Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersMarch 7, 2018

An attempt by Orlando Democratic state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith to get the state to provide $1 million to help build a Pulse nightclub memorial in Orlando drew some crossover votes from Republicans (including many from Central Florida) but failed in the House Tuesday night. The proposed amendment, which would have added $1 million for […]

Scott PowersFebruary 13, 2018

Democratic state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith picked up his campaign-fundraising pace in early January for his 2018 re-election effort in Florida House District 49, bringing in nearly $24,000 even as his only opponent dropped out of the race. Smith, of Orlando, reported that his campaign raised $23,838 in the first eight days of January prior […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 18, 2018

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State Rep. David Richardson announced a wave of endorsements for his congressional campaign Wednesday from his Democratic colleagues in the Florida Legislature. The Miami Beach Democrat picked up nods from Sen. Linda Stewart and Reps. Bruce Antone, John Cortes, Katie Edwards-Walpole, Patrick Henry, Kristin Jacobs, Amy Mercado, Wengay Newton, David Silvers, Emily Slosberg, Cynthia Stafford, […]

Scott PowersDecember 14, 2017

Five Central Florida candidates for the Florida House each raised more than $10,000 for their campaigns in November, including incumbent Republican state Reps. Bobby Olszewski, Rene Plasencia, David Santiago, and Bob Cortes along with first-time Democratic candidate Anna Eskamani. Olszewski of Winter Garden, who took his seat after winning a special election in October, reported raising […]

Scott PowersNovember 13, 2017

Note: a previous version of this story inaccurately reported the campaign finances of Lee Mangold, Democrat running in House District 29 in northern Seminole County. Republican State Rep. David Santiago led all Central Florida candidates for the Florida House of Representatives in October fundraising drawing in $21,000 for his re-election bid in Florida’s House District […]

Scott PowersOctober 16, 2017

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State Sen. Linda Stewart and state Rep. Bruce Antone announced Monday they are pushing legislation that would require day care centers to install sensor alarms on their transport vans and other vehicles that would alert workers if a child was left inside. Joined by other Democratic members of the Orange County Legislative Caucus, many of […]

Scott PowersSeptember 18, 2017

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Seminole County Florida lawmakers have sent a protest letter to Duke Energy for not meeting its electricity restoration goals and state Rep. Bob Cortes has asked Duke officials to attend a county delegation meeting Tuesday to look into delays. “Eight days after Hurricane Irma blew through our districts, the struggle for residents and businesses to […]

Jim RosicaJune 7, 2017

(Originally published Tuesday, June 6, 2017) At least eight House members and one senator won’t be attending some or all of this week’s Special Session, set for Wednesday-Friday. The June meeting is conflicting with some lawmakers’ plans, including one whose brother is getting married out of state. Below is a list, as of Tuesday afternoon, […]

Scott PowersApril 12, 2017

Surrounded by what’s billed as the world’s new center for tennis but yet also almost in the shadow of a failed medical research center, Gov. Rick Scott brought his plea for salvation for Enterprise Florida and VISIT Florida to Orlando’s Lake Nona community Wednesday – urging pressure on the mostly-Republican group of lawmakers set to […]

Staff ReportsMarch 15, 2017

The House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee approved an assignment of benefits reform bill Tuesday. The bill links fees to pre-litigation offers of judgment and requires policyholders receive notice if a contractor files suit. “The Consumer Protection Coalition applauds Rep. Jamie Grant and House leadership for taking on the issue of Assignment of Benefits fraud and […]

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Matt Gaetz. Image via AP.

Carlos Smith’s $1M Pulse memorial amendment draws some Republicans, but fails

Carlos Smith tops Orange County legislative candidates, raising $23K

14 Florida lawmakers endorse David Richardson for CD 27

Bobby Olszewski, Rene Plasencia, Anna Eskamani, lead Central Florida House campaign gains

David Santiago leads all Central Florida House candidates in October fundraising

Linda Stewart, Bruce Antone push for day care van alarms

Seminole County lawmakers want response from Duke Energy

Some lawmakers bowing out of Special Session

Rick Scott brings Visit Florida, Enterprise Florida pitch to Lake Nona

Capitol Reax: AOB reform, workers compensation, medical marijuana, gun bills