Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaAugust 3, 2017

State gambling regulators this week shot down a request by a South Florida gambling permitholder who wanted sell the permit and allow the next operator to build on a new location in Broward County. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Monday said both sales of permits and any relocation of gambling—both time-consuming processes—have to be OK’d […]

Jim RosicaAugust 1, 2017

As promised, the Florida Greyhound Association is asking state gambling regulators to “reconsider” their decision to allow Miami’s Magic City Casino to discontinue live dog racing. The association filed a “motion to intervene” Tuesday. Ending racing there “will put (its) members … out of business,” the motion says. “The purpose … is to forever end greyhound racing at the track. […]

Jim RosicaJuly 24, 2017

Horse breeders have legal standing to “challenge the annual plan for distribution of owners’ and breeders’ awards,” according to a unanimous appeals court decision Monday. In a case ultimately about who controls the money and how much goes back to horsemen and breeders, Southern Cross Farm (SCF) had appealed a ruling from state gambling regulators. The Department […]

Jim RosicaJuly 21, 2017

In a decision sure to ripple through the state’s gambling interests, the Havenick family has won its years-long fight to drop dog racing at its Magic City Casino in Miami. A spokesman for the state’s greyhound breeders on Friday said they’re already working on a legal challenge to the decision, which has been long awaited by […]

Staff ReportsJune 27, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott on Friday appointed Jonathan Zachem as the new Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Matilde Miller, who had been serving as interim secretary since January, has accepted the job of Vice President of Compliance for VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s public-private tourism marketing agency. “DBPR is often on […]

Jim RosicaJune 12, 2017

The companies behind what are known as “pre-reveal” games say they’re “losing money every day” even after a Tallahassee judge ruled the stand-alone consoles aren’t illegal slot machines. Gator Coin II and Blue Sky Games are asking Circuit Judge John Cooper to lift an automatic stay of his March decision. Cooper, however, already has agreed to reconsider the ruling, setting […]

Jim RosicaMay 16, 2017

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has given the state of Florida another multi-million dollar payday. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation reported that the tribe paid $19.5 million in gambling revenue share on Monday. The department regulates gambling. That money includes revenue share from banked card games, specifically blackjack. The tribe also offers slots. It has Vegas-style and other gambling at seven casinos […]

Jim RosicaMay 10, 2017

Saying it will be good for “tourism and tax revenue,” a South Florida gambling permitholder is asking state regulators to OK the permit’s sale and allow the next operator to build on a new location in Broward County. Dania Entertainment Center, which operates The Casino @ Dania Beach, last Monday asked for a declaratory judgment from the Department […]

Associated PressMay 4, 2017

State officials revoked a racing greyhound trainer’s license after five dogs tested positive for cocaine after a race in January. According to records from the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Malcolm McAllister’s racing license was permanently revoked April 24. Urine samples for the dogs were taken by state employees following races at the St. […]

Peter SchorschMay 1, 2017

Money to help smaller communities market themselves during the off-season could still be in play as legislative leaders continue to negotiate the 2017-18 budget. The Senate has proposed language to move a state-funded marketing program run by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation from Visit Florida. The House […]

Tag: Department of Business and Professional Regulation
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

Dania casino shut out in gambling permit case

Greyhound group asks state to reverse decoupling decision

Horse breeders can challenge divvying up of award money, court says

No more dog racing at South Florida casino, state says

Personnel note: Jonathan Zachem appointed DBPR secretary

Pre-reveal game makers bemoan state’s ‘heavy-handed tactics’

Despite lack of deal, Seminole Tribe still paying state millions

More fun with summer jai alai permits: Dania looking to sell

Busted: Cocaine found in 5 greyhounds at Derby Lane

Hospitality marketing money still in play, lawmakers say