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Staff ReportsMarch 13, 2018

The head of the Florida Retail Federation said Tuesday that one of the trade association’s “biggest successes” was helping block a criminal justice reform that would have raised the threshold for a felony theft charge. “Keeping the threshold at its current limit of $300 will help to protect retailed by deterring theft, discouraging criminals from […]

Danny McAuliffeFebruary 14, 2018

At the peak of one of the worst flu seasons in recent history, some lawmakers are trying to make it easier for sick patients to be diagnosed and treated for the virus. St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes and Orlando Republican Rep. Rene Plasencia are sponsoring legislation (SB 524 and HB 431) that would let […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 13, 2018

A bill that would change the rules for franchise agreements was temporarily postponed by the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. SB 1076, sponsored by Sarasota Republican Sen. Greg Steube, would give franchise owners more rights when it comes to selling their business or leaving it to an heir, and would also give Florida owners home field […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 13, 2018

A National Retail Federation survey estimates consumers will spend $19.6 billion pampering their loved ones with Valentine’s Day gifts this year, putting it just a hair behind the all-time record of $19.7 billion set in 2016. The 2018 forecast estimates 55 percent of Americans will shell out some cash on gifts this year, with the […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 7, 2018

The Florida Retail Federation announced Tuesday that it had promoted a few of its top employees to run its newly formed External Affairs division. Melissa Joiner Ramba will head up the division in her new role as vice president for both FRF and Georgia Retailers, while James Miller was promoted to Senior Director of External […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 30, 2018

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee narrowly voted in favor of a bill Tuesday that aims to put franchisees on a level playing field with their franchisor. SB 1076, known as the “Small Business Parity Act,” would shield business owners from restrictions on selling their franchises or passing them on to an heir, and would give […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 30, 2018

NFL ratings may have cooled this season, but retailers say Super Bowl spending will hit $15.3 billion in 2018 – an all-time high. “The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of the football season, and Floridians are as passionate about the sport as any state in the nation, so we expect Florida to lead the way […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 23, 2018

Florida Retail Federation VP of Government Affairs Melissa Joiner Ramba was selected to serve as a trustee for the Florida House in Washington, DC, FRF announced Tuesday. “Melissa has been a tremendous advocate on behalf of Florida’s retailers in Washington D.C. for a number of years, and her selection as a Trustee to the Florida […]

Peter SchorschNovember 23, 2017

It’s time to talk turkey. And stuffing, pie, football and 4 a.m. lines outside your favorite store. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the winter holiday season; the first stop in a month of non-stop holiday parties and celebrations. It’s also a day for Americans to reflect on what they’re grateful for, something that is especially […]

Peter SchorschNovember 13, 2017

Brevard County Republican Rep. Randy Fine added $23,000 between his campaign and committee accounts last month, giving him with $86,573 on hand at the end of October. Fine raised $20,500 of the money through his re-election campaign in House District 53. Making the donor roll for October were Anheuser-Busch, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Southern […]

Tag: Florida Retail Federation
Image via AP.

Retailers say blocking criminal justice proposal was among ‘biggest successes’

Flu spike shows need for easier access to treatment, lawmakers say

Franchise bill halted in second committee

Retailers expect to get plenty of love on Valentine’s Day

Florida Retail Federation announces wave of staff promotions

Franchisee bill squeaks by first Senate panel

Florida retailers expect Super Bowl spending spike

Retail Federation’s Melissa Ramba picked as Florida House trustee

Thanksgiving 2017, as brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and political organizations

Randy Fine raises $23K for HD 53 re-election in October