Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannJuly 3, 2017

With Independence Day arriving Tuesday, retailers expect a surge in one of the things Americans do best – eat. The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) predicts Americans will spend more than $7.1 billion for Independence Day weekend on food items for picnics, barbecues and other celebrations. That’s an increase of about $2 in per-person spending over […]

Staff ReportsJune 16, 2017

Florida retailers expect dads to be showered with gifts, with a record-setting Father’s Day in 2017. The Florida Retail Federation, the state’s leading trade association for the retail industry, predicts consumers will spend an average $134.75 for the holiday, up almost $10 from last year’s $125.92. Spending nationwide is also expected to reach $15.5 billion, […]

Staff ReportsMay 30, 2017

The Florida Retail Federation has issued a reminder that the new disaster preparedness sales-tax holiday begins this week. Right in time for hurricane season, the state will waive sales taxes on purchases of emergency supplies starting at 12:01 p.m. Friday, ending at 11:59 p.m. Sunday. “Thanks to our legislative leaders and Gov. Scott for including […]

Phil AmmannMay 12, 2017

Florida retailers believe moms will get a lot of love this year, as consumers are set to spend record numbers for Mother’s Day in 2017. According to the Florida Retail Federation (FRF), consumers will spend more than ever on gifts for Mother’s Day this year, reaching $23.6 billion. The state’s leading retailer trade association expect […]

Erin ClarkApril 18, 2017

With last year’s styrofoam ban upheld by a Miami-Dade judge, the city of Coral Gables, south Florida’s “City Beautiful,” is stepping into the eco-regulation fray with another initiative. This time, to “ban the bag.” At a March 14 meeting, the Coral Gables City Council gave initial approval to an ordinance prohibiting plastic bags being used […]

Drew WilsonApril 14, 2017

A survey conducted by the National Retail Federation is predicting record-setting Easter spending this year with a projected total of $18.4 billion in spending for the Christian holiday. “With Easter falling almost an entire month later than last year, that means warmer weather and more people in the mood to spend money to celebrate,” said […]

Mitch PerryMarch 28, 2017

State lawmakers advanced a proposal Tuesday to allow Florida Power & Light to charge customers for speculative oil and gas investments. After two and a half hours of debate, the Florida House Subcommittee on Energy and Utilities approved HB 1043, sponsored by Sanford Republican Jason Brodeur. The measure would authorize the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to approve utilities […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 23, 2017

A bevy of business groups have joined forces in opposition to a Senate proposal to lower the tax commercial rents by eliminating a tax credit benefiting another industry. Eight of the state’s leading business organizations — including Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the Florida […]

Drew WilsonMarch 17, 2017

St. Patrick’s Day revelers won’t be the only one’s seeing green this year according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation. The retail trade group estimates those celebrating the Irish holiday will spend $37.92 a piece this year, with total spending expected to top $5.3 billion — a significant jump from last year’s […]

Michael MolineMarch 7, 2017

The House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee opened hearings on a 28-page draft bill on workers’s compensation reform Tuesday, as Chairman Danny Burgess urged members and interest groups to “conduct ourselves in good faith — that we not plant our flags on one side or the other and be absolutely inflexible.” Burgess said the draft represents a […]

Tag: Florida Retail Federation

Increased food spending, lower gas prices give Florida retailers boost for Independence Day

Florida retailers expect record Father’s Day spending

Three-day disaster preparedness sales tax holiday begins Friday

Florida retailers expect record breaking Mother’s Day in 2017

Florida cities closer to banning the bag

Retailers expect record-setting Easter spending

House advances bill allowing FPL to charge customers for out-of-state speculative investments

AIF, Florida Chamber, other business groups join forces to oppose Senate tax proposal

Retail Federation expects record-breaking St. Patrick’s Day spending in 2017

House chairman seeks ‘good faith’ as hearings open on workers’ comp draft bill