Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonApril 10, 2017

Home-rule advocates Campaign to Defend Local Solutions announced Monday that it is adding Mayors Against Illegal Guns and the National Black Justice Coalition as official partners. “The spectrum of voices speaking out for home rule and against heavy-handed state pre-emption continues to grow,” said CDLS campaign manager Michael Alfano. “From protecting equality laws to preventing […]

Peter SchorschMarch 21, 2017

Republican Rep. Greg Steube was called out in an op-ed in his hometown paper, the Sarasota Herald Tribune, for his sponsorship of a bill that would preempt local governments when it comes to vacation rentals. Steube’s bill, SB 188, would prohibit local laws enacted after a certain June 1, 2011, from barring or regulating vacation rentals, such as those […]

Scott PowersMarch 14, 2017

A bill that would roll back all local ordinances and regulations of vacation rental houses to 2011 codes got a split-vote approval Tuesday from the House Agriculture & Property Rights Subcommittee. The issue was fashioned as one pitting property rights — those of people or companies that buy houses and convert them into short-term vacation […]

Staff ReportsAugust 22, 2016

A former Boca Raton city employee who rose to become its mayor also has become president of the Florida League of Cities. Susan Haynie, a 44-year resident of the city, was installed Monday at the organization’s yearly conference in Hollywood. “We all recognize that the best government is the one closest to the people,” she said in a […]

Ryan RayFebruary 25, 2016

George Gainer blasted the Legislature and his Senate District 1 opponent Rep. Matt Gaetz in an email appeal to supporters on Thursday, contending a pair of measures considered this year amount to a “power grab” by state government. Gainer, a Republican and longtime Bay County Commissioner, said bills on so-called “fracking” and local taxes aim at “stripping authority […]

Ryan RayDecember 3, 2015

A House panel approved a bill Thursday morning that would reshape the timing and electorate of Florida’s local elections. The bill, PCB SAC 16-04, would preempt local authority to set the date of municipal elections, granting the ultimate say-so on when they are held to state lawmakers. Bill sponsor Rep. Matt Caldwell chairs the State Affairs Committee which passed […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorJune 1, 2015

Three state lawmakers have been recognized by the Florida League of Cities for their dedication to ensuring localities are able to function without too much state interference. Among the recipients is Pinellas County Senator Jack Latvala. He is one of three recipients of the League of Cities Defender of Home Rule Award. Fort Lauderdale Senator […]

Daniel TilsonApril 7, 2014

Several bills moving forward through the 2014 Florida legislative session offer excellent opportunities for opponents of both big and bad government to join forces. Imagine, conservatives concerned with shrinking and disempowering government, uniting with liberals more concerned with its purpose and impact. Imagine, agreeing to disagree on divisive social issues, but agreeing to work together […]

Tag: Home Rule

Home rule advocacy group adds two national organizations to its roster

Greg Steube called out by hometown paper for vacation rental bill

Vacation rentals de-reg bill passes House committee

Personnel note: Susan Haynie elected president of Florida League of Cities

Email Insights: George Gainer decries “Tallahassee power grab” in 2016 Session

House panel votes to allow state to set municipal election dates

Pinellas’ Jack Latvala lauded as Home Rule hero

Daniel Tilson: Beware Rick Scott’s legislative control freaks