Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 9, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott took a swing at state lawmakers, saying the Legislature turned its back on economic incentive deals that have helped Florida “out compete … top competitors for important jobs.” The Naples Republican released a scathing statement Tuesday, scolding legislative leaders for passing a budget that “was done largely behind closed doors.” Scott said […]

Associated PressMay 4, 2017

Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency Wednesday to combat opioid abuse in the state, where he said the number of overdose deaths has reached epidemic proportions. Scott’s executive order will free up nearly $30 million in federal funds for prevention, treatment and recovery services. And it comes as a series of workshops […]

Scott PowersMay 2, 2017

Three days from the prospect of losing funding for his two favorite economic development organizations and his big environmental project, Gov. Rick Scott plans to spend those three days touring Florida to get people to pressure for their salvation. Scott announced Tuesday his “Fighting for Florida’s Future” campaign, taking him on a whirlwind tour of home […]

Guest AuthorApril 26, 2017

The world around us is constantly changing as technology evolves. Investing in high-tech jobs can set Florida up to succeed far into the future while providing people with high-wage jobs that will keep the American dream alive and well in our great state. Other states have already committed to investments in the future, with millions […]

Michael MolineApril 21, 2017

The Florida Commission on Ethics voted unanimously Friday to resist efforts by House and Senate leaders to exert control over its hiring, firing, travel, and other business, citing fears for its independence. The panel agreed to back Chairman Matthew Carlucci in rejecting a “delegation of authority” issued on March 21 by House Speaker Richard Corcoran […]

Scott PowersApril 17, 2017

State budget cuts the Florida Legislature is aiming at Orlando’s State Attorney Aramis Ayala‘s office could slice up to $1.3 million and 21 staff members yet there is dispute over how much she’ll need that money and staff to prosecute criminal cases in Orange and Osceola counties. Her office currently has 55 open jobs out […]

Associated PressApril 11, 2017

Some of the biggest companies involved in battles at the state Capitol showered campaign contributions to the state’s political parties and other top politicians in the first few months of the year. Newly filed campaign finance reports show that the Republican Party of Florida raised $2.46 million during the first quarter of the year, while […]

Martin DyckmanApril 9, 2017

It’s a paradox in America’s ongoing experiment with self-government that we depend on the weakest branch of government to defend us from the more powerful ones. The Founders gave a lot of thought and ink to this. Writing in the Federalist, Alexander Hamilton pointed out that the judiciary would always be “least dangerous” to the […]

Gary FineoutApril 2, 2017

With about a month left in the regular session, Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature is on a major collision course over spending. This past week the House and Senate released rival budgets for the coming year that reveal a wide divide between the two chambers on everything from taxes to schools to state worker pay raises. The […]

Peter SchorschApril 2, 2017

A pro tip for anyone seeking to curry favor with the Florida Legislature: get your facts straight — or at least know which state you’re trying to lobby. A couple of months ago, state Sen. Jack Latvala and Rep. Jason Brodeur announced supporting the “Protect Florida Small Business Act” (SB 750), which seeks to “promote […]

Tag: Florida Legislature

Rick Scott says he will make veto decision ‘based on what’s best’ for Florida families

Florida bolsters response to opioid-addiction crisis

Rick Scott plans whirlwind tour to press support for VISIT Florida, Enterprise Florida, Hoover Dike

Pat Neal: Florida must commit to the future and invest in high-tech jobs

Ethics commission bucks legislative leaders’ assertion of authority

Aramis Ayala’s staff build up raises questions about whether she has enough

Millions donated to Florida politicians amid 2017 Session

Martin Dyckman: Who needs strong, independent courts? We do.

Divided over dollars: Florida legislators split on spending

Franchise group tweets tone-deaf opposition to ‘Florida Small Business Act’