Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsFebruary 20, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott has released an opinion column on the “Florida House playing politics with Florida jobs” one day before a House panel discusses killing Enterprise Florida, VISIT FLORIDA and many business incentive programs. Scott’s office emailed the op-ed to news media Monday afternoon. The House Appropriations Committee meets Tuesday to consider a bill that would eliminate […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 17, 2017

The Florida House of Representatives quietly released its gambling overhaul for 2017 Thursday afternoon, setting it for a hearing next Thursday. As expected, the 81-page bill (PCB TGC 17-01) includes a renewed blackjack deal, or “compact,” between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, as first struck by Gov. Rick Scott. No Casinos, the anti-gambling expansion […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 16, 2017

Screen-Shot-2017-02-16-at-11.11.27-AM.png

In a new three-and-a-half minute video, the Florida House of Representatives scorches the state’s beleaguered public-private economic development and tourism organizations. Phrases like “no more corruption” and “no more taking taxpayers for granted” run in between clips of what the House criticizes as failed recipients of business incentives, or what House Speaker Richard Corcoran has called […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 14, 2017

BarBuilding_Cropped_FromTheRight_588x319-e1466441321170.png

The Florida Bar‘s governing board has decided to oppose legislation that would allow state lawmakers to override court decisions they don’t like. The Board of Governors adopted the stance at its Jan. 20 meeting, according to the Bar News on Tuesday. It also disapproved a companion measure aimed at federal judges who interpret state laws. State Rep. […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2017

Ken Lawson, the new head of VISIT FLORIDA, is telling supporters he won’t give up the fight for the state’s embattled tourism marketing agency. In an email, Lawson thanked the tourism industry for showing up to a House hearing this week where the Careers and Competition Subcommittee cleared a measure to eliminate the agency, the Enterprise Florida […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 8, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott has now sicced the Department of Economic Opportunity, headed by executive director Cissy Proctor, on the Florida House to take down its critique of economic incentives. A news release, issued late Tuesday, continues the cold war of words between the governor, an ardent supporter of incentives, and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, who has […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2017

House Speaker Richard Corcoran Thursday told reporters he took no personal offense at ethics suggestions sent by Gov. Rick Scott. Scott’s office earlier in the day sent Corcoran, who is on an ethics reform tear this year, more ideas, including a provision that would ban lawmakers from working for companies, including law firms, that lobby the Legislature. […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 24, 2017

A new House ethics panel on Tuesday unanimously approved two measures as part of Speaker Richard Corcoran’s new “culture of transparency.” One (PIE 17-01) would increase the ban on former lawmakers and statewide elected officers lobbying their colleagues after leaving office from two years to six years by way of a constitutional amendment. The other […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 20, 2017

Update: State Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, a Naples Republican, on Friday filed the Senate companion to the House bill, which she says is identical save for “a few punctuation differences.” State Rep. Colleen Burton will try again to overhaul the state’s alimony law, filing a bill on Wednesday. The Lakeland Republican still aims to toughen the standards by which alimony is […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2017

Screen-Shot-2016-01-15-at-2.08.11-PM-1024x1024.png

A Tallahassee judge has tossed out a lawsuit over the use of “Wite Out” on state Rep. Dan Raulerson‘s re-election filing paperwork. In an order issued Wednesday, Circuit Judge Charles W. Dodson dismissed the case brought by Jose N. Vazquez Figueroa, the Democrat who unsuccessfully challenged Raulerson last year for the House District 58 seat. Dodson ruled he did not have jurisdiction to decide the matter […]

Tag: Florida House of Representatives
The Apalachee Regional Park (ARP) Dog Park is officially open. Image via Leon County.

In op-ed, Rick Scott still swinging against GOP opposition to incentives

House gambling bill teed up for next week

Florida House slams Enterprise Florida, VISIT FLORIDA in video

Florida Bar will oppose legislative ‘override’ proposals

Ken Lawson “will continue to fight” for VISIT FLORIDA

DEO “Cissysplains” economic incentives to Richard Corcoran

Richard Corcoran: Rick Scott’s ethics proposals not personal

House panel OK’s lobbying ban extensions, won’t impeach judge

Alimony reform bill filed for 2017

Case dismissed: Dan Raulerson to remain in House