Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayMarch 1, 2015

What does it mean to own property? Are app-based lodging and transportation services showing the way toward an enlightened age of the Sharing Economy or simply enabling a kindler, gentler gentrification? Can I crash at your parents’ house in Boca for 70 bucks a night? As Airbnb expands its presence in Florida, such are the stakes in […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 27, 2015

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Paul Renner came within two votes of winning an election last year for the seat that Jay Fant holds. And he is still one election away — a special election on April 7 — from formally being elected to the House. He very likely will win that election, so we have reached out to him and gotten answers […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 26, 2015

St. Petersburg GOP state Sen. Jeff Brandes has filed legislation that would allow share-riding companies Uber and Lyft to operate legally in Florida, and would also change the current composition of the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission — an agency that Brandes tried to kill in proposed legislation a year ago. The Brandes bill on the […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 24, 2015

When state Rep. Charles McBurney called me yesterday from his law office in Jacksonville, the North Florida Republican let me know why it had taken him so long to get back to me. “The week before session is crazy,” he said — and that’s especially true for one of the power players in the Florida House of […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 24, 2015

In anticipation of the 2015 Legislative Session, FloridaPolitics.com is asking state lawmakers about their goals and priorities – and whether they support some controversial issues in the state. Here are the responses from State Senator Jeff Brandes: In one word, how would you describe your expectations for the Session, i.e. “Excited.” “Hopeful” What’s a local issue you […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 20, 2015

Happy Friday to y’all. So much to talk about in the news this morning … The Tampa Bay Times’ flooded the zone in December with a series of disturbing stories about New Beginnings of Tampa, one of the city’s largest homeless charities, which for years has made money off its residents through its controversial “work therapy” program. The […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 19, 2015

This past Friday, St. Petersburg City Council convened for nearly three hours in an attempt to set up regulations to create a legal framework that would require Uber and Lyft to comply with ordinances regarding taxi cabs and limousines. It was the first time that local government had devoted a session to an issue that […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 18, 2015

With just two weeks until the 2015 legislative session, the rideshare company Uber is looking to drum up support from riders. In an email to subscribers, Uber asks riders to submit their favorite Uber story. “Have you used Uber to take a family member to the hospital? To catch a safe, reliable ride home after […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 29, 2015

At a drugged driving summit sponsored by AAA earlier this week, the former founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Candace Lightner, seemed unhappy when querying state Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) about Florida’s lack of enforced regulations when it comes to increasing penalties against drunk drivers in Florida. She also disapproved of the legislator’s enthusiasm for ride-sharing […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 29, 2015

At a drugged driving summit sponsored by AAA earlier this week, the former founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Candace Lightner, seemed unhappy when querying state Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) about Florida’s lack of enforced regulations when it comes to increasing penalties against drunk drivers in Florida. She also disapproved of the legislator’s enthusiasm for ride-sharing […]

Tag: Lyft

2015 Legislative Session Preview: Will Airbnb make itself at home in Florida?

Previewing the 2015 Legislative Session with Rep.-to-be Paul Renner

Jeff Brandes bill would reduce local choice of representation on Hillsborough County PTC

Previewing the 2015 Legislative Session with Charles McBurney

Previewing the 2015 Legislative Session with Jeff Brandes

Mitch Perry Report for 2.20.15 — On Rudy, Rick and DWS

Matt Gaetz files legislation addressing Uber, Lyft

Email Insights: Uber wants to hear your favorite Uber story

MADD supports study that it's best to take Uber when drunk

MADD supports study that it’s best to take Uber when drunk