made the pitch for an aggressive tax cut plan, saying Florida leaders need to run the state like a business to continue to attract jobs — and job seekers — to the Sunshine State. The Naples Republican kicked off his 2017 Jobs Summit in Orlando on Thursday. Similar to his 2016 Degrees to […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 1, 2017

Sen. Jeff Brandes wants a total overhaul of the state’s medical marijuana laws, filing legislation to repeal current law dealing with low-THC cannabis and replace it with a new regulatory system. The St. Petersburg Republican filed the legislation (SB 614) Wednesday. A long-time critic of the current medical marijuana system, Brandes’ bill has the potential […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 31, 2017

Saying he believes in compromise but not in “compromising your principles,” House Speaker Richard Corcoran Tuesday said again there would be “no (economic) incentives” in his chamber’s proposed 2017-18 state budget. Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican, spoke at the annual Associated Press Legislative Session planning session at the Capitol, then took questions from reporters […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 31, 2017

Newly filed legislation could affect how much power local governments have to regulate the right of way when it comes to telecommunications equipment. Sen. Travis Hutson, chairman of the Senate Regulated Industries committee, filed the “Advanced Wireless Infrastructure Deployment Act” (SB 596) on Monday. The bill, among other things, would prohibit the Department of Transportation […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 30, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott wants to cut millions of dollars of fees that impact Florida’s veterans, seniors and businesses. The Naples Republican announced Monday he plans to cut an $8 million in annual fees during the upcoming legislative session. The announcement comes on the eve of the annual Associated Press legislative planning session, where Scott will […]

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

Redistricting overhaul clears first Senate panel

Jack Latvala, Jason Brodeur aim to protect franchisees

Bill on unanimous jury for death sentence clears first panel

St. Pete Chamber releases legislative wish list for 2017 Session

Adam Putnam to business leaders: ‘Florida has come too far to turn back now’

Rick Scott: ‘If we want jobs in this state, our taxes have to be lower’

Jeff Brandes files medical marijuana implementing bill

Richard Corcoran: ‘No incentives’ in House budget

Travis Hutson telecom bill would preempt right of way regulation

Rick Scott wants state to cut $8M in fees