Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

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 […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 16, 2016

A series of rewrites to Florida’s economic-incentive programs, a chief priority of Gov. Rick Scott, passed its first House panel Tuesday afternoon. Lobby Tools reports that HB 1325, from Bradenton Republican Rep. Jim Boyd, seeks to establish a new Florida Enterprise Fund, as well as changes in the process of administering economic incentives for businesses […]

Ryan RayFebruary 2, 2016

A week after Florida State University finally settled the legal matter surrounding its handling of allegations against Jameis Winston, the school’s annual FSU Day at the state Capitol went on as usual on a dreary Tuesday afternoon. FSU President John Thrasher gave the benediction amid spirited brass and fanfare, keeping his remarks short and sticking mostly to athletics. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 29, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott called on the Enterprise Florida board of directors to spend the next month pushing lawmakers to approve a $250 million incentive fund. “The people in the House and Senate … need your help,” the governor told the board during its meeting Friday. “They can’t get it done with just a few people […]

Tag: Jim Boyd
Image via St. Pete Catalyst.

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

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

House committee OK’s rewrite of state economic incentive program

John Thrasher addresses the faithful at FSU Day

Rick Scott urges Enterprise Florida board to push for incentive package