Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJanuary 17, 2018

The frontrunners for the 2022 Florida Senate Presidency have spent the last few months adding funds to their political committees and, more importantly, using that money to help out a handful of potential backers when it comes time to vote in a couple years. Sens. Travis Hutson and Dana Young are still the top contenders […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 5, 2018

In the wake of back-to-back sex scandals at the Capitol, Sen. Lauren Book and state Rep. Kristin Jacobs on Friday filed similar bills that aim to systematically change how sexual harassment is dealt with in the workplace, particularly in a government setting. The proposal include civil penalties of up to $10,000 for public officers and […]

Scott PowersJanuary 5, 2018

The Florida chief financial officer campaign of Democratic former state Sen. Jeremy Ring announced Friday he has received the endorsements of more than half the Democrats in the Florida Senate, plus 11 Democrats in the Florida House of Representatives. “From the very beginning I have believed that our campaign is all about people power,” Ring […]

Ana CeballosDecember 20, 2017

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The state’s law enforcement agency is reviewing sexual misconduct allegations against Sen. Jack Latvala outlined in two Florida Senate investigations that concluded he may have violated state corruption laws by offering to support legislation in exchange of “a sexual encounter.” The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Wednesday it is conducting a “preliminary review” of […]

Ana CeballosDecember 20, 2017

UPDATE – JACK LATVLA HAS RESIGNED. That story is here. Updates before the resignation: — A second investigation into sexual harassment claims against Jack Latvala, prompted by a POLITICO Florida story, has turned up a witness who bolsters an allegation that the senator would offer to trade sex for favorable votes on legislation. That story is developing. […]

Ana CeballosDecember 20, 2017

Update: Jack Latvala resigned from the Senate Wednesday afternoon. In a resignation letter to Senate President Joe Negron, Latvala wrote: “I have never intentionally dishonored my family, my constituents or the Florida Senate. “My political adversaries have latched onto this effort to rid our country of sexual harassment to try to rid the Florida Senate of […]

Jim RosicaDecember 19, 2017

Update: Jack Latvala resigned from the Senate Wednesday afternoon. In a resignation letter to Senate President Joe Negron, Latvala wrote: “I have never intentionally dishonored my family, my constituents or the Florida Senate. “My political adversaries have latched onto this effort to rid our country of sexual harassment to try to rid the Florida Senate of […]

Danny McAuliffeDecember 15, 2017

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No one should lose their driver’s license over an infraction that isn’t related to driving. That’s the premise of a bill (SB 1270) filed Friday by St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes. “It is time to address the growing problem of non-driving related license suspensions,” Brandes said in a press release announcing the bill. “Stop the […]

Ana CeballosDecember 12, 2017

The Senate has spent nearly $25,000 in taxpayer money on outside attorneys in connection to the sexual harassment allegations against Sen. Jack Latvala, according to Senate records. In mid-November, Senate President Joe Negron hired a trio of attorneys from the GrayRobinson law firm to help him navigate the investigation into sexual harassment and groping allegations […]

Ana CeballosDecember 11, 2017

U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz thinks the Senate sexual harassment investigation into Sen. Jack Latvala is a “sham” and refused to speak to the attorney leading the investigation, according to a POLITICO Florida report. “The Florida Senate’s ‘investigation’ into Senator Latvala is a sham. I will not validate it by participating,” Gaetz wrote in a letter […]

Tag: Florida Senate
Dennis Baxley, Kat Cammack, Dan Webster, Bill Posey, John Temple in Clermont. Image via Webster campaign.

Senate President aspirants Travis Hutson, Dana Young continue to raise money at rapid clip

Bills creating tougher penalties for sexual harassers filed in both chambers

Jeremy Ring announces Florida Democratic lawmakers’ endorsements for CFO race

Law enforcement reviewing Jack Latvala sexual misconduct case

Jack Latvala sexual harassment probe could lead to criminal charges

Adam Putnam says ‘it is time’ for Jack Latvala to resign

Jack Latvala won’t allow sexual harassment report ruin holidays

Bill seeks to prevent driver’s license suspensions in non-driving offenses

Senate spends $25K on outside attorneys for Jack Latvala probe

Congressman says Jack Latvala Senate investigation is a ‘sham’