Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 18, 2015

A House bill prompted by a U. S. Supreme Court case involving a Florida landowner is pitting property rights supporters against 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 in Orange County. The […]

Ryan RayFebruary 24, 2015

The LeRoy Collins Institute continued to take on the notoriously sticky wicket of local government pensions on Tuesday with the release of the seventh installment of the think tank’s Tough Choices series of policy papers, titled “Beyond Pensions: Florida Local Governments and Retiree Health Benefits.” In the new study and an accompanying webinar held Tuesday morning, the […]

Ryan RayFebruary 24, 2015

The LeRoy Collins Institute continued to take on the notoriously sticky wicket of local government pensions on Tuesday with the release of the seventh installment of the think tank’s Tough Choices series of policy papers, titled “Beyond Pensions: Florida Local Governments and Retiree Health Benefits.” In the new study and an accompanying webinar held Tuesday morning, the […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 4, 2015

Environmental and agriculture groups raised concerns on Wednesday with draft water bill language presented by a House committee but speakers on all sides praised the chamber for its comprehensive approach on the issue. The House State Affairs Committee language addresses pollution threats facing springs and Lake Okeechobee and the need for increased water supplies in […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 8, 2015

When you drive past a huge shopping mall, office park or major housing development, you’re likely passing what planners call a “Development of Regional Impact.” Since 1972, Florida law has regulated these developments by requiring review and comment from state agencies and affected cities and counties. State planners can require developers to reduce harm to […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 8, 2015

When you drive past a huge shopping mall, office park or major housing development, you’re likely passing what planners call a “Development of Regional Impact.” Since 1972, Florida law has regulated these developments by requiring review and comment from state agencies and affected cities and counties. State planners can require developers to reduce harm to […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 5, 2015

With Gov. Rick Scott’s Jan. 6 inauguration approaching, Florida political observers are anxiously waiting to hear his second term priorities. Inaugural addresses often set the tenor of a governor’s term. Undoubtedly, Scott will focus on jobs and the economy – two strong suits of his administration. Just in case the governor’s speechwriters need some help, […]

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

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

House bill pits cities and counties vs. property rights supporters

LeRoy Collins Institute seeks to go "beyond pensions" with new report

LeRoy Collins Institute seeks to go “beyond pensions” with new report

All sides praise House water bill effort while raising concerns

Bruce Ritchie: Former state planning chief wants new state process for reviewing major developments

Bruce Ritchie: Former state planning chief wants new state process for reviewing major developments

What do you want to hear in Rick Scott’s 2nd inaugural address?