Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschMarch 21, 2016

State Rep. Matt Gaetz is ready to bring his fiery brand of northwest Florida conservatism to Washington D.C. The Fort Walton Beach Republican is abandoning his bid for the Florida Senate and instead will run for the congressional seat now held by Republican Jeff Miller. He announced he will retire at the end of his eighth and current term. […]

Ryan RayMarch 15, 2016

Former Senate President Don Gaetz on Tuesday declared he will not seek the Congressional District 1 seat left open by U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller‘s recent decision to retire in 2016. Gaetz put an end to rumors he may try to make the leap to federal office in a memo to supporters Tuesday afternoon. “Gratified as I am by the many offers […]

Ryan RayMarch 15, 2016

Amid a cascade of statehouse dominoes in Northwest Florida in the aftermath of U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller‘s decision not to run for reelection to Congress, Rep. Mike Hill announced Monday he’ll run for Senate District 1. The seat is currently held by Baker Republican Sen. Greg Evers. Hill reportedly told his local Republican Executive Committee the move should not […]

Guest AuthorMarch 11, 2016

U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller has set off a series of dominoes with his announcement Thursday that he will not seek a ninth term in Congress. Congressional openings are rare. Over the past 45 years, Northwest Florida has only had four U.S. Representatives: Bob Sikes, Earl Hutto, Joe Scarborough, and Miller. The last two, Scarborough and […]

Phil AmmannMarch 10, 2016

On Wednesday, the Senate passed an omnibus health care bill after approving a number of amendments. LobbyTools reports that the bill (HB 85) is now going back to the House. After several changes proposed by Sen. Don Gaetz, the bill now combines several House priorities with Senate plans. One substantial amendment from Gaetz rewrites the House […]

Ryan RayMarch 9, 2016

The Florida Senate passed a shorter alternative to an omnibus anti-corruption bill to tighten ethics standards and make it easier to prosecute corruption on Wednesday, amid a flurry of bill action. The proposal, HB 7071, passed on a 39-0 vote. The measure lowers a legal threshold for prosecution from “with corrupt intent” to “knowingly and intentionally” […]

Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2016

A squabble over tourist taxes, a last-minute amendment to the Senate’s tax cut package, sucked up about half of the 2016 Legislative Session’s last Senate Appropriations meeting, killing bills left hanging on the agenda. The panel OK’d the House plan (HB 7099) after amending it with the Senate’s own tax package. The legislation promises about $129 million in […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 2, 2016

Sen. Don Gaetz is hoping to breathe new life into a proposal that allows concealed weapon permit holders to openly carry their weapons. The Niceville Republican filed an amendment Wednesday evening to a bill (SB 612) sponsored by Sen. Alan Hays that looks to remove slungshots from the state’s concealed weapon law. Hays’ bill allows […]

Ryan RayFebruary 24, 2016

A bill to provide funds for a “proper burial” for boys who died at the infamous Arthur Dozier School for Boys passed the Florida Senate on Wednesday. The bill also authorizes the Department of State to “preserve historical resources, records, archives, and artifacts” related to the site. The Dozier school is said to be the site […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 24, 2016

Wednesday saw the Jacksonville-centric Discretionary Sales Surtax bill clear the Senate Rules Committee (SB 1652), scheduled at the same time as the third reading in the House (HB 1297). Central to the pitch: bill sponsor Rob Bradley and Mayor Lenny Curry, whose sales job gets better with every committee stop… especially important because Curry will have to sell […]

Tag: Don Gaetz

Matt Gaetz launching campaign for Florida’s 1st Congressional District

Don Gaetz says he won’t pursue U.S. House seat

Mike Hill to run for NW Florida Senate seat as dominoes fall

Rick Outzen: Political domino games begin with Jeff Miller’s announcement

Senate approves omnibus health care bill

Senate passes abridged public corruption bill

Tug of war over tax package kills bills

Don Gaetz files amendment in attempt to resurrect open carry of guns proposal

Dozier school relief bill passes Senate unanimously

Jax Pension Tax bill clears final Senate committee