Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannMarch 8, 2017

A House subcommittee unanimously passed a bill to help service members and spouses find and keep jobs when they relocate to Florida. HB 615, known as Occupational Opportunity Act, sailed through the Florida Careers & Competition Subcommittee Tuesday with a bipartisan vote. Next stop for the bill is the full Commerce Committee. Palm Beach Republican Paul […]

Mitch PerryMarch 7, 2017

In just the past few years, Florida has emerged as a state willing to go all-in on autonomous vehicle technology. Legislation that removes a requirement that the person operating a vehicle in autonomous mode possess a valid driver’s license — and instead make the autonomous car itself the licensed entity — easily moved Tuesday through the […]

Les NeuhausMarch 6, 2017

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A bill heard by a Florida Senate committee Monday seeks to streamline the process of setting up a parenting plan for unmarried parents, according to its sponsor. The proposal in the Senate’s Committee on Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee – SB 590 – was introduced by its lead author, Sen. Jeff Brandes, with members […]

Mitch PerryMarch 6, 2017

There are numerous criminal justice reform bills already moving in committees in the Florida House and Senate this year, and on Monday a nonpartisan coalition called The Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform announced its formation on the eve of the 2017 Legislative Session kicking off on Tuesday. The Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform includes the Southern […]

Mitch PerryMarch 6, 2017

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Legislation that would allow law enforcement officers to review video taken from body cameras before writing a report or before providing a statement about an incident in which they were involved advanced in a Florida Senate committee on Monday. Sarasota Republican Greg Steube‘s bill (SB 624) calls for the law enforcement agencies in Florida that […]

Drew WilsonMarch 6, 2017

Veterans advocacy group Concerned Veterans for America announced its priorities for the 2017 Legislative Session, including support for bills that would help veterans by giving them tax breaks and helping them hold down jobs after leaving the military. “Florida should welcome veterans and military families, instead of pushing them away with burdensome taxes and regulations […]

Mitch PerryMarch 2, 2017

Following the dumping of millions of gallons of raw and partially treated sewage into Tampa Bay, Clam Bayou and other waterways by local governments in 2016, two state lawmakers filed legislation Thursday to incentivize local governments and private utilities to dedicate more resources to improving their sewage infrastructure. St. Petersburg state Senator Jeff Brandes and Pasadena Representative Kathleen Peters‘ […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 27, 2017

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In a letter to fellow members, state Rep. Jose Felix Diaz says House leadership now is planning to bifurcate its legislation to eliminate Enterprise Florida and to overhaul VISIT FLORIDA. The Senate, however, so far still intends to keep Enterprise Florida as part of its economic development tool chest. On Monday, Diaz – the Miami-Dade Republican who chairs the House […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 27, 2017

It’s time for the Leggs to enjoy it being “Quiet Uptown.” Former state Sen. John Legg said Monday he will not run for Senate in 2018, quashing rumors he might considering a comeback in the coming years. “After 12 years my family and I need a break,” he said. “Also, I am enjoying working on […]

Rosanne DunkelbergerFebruary 27, 2017

People don’t come to Florida’s Capitol without an agenda, and when they want to share it with the world, you can bet they’ll plan a news conference/media availability to share it via the Fourth Estate. Wednesday was particularly rich with such events; I was assigned to go to ‘em all. As a babe in these […]

Tag: Jeff Brandes

House committee passes military Occupational Opportunity Act

Autonomous vehicle bill advances in House Committee

Parenting plan bill that skip courts, lifts court overload gets unilateral support in Senate committee

Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform formed as legislative session formally begins

Bill to allow law enforcement officers who wear body cameras to review footage advances in Florida Senate committee

Veterans group releases priorities ahead of 2017 Legislative Session

Jeff Brandes and Kathleen Peters file legislation to limit the release of sewage discharges

House splitting legislation on incentives, tourism funding

It’s official: John Legg not running in 2018

Eight-hour shoes and a whirlwind of press conferences

Florida politics had 11 questions before federal qualifying week. Here are the answers.