Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonFebruary 8, 2016

Lawmakers could only raise money for the first 11 days of the year, but that didn’t stop some of the top Republicans in Legislature the posting six-figure hauls to start the year. Campaign and committee finance reports aren’t due until Wednesday, though Sen. Bill Galvano’s political committee, Innovate Florida, leads early filers after posting $216,000 […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 5, 2016

A version of “Storage Wars” came to the Capitol this week as one bill that would change the law governing self-storage facilities and involve Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater got jammed up in committee. The measure (SB 720) is stalled in the Senate after being postponed in the Regulated Industries Committee. But its House companion (HB 559) could be heard on […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 28, 2016

Port Tampa Bay plays a vital role in Florida’s industrial landscape, a fact that will be highlighted as part of a visit this week by the head of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, as part of the group’s 2016 State of Manufacturing Tour, will stop by Port Tampa […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 27, 2016

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The state House passed a controversial measure to regulate fracking, despite significant opposition from Democrats who said the practice could harm the state’s natural resources. The House voted 73-45 after more than an hour of passionate debate to approve the bill (HB 191), with just a few Republicans joining Democrats in opposing it. “Yesterday, over […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 21, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday signed several pieces of legislation deemed a priority for Senate President Andy Gardiner and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli. One measure (SB 672) expand the personal learning scholarship account program and the Florida postsecondary comprehensive transition program for students with intellectual disabilities. It also renames the scholarship program to the Gardiner […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 14, 2016

A major trio of political players at the Florida Capitol are happy with the progress made Thursday on big-ticket priorities in the Legislature. The H2O Coalition, a water policy consortium affiliated with Associated Industries of Florida, applauded the further progress of what it calls comprehensive water reform in the Legislature. The praise comes after the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 13, 2016

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A bill to regulate hydraulic fracturing cleared its first Senate hurdle Wednesday. The bill (SB 318), sponsored by Sen. Garrett Richter would require drillers to get a permit for high-pressure well “stimulations,” calls on the Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a study such techniques would have on Florida’s geology, and increases the penalty from […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 13, 2016

On Wednesday, the Senate passed a major water bill, a major priority of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and the object of much interest on the part of environmentalist community as well. Reactions from significant groups and individuals will continue to flow in as the debate goes forward, but for now here’s a look at what some of […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 13, 2016

Floridians overwhelmingly support increased water quality and quantity standards, according to a new poll released Wednesday. The survey, commissioned by Associated Industries of Florida’s H2O Coalition, found 82 percent of respondents said they support a plan that creates new standards for Florida’s water policy and efforts to improve water quality. State lawmakers are expected to […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 12, 2016

Florida’s foremost business trade group congratulated Gov. Rick Scott for his sixth State of the State address, and reaffirmed its support for the governor in the just-opened 2016 Legislative Session. Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) President and CEO Tom Feeney released this statement: “AIF applauds Governor Scott on his State of the State address, and […]

Tag: Associated Industries of Florida
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Republican committees post 6-figure hauls in first days of 2016

Bill would put Jeff Atwater at center of Capitol’s “Storage Wars”

Manufacturing trade group gives “State of Manufacturing” speech at Port Tampa Friday

House approves controversial fracking bill, despite opposition from Democrats

Capitol Reax: Rick Scott signs priority legislation; court clerks highlight talk funding needs; fracking bill heads to House floor

Big-name groups, leaders trumpet progress on legislative priorities

Bill aimed at hydraulic fracking clears first Senate committee

Major players react to Senate passage of water legislation

Poll: Floridians overwhelmingly support improving water quality standards

AIF heralds Rick Scott’s State of the State address, economic plan