Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsDecember 1, 2016

Sen. Jeff Brandes has filed legislation to implement a constitutional amendment to give tax breaks to companies that buy and install solar devices and equipment. The St. Petersburg Republican filed Senate Bill 90, the Amendment 4 implementing bill Thursday. “The voters of Florida spoke loud and clear that they expect the sunshine state to make […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterNovember 28, 2016

Sen. Jeff Brandes will once again file legislation to repeal the state’s no-fault auto insurance requirement, saying it’s time for Florida to move away from the troubled system. The St. Petersburg Republican said repealing the state’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system will be one of his top priorities during the 2017 legislative session. The decision […]

Mitch PerryOctober 11, 2016

Florida Republican leaders have been conspicuously quiet about where they stand on Amendment 2, the ballot initiative that would legalize medical marijuana. “I think a lot of people are being quiet about it because they assume it’s going to pass and they don’t want to be on the wrong side,” incoming Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jack […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 13, 2016

With the recent passage of Amendment 4, you might be under the impression that the Sunshine State is making hay from our abundant natural resource and creating a healthy amount of energy from solar. Not so. In fact, although Amendment 4 is a step in the right direction, it’s actually natural gas that carries the […]

Mitch PerryAugust 30, 2016

A constitutional amendment intended to expand the use of solar power in Florida has passed. The measure is winning statewide by a huge 73 percent to 27 percent margin. The measure needed 60 percent to win. Amendment 4 exempts solar devices and equipment from being subject to the personal tangible property tax. A business that currently has solar […]

Associated PressAugust 30, 2016

Voters in sun-soaked Florida will have a chance Tuesday to decide whether to approve an amendment to the state constitution that supporters say is aimed at encouraging the use of solar energy. A proposed Amendment 4 calls for tax breaks that could help both commercial and residential property owners install solar or renewable energy systems […]

Peter SchorschAugust 28, 2016

Agriculture-Commissioner-Adam-Putnam-L-and-FPL-President-and-CEO-Eric-Silagy-simultaneously-pull-the-switches-on-the-first-two-beams-at-the-Manatee-Solar-E-1024x1024.jpg

With pro-solar constitutional amendments on ballots this year, it’s a good time to talk about the state of clean energy in Florida. Contrary to the fear-and-loathing narrative that portrays the Sunshine State as a clean energy laggard, the reality is Florida’s energy landscape is bright. Consider these widely repeated claims: “Florida ranks third in solar potential […]

Mitch PerryAugust 24, 2016

Last week it was The Boston Globe. On Tuesday, it was Michael Tomasky at the Daily Beast, and now it’s USA Today. All three media entities say it’s now time for Bill and Hillary Clinton to shut down the Clinton Foundation, as it has become a major liability to the former first lady as she seeks the presidency. Earlier this week, […]

Mitch PerryAugust 17, 2016

Citadel_Photographs-KKK.JPEG-0a5fe_c0-142-1702-1134_s885x516.jpg

Unlike that other solar power constitutional amendment that Floridians will decide on in the fall, seemingly everyone supports Amendment Four, the only ballot measure on this month’s primary ballot. Virtually everyone that is, except Al Sharpton. The New York City-based activist and MSNBC host bashed the measure while making an appearance last week in Opa-Locka. Amendment […]

Peter SchorschAugust 7, 2016

Pinellas County Republicans who gathered at a “Victory Picnic” mostly avoided talking about their candidate at the top of the ballot this November and focused instead on the importance of keeping Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate and winning local races. “Donald Trump was not my first, second or third choice,” said state Rep. Chris Latvala about his presidential candidate […]

Tag: Amendment 4
Golf ball and golf club in bag on green grass

Jeff Brandes files Amendment 4 implementing bill

Repealing PIP, implementing Amendment 4 top priorities for Jeff Brandes in 2017

Some Florida Republicans AWOL on talking about Amendment 2

Tom Matthews: Amendment 4 is good start, but natural gas necessary for Florida economy, environment

Amendment 4 wins — measure would expand solar power in Florida

Amendment 4 would make solar cheaper for property owners

Eric Silagy: Florida Power & Light endorses solar amendments, urges optimism about clean energy in Florida

Mitch Perry Report for 8.24.16 — Pressure builds for Clinton Foundation to fade away

Jeff Brandes disagrees with Al Sharpton’s critique of Amendment Four

Tidbits from the Pinellas GOP’s ‘Victory Picnic’