Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Janelle Irwin TaylorJune 8, 2015

The Florida League of Cities is recognizing 36 Florida lawmakers for their dedication to ensuring home rule powers of local governments. Home rule allows local cities and counties to function with limited interference at the State level. Clearwater Sen. Jack Latvala is included in the group. The League of Cities had previously announced he and […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorJune 1, 2015

Three state lawmakers have been recognized by the Florida League of Cities for their dedication to ensuring localities are able to function without too much state interference. Among the recipients is Pinellas County Senator Jack Latvala. He is one of three recipients of the League of Cities Defender of Home Rule Award. Fort Lauderdale Senator […]

Diane RobertsMay 6, 2015

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE — Which is worse: stupid and evil or smart and evil? It’s a thought experiment: You can apply it to, say, George W. and Jeb Bush, Rick Scott and Adam Putnam, the Florida House and — Jesus, those idiots don’t deserve to be in the same paragraph as the word “thought.” But while […]

Diane RobertsMay 6, 2015

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE – Which is worse: stupid and evil or smart and evil? It’s a thought experiment: you can apply it to, say, George W. and Jeb Bush, Rick Scott and Adam Putnam, the Florida House and – Jesus, those idiots don’t deserve to be in the same paragraph as the word “thought.” But while […]

Bruce RitchieApril 24, 2015

A property rights bill filed in response to a U.S. Supreme Court case ruling in favor of an Orange County landowner passed the Florida House on Friday. The Supreme Court in 2013 overturned a Florida Supreme Court ruling against the late Coy A. Koontz Sr., who sought to build on 3.7 of his 15 acres […]

Bruce RitchieApril 10, 2015

A proposed solar energy amendment could unfairly shift the cost of maintaining electricity plants and power lines from homes and businesses with solar energy to other utility customers, representatives of cities and electric utilities said Friday. Floridians for Solar Choice proposes a constitutional amendment establishing that the state’s policy is to promote local, small-scale solar […]

Bruce RitchieApril 8, 2015

A House property rights bill prompted by a U.S. Supreme Court case involving a Florida landowner was amended Wednesday to resolve many concerns raised by local governments. The Supreme Court in 2013 overturned a Florida Supreme Court ruling against the late Coy A. Koontz Sr., who sought to build on 3.7 of his 15 acres […]

Bruce RitchieApril 7, 2015

A wide-ranging House growth management bill was amended Tuesday to remove language requiring construction approval on agricultural land surrounded by development. But HB 933 still faces opposition from cities, counties and environmental groups that are concerned it eliminates a state review process for designated “developments of regional impact.” HB 933 passed the House Transportation and […]

Bruce RitchieApril 6, 2015

Critics of a wide-ranging House growth management bill say that a section would undermine local development planning by requiring approval of agricultural lands that are nearly surrounded by development. HB 933, by Rep. Mike La Rosa, a Republican from St. Cloud, is scheduled to be heard Tuesday by the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 24, 2015

A Senate bill that shifts from utilities to local government the cost of moving power lines and other utilities in easements for roadway expansions passed a Senate committee on Monday despite opposition from local governments. SB 896 by Sen. Jeff Brades, a Republican from St. Petersburg, was prompted by a dispute between the city of Cape […]

Tag: Florida League of Cities
Image via AP.

Florida League of Cities recognizes 36 lawmakers as Home Rule Champions

Pinellas’ Jack Latvala lauded as Home Rule hero

Diane Roberts: The unavoidable subject of stupid

Diane Roberts: The unavoidable subject of stupid

Property rights bill responding to U.S. Supreme Court case passes House

Cities, utilities say amendment would let solar customers get away without paying

Property rights bill clears final House stop with fewer local government concerns

Growth bill passes House panel after “constrained” agriculture language removed

Growth bill critics target “constrained” agricultural parcels language

Cities, counties say bill would stick them with costs for moving roadside utilities