Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschJanuary 15, 2016

Supporters of Pinellas Republican Chris Sprowls‘ bid to become Speaker of the Florida House at the beginning of the next decade have repeated a talking point again and again about rival Eric Eisnaugle: “We’re not sure who eventually will be Speaker in 2021, but we know it won’t be Eisnaugle.” They said that after the […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 13, 2016

Political newcomer and multimillionaire businessman Randy Perkins’ entrance into the campaign to succeed Rep. Patrick Murphy has shaken up the dynamics of that race since his November announcement. First, perceived Democratic front-runner Melissa McKinlay, ended her own bid for the 18th District within weeks of Perkins launching his, citing his ability to self-finance and her […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 13, 2016

Florida Chamber of Commerce members are taking over Tallahassee. The 2016 Florida Chamber’s Capitol Days kicks off Wednesday. The two-day event is meant to give the business community a chance to interact with lawmakers and advocate for issues that are important to them. Edie Ousley, the chamber’s vice president of public affairs, said the annual […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 12, 2016

A bill to allow Floridians to sue for damages sustained in a terrorist attack cleared its first Senate hurdle Monday, receiving unanimous support from the Senate judiciary committee. The bill (SB 996), sponsored by Sen. Joe Negron, creates a civil cause for a person injured by an act of terrorism. Under the Stuart Republican’s bill, […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 12, 2016

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry has a packed schedule for the first day of the 2016 Legislative Session, truly paying the cost to be the boss. With a pension tax plan needing approval from lawmakers, Curry is bringing his A-game to the State Capitol; indeed, his phone calls started at 8 a.m., as his driver ferried his […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

This is one of two gambling stories in advance of the 2016 Legislative Session. For a separate preview focussing on the Seminole Compact, click here. A big gambling overhaul bill won’t be on the menu this legislative session, but expect a swirl of other gaming-related topics to bubble up, including fantasy sports play and creating a state gambling commission. One […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 10, 2016

The start of the 2016 Legislative Session means a cessation of political fundraising – sitting lawmakers are barred from ginning up cash while they legislate. But session begins Tuesday, so the Monday before is the usual orgy of tippling, grip-and-grinning and check writing. House Majority 2016, Senate Majority 2016 and others sent out emails last week detailing the various events, subject […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 8, 2016

With the 2016 Legislative Session right around the corner, Sen. Joe Negron is in his element. The Treasure Coast lawmaker is known as a workhorse (although he might have to be more of a show horse now that he is Senate President Designate), and in Tallahassee is where he does some of his best work. Riding high […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 7, 2016

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater says he’s “championing” bills this legislative session in three policy areas: Life insurance, divestment from Iran and medical billing. Atwater, first elected in 2010, laid out his priorities in an email sent Wednesday. Life insurance: Atwater wants to “ensure that insurance companies will utilize current technology and public information that will assist […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 5, 2016

Now that 2015 is history, Florida’s Senate Republican caucus is looking to 2016 with a major fundraiser planned on the eve of the start of the upcoming Legislative Session. The Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee 2016 Welcome Back Reception will be held Monday, January 11 beginning 5:30 p.m. at the Tallahassee Doubletree Hotel Ballroom, 101 S. Adams […]

Tag: Joe Negron
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Did Chris Sprowls just finally defeat Eric Eisnaugle for House Speaker … and by default?

In CD 18 race, Jonathan Chane (mistakenly) casts first stone against Randy Perkins

Florida Chamber: Capitol Days focus on issues important to business community

Bill to let victims of terrorism sue for damages clears Senate panel

Whirlwind Tallahassee Tuesday for Jax Mayor Lenny Curry

2016 Legislative Food Fights: Gambling issues move from spotlight to supporting role

Fundraising galore before start of 2016 Legislative Session

Five questions with Senate President Designate Joe Negron

Jeff Atwater lays out legislative wish list

Florida Senate Republicans plan major fundraising on eve of Session