Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 30, 2016

With the 2016 Florida Legislative Session now in their rear view mirrors, the entire Pinellas County delegation – sans HD 65 Republican Chris Sprowls – discussed various aspects of what just went on in Tallahassee on Wednesday before a robust Suncoast Tiger Bay Club audience at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. The delegation skews heavily Republican, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 25, 2016

Nearly six dozen new laws went on the books Friday. Gov. Rick Scott signed 68 bills into law, including ones that clarify when physicians’ assistants can prescribe medication, a bill revising the state’s building codes and a host of local laws. The Naples Republican also vetoed his first bill, which would have created the Gainesville […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 24, 2016

A contentious dental bill received a tepid OK from Gov. Rick Scott this week. Scott said Wednesday he signed a bill (HB 819) that removes dental services from the list of minimum benefits under the state’s Medicaid managed care plans. It also calls on the Office of Program Policy Analysis & Government Accountability to study […]

Ryan RayMarch 23, 2016

Republican Rebecca Negron became the first candidate in the race for Florida’s 18th Congressional District to qualify to appear on the ballot via petition Wednesday, securing the 2,298 required verified signatures in the Treasure Coast seat. Negron, a Martin County School Board member, said the milestone was a testament to her campaign’s vigor and momentum. “I am […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 16, 2016

How do you celebrate the end of a Legislative Session? If you’re Florida House and Senate Republicans, you do it with a fundraiser at Universal Orlando. Republican leaders will hold a fundraiser at Universal Orlando on April 9 and 10. The event, first reported by POLITICO Florida reporter Matt Dixon, will benefit the House and […]

Drew WilsonMarch 11, 2016

The Everglades Foundation lauded lawmakers Friday for passing a bill that would fund Everglades restoration efforts with up to $200 million a year. HB 989, put forward by incoming Senate President Joe Negron and Republican Rep. Gayle Harrell, would pull the lesser of 25 percent or $200 million from the money collected under the 2014 […]

Ryan RayMarch 11, 2016

Aiming to protect children’s dental insurance under Medicaid, GOP lawmakers held a news conference on Day 60 of the 2016 Legislative Session. They sought support for the bill, which separates kids’ Medicaid dental insurance from other medical coverage, and to avert a possible veto from Gov. Rick Scott. Senate President-designate Joe Negron and Rep. Jose Felix Diaz spoke to […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 10, 2016

Rep. Tom Rooney is throwing his support behind Rebecca Negron in her congressional District 18 bid. “Congressional District 18 needs a conservative that holds its best interest at heart and has the passion to fight for the issues that matter most to Floridians,” said Rooney said about his decision. Rooney was elected to the U.S. […]

Jim RosicaMarch 4, 2016

A legislative leader ultimately backed down Friday on his attempt to tack language legalizing fantasy sports play in Florida on a regulatory-related bill. State Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Fort Walton Beach Republican who chairs the Finance and Tax Committee, tried to amend a House bill (HB 1187) making changes to the state’s Department of Business […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 29, 2016

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One mystery was solved after a House panel cleared the latest version of this session’s gambling legislation: state Rep. Jose Felix Diaz said language on fantasy sports play was inserted into his chamber’s bill because Gov. Rick Scott wanted it there. Diaz, a Miami Republican, spoke to reporters Monday after the Finance and Tax Committee OK’d on […]

Tag: Joe Negron
Gabrielle Russon

Pinellas lawmakers talk 2016 Session, advice for Rick Scott, and who they think will be president

Governor signs 68 bills into law, including ones to help veterans

Rick Scott signs controversial dental carve-out bill

Rebecca Negron qualifies for CD 18 ballot by petition

House, Senate Republicans to hold fundraiser at Universal Orlando

Everglades Foundation commends lawmakers for final passage of “Legacy Florida” funding

Lawmakers make case for dental carve-out bill at Session’s end

Rebecca Negron earns the backing of Rep. Tom Rooney

Fantasy sports bill fumbles in Florida House

Fantasy sports language in gambling bill because of Rick Scott, lawmaker says