Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterAugust 29, 2016

With nearly $3.5 million in the bank and no races to spend it on, some Florida lawmakers are left figuring out what to do with the last of their campaign cash. While their colleagues are sweating out contested races, 42 members of the House and Senate are looking for ways to spend down the war […]

Phil AmmannJuly 25, 2016

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — both on and off — the legislative merry-go-round. On and off: Portia Palmer has been named interim clerk of the House, the post previously held by Bob Ward, who is retiring. Off: Benjamin Smith is no longer a legislative assistant for state Rep. Jim Boyd of Bradenton. […]

Peter SchorschMay 25, 2016

Associated Industries of Florida’s, the state’s premier lobbying group, has announced the latest awardees of its “Champions for Business.” The group gives the awards every year to state lawmakers “whose extraordinary efforts provide model leadership on key legislation for the success of Florida’s business community,” according to a news release. On this year’s list are: Sen. Jack […]

Mitch PerryMay 3, 2016

During the past Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature denied one of Gov. Rick Scott’s signature issues — a $250 economic incentives funding plan to encourage businesses to locate or expand in Florida. It was not only a blow to the governor’s ego (and list of priorities), but also disappointed those in the economic development camp, such […]

Mitch PerryMay 3, 2016

A couple of years after Hillsborough County voters overwhelmingly rejected a sales tax referendum on transportation, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn talked about getting Tallahassee lawmakers to back a measure that would allow big cities like Tampa to place their own tax referendums on the ballot. It received little support from the local delegation, and was never […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 21, 2016

A Monday email from state Reps. Richard Corcoran and Jose Oliva on behalf of the House Majority 2016 campaign outlined the five guiding principles of the 2016 State House campaign in light of the “volatility of this campaign season.” One such principle: staying out of the primary scrum. “We will not interfere in primary races in open House […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 10, 2016

Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli bid farewell to his colleagues Thursday, thanking his staff and fellow for making the House “an incredible institution.” “It has been a true honor to serve with all of you,” Crisafulli said. “The past two years have been challenging; they have brought on extraordinary times. But I am so proud […]

Bob SparksFebruary 25, 2016

Sometimes during legislative sessions some unusual partnerships develop. Unlikely alliances can form to pass or defeat a measure that fits a common goal. Florida has provided a prime example of such teamwork. The philosophy of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” syndrome has played out in the area of economic incentives. House Bill […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 24, 2016

Screen-Shot-2016-02-24-at-12.36.48-PM-1024x1024.png

After a debate that included mentions of monsters, Robert A. Heinlein and the Tampa Bay Rays, the Florida House of Representatives Wednesday passed its 2016 business and economic incentives package, including the framework for Gov. Rick Scott‘s proposed $250 million Florida Enterprise Fund. As bill sponsor Jim Boyd reminded members, it still has no funding: “This is a structure bill, […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 23, 2016

House lawmakers spent nearly two hours Tuesday setting up the chamber’s 2016 business and economic incentives package, which will likely be debated and voted on by that chamber on Wednesday. A line of Democrats barraged sponsor Jim Boyd, a Bradenton Republican, with questions on the measure (HB 1325) before it was finally rolled over to a third […]

Tag: Jim Boyd

Elected unopposed, Florida lawmakers must decide what to do with leftover campaign cash

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

AIF announces “Champions for Business”

Tampa Bay House Republicans bearish on Rick Scott’s economic incentives in 2017

Ed Narain gets no love for advocating that Florida cities should be able to hold their own tax referendums

House Majority outlines November strategy

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli says goodbye to “an incredible institution”

Bob Sparks: Battle over economic incentives features unlikely alliances

House passes incentives measure desired by Rick Scott

House members grapple with incentives funding process