Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryJanuary 18, 2016

When the Florida Legislature convenes Tuesday to begin the second week of the nine-week Legislative Session, the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a proposal that divides the Tampa and Polk County legislative delegations. House Bill 815, sponsored by Tampa Republican Shawn Harrison, would move the 2nd District Court of Appeal from Lakeland to the Tampa […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 10, 2016

They don’t get as much attention as policy debates that gum up and even fracture legislative sessions (think Medicaid expansion), but a slew of proposed legal-related changes will be before legislators this year – some new, some old standbys. For instance, the Legislature will try to overhaul Florida’s alimony law for at least the third time in recent […]

Jim RosicaNovember 18, 2015

A House bill aimed at overhauling and streamlining the state’s alimony rules cleared its first panel Wednesday, despite a retired judge telling lawmakers “bad things are going to happen to nice people” if the measure becomes law. The Civil Justice Subcommittee OK’d the bill (HB 455), sponsored by Republican state Rep. Colleen Burton of Lakeland, […]

Mitch PerryJuly 21, 2015

In advance of the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) national meeting which begins Wednesday in San Diego, the good government group Common Cause Florida is calling on two state lawmakers to disclose any corporate or special interest funding that is paying for state lawmakers to travel to the west coast for the meeting. ALEC meetings place business executives with […]

Christine Jordan SextonJune 11, 2015

After a regular session where the House presented no health care plan or alternative to the headline grabbing Senate FHIX proposal, the House on Thursday rolled to third reading a number of bills that will comprise its package. House Democrats peppered Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen with questions before the House rolled to third reading a bill […]

Phil AmmannApril 28, 2015

Florida lawmakers approved a medication that could save lives during a drug overdose, with a bill now awaiting Gov. Rick Scott’s signature. On Tuesday, the Legislature passed SB 758/HB 751, known as the Emergency Treatment for Opioid Overdose Act, which increases availability of Naloxone, a drug that immediately reverses effects of opioids — prescription painkillers, […]

Phil AmmannApril 27, 2015

A Lakeland hospice forced to close by the state over a paperwork error is near reopening by way of a bill passed last week by the Legislature. On Friday, both the Senate and House passed HB 441, giving Compassionate Care Hospice (CCH) on Drane Field Road access to an expedited process to reapply for its license. […]

Peter SchorschApril 17, 2015

Another shot has fired in the contentious behind-the-scenes battle in the Florida GOP over the future House Speakership of Eric Eisnaugle. Orange County RPOF Chairman Lew Oliver, in an email obtained Friday by FloridaPolitics.com, confirms that four House members’ districts vulnerable to Democrats in 2016 (three in Orange County), were given a “motive” to pair […]

Jac VerSteegFebruary 24, 2015

The Florida Legislature, always interested in preserving families, is working on a reform that is guaranteed to prevent some breakups. In the short run, that is. What’s the reform? The 2015 session that starts March 3 is almost certain to produce a package of alimony reforms. Alimony was a hot topic two years ago, and […]

Jac VerSteegFebruary 23, 2015

The Florida Legislature, always interested in preserving families, is working on a reform that is guaranteed to prevent some breakups. In the short run, that is. What’s the reform? The 2015 session that starts March 3 is almost certain to produce a package of alimony reforms. Alimony was a hot topic two years ago, and […]

Tag: Colleen Burton
This exhibit celebrates late-blooming artistry, proving it’s never too late for bold creativity.

Bill to move 2nd District Court to Tampa riles Polk legislators

2016 Legislative Food Fights: Legal, judicial reforms again on lawmakers’ to-do list

Alimony overhaul bill clears first House panel

Seven Florida House Republicans attending ALEC conference this week

House rolls health care bills to 3rd reading

Florida Legislature passes expanded access to overdose treatment drug

Bill to reopen Lakeland hospice goes to governor’s desk

Orange Co. GOP leader: Blaise Ingoglia should resign as Florida GOP chairman

Jac VerSteeg: Alimony reform could prevent divorce — for a few months

Jac VerSteeg: Alimony reform could prevent divorce – for a few months