Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Michael MolineOctober 31, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott has asked the Florida Supreme Court to reconsider allowing him to begin screening replacements for three of its justices, arguing the court may have “misapprehended” his arguments that he holds that authority. The court issued an order Oct. 15 declaring that only the next Governor has the authority to replace Justices R. Fred Lewis, Peggy A. […]

Michael MolineOctober 19, 2018

The Florida Supreme Court has explained why it removed Dana Marie Santino from the Palm Beach County trial bench — and it looks like the days when judges could remain on the bench notwithstanding egregious campaign ethics violations are over. The high court stripped Santino of office in July amid complaints she’d engaged in ugly, “Donald Trump-like” […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 12, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott moved Tuesday to defuse litigation over his authority to replace the Florida Supreme Court’s liberal wing by offering to confer with his successor on candidates to fill the seats of Fred Lewis, Peggy Quince and Barbara Pariente. Scott had said he planned to announce their replacements on Jan. 7, his last day in office, which […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 15, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday struck down part of the state’s election qualifying law as unconstitutional, calling it “irrational,” “unreasonable and unnecessary,” and ordered a candidate for City of Miami Gardens mayor to be allowed back on the ballot. The court’s 6-1 opinion reverses a 3rd District Court of Appeal decision, invalidates the city’s Aug. […]

Jim RosicaApril 6, 2016

Should satellite-television service be taxed at a higher rate than cable? The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments from both sides Wednesday. Satellite TV companies, including DirecTV, want the court to uphold the 1st District Court of Appeal’s 2-1 decision last year, which said that taxing the two services differently is unconstitutional. The state’s Revenue Department and Florida’s […]

Tag: Justice R. Fred Lewis

Rick Scott seeks another shot at screening Supreme Court nominees

Florida Supreme Court cracking down on judicial campaign misconduct

Rick Scott says he’ll consult his successor on Supreme Court vacancies

Supreme Court strikes down section of state’s qualifying law

State’s highest court talks TV tax