Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bruce RitchieMarch 24, 2015

A Senate bill that shifts from utilities to local government the cost of moving power lines and other utilities in easements for roadway expansions passed a Senate committee on Monday despite opposition from local governments. SB 896 by Sen. Jeff Brades, a Republican from St. Petersburg, was prompted by a dispute between the city of Cape […]

Peter SchorschMarch 23, 2015

It’s been an interesting six months for Republican political operative Mike Grissom, someone we’ve described as one of the brightest minds in Florida politics. After inexplicably leaving the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the former Executive Director of the Republican Party of Florida quarterbacked Leslie Dougher’s unsuccessful re-election bid as Chair of the RPOF. Since then, […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 18, 2015

A House bill prompted by a U. S. Supreme Court case involving a Florida landowner is pitting property rights supporters against local governments. 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 in Orange County. The […]

James CallMarch 9, 2015

It was a day of testing at the state Capitol. The House Education Committee took about an hour to dispose of an overhaul of Florida’s school accountability system. The measure reducing testing and allowing an earlier start date of the school year sailed through with a few concerns expressed and a unanimous vote. While the […]

Phil AmmannMarch 9, 2015

Two major pro-business groups, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association are calling for renewal of the gambling agreement between state lawmakers and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. In a television ad released Monday, Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Chamber and Carol Dover, president and CEO of the restaurant […]

Peter SchorschMarch 9, 2015

Today’s installment of the “4th Floor Files” talks with Joshua Aubuchon of the Tallahassee office Holland & Knight. Josh’s specialties include advocacy for alcoholic beverages, property and automobile insurance, tort reform, and healthcare. Clients include Florida Chamber of Commerce, State Farm Florida, Shands HealthCare and the Florida Brewers Guild, which puts Josh in the thick […]

Peter SchorschMarch 9, 2015

Today’s installment of the “4th Floor Files” talks with Joshua Aubuchon of the Tallahassee office Holland & Knight. Josh’s specialties include advocacy for alcoholic beverages, property and automobile insurance, tort reform, and healthcare. Clients include Florida Chamber of Commerce, State Farm Florida, Shands HealthCare and the Florida Brewers Guild, which puts Josh in the thick […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 5, 2015

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House Republican leaders praised a water policy bill they passed Thursday as a good start while the chamber’s Democratic leader called it bad legislation and joined environmentalists in hoping for a better version from the Senate. HB 7003 passed the House 106 to 9 on the third day of the legislative session after about 45 […]

Ryan RayMarch 4, 2015

A new poll released Wednesday by the Florida Chamber of Commerce suggests that although voters are growing more confident of the direction the state is going, they still have deep reservations about the federal government’s stewardship. “Our results show Floridians are more confident in Florida’s economy,” said Marian Johnson, the Chamber’s senior vice president of political strategy. […]

Ryan RayMarch 1, 2015

Session starts on Tuesday, which means three things for Monday: the drink, drop and dash fundraising frenzy before the 60-day curtain falls; last minute roommate arrangements; and the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) pre-Session welcome back reception for legislators, staff and politicos, drawing easily 2,000 attendees each year. Tallahassee reaches full capacity during March and April, bringing […]

Tag: Florida Chamber of Commerce

Cities, counties say bill would stick them with costs for moving roadside utilities

The return of Mike Grissom

House bill pits cities and counties vs. property rights supporters

The day that was in Florida Politics — March 9

New TV ad aims to extend Seminole Gaming Compact

4th Floor Files talks to Joshua Aubuchon about “the game,” Makers’ Mark and freeing growlers

4th Floor Files talks to Joshua Aubuchon about "the game," Makers' Mark and freeing growlers

House water bill passes as critics hope for better Senate legislation

Florida Chamber poll shows voters bullish on state government, less so on feds

Associated Industries of Florida to host annual pre-Session blowout Monday night