Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJuly 5, 2017

Orlando attorney and entrepreneur John Morgan says he will make good on his threat to sue the state over this year’s implementation bill for medical marijuana because it doesn’t allow such cannabis to be smoked. “Heading to Tally in the morning to file suit against the state on behalf of the citizens & patients of […]

Jim RosicaJuly 5, 2017

The new president of The Florida Bar says the organization is standing by to offer “technical legal” support to the Constitution Revision Commission as it readies to amend the state’s governing document, which could include changes affecting the judicial branch. But Michael J. Higer, a partner in Berger Singerman’s Miami office, won’t say which public […]

Jim RosicaJune 30, 2017

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Former state Rep. and Public Service Commissioner Jimmy Patronis was sworn in Friday morning as the state’s fourth Chief Financial Officer. Patronis took the oath of office in the Governor’s office, given by Chief Justice Jorge Labarga, and standing next to wife Katie and sons Theo and Johnny. “Thank you for allowing me to partake […]

Staff ReportsJune 29, 2017

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Florida Department of Economic Opportunity chief of staff Jim Poppell will be the next Secretary of the Lottery, Gov. Rick Scott‘s office announced Thursday. The Lottery’s profits go into the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, which pays for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships, among other things. “During his time at DEO, Jim has helped provide Florida families […]

Jim RosicaJune 29, 2017

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A Florida nursery that previously filed a protest over the Department of Health’s award of medical marijuana licenses is back in court this week. Tropiflora LLC of Sarasota is asking a judge to delay enforcement of part of the state’s new medical marijuana implementing bill, passed during the recent Special Session. The company filed a motion Monday in […]

Jim RosicaJune 28, 2017

A dubious-sounding Florida Supreme Court shellacked Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala‘s lawyer during oral arguments Wednesday, questioning her prosecutorial “discretion” in not seeking the death penalty. “I don’t even see a gray area,” Justice R. Fred Lewis said. “It seems to me that ‘discretion’ is not to ignore Florida law.” Justice Barbara Pariente also raised concerns […]

Staff ReportsJune 27, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott on Friday appointed Jonathan Zachem as the new Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Matilde Miller, who had been serving as interim secretary since January, has accepted the job of Vice President of Compliance for VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s public-private tourism marketing agency. “DBPR is often on […]

Jim RosicaJune 27, 2017

Now that Jimmy Patronis is leaving the Public Service Commission and Constitution Revision Commission to become the state’s next Chief Financial Officer, Gov. Rick Scott has to replace him on those panels. The Florida Public Service Commission Nominating Council is charged with “screening and nominating applicants for appointment by the Governor to fill vacancies on the […]

Associated PressJune 27, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott has signed a bill making it easier for parents and residents to challenge school textbooks and school library books. The legislation, which was one of 29 bills signed on Monday, allows parents and residents to review instructional materials and then challenge them as inappropriate before a hearing officer. It was one of […]

Jim RosicaJune 27, 2017

A House bill aimed at shaking up the state’s Agency for State Technology was vetoed Friday by Gov. Rick Scott. Sources earlier had told Florida Politics the measure (HB 5301), backed by state Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, could fall under the Governor’s veto pen. It passed both chambers this Legislative Session with only 13 total votes against […]

Tag: Gov. Rick Scott
Florida's crackdown on Asian ownership is having an impact on Jacksonville ports.

John Morgan gets ‘ready to rumble’ on no-smoke medical pot

Florida Bar will focus on ‘protecting the courts’ during constitutional revision process

Jimmy Patronis is sworn in as Chief Financial Officer

Personnel note: Jim Poppell named Lottery Secretary

Tropiflora seeks holdup of new medical marijuana implementing bill

Court grills Aramis Ayala lawyer over avoidance of death penalty

Personnel note: Jonathan Zachem appointed DBPR secretary

Jimmy Patronis’ move to CFO creates PSC, CRC openings

Education funding, other bills OK’d by Rick Scott

Rick Scott vetoes re-organization of state’s technology agency, a priority of Blaise Ingoglia