Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJune 7, 2016

A lawyer for a small North Florida racetrack told the Florida Supreme Court Tuesday the Legislature intended to allow for an expansion of slot machines in the state. Marc Dunbar, attorney for Gretna Racing, told the justices it was “the easiest case you’re going to hear today.” He said counties were empowered under the constitution and state law […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 27, 2016

A bill to legalize and regulate fantasy sports play in Florida cleared its first Senate review panel on Wednesday. The Regulated Industries Committee OK’d the “Fantasy Contest Amusement Act” (SB 832) with only two ‘no’ votes from Sen. Gwen Margolis, a Miami Democrat, and committee chairman Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican. The bill states that “fantasy […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 25, 2016

One of the hottest issues facing lawmakers in the 2016 Legislative Session is the regulation of the daily fantasy sports industry. Moving toward that goal is HB 707: Fantasy Contests, sponsored by state Rep. Matt Gaetz, has recently move out the Business & Professions Subcommittee, its first stop in the Florida House. What the bill seeks to […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 15, 2016

One of the Legislature’s most stalwart opponents to gambling and its expansion in the Sunshine State nonetheless voted for a House bill that would explicitly legalize fantasy sports play in Florida. State Rep. Scott Plakon, a Longwood Republican, sits on the House Business and Professions Subcommittee that OK’d the bill (HB 707) by a 10-3 vote earlier […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2016

A House bill that would explicitly legalize fantasy sports play in Florida cleared its first committee on Tuesday. The House Business and Professions Subcommittee OK’d the bill (HB 707) by a 10-3 vote. Florida is among many states struggling with whether to regulate fantasy sports, and if so, how. Current Florida legislation would require fantasy operators to register […]

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 […]

Peter SchorschOctober 30, 2015

With its compact with the state of Florida expired and now in federal court to protect its multibillion dollar gambling interests, the Seminole Tribe of Florida has retained one of Tallahassee’s most prominent governmental affairs firms. Floridian Partners, the lobbying shop headed up by Charlie Dudley, was inked this week to represent the Tribe before the […]

Jim RosicaOctober 5, 2015

The former top staffer to Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Secretary Liz Dudek has joined a law and lobbying firm as a “corporate affairs advisor.” Jennifer Ungru is now with Jones Walker LLP’s Tallahassee office, according to an announcement on the firm’s website. Before her stint as AHCA chief of staff, Ungru was deputy chief of staff to Gov. […]

Ryan RayJune 1, 2015

In a news release Monday, the law and advocacy firm Jones Walker announced that it’s continuing its growth into Florida markets, adding a Monroe Street office in Tallahassee, around the corner from the Capitol. Read the release below: Jones Walker announced today that the firm continues its expansion in Florida with the opening of a new office […]

Ryan RayMay 30, 2015

In the wake of Friday afternoon’s surprise 1st District Court of Appeal ruling to allow Entertainment Creek in the Gadsden County city of Gretna to move forward in implementing new slot machines, the Orlando-based anti-gambling advocacy group No Casinos issued a stern rebuke of the decision. “Today’s court ruling has far-reaching implications for the people of Florida. When voters […]

Tag: Marc Dunbar

Lawmakers intended slots expansion, lawyer argues

Senate panel clears fantasy sports bill

5 questions for Fantasy Sports Trade Association after DFS bill first committee stop

Scott Plakon: Fantasy sports play legal “under current law”

Fantasy sports bill clears House committee

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

Seminole Tribe of Florida lobbies up with hire of Floridian Partners

Top AHCA staffer headed to private sector

Jones Walker touts expansion in Florida, new Tallahassee office

No Casinos decries 1st District Court of decision