Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 7, 2016

The group backing a medical marijuana ballot initiative is calling out lawmakers for a proposal that provides relief to more patients. The Florida Senate voted 28-11 to approve a bill that expands the Right to Try Act to include medical marijuana. Under the proposal, the bill allows eligible patients — defined as someone with one […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 7, 2016

The man of the hour smiled as his colleagues told stories and reminisced about his time in the Florida Legislature. They spoke of his commitment to his family, his dedication to his community, and his calm demeanor when dealing with the tough issues the state has faced in recent years. “He is the George Bailey […]

Phil AmmannMarch 7, 2016

On Monday, the Senate unanimously passed House Bill 7027, a broadly worded bill that seeks to reform several policies and programs for the Florida Department of Transportation. After senators adopted a series of amendments, LobbyTools reports the bill now returns to the House. Among the amendments were adding language to encourage the development of transportation policy for […]

Tag: Florida Senate
Three people were killed in an accident on the Florida Turnpike in St. Lucie County on Aug. 12. Image via Treasure Coast Newspapers.

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

John Morgan calls medical marijuana expansion bill “typical Tallahassee window dressing”

Senate pays tribute to outgoing President Andy Gardiner

Senate unanimously passes broad transportation bill, sends to House