Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMarch 12, 2019

The state’s most tuned in political insiders have some firm opinions on two of the top Republicans in national politics. Florida Politics reached out to more than 100 of the state’s top political minds on to get their take President Donald Trump’s re-election odds and U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz standing with his campaign trail bestie, […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 8, 2019

Republicans were a near monolith in saying former Congressman had outperformed their expectations.

Drew WilsonFebruary 8, 2019

Gambling expansion is a bad bet, but smokable pot is even money.

Danny McAuliffeDecember 23, 2018

Some state employees might think it a given to spend Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve away from work each year. But the reality is Florida government workers normally get nine holidays: New Year’s, the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving and the Friday after, as […]

Staff ReportsNovember 29, 2018

Florida will have to consider economic incentives if it wants television and film productions to shoot here, according to Florida TaxWatch‘s newest research report. That idea has found favor in the state Senate, but runs counter to new Republican House Speaker Jose Oliva‘s stance, who has called production incentives “tantamount to corporate welfare.” Even GOP […]

Staff ReportsNovember 26, 2018

Longtime lobbyist Louis Betz has devoted his time and energy to many well-known clients over the years, but now he’s aiming to tackle an issue of immense personal importance — with a little help from his friends, of course. In 2013, Betz was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease and his only chance at survival […]

Peter SchorschDecember 11, 2017

See, this is the way it’s suppose to be done! On Friday, the Associated Press reported that Fred Piccolo, the communications director for House Speaker Richard Corcoran, had been working until recently for the company that owns this website. Although I was very unhappy with how this news got out, it’s a relevant story. Because of […]

Jim RosicaAugust 21, 2017

An Aug. 31 deadline looms for the House of Representatives and Florida Lottery to turn in a “status report” on their efforts to settle a lawsuit over a $700 million contract for new equipment. House spokesman Fred Piccolo on Friday said there had been no resolution, and that “negotiations continue.” Barry Richard, outside counsel for the […]

Martin DyckmanFebruary 22, 2017

Is Florida’s judicial ethics commission about to become collateral damage in a battle over the independence of the courts? House Speaker Richard Corcoran, the Land O’Lakes Republican, appears to have targeted the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) along with the courts themselves in his campaign to curb the independence of the judiciary. The JQC and the […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 16, 2017

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In a new three-and-a-half minute video, the Florida House of Representatives scorches the state’s beleaguered public-private economic development and tourism organizations. Phrases like “no more corruption” and “no more taking taxpayers for granted” run in between clips of what the House criticizes as failed recipients of business incentives, or what House Speaker Richard Corcoran has called […]

Tag: Fred Piccolo

Florida Influencer Poll: Donald Trump in good shape, Matt Gaetz treading water

Florida Influencer Poll: Ron DeSantis’ first weeks turned some heads

Florida Influencer Poll: Sports betting a no-go, pot deadline in doubt

State workers make the most of extra days off

Action! Florida TaxWatch revives TV, film incentives debate

Post-transplant, ‘Louis Betz 2.0’ to push for organ procurement changes

You should read The Capitolist this morning

Clock ticks toward deadline to resolve Lottery lawsuit

Judicial ethics watchdog could suffer in fight for independent Florida courts

Florida House slams Enterprise Florida, VISIT FLORIDA in video