Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryFebruary 9, 2017

With a mix of old and new, the annual Florida State Fair kicks off Thursday. In addition to obligatory references to artery-clogging fair fare by local reporters (Deep-fried butter! Spaghetti Ice Cream!), Opening Day of the Fair is the setting for the yearly Governors Day Luncheon, where every man and women in Hillsborough County who is […]

Associated PressJanuary 25, 2017

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Florida state employees who want to enroll in the state’s popular pre-paid tuition program are going to get a small break this year. State workers will get a $25 discount on the application fee if they enroll during this year’s open enrollment period. The application fee is normally $50. Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater is […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 23, 2017

It’s going to be a busy few weeks for Florida Republicans. House Majority announced fundraising events for seven House Republicans, all of which are running for re-election in 2018, between Jan. 24 and Feb. 20. The fundraising kicks off on Tuesday with an event for Rep. Bob Cortes. The event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2017

When you try to manage a multi-billion-dollar state budget with three-decade-old software, problems are bound to happen. An audit has found security flaws in the Department of Financial Services‘ antiquated FLAIR accounting system, according to a report released Friday. (FLAIR stands for “Florida Accounting Information Resource Subsystem.”) The department is run by Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 9, 2017

Florida Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera is the latest high profile Republican to back Blaise Ingoglia in his bid for re-election to be the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. “I have been active in the RPOF for 20 years and I cannot recall a chairman that has shown the commitment and dedication to the […]

Jim RosicaDecember 30, 2016

From algebra to Zika, 2016 brought a plethora of material to the Capitol Press Corps. Trying to pick the top state government stories is a subjective pursuit, to say the least, but here are the FloridaPolitics.com picks for the passing year. In (kind of) chronological order: — Kevin McCarty ousted as state Insurance Commissioner, replaced by […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterDecember 28, 2016

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam raised more than $2 million in 2016, boosting his war chest ahead of a likely 2018 gubernatorial bid. State records show Florida Grown, Putnam’s political committee, raised more than $2.3 million through Nov. 30. The committee has raised more than $6.3 million since February 2015, according to state campaign finance records. […]

Peter SchorschDecember 23, 2016

The holidays are here. That means carols and cookies, brightly lit Christmas trees and twinkling menorahs, and nip of eggnog (or whatever seasonal cocktail tickles your fancy) to keep you warm at night. But the festive holiday season is also a chance for people to spend time with their family and friends, make resolutions for […]

Joe HendersonDecember 22, 2016

I think Will Weatherford’s just-announced decision not to run for governor in 2018 merely delays the inevitable. I believe he will be Florida’s governor eventually, and that will be a good thing. Weatherford, the Land O’Lakes Republican, is a smart, articulate, center-right conservative in the Jeb Bush tradition. He has a strong legislative resume, including […]

Phil AmmannDecember 14, 2016

Jeff Atwater is the latest statewide leader throwing his support behind a second term for Republican Party of Florida Chair Blaise Ingoglia. “The grassroots of our party should elect our Chairman,” Florida’s chief financial officer said in a statement Wednesday. “I don’t tell the grassroots how to vote. But, I have a responsibility to tell […]

Tag: Jeff Atwater

Politics, food and fun: Florida State Fair kicks off

Florida state workers getting prepaid tuition sign-up discount

Lawmakers look to raise money during upcoming legislative committee meeting weeks

Audit uncovers flaws in state’s accounting system

Carlos Lopez-Cantera endorses Blaise Ingoglia for RPOF Chair

Jim Rosica’s review of top state government stories in 2016

Adam Putnam political committee brings in more than $2.3 million in 2016

This holiday season brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and political associations

Will Weatherford’s decision enhances, not removes, future options

Jeff Atwater latest to support Blaise Ingoglia re-election as Florida GOP chair