Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMarch 10, 2016

The 2016 tax package was back in the Senate Thursday, one day before the end of the 2016 Legislative Session, with state Sen. Dorothy Hukill trying to safely land the more than 100-page bill. Ironically, a watchdog group issued a report the same day that said the real tax problem in Florida isn’t at the state level, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 10, 2016

The Florida Taxicab Association is calling on Sen. Jeff Brandes to withdrawn a pro-Uber amendment and “respect the legislative process.” In an email Thursday, the association said Brandes has pushed “model legislation” written by the ride-sharing company Uber “as a solution for any regulatory impediment the company may encounter in Florida now or in the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 10, 2016

It’s the last call for ride-hailing legislation. A bill (SB 1118) to set minimum insurance requirements for ride-hailing companies, like Uber, is once again on the Senate’s special order calendar. So is a similar House proposal (HB 509) that addresses insurance requirements and deals with preemption concerns. With just days left in the legislative session, […]

Associated PressMarch 9, 2016

Couples shacking up together would no longer be breaking the law under a bill passed by the Florida Legislature. The Florida House on Wednesday voted 112-5 to repeal the state’s largely unenforced prohibition on cohabitation. The bill heads now to the desk of Gov. Rick Scott. Under a law that has been on the books […]

Associated PressMarch 9, 2016

Florida voters will be asked to vote on three constitutional amendments dealing with taxes. The Florida Legislature on Wednesday approved three amendments for the ballot. One of the amendments (HJR 1009) would grant a property tax break to any first responders disabled in the line of duty. Another one of the proposals (HJR 193) would exempt […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 9, 2016

A bill intended to end the fight over juvenile detention costs is headed to the governor. The Florida House voted 117-0 to approve the measure (SB 1322). The approval came just days after the Senate voted 38-0 to approve the bill. The proposal requires counties that aren’t considered fiscally constrained, usually more affluent, urban areas, […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 9, 2016

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A bill establishing exceptions for space and seating requirements for liquor licenses for restaurants in Riverside/Avondale commercial character zone, passed the state Senate Wednesday. It had previously passed the House 102-1, sponsored by Reggie Fullwood, instead of Jay Fant, the area’s representative. The goal of the bill is to provide allowances for space and seating requirements in a […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 8, 2016

Don’t count out Surgeon General John Armstrong quite yet. Senate President Andy Gardiner said he is still debating whether the Senate will consider Armstrong’s confirmation. Gardiner said if the Senate were to take up Armstrong’s confirmation, it could come up on Thursday. But, Gardiner said, that’s still a big if. “I’m not sure we’re there […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 8, 2016

The heads of two more state agencies are keeping their jobs. The Florida Senate on Tuesday confirmed dozens of Gov. Rick Scott appointees, including Cissy Proctor, the executive director Department of Economic Opportunities, and Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie. Proctor’s confirmation flew through all of its committee stops. Scott selected Proctor to lead the agency last […]

Jim RosicaMarch 8, 2016

A bill that could end “forever alimony” is heading to the desk of Gov. Rick Scott after passing the Florida Legislature Tuesday. The House passed the Senate family-law bill (SB 668) by a vote of 74-38 after Democrats tried but failed to tack on a last-minute amendment to ensure the bill can’t be applied retroactively to old […]

Tag: Florida Senate

With clock ticking, tax package discussed in Senate

Email Insights: Taxicab Association calls on Jeff Brandes to ‘respect the legislative process’

Email Insights: Uber calls on customers to demand a Senate vote

Shacking up: Florida Legislature repeals cohabitation ban

Legislature sends 3 tax proposals to voters

House votes 117-0 to approve juvenile detention cost sharing bill

Jax J-1 local bill clears Senate, affects Riverside/Avondale liquor-serving restaurants

Senate President Andy Gardiner still considering whether to bring up John Armstrong’s confirmation

Florida Senate confirms Cissy Proctor, Tom Delacenserie

Alimony overhaul bill heading to governor