Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Danny McAuliffeNovember 20, 2018

Republican state Rep. Jose Oliva assumed speakership of the Florida House on Tuesday, encouraging members to “focus our efforts on those things we can only do together.” Oliva will lead the chamber during the 2019 and 2020 Legislative Sessions. His ascension took place at the Organization Session that occurs every two years after an election cycle. Party […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 20, 2018

State lawmakers are preparing to address election laws in the wake of a controversial midterm that saw three statewide races head to hotly disputed recounts. What’s more, addressing the issue appears to have a bipartisan backing. State Rep. Kionne McGhee on Tuesday pledged to make election reform a top priority, just hours after he formally assumed […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 20, 2018

Pinellas County commissioners considered a list of five legislative priorities Tuesday, covering topics ranging from protecting community redevelopment areas to reforming Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. In a shift from previous legislative priorities, the county seeks to limit the number of priorities it advocates in Tallahassee during the 2019 Legislative Session to just five. The […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 14, 2018

State Sen. David Simmons is primed to be the upper chamber’s second-in-command during the 2019 and 2020 Legislative Sessions. Senate President-elect Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, on Wednesday announced his selection of the Longwood Republican to fill the role. The Senate is expected to approve Simmons’ appointment on Tuesday, when the chamber meets for Organizational […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 14, 2018

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority tapped RSA Consulting and Suskey Consulting to manage its state-level lobbying now that the agency is under new leadership and focuses more on regional transit. The firms will try to draw down recurring state funding for the agency’s operations and identify funding for the proposed 42-mile bus rapid transit route connecting […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 7, 2018

With the election behind them, the Republican-led state House is swiftly organizing. On Wednesday, incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva, a Hialeah Republican, unveiled the committee structure for the 2019 and 2020 Legislative Sessions. Filling in as Speaker Pro-Tempore is Rep. MaryLynn Magar, a Hobe Sound Republican. She replaces state Rep. Jeannette Nunez, who was elected Lieutenant Governor […]

Drew WilsonNovember 6, 2018

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A ballot measure that requires a two-thirds vote by the state Legislature for any future tax increases was approved by Florida voters Tuesday. Amendment 5 was up 66 percent-34 percent as of 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Constitutional amendments need no less than 60 percent of the vote to pass. Also known as the “Supermajority Vote Required to Impose, […]

Ryan NicolNovember 1, 2018

A new survey on Amendment 5, which would require a supermajority in the Legislature to increase taxes, has a path to passage. That’s according to new results from St. Pete Polls. The survey, released Thursday, shows 47 percent in favor of Amendment 5, with 34 percent against and 18 percent undecided. If the undecideds break […]

Jim RosicaNovember 1, 2018

Following the feds’ lead, Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday issued an emergency rule allowing a new drug for child epilepsy patients that contains CBD, a ‘non-euphoric’ chemical from cannabis. Bondi’s filing with the Secretary of State notes there are now about “64 patients in the state of Florida who are legally using an FDA-approved […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorNovember 1, 2018

Florida House District 69 Republican candidate Ray Blacklidge backed out of a campaign forum at Eckerd College organized by a bipartisan group of students at the private, liberal arts college. Blacklidge is running against Democrat Jennifer Webb for the St. Petersburg district currently held by Republican Kathleen Peters. Peters is not seeking re-election; she’s running for […]

Tag: Florida Legislature
John Labriola lost his longtime Miami-Dade County job after refusing to take part in anti-discrimination training. Image via X.

Jose Oliva begins as House Speaker with message of cooperation

Election reform an early talking point in Florida House

Pinellas Commission narrows legislative priorities to four

David Simmons selected Senate President Pro Tempore

TBARTA taps RSA Consulting, Suskey Consulting for first-ever lobbying contract

Incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva names committee chairs

Supermajority tax amendment approved by supermajority of voters

Amendment 5 getting closer to passage, according to St. Pete Polls

Cannabis chronicles: Pam Bondi OKs new marijuana-based drug

Ray Blacklidge backs out of campaign forum with Jennifer Webb