Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayOctober 13, 2015

The Florida Taxicab Association issued another broadside against Uber on Tuesday, this time focusing on a new University of South Florida-Nielsen poll that suggests most Floridians are in favor of legal restrictions on so-called transportation network companies. According to the new poll released Tuesday, 89 percent of Floridians think ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft “should be required to have liability […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 10, 2015

Newly filed campaign finance reports show Democratic House District 72 challenger Edward James III added another fundraising win over incumbent Republican Rep. Ray Pilon, though neither camp brought in much for the month. James’ campaign account took in $4,540 in August, with nearly all of the money coming in the way of small checks from […]

Frank TorresAugust 28, 2015

Sen. David Simmons formally announced the passage of his “No Contact” bill in Downtown Orlando on Friday afternoon. The legislation will ensure that once an “order of no contact” has been issued by the court, jailed suspects are prohibited from contacting and potentially threatening retaliation to victims. “We’re trying to ensure the prevention of domestic violence […]

Phil AmmannJuly 20, 2015

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With a hat-tip to LobbyTools, here is latest on who is on and who is off the legislative staffing merry-go-round. Off: Jay Ferrin has left his position as legislative analyst for the Senate Majority Office. Off: Chase Daniels has left his position as legislative assistant for state Sen. Charlie Dean. On: Drew Aldikacti is the […]

Mitch PerryMay 29, 2015

Among the many casualties in the aborted legislative session last month was legislation regulating ride-sharing apps Uber and Lyft. On the eve of the Special Session, though, Uber’s Florida General Manager Matthew Gore and other Florida business leaders have asked House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner to include transportation network companies in […]

Christine Jordan SextonMay 12, 2015

Sen. David Simmons on Tuesday sent a memo to Florida lawmakers along with an optional editorial he wrote for the Orlando Sentinel calling the Senate’s proposal to expand health care a “path to Medicaid extinction.” In his memo, Simmons said there are “many misconceptions about the Senate’s healthcare plan,” and attached his editorial that was […]

Staff ReportsMay 7, 2015

A bill meant to crack down on posting sexually explicit photos of exes and former lovers by increasing the penalties was sent to Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday. Under SB 538, if approved, it would be a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and $1,000, the first time a person posts […]

James CallApril 29, 2015

Instead of a Doctor of the Day, when the Florida House and Senate next meet, maybe they should consider a psychologist, counselor or mediator. After an exchange of insults and letters Wednesday it became even more uncertain when the two chambers will be able to begin budget negotiations. The gulf between the Florida House and […]

Ryan RayApril 27, 2015

Advocates for ride-sharing firms Lyft and Uber evidently did not reach an agreement this weekend with traditional taxi cab and limousine stakeholders, as a ride sharing policy bill sponsored by Rep. Matt Gaetz was temporarily postponed Monday for the second time in as many appearances on the House floor. HB 817 is generally considered a pro-Uber piece of legislation, but it recently took on […]

Ryan RayApril 27, 2015

Where things stand on a number of “legislative food fights” is a complicated question in today’s adversarial climate at the Capitol. The $4 billion chasm between the House and Senate budget proposals casts a shadow on every corner of legislative business, both appropriations and policy measures. “Bill aren’t just dying; they’re being massacred,” Rep. Frank Artiles told […]

Tag: David Simmons

Taxi group contends survey calls for regulating Uber

HD 72 Democratic hopeful Edward James edges Ray Pilon in August fundraising

David Simmons formally announces passage of “No Contact” bill

The latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Uber requests that ride-sharing be part of Special Session in Tallahassee

David Simmons calls Senate health plan “a path to Medicaid extinction”

“Revenge porn” bill sent to Rick Scott for review

Senate President, House Speaker exchange letters as budget dispute deepens

Legislature’s Uber regulation efforts stuck in neutral

The latest on 5 legislative food fights