Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMay 5, 2017

A bill to allow craft distillers to sell more product directly to customers was passed by lawmakers Friday. The measure (HB 141) sailed through a 37-0 vote on the Senate floor, sending it to Gov. Rick Scott. Sen. Greg Steube on Thursday had substituted the House version for his bill. The measure would let distillers sell up to six […]

Michael MolineMay 5, 2017

The Senate changed its mind Friday and accepted mandatory-minimum prison sentences in a bill cracking down on synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and carfentanil. Senators had stripped the provision earlier in the week, but the House refused to abandon mandatory sentences and sent the bill back. Senate President Joe Negron initially ruled that Sen. Greg Steube’s […]

Michael MolineMay 3, 2017

The Senate approved legislation Wednesday increasing penalties for trafficking in synthetic opioids including fentanyl and carfentanil, The vote was 37-0 to send the measure back to the House. HB 477 targets fentanyl and related substances that, when administered by themselves or in combination with other drugs, can prove deadly, for tougher sentencing. For example, it would […]

Michael MolineMay 2, 2017

The Senate adopted an amendment Tuesday easing mandatory-minimum prison sentences in a bill cracking down on trafficking in synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and carfentanil. Senate President Joe Negron ruled that Sen. Randolph Bracy’s amendment had passed on a voice vote, following an impassioned debate touching on the drugs’ dangers and the damage minimum-mandatory sentencing has […]

Mitch PerryApril 26, 2017

Legislation limiting placement of local sales tax referendum to primary or general election ballots and requiring passage with 60 percent support was approved Wednesday by the Florida House. The same bill by Spring Hill Republican Blaise Ingoglia (HB 139) passed in that chamber a year ago, but died in the Senate. Legislation sponsored by Sarasota Republican Greg Steube […]

Jim RosicaApril 26, 2017

A bill to allow craft distillers to sell more product directly to customers was set for a final vote Wednesday, was instead “temporarily postponed,” then finally voted out later in the day. The House eventually passed the measure (HB 141) by a 114-2 vote. Its sponsor, state Rep. Cyndi Stevenson, a St. Johns Republican, was one of […]

Michael MolineApril 17, 2017

The Senate sponsor of legislation crimping local restrictions on Airbnb and other home vacation rentals abruptly cried uncle Monday — confusing a committee room full of lobbyists, plus a few committee members. Sen. Greg Steube acquiesced in a late amendment by Sen. Jeff Brandes that essentially gutted his bill. CS/SB 188, as amended, passed on […]

Mitch PerryApril 17, 2017

A bill limiting the placement of local sales tax referendum to primary or general election ballots advanced Monday through the Florida Senate Community Affairs Committee. The intent of the bill (SB 278), sponsored by Sarasota Republican Greg Steube, is to maximize participation in elections. Last year, a similar bill from Blaise Ingoglia passed the House but died in […]

Jim RosicaApril 3, 2017

Screen-Shot-2017-04-03-at-3.01.01-PM.png

Let freedom pour: Bills aimed at changing beer and booze regulations in Florida have cleared their latest review panel. The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee OK’d measures that would allow beer distributors to give free branded beer glasses to bars and restaurants, authorize beer companies to advertise in theme parks and let craft distillers sell more […]

Drew WilsonMarch 29, 2017

The Associated Industries of Florida and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America didn’t mince words after a bill by Republican Sen. Greg Steube cleared its final committee stop Wednesday. “AIF opposes legislation that would make it more expensive for businesses to operate in our state, and that is exactly what SB 334 would do,” […]

Tag: Greg Steube
Stock image via Adobe.

Craft distillery bill heads to Rick Scott

Senate bows to minimum-mandatory sentencing for fentanyl traffickers

Senate sends amended version of opioid crackdown bill back to House

Opioid-crackdown bill picks up potentially deadly amendment in Senate

Taxing question: House OKs bill forcing county tax votes only in primary, general elections

Craft distillery bill put on hold, then passed

Bill sponsor bows out of fight over short-term vacation rentals

Taxing questions: Bill would allow ballot questions on taxes only in November

Bottoms up: Beer, booze bills clear Senate committee

AIF, PCI blast Greg Steube’s prejudgment interest bill