Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Associated PressFebruary 29, 2016

As the Florida legislative session nears its end, some lawmakers are in a race against time to correct what they say is an injustice to the working poor: the suspension of driver’s licenses for reasons unrelated to driving violations. License suspensions can result from a minor infraction and can lead to thousands of dollars in […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 25, 2016

An amended bill that would reshape the way civil forfeiture works in Florida passed the House Judiciary Committee Thursday. Under current law, law enforcement can seize a person’s property, including cash, if they suspect it is being used to commit a crime or is the proceed from crime. Under that scenario, no charges have to […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 22, 2016

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A concept of “deal” implies that each side gets “something.” Not so with Uber and the taxi industry. So far, in all negotiations, Uber has stuck to everything they want, yet offering little (or nothing) in return. From the onset, Uber’s arrival in Florida quickly became a matter of ignoring the existing rules, beginning with […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 18, 2016

A pair of bills making way through both the House and Senate this week seek to make wide-ranging changes to the Department of Financial Services. Among the changes, according to LobbyTools, include the establishment of new public employee programs as well as modifying several existing programs, insurance regulations, fire codes and others. For fire departments, House […]

Ryan RayFebruary 18, 2016

The ride-hailing company Uber continued its legislative push at a news conference at the Capitol on Thursday. Backers brandished new economic impact numbers indicating growth and told reporters it’s time for lawmakers to finally make good on a pledge to enact a uniform statewide law governing so-called transportation network companies, or TNCs. An Uber lobbyist said nearly […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 16, 2016

As incumbent Rick Kriseman barrels towards a second term as mayor of St. Petersburg, a not-so-silent minority displeased with the uber-liberal policies of Hizzoner is struggling to find even nominal opposition to run against Kriseman in 2017. Former Mayor Rick Baker? He appears more interested in running for Congress than returning to City Hall. Newly […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 11, 2016

Legislation that would reform Florida’s civil forfeiture laws advanced in a Senate committee on Thursday. The bill (SB 1044) sponsored by St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes, eliminates civil forfeiture in the state of Florida. Under the proposal, a seizure of assets or property may only take place after the arrest of a property owner, and the final […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 11, 2016

To many businesses and consumers alike, Tallahassee is known for a laissez-faire approach to industry, where low taxes and a light regulatory touch spring eternal. Not so when it comes to manufacturing cosmetics, where state regulators have thrown the proverbial book at businesses that have failed to comply with unusually strict mandates. Industry advocates say […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2016

A motion to reconsider a contentious bill banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people failed in a Senate panel Tuesday, signaling its virtual demise for the 2016 Legislative Session. On a voice vote, the Judiciary Committee deadlocked again on a procedural move to bring the bill (SB 120) back, one day after the bill died on […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 9, 2016

Stare business and transportation leaders along with officials pushing comprehensive ride-hailing legislation launched the Floridians for Ridesharing Coalition Tuesday ahead of discussion slated for the Senate Judiciary committee. State Sen. Jeff Brandes and Rep. Matt Gaetz both back legislation in their respective chambers that would regulate the industry through rules on insurance requirements for drivers. […]

Tag: Jeff Brandes
Helene, early Sept. 27. Image via NOAA via AP.

Some Florida lawmakers want reform of driver’s license suspensions

Lawmakers reach agreement with law enforcement groups over civil forfeiture bill

The case for the taxis not making a legislative deal with Uber & Lyft

House, Senate bills seek broad changes to Department of Financial Services

Uber advocates call for Senate to pass pro-TNC legislation

Jeff Brandes for Mayor of St. Petersburg?

Jeff Brandes’ civil forfeiture reform bill moves in Senate

Proposal would overhaul arcane cosmetics manufacturing rules

Dead again: Senators kill anti-LGBT discrimination bill

Pro-business groups, lawmakers form ridesharing coalition