Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJune 13, 2018

Tampa businessman Steve Cona announced Tuesday that is running for District 1 seat on the Hillsborough County School Board. “Our public schools should be our biggest economic development engine; a place that cultivates and elevates the uniqueness of every student. As a school board member, I will work to ensure our students are prepared to […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 4, 2018

To attract big-name donors, fundraisers often use a range of enticements: sports events, activities and special guests, to name a few. For Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, the former interim sheriff running for his first election in 2018, fundraising is taking a somewhat unique approach — special guest Robert O’Neill, the former Navy SEAL best […]

Drew WilsonDecember 7, 2017

North Fort Myers Republican Rep. Matt Caldwell announced Thursday that Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida has endorsed him in the Republican Primary to replace termed-out Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. “We are thrilled to announce that we are endorsing Matt Caldwell for Commissioner of Agriculture,” ABC board chair Mary Tappouni said. “Matt is a principled […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 27, 2017

The GOP Primary field for Florida Governor may not be set, but the Associated Builders and Contractors announced a major endorsement Thursday evening for Adam Putnam. The endorsement: a unanimous vote of the ABC Board. Mary Tappouni, State Chair of ABC of Florida, lauded Putnam’s “conservative values and free market approach” in a press release from […]

Guest AuthorJune 16, 2017

The Associated Builders and Contractors and our 2,500 members are pleased to report that new legislation will now strengthen competition and reduce abusive litigation in Florida’s multibillion commercial and public construction markets. We also want to thank Gov. Rick Scott for his support of these two pro-business, pro-consumer bills. With the help of Rep. Jayer […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 23, 2017

A bill filed earlier this year in the Jacksonville City Council to ensure more job opportunities for ex-offenders got deferred in its third committee stop Thursday. The Associated Builders and Contractors pushed back on the bill throughout the committee process, and council members fell in line, with increasing resistance in Wednesday’s committees leading to the pause on […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 26, 2017

Cities and counties often impose conditions on contractors and who they hire for public works products. But a bill filed Thursday in the Florida Senate would change some of that. Senate Bill 534, filed by Gainesville Republican Keith Perry on Thursday, would prohibit cities, counties, local taxing districts, schools, and other such “political subdivisions” from dictating […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterOctober 21, 2016

One national organization is building up Marco Rubio in Florida. Associated Builders and Contractors announced this week it made a seven-figure ad buy in Florida and five other states. The issue-based ad buy is meant to highlight candidates’ positions on key issues for the construction trade organization. The organization is expected to air the spot […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 7, 2016

House District 12 Republican Clay Yarborough faces write-in candidate Jerry Steckloff — whose sole distinction is being more socially conservative than the GOP nominee — Nov. 8. It’s uncertain whether Steckloff had a reason for getting in the race beyond the time-honored tradition of closing the primary. However, his continued position as an active candidate allows Yarborough to […]

Peter SchorschOctober 5, 2016

The Florida Retail Federation announced Wednesday they are endorsing State Rep. Frank Artiles in the race for Senate District 40. “Frank has been a friend of retailing during his years as an influential member of the Florida House, and as a small business owner he understands the impact that onerous regulations can have in impacting […]

Tag: Associated Builders and Contractors

Steve Cona files for Hillsborough School Board

Chad Chronister fundraiser offers unique guest — former Navy Seal Rob O’Neill

Associated Builders and Contractors endorses Matt Caldwell for Ag Commissioner

Unanimous pick: Associated Builders and Contractors endorse Adam Putnam for Governor

Carol Bowen: Florida construction marketplace healthier thanks to new legislation

Jacksonville ex-offender jobs bill gets deferred by council panel

Florida Senate bill gives public works contractors more hiring discretion

Associated Builders and Contractors announce seven-figure ad buy in Florida, 5 other states

Running against write-in, Clay Yarborough raises union and PAC money

Florida Retail Federation endorses Frank Artiles in SD 40

Florida politics had 11 questions before federal qualifying week. Here are the answers.