Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonFebruary 13, 2018

A bill that would change the rules for franchise agreements was temporarily postponed by the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. SB 1076, sponsored by Sarasota Republican Sen. Greg Steube, would give franchise owners more rights when it comes to selling their business or leaving it to an heir, and would also give Florida owners home field […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 30, 2018

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee narrowly voted in favor of a bill Tuesday that aims to put franchisees on a level playing field with their franchisor. SB 1076, known as the “Small Business Parity Act,” would shield business owners from restrictions on selling their franchises or passing them on to an heir, and would give […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 25, 2018

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More than 150 mental health advocates visited the Capitol Wednesday to urge lawmakers to pass a slate of bills and approve funding requests covering a wide range of mental health issues, including the opioid epidemic. “Behavioral Health Day at the Capitol allows, peers, caregivers, friends and family to unite to talk about mental health issues […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 23, 2018

Sarasota Sen. Greg Steube and Fort Myers Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, both Republicans, are sponsoring bills this year that aim to put franchisees on a level playing field with their franchisor. “Florida’s hard-working franchise owners typically invest more than $375,000 of their own personal savings in order to pursue their dream of owning a small business, […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 10, 2018

It’s safe to say that a large part of Florida’s thriving economy is fueled by franchised businesses, which provide some of our most common services — fast food, auto repairs, haircuts, and so on. Without committed business owners, who take on the responsibility of growing small local businesses associated with big national chains, we would […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 4, 2018

Sen. Jeff Brandes filed a bill Wednesday that would toss a controversial “certificate of need” hospital regulatory process as the House fast-tracks an identical bill. House Republican leaders and Gov. Rick Scott, a former hospital CEO, have long supported repealing the “certificate of need,” but the effort has stalled in the Senate. This year, though, the […]

Drew WilsonAugust 17, 2017

Agriculture Commissioner candidate and Lehigh Acres Republican Rep. Matt Caldwell rolled out a string of endorsements from his Republican colleagues in the state house. Caldwell earned the support of five Republican representatives: Byron Donalds, Dane Eagle, Heather Fitzenhagen, Bob Rommel and Ray Rodrigues. “I am proud to have unanimous support from House members in Southwest […]

Staff ReportsJune 12, 2017

Rep. Matt Caldwell is getting a little help from his friends in bid for Agriculture Commissioner. Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues, Rep. Dane Eagle, and Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen are among the more than three dozen Southwest Florida officials scheduled to host a fundraiser for Caldwell on Monday night. The fundraiser, according to a copy of the […]

Phil AmmannMay 22, 2017

State Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen is offering her Southwest Florida constituents a list achievements of the 2017 Legislative Session, which ended May 8. During the last two weeks of Session, the Fort Myers Republican said in an email that lawmakers spent a majority of time on House floor debating the state’s “Tax Package” and the upcoming […]

Peter SchorschMarch 31, 2017

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Hmmm, they don’t seem that provocative. On Thursday, members of the Women’s Legislative Caucus wore purple T-shirts with the slogan, “A Woman’s Place is in the House and the Senate.” Once on the House floor, however, an alarm rose among some: Were they appropriate? Rules Chair Jose Oliva, slated to be Speaker in 2018-20, soon put […]

Tag: Heather Fitzenhagen

Franchise bill halted in second committee

Franchisee bill squeaks by first Senate panel

Mental health advocates urge lawmakers to pass slate of bills during Behavioral Health Day

Greg Steube, Heather Fitzenhagen push bills to help franchise owners

Heather Fitzenhagen: Level the playing field for Florida franchise operators

Senator files ‘certificate of need’ repeal bill, identical to House priority

Matt Caldwell endorsed by five Southwest Florida representatives

Ray Rodrigues, other SWFL leaders host fundraiser for Matt Caldwell’s bid for Ag Commissioner

Heather Fitzenhagen highlights Session wins for Southwest Florida

T-shirts cause clothing kerfuffle in House