Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Dominic CalabroJuly 14, 2016

July 1 marked the first day of Florida’s 2016-17 fiscal year with the new $82.3 billion budget and 159 laws going into effect. The budget, the largest in Florida history, funds all types of services for Floridians, ranging from education and health care to state parks and court renovations. Passing a state budget is required […]

Peter SchorschJune 15, 2016

Editor’s note: Extensive Enterprises Media reporter Jim Rosica made the following inquiry Wednesday of Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office. The question itself is noteworthy. An answer from Bondi’s office would be more so. In an interview with CNN Tuesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi told Anderson Cooper she “was sworn to uphold the constitution of the state […]

Ryan RayJune 10, 2016

A group of dog racing track owners and other gaming interests filed a brief with the Florida Supreme Court on Friday urging Attorney General Pam Bondi and the high court to nix a proposed amendment to the state constitution that could expand gambling by allowing counties to hold referendums on the matter. The amendment’s opponents — including the […]

Jim RosicaJune 3, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott won’t be able to appoint a new judge for the Palm Beach County court, the Florida Supreme Court decided Friday. The unanimous decision means Palm Beach voters get to pick a replacement for outgoing County Judge Laura Johnson. She resigned to run for a circuit judgeship. But the court did side with Scott on three […]

Bob SparksMay 12, 2016

Most Florida voters have some vitally important choices to make in this year’s primary election in late August. Republicans and Democrats have some key choices to make, but some want to expand the voter pool. For a quarter century, Leon County has been well served by its Supervisor of Elections, Ion Sancho. Voters in Tallahassee […]

Martin DyckmanApril 15, 2016

If only the Florida Constitution included a provision like this: (1) Members of the Legislature who vote for measures subsequently held unconstitutional shall be liable jointly and severally for all attorney fees and costs as established by the court. (2) Failure to pay such liabilities within 60 days of final judgment shall constitute disqualification for […]

Martin DyckmanApril 14, 2016

If only the Florida Constitution included a provision like this: (1) Members of the Legislature who vote for measures subsequently held unconstitutional shall be liable jointly and severally for all attorney fees and costs as established by the court. (2) Failure to pay such liabilities within 60 days of final judgment shall constitute disqualification for […]

Phil AmmannMarch 2, 2016

Gambling interests have lined up in the Capitol to lobby for their long-held dream of remaking Florida in the image of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. As the Legislature considers their requests for more and bigger casinos, I would caution the following: Not so fast. Any action the Legislature may take to expand gambling – […]

Diane RobertsFebruary 24, 2016

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE — This is what the Florida Constitution says, right up top, Article I, Section 1: All political power is inherent in the people. I’m guessing most Florida legislators have never read it. Either that or they don’t give a good goddamn. For the second year in a row, they are misappropriating — stealing, […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 16, 2016

The Florida Senate Health Policy Committee today will decide Dr. John Armstrong’s fate as a group of bipartisan senators confront Florida’s surgeon general with tough questions that include his absent leadership on HIV/AIDS. Florida leads the nation with the highest rate of new HIV infections. Like that of President Ronald Reagan’s shameful legacy of refusing […]

Tag: Florida Constitution
Treasure coins from the 1715 fleet wreck. Image via FWC.

Dominic Calabro: Florida legislators must commit to transparency and accountability in the budgeting process

After Anderson Cooper interview debacle, a pointed question for Pam Bondi

Gaming interests in SCOFL brief: Leave expansion amendment off the ballot

Court blocks Rick Scott from picking judge

Bob Sparks: Voters still have plenty of choices without open primaries

Martin Dyckman: Courts failed organizations that won redistricting fight

Martin Dyckman: Courts failed organizations that won redistricting fight

John Sowinski: Gambling proposals may violate Florida Constitution

Diane Roberts: Legislators are stealing the money meant to protect the environment

Michael Emanuel Rajner: Senate must reject Dr. John Armstrong, demand leadership on HIV/AIDS