Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Associated PressNovember 21, 2016

Despite a never-ending flow of presidential ads during the election, nearly $20 million was also spent in Florida on ads targeting legislative races. Final data shows that $19.4 million was spent over the last two years to air more than 33,000 commercials in races for the Florida Senate and Florida House. The vast majority of […]

Scott PowersNovember 18, 2016

Of the three new members of Congress elected from Orlando this month, Democrat Darren Soto is the one who’s no mystery to constituents, and still committed to the same agenda he’s pursued for nearly 10 years in the Florida Legislature: a stronger, fairer economy. Soto, 38, an Orlando lawyer, defeated Republican businessman Wayne Liebnitzky for the open […]

Jim RosicaNovember 16, 2016

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The newly renovated Florida Senate chamber will be ceremonially opened next Monday at 3 p.m. And don’t expect another re-do for a very long time. “We believe the historic components of the remodel have created a timeless design that will limit the need for future renovations,” outgoing Senate President Andy Gardiner said in a statement. […]

Michael MolineNovember 15, 2016

Darryl Rouson went and said it. He referred to the Florida Senate as the Legislature’s “upper house.” He did it Tuesday while introducing himself to new colleagues during an orientation session for freshman senators. Members of the Florida House of Representatives, where Rouson served before winning the Senate seat for District 19, have been known to […]

Michael MolineNovember 15, 2016

Newcomers to the Florida Senate were met with a dose of reality Tuesday, in the form of a warning about the state’s iffy revenue forecasts. They also got a dose of optimism from Jeff Atwater, the state’s chief financial officer, who told them Florida is in relatively good shape compared to other big states like […]

Staff ReportsNovember 10, 2016

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Lynda Bell, an anti-abortion former Miami-Dade county commissioner who fell short in a Florida House race this year, will serve instead on the Florida Communities Trust. Gov. Rick Scott announced the appointment Thursday. Bell finished third in a crowded race for the GOP nomination in House District 118. Bell, president of Florida Right to Life, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterNovember 10, 2016

Senate President-designate Joe Negron has picked a longtime ally to be his right hand woman in the Senate. The Stuart Republican announced Thursday he selected Sen. Anitere Flores, a Miami Republican, to serve as Senate president pro tempore. The appointment is effective Nov. 22, when the Legislature convenes for its organizational session. “The role of […]

Peter SchorschNovember 5, 2016

House members hoping to get money in the 2017-18 budget will be asked to file a bill for every appropriations request they make. That change is one of several to be coming down the pike as part of new House rules, according to sources close to incoming Speaker Richard Corcoran, who will announce the new rules to […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterOctober 19, 2016

The Florida Chamber has a message for its members: Go vote. The statewide business advocacy organization’s employer-to-employee news and information program launched its “Let’s Get Local” campaign this week. The get-out-the-vote program is meant to encourage employees to vote in the general election. “There’s more to this election than just the top of the ticket,” […]

Jim RosicaOctober 18, 2016

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The Florida Senate’s chamber renovations should be done by early-to-mid November. Senate spokeswoman Katie Betta tweeted back on Oct. 5: “Chamber Reno Update — About one month to left to go.” She posted photos showing the chamber with redone walls, new desks, and new carpet going down. As planned, the nearly 40-year-old mural that greeted visitors to the […]

Tag: Florida Senate
Image via Rick Scott Senate office.

Nearly $20 million spent on ads in Florida legislative races

For Darren Soto, it’s still all about a stronger, fairer economy

Senate to re-open next week after months of renovations

Darryl Rouson arrives in the Legislature’s ‘upper house’

Freshman state senators learn the ropes in Tallahassee

Personnel note: Lynda Bell named to Florida Communities Trust

Joe Negron picks Anitere Flores to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore

Incoming Speaker Richard Corcoran to propose dramatic changes to House appropriations process

Florida Chamber: ‘Every vote counts and makes a difference’

Florida Senate renovations near completion