Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 4, 2016

For Lizbeth Benacquisto, the 2016 Legislative Session was filled with wins. She backed legislation to create universal school choice, supported a proposal allowing Floridians to break into a vehicle to rescue a person in distress or an unattended animal, and backed a bill requiring insurers to take a proactive approach to paying out life insurance […]

Jim RosicaMarch 31, 2016

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The plaintiffs who won a congressional redistricting case won’t be getting paid by the state for appellate attorney costs, the Florida Supreme Court decided Thursday in a 4-3 decision. The denial of a request for attorney fees – two lines in the 8-page order – was the second blow in a one-two punch: A three-judge panel of the 1st District […]

Jim RosicaMarch 30, 2016

Long overdue renovations in the state’s Senate chamber are under way. Most of it has been gutted in preparation for a fresh look. FloridaPolitics.com reported last month that the Senate would finally jettison its 1970s look, unchanged since the Capitol first opened, with a nearly $5 million renovation this year. The very day after the Legislature adjourned this […]

Phil AmmannMarch 28, 2016

Fear just secured another victory. Under pressure from green activists, the Florida Senate voted down a bill that would have helped expand fracking, the drilling process used to extract oil and natural gas from deep underground. Activists recycled discredited arguments to scare citizens and legislators alike into believing that fracking will harm Florida’s environment. If […]

Jim RosicaMarch 25, 2016

A lawyer for U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown on Friday told a panel of federal judges that Florida’s new congressional map flies in the face of 100 years of history and would do violence to the voting rights of her black constituency. William Sheppard argued that the former district, which meanders from Jacksonville through Gainesville to Sanford, follows […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 25, 2016

Nearly six dozen new laws went on the books Friday. Gov. Rick Scott signed 68 bills into law, including ones that clarify when physicians’ assistants can prescribe medication, a bill revising the state’s building codes and a host of local laws. The Naples Republican also vetoed his first bill, which would have created the Gainesville […]

Jim RosicaMarch 25, 2016

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With the oldest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. standing behind her, U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown held a master class in political theater at a Tallahassee buffet restaurant Friday. It came after a court hearing on her legal challenge of the state’s new congressional district map. In the morning, a panel of federal judges heard […]

Jim RosicaMarch 25, 2016

A trio of federal judges on Friday will hear arguments from an attorney for U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown on her move to temporarily stop a congressional redistricting scheme ordered by the Florida Supreme Court. The one-hour hearing is set for 9 a.m. in the U.S. Courthouse in Tallahassee. U.S. Circuit Judge Robin Rosenbaum and U.S. District Judges Mark Walker […]

Jim RosicaMarch 24, 2016

An appeal court in Tallahassee has upheld a trial judge’s denial of attorney fees to the plaintiffs who won a congressional redistricting case. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal agreed with Circuit Judge Terry Lewis that the League of Women Voters of Florida, Common Cause and others “waived their right” to get their […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 23, 2016

Campus carry will be back, at least according to one co-sponsor of the 2016 legislation. Rep. Dane Eagle said a bill to allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry their guns on college and university campuses will be proposed again in the next Legislative Session. However, he seemed less sure about the future of […]

Tag: Florida Senate
Buccaneers QB Teddy Bridgewater. Image via AP.

Lizbeth Benacquisto racks up legislative victories during 2016 session

Supreme Court denies request for attorney fees in redistricting case

Florida Senate renovations proceed apace

Dennis Freytes: Activists shut down fracking with fear

Corrine Brown’s lawyer argues that old district lines follow historical precedent

Governor signs 68 bills into law, including ones to help veterans

Corrine Brown, fired up and ready to go – to lunch

Judges to consider Corrine Brown challenge to congressional redistricting

Court strikes down fee request in redistricting case

Dane Eagle talks gun legislation during SWFL Tiger Bay Club