Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsFebruary 26, 2018

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s fire marshal, called the Florida League of Cities “disgraceful” for “attempting to derail” legislation that would allow first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) access to mental health benefits. Patronis issued a news release Monday. “Florida League of Cities lobbyists have, at every step of the legislative committee process, vehemently […]

Scott PowersFebruary 12, 2018

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham has received endorsements from Hawthorne Mayor Matt Surrency and two former mayors, Cindy Lerner of Pinecrest and Shirley Freeman of Monroe County, her campaign announced Monday morning. In a news release Graham, a former congresswoman from Tallahassee, heralded the endorsements as relevant in an era when the Florida Legislature is pursuing […]

Jim RosicaOctober 25, 2017

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Despite concerns about its effectiveness, a House panel Wednesday unanimously cleared legislation to tweak state law on making threats online. The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee OK’d the bill (HB 165), backed by Belleview Republican Stan McClain, who said he was prompted by “the explosion of social media in our society.” State law now makes it a […]

Guest AuthorAugust 21, 2017

Sometimes Florida’s cities find themselves at odds with the state Legislature over the principle of home rule. That cherished concept, supported by an overwhelming majority of Florida’s citizens, reflects the view that the closer government is to the people, the more effective, fair and responsive it will be. Over this past year, we have seen […]

Peter SchorschAugust 4, 2017

Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio got a pat on the back from the Florida League of Cities for filing a bill that would protect communities that receive FEMA funds from claw backs years after a disaster strikes. The Post-Disaster Fairness to States Act puts a three-year cap on the FEMA seeking refunds for money handed […]

Staff ReportsJune 26, 2017

A 5G wireless technology bill that was vigorously opposed by the Florida League of Cities was nonetheless signed into law Friday by Gov. Rick Scott. The bill (HB 687), sponsored by St. Cloud Republican Mike La Rosa in the House, pre-empts to the state the regulation of telecommunications companies putting “small wireless facilities in rights of way.” The League […]

Staff ReportsMay 18, 2017

The Florida League of Cities on Thursday asked Gov. Rick Scott to veto a measure it says will “deprive cities of their authority to regulate the use of public rights of way.” The bill (HB 687), sponsored by St. Cloud Republican state Rep. Mike La Rosa, pre-empts to the state the regulation of telecommunications companies putting “small wireless […]

Michael MolineApril 17, 2017

The Senate sponsor of legislation crimping local restrictions on Airbnb and other home vacation rentals abruptly cried uncle Monday — confusing a committee room full of lobbyists, plus a few committee members. Sen. Greg Steube acquiesced in a late amendment by Sen. Jeff Brandes that essentially gutted his bill. CS/SB 188, as amended, passed on […]

Mitch PerryApril 17, 2017

A bill limiting the placement of local sales tax referendum to primary or general election ballots advanced Monday through the Florida Senate Community Affairs Committee. The intent of the bill (SB 278), sponsored by Sarasota Republican Greg Steube, is to maximize participation in elections. Last year, a similar bill from Blaise Ingoglia passed the House but died in […]

Mitch PerryMarch 29, 2017

Under a new bill passed Wednesday by the House Government Accountability Committee, Tampa would need to change the dates of municipal elections every four years. Changes to when local municipalities hold election days was one of a series of proposals included in a committee-written bill passed by the House Government Accountability Committee, approved easily by a 22-1 […]

Jimmy Patronis: League of Cities’ opposition to benefits for first responders is ‘disgraceful’

Gwen Graham touts endorsements from mayor, two former mayors

‘Online threats’ bill moves despite questions, concerns

Gil Ziffer: Protect home rule and let cities work

Florida League of Cities applauds Marco Rubio for FEMA claw back bill

Rick Scott approves 5G wireless bill over League of Cities’ opposition

Florida League of Cities slams telecom bill

Bill sponsor bows out of fight over short-term vacation rentals

Taxing questions: Bill would allow ballot questions on taxes only in November

House advances bill to change Tampa municipal election dates