Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 3, 2016

If a campaign’s probability of winning can be measured by the fundraising advantage it holds over its opponent, state Rep. Larry Ahern is well on his way to another term in the Florida Legislature. At the close of 2015, the Pinellas Republican had raised nearly $75,000 compared to his opponent’s paltry $305. Ahern is seeking re-election in […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 2, 2016

Mandated play time could be coming to Florida schools. The state House Education Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday voted 13-0 to approve a House Bill 833, which would require public schools to provide 100 minutes of recess each week to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The measure also applies to sixth-grade students enrolled in a […]

Scott PowersFebruary 2, 2016

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A bill that would tighten safety and security measures for the production of medical marijuana plus limit the medical specialties of the doctors allowed to prescribe it was approved Tuesday by a House subcommittee. The Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee voted 12-0, with no one voicing opposition, to move House Bill 1313 forward. The bill would […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 1, 2016

The Florida House of Representatives’ top lawyer cleared a member of its leadership team of any conflict of interest because he moonlights as an Uber driver. In a Jan. 26 memo, General Counsel Matthew Carson told Rules Committee chairman Ritch Workman, “It is my opinion that there is no prohibited conflict related to you regarding […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 29, 2016

The House and Senate released their fiscal 2016-17 budgets on Friday. The House proposed a $79.9 billion spending plan; while the Senate proposal is $80.9 billion. Both spending plans far surpass the $79.3 billion budget proposed by Gov. Rick Scott. The Senate proposal includes money for incentive programs; the House plan does not. The House […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 27, 2016

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The state House passed a controversial measure to regulate fracking, despite significant opposition from Democrats who said the practice could harm the state’s natural resources. The House voted 73-45 after more than an hour of passionate debate to approve the bill (HB 191), with just a few Republicans joining Democrats in opposing it. “Yesterday, over […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2016

A House education panel unanimously cleared a bill that would create a state mandate for elementary schools to give students at least 100 minutes of recess per week. The K-12 Subcommittee OK’d the measure (HB 833) Tuesday. It must next clear the Education Appropriations Subcommittee and full Education Committee before it can be heard on the House floor. The bill, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 18, 2016

Marco Rubio may be on familiar territory during a trip to New Hampshire this week. Rubio is set to head to the Granite State on Wednesday, according to his campaign. The Florida senator is scheduled to address the New Hampshire House of Representatives on Wednesday morning. The address could remind campaign watchers of Rubio’s early […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 8, 2016

The Florida Legislature is continuing to oppose an effort by the plaintiffs’ attorneys to get their fees paid by state government now that the congressional redistricting case has been closed. Lawyers for House and Senate filed more legal authority with the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday to support their position that the opposing lawyers are “not entitled to […]

Guest AuthorDecember 6, 2015

“ I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida …So help me God.” Article II Section 5 Constitution of the State of Florida. The Florida Constitution requires every elected or duly appointed member of the executive, […]

Tag: Florida House of Representatives

Larry Ahern faces broke challenger in re-election bid

Mandatory recess bill moving through state House

Bill to tighten medical marijuana production safety, doctor requirements passes subcommittee

House lawyer clears Ritch Workman of Uber conflict

Capitol reax: The 2016-17 budget, House tax cut package

House approves controversial fracking bill, despite opposition from Democrats

Bill would mandate elementary schools to give recess

Marco Rubio speaks New Hampshire House of Representatives on Wednesday

The next redistricting fight: Who pays the attorneys?

John Wood: Defending our constitutions