Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryApril 9, 2015

The Florida House on Thursday passed a measure that would let private agencies who cite religious or moral grounds to turn away gay couples seeking to adopt children. By a 75-38 vote, HB 7111, sponsored by Sanford Republican Jason Brodeur, was passed. Brodeur proposed the legislation only after the House voted last month to repeal the […]

Mitch PerryApril 8, 2015

The Florida Senate Wednesday passed an adoption bill that would provide financial assistance to public employees to encourage them to adopt foster and special needs children in the Sunshine State who need parents. Sponsored by Niceville Republican Don Gaetz, the bill survived serious opposition led by Lakeland Republican Kelli Stargel, who seized on a bill provision passed in […]

James CallApril 8, 2015

Wednesday, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee squeaked through a bill seeking to extend the Seminole Compact for one more year. Lawmakers expanded a proposal allowing horse and dog tracks to operate card rooms and slot machines without offering any races. Chairman Rob Bradley wrote the bill, SB 7088, but voted against the amendments after asking for […]

James CallApril 5, 2015

This week at the state Capitol the session enters its circus stage. We’ll entertain ourselves with perennial issues, while leaders figure out how to resolve a budget dispute. A gorilla called LIP along with an elephant known as Medicaid expansion are occupying the room used for budget negotiations. While the House and Senate maneuver behind […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 31, 2015

The controversy surrounding estoppel letters, how long they are effective, and how much they cost, has not stopped in the week since this Legislature considered the bill. The Senate Regulated Industries on Tuesday again considered SB 736, sponsored by state Sen. Kelli Stargel. The bill is supported by the Florida Association of Realtors and is […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 24, 2015

With time running short the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries on Tuesday deferred action on a controversial bill that real estate professionals believe will help expedite the sale of home. SB 736, sponsored by Sen. Kelli Stargel, addresses estoppel letters, how long they are effective and how much home owner associations and community management companies can […]

James CallMarch 18, 2015

Wow, talk about a gaggle. If you want a good understanding of what separates the House and Senate as the session approaches the midpoint check out this exchange between Sen. Tom Lee and a gaggle of reporters including the AP, The Palm Beach Post, The Tampa Tribune and the Times/Herald Capitol Bureau. It’s the best gaggle of the session so […]

Ryan RayMarch 5, 2015

A slate of proposals to create a new statewide framework for assisting people with intellectual disabilities made progress in both chambers of the Legislature Wednesday. SB 7030 and HB 935, sponsored by Sen. Kelli Stargel and Rep. Ray Rodrigues respectively were unanimously passed by House Children, Families & Seniors and Senate Education Appropriations. “Establishing the Florida ABLE Act is […]

Ryan RayFebruary 25, 2015

Republican Rep. Manny Diaz of Hialeah Gardens has filed a bill that would prevent entities who receive funding from Florida’s government from suing the state using those taxpayer dollars. The Hialeah Gardens Republican says that he is not seeking to limit access to the courts for these organizations, but rather simply seeking a commonsense accountability measure. “It […]

Jac VerSteegFebruary 24, 2015

The Florida Legislature, always interested in preserving families, is working on a reform that is guaranteed to prevent some breakups. In the short run, that is. What’s the reform? The 2015 session that starts March 3 is almost certain to produce a package of alimony reforms. Alimony was a hot topic two years ago, and […]

Tag: Kelli Stargel
The Yankees organization is generous with Helene relief in Florida. Image via AP.

Florida House approves law to allow private agencies to turn away gay couples from adopting

Senate defeats proposal to ban gay adoptions

Bill to extend Seminole Compact squeaks by Senate committee

This week ahead at the Florida Capitol — April 6-12

Senate panel OKs estoppel bill but controversy looms large

Realtors bat .500 as estoppel bill gets bogged down in the Senate but clears the House

The day that was in Florida politics — March 18

Florida ABLE act moves swiftly through House, Senate panels

Manny Diaz files bill to rein in state-funded litigation

Jac VerSteeg: Alimony reform could prevent divorce — for a few months