Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannFebruary 4, 2016

First and foremost, I have serious concerns about fracking, especially in Florida. However, there are many misconceptions about HB 191 and what it actually does. It does not authorize fracking as the practice is currently allowed in Florida. Under current law it’s unregulated. This bill places serious restrictions on fracking in the state, including a […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 27, 2016

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The Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties have withdrawn their opposition to a bill prohibiting local governments from banning hydraulic fracturing. Rebecca O’Hara, a lobbyist with the Florida League of Cities, said the decision to drop its opposition came after working with sponsors of the bill (HB 191/SB 318) to reach […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 21, 2016

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A bill that aims to regulate hydraulic fracturing and other forms of high-pressure well stimulation is headed to the House floor, where bill sponsors said it will likely be amended to address local government concerns. The House state affairs committee on Wednesday voted to approve a measure (HB 191) that, supporters say, creates a regulatory […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 18, 2016

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The director of a state ethics watchdog on Monday said he doesn’t see a conflict of interest with state Rep. Ken Roberson, a funeral director, carrying a bill this session that would financially benefit the funeral industry. The legislation (HB 315) would do away with a fee, ranging from $25 to $63, charged for medical examiners to […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 7, 2016

The Florida Association of Counties is “cautiously optimistic” about a proposal filed this week that could change the way counties pay for juvenile detention costs. Sen. Jack Latvala, a Clearwater Republican, filed legislation Tuesday, SB 1322, that would stop the state’s prepayment system. In fiscal 2016-17, each county would pay its share of the prior […]

Ryan RayNovember 30, 2015

A panel of state economists and analysts estimated Monday one of two dueling ballot initiatives dealing with solar energy voters may consider will not have any affect on state or local government spending should it pass. The meeting was the panel’s second on the topic, and confirmed the estimate as well as drafted a definitive […]

Phil AmmannJuly 2, 2015

On Thursday, Scott Shalley began as the new Executive Director of the Florida Association of Counties, replacing former Director Christopher Holley, who is retiring. Shalley has been with the association since 2012, most recently as enterprise director; he was chosen for the leadership position in the fall by the FAC board of directors. “For more […]

Phil AmmannJune 18, 2015

Broward County Commissioner Barbara Sharief has begun her term as the first African-American female president of the Florida Association of Counties. Sharief was sworn in at a Thursday luncheon ceremony during the 2015 FAC Annual Conference and Educational Exposition in St. Johns County. Sharief is the first black female president in the nonprofit association’s 85-year […]

Bruce RitchieApril 24, 2015

A bill that would eliminate a state review program for shopping malls, huge housing projects and other large developments passed the House on Friday and is on the way to the governor. Supporters of SB 1216 said the “developments of regional impact” program was burdensome, redundant and actually discouraged the development of planned communities. The Legislature […]

Bruce RitchieApril 24, 2015

A property rights bill filed in response to a U.S. Supreme Court case ruling in favor of an Orange County landowner passed the Florida House on Friday. The Supreme Court in 2013 overturned a Florida Supreme Court ruling against the late Coy A. Koontz Sr., who sought to build on 3.7 of his 15 acres […]

Tag: Florida Association of Counties
The FBI provided photos of the alleged shooter of two lawmakers in Minnesota Saturday. Image via the AP.

Danny Burgess: The truth about HB 191

Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities drop opposition to fracking bill

Hydraulic fracturing bill headed to House floor

Expert: No conflict in Ken Roberson’s bill benefiting his industry

Florida Association of Counties “cautiously optimistic” about bill to change juvenile justice pay system

State economists confirm estimate “Smart Solar” amendment will not increase public spending

Scott Shalley begins as executive director of Florida Association of Counties

Broward Commissioner Barbara Sharief begins term leading state counties group

Bill eliminating state development review program goes to governor

Property rights bill responding to U.S. Supreme Court case passes House