Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsJanuary 28, 2016

The state House on Wednesday rolled out a nearly $1 billion tax cut proposal. The proposal is similar to the proposal that Gov. Rick Scott pitched earlier this year. Among other things the proposal includes eliminating the tax on manufacturing equipment and credits for renewable energy investments. The House finance and tax committee has not […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 27, 2016

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The Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties have withdrawn their opposition to a bill prohibiting local governments from banning hydraulic fracturing. Rebecca O’Hara, a lobbyist with the Florida League of Cities, said the decision to drop its opposition came after working with sponsors of the bill (HB 191/SB 318) to reach […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 20, 2016

Despite the Florida House of Representatives’ frequent complaint of judicial overreach, a House panel Wednesday OK’d a measure that would put more power in the hands of judges as it possibly weakens the state’s public record law. The Government Operations Subcommittee by a 12-0 vote approved the bill (HB 1021) that gives judges discretion whether to award attorney […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 18, 2016

Very rarely do I disagree with 10 News reporter Noah Pransky. On privacy rights, red light cameras, the “stadium saga” in St. Petersburg, and several other issues, Pransky and I are simpatico. But in regards to Pransky’s report that “Florida cities are burning your money to reduce voting,” I have to respectfully disagree. There’s no […]

Ryan RayDecember 3, 2015

A House panel approved a bill Thursday morning that would reshape the timing and electorate of Florida’s local elections. The bill, PCB SAC 16-04, would preempt local authority to set the date of municipal elections, granting the ultimate say-so on when they are held to state lawmakers. Bill sponsor Rep. Matt Caldwell chairs the State Affairs Committee which passed […]

Ryan RayNovember 13, 2015

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney is once again among the highest earning lobbying firms in Florida, bringing in an estimated $919,000 between July and September 2015, according to recently submitted compensation reports. The firm’s largest client invoice was earned representing U.S. Sugar, accounting for $74,000 for legislative lobbying services and $30,000 to $39,000 for executive branch work. The […]

Jim RosicaOctober 23, 2015

When Florida’s cities need help on transportation issues before the Legislature, they turn to Megan Sirjane-Samples. That’s her specialty as a lobbyist for the Florida League of Cities, which represents the interests of Florida’s 411 municipalities. Before she joined the League in 2013, Sirjane-Samples lobbied at Tallahassee’s Pittman Law Group. There, she also represented “a multitude of local governments,” she says. Sirjane-Samples has […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 25, 2015

From Aug. 13 through 15 second-term Jacksonville Councilman Matt Schellenberg attended the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference in Orlando, representing Jacksonville. All but two of Florida’s 412 cities are in the league. In a memo to Council President Greg Anderson, Schellenberg made an interesting observation about the state government. “There is universal agreement within the organization that […]

Mitch PerryAugust 14, 2015

More than a year away from the 2016 elections, one of the most divisive issues in Florida continues to be the fight over a constitutional amendment regarding solar power. Floridians for Solar Choice is attempting to get an amendment before the voters that would allow homeowners and businesses to sell up to two megawatts of solar power […]

Ryan RayAugust 11, 2015

The two-lobbyist governmental relations firm William J. Peebles PA, operated by the firm’s namesake along with John Wayne Smith, reported earning more than $300,000 during the second quarter of 2015, according to recently submitted compensation reports. The boutique shop’s list of clients heavily tilted toward local government clients: nearly all of the Peeble’s 22 legislative and 21 executive […]

Tag: Florida League of Cities
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Capitol reax: Renewable energy credits, public school choice, predatory public records requests, funding for sick children

Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities drop opposition to fracking bill

House panel clears what critics call “weakening” of open government

Just because cities hold their elections in odd-numbered years does not mean they’re “burning money to reduce voting”

House panel votes to allow state to set municipal election dates

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney earns nearly $1m in Q3 lobbying fees

Meet Megan Sirjane-Samples, one of the “30 Under 30” rising stars of Florida politics

Matt Schellenberg reports that Florida cities “tired of unfunded mandates” from Tallahassee

Florida League of Cities affirms its opposition to solar power amendment

Local government specialists at William Peebles’ firm rake in $310K in Q2 lobby fees