Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersMarch 7, 2018

An attempt by Orlando Democratic state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith to get the state to provide $1 million to help build a Pulse nightclub memorial in Orlando drew some crossover votes from Republicans (including many from Central Florida) but failed in the House Tuesday night. The proposed amendment, which would have added $1 million for […]

Scott PowersMarch 1, 2018

Republican House District 28 candidate David Smith has picked up several more endorsement from local officials in Seminole County including County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg, and officials who praised his education and environmental views. In addition to Greenberg, Smith’s campaign announced the new backings of Seminole County School Board Member Abby Sanchez and Seminole County […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 13, 2018

State Rep. Matt Caldwell touted another fundraising win in the race to take over for termed out Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam in the fall. The Lehigh Acres Republican brought in a combined $106,100 last month – $50,100 for his campaign and another $56,000 for his political committee, Friends of Matt Caldwell. The numbers outshined his […]

Scott PowersFebruary 9, 2018

Winter Springs Republican David Smith boosted his campaign for Florida House District 28 with more than $21,000 in January, including another $10,000 of his own money he used to match the first $10,000 in outside donations to his campaign during the month. With the $21,187 the campaign drew in total during January, Smith’s campaign now […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 5, 2018

Four times, lawmakers on Monday gave the state’s top medical marijuana regulator an opportunity to speak on their objections to rules and regulations on the drug. And four times, Christian Bax said nothing because it wasn’t yet time to do so, he later explained. “The department has 30 days in order to respond,” Bax, director of […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 1, 2018

Rep. Kathleen Peters‘ attempt to amend an House ethics reform bill resulted in virtual fireworks Thursday, with a prominent lobbyist saying Peters was targeting him and a lawmaker bemoaning “political gymnastics” that temporarily gummed up the measure. One of Peters’ amendments would have banned sitting lawmakers and their immediate family members from working for lobbying firms. The […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 31, 2018

Rep. Jason Brodeur is telling the state’s top health officials to get to work on medical marijuana—or they won’t get paid. The Sanford Republican has offered an amendment to the House’s 2018-19 budget proposal that would freeze more than $1.9 million in salaries and benefits for the Department of Health‘s brass, including Secretary and state Surgeon General Celeste […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 26, 2018

A Senate bill to exempt fantasy sports play from state gambling regulation cleared its last committee this week, making it available for the floor. But there are still big ‘if’s that could blow up the gambling exclusivity deal, known as the Seminole Compact, between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Here’s the staff analysis: […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 26, 2018

For the last couple of years, budget talks have seemed to put House leadership in the driver’s seat on instituting new reforms, with the Senate reacting defensively. So it was a breath of fresh air to see the two chambers heading in the same direction, toward positive change on funding for charity care provided by […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 23, 2018

The House panel charged with handling gambling issues unanimously OK’d a bill to exempt fantasy sports play from state gambling regulation. The House Tourism and Gaming Control Subcommittee cleared the measure (HB 223) with little debate on Tuesday. One representative, Republican Randy Fine of Brevard County, voted for the bill despite his belief that fantasy sports play was […]

Tag: Jason Brodeur
Golf ball and golf club in bag on green grass

Carlos Smith’s $1M Pulse memorial amendment draws some Republicans, but fails

David Smith picks up more local officials’ endorsements in HD 28 contest

Matt Caldwell tops Ag Commissioner field in January fundraising

David Smith brings $21K, including his $10K match, into his HD 28 campaign

Medical marijuana regulator’s silence vexes lawmakers

‘Political gymnastics’: House panel kills Kathleen Peters’ ethics proposals

Jason Brodeur to Health Dep’t: No pay till progress on marijuana

Despite Seminole concerns, fantasy sports bill ready in Senate

Props to Senate for ending enhanced payments to hand-picked hospitals

Fantasy sports bill moves along in House