Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsSeptember 19, 2017

A Homestead-based nursery is challenging a decision by state health officials to deny the grower a medical marijuana license. The Florida Department of Health last month rejected a request by Keith St. Germain Nursery Farms, which sought a license under a law approved this year. The new law, passed during a June special legislative session, […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 15, 2017

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A South Florida senator has filed the first bill in response to the deaths of eight nursing home residents this week after Hurricane Irma knocked out their air conditioning. Sen. Lauren Book, a Plantation Democrat, filed the measure (SB 284) on Friday afternoon. Among other things, it would require the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) “to determine […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 14, 2017

It should go without saying, but state officials are asking residents not to use water during a “boil water” alert without boiling it first. “If you are under a boil water notice and have no electricity and no way to boil water, use bottled water,” the state’s Department of Health said Thursday. Here’s the rest […]

Scott PowersAugust 28, 2017

The number of doctors signed up to recommend medical marijuana to patients in Florida has exploded this year and now totals more than 1,220. The Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use, formerly called the Office of Compassionate Use, has been authorizing an average of more than 20 doctors a week this year […]

Scott PowersAugust 18, 2017

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris King is calling for an independent investigation after CNN report Friday alleging the Florida Department of Health used faulty processes and political motives to kick 13,000 chronically sick children out of the state’s Children’s Medical Services program. “I’m calling for an independent investigation into the Florida Department of Health and the […]

Jim RosicaJuly 20, 2017

A medical marijuana nursery is asking a Tallahassee judge to allow it to step in on a case over the state’s new law governing the drug. Canadian-based DFMMJ Investments, which inked a deal to take over operations of Chestnut Hill Tree Farm, filed a “motion to intervene” earlier this week with Circuit Judge Karen Gievers. Sarasota’s TropiFlora is […]

Phil AmmannJuly 5, 2017

Florida health officials have announced new statewide medical marijuana rules. Lobby Tools reports Monday that the newly renamed Office of Medical Marijuana Use at the Florida Department of Health published its Notice of Adoption to carry out legislation passed during the 2017 special session. The emergency rulemaking process was authorized under SB 8A, which sought […]

Jim RosicaJune 20, 2017

In the wake of the Special Session’s implementing bill, the Florida Department of Health is gearing up to make rules governing the use of medical marijuana. The department published a “notice of proposed regulation” in the Florida Administrative Register last Friday. But the state still could face a lawsuit from personal-injury attorney John Morgan, who backed […]

Peter SchorschJune 6, 2017

What!? No medical marijuana in the call for a Legislative Special Session? OMG! Cue the wailing and gnashing of teeth. Would it be so awful if lawmakers returned and did not take up medical marijuana? Now, don’t get me wrong. I think they should. If they don’t, the Florida Department of Health will be left […]

Terry RoenMay 29, 2017

Florida ranks highest in the nation for drowning deaths of children under the age of four. A grim statistic to consider before heading out to the beach, lake or pool this Memorial Day. Memorial Day is the official start of the summer season and the best time to remind parents of the importance of teaching […]

Tag: Florida Department of Health

Nursery challenges denial of marijuana license

First legislation filed after nursing home deaths

Don’t drink the (contaminated) water

More than 1,200 doctors now signed up for medical marijuana program

CNN reports political favors led to 13K kids losing coverage; Chris King calls for probe

Medical marijuana grower wants in on challenge to pot law

Florida Department of Health files rules for new medical marijuana law

Health Department getting started on medical marijuana rulemaking

Would it really be so bad if lawmakers didn’t take up pot during special session?

Florida leads the nation in drowning deaths for preschoolers