Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJanuary 12, 2016

More than a dozen Florida real estate, construction and insurance groups announced Tuesday that they are teaming up to push for homeowners’ insurance reform in the 2016 Legislative Session. The Consumer Protection Coalition seeks to curb a practice known as “assignment of benefits,” where owners sign away their insurance policy to a third party who […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 12, 2016

Rep. Matt Caldwell raised more than $18,000 toward his re-election campaign in December, boosting his fundraising totals to more than $135,000 since September 2014. The sum is significant since Caldwell and three other Lee County lawmakers are currently running unopposed. Campaign finance reports, due to the state’s Division of Elections on Monday, show Caldwell raised […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 10, 2016

Lawmakers may be prepared to pass a massive water bill, but that doesn’t mean the battle over Florida’s water woes is over. State lawmakers are expected to take up the measure — HB 7005 and SB 552 — shortly after the annual 60-day session convenes this week. The measure, years in the making, is likely […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 8, 2016

Associated Industries of Florida’s affiliated H2O Coalition reaffirmed its support Thursday of a new comprehensive water policy bill that would make industry standards, rather than state-set regulations, the norm in efforts to reduce harmful runoff and increase water quality. The pro-business group marshaled a slate of endorsements for the bill from business, government, and environmental leaders […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 7, 2016

The lines have been drawn, the districts renumbered and now the chatter begins about what it all means for some lawmakers’ political futures. All of the seats will be on the ballot in 2016. Even-number districts got a two-year term; odd-number districts got a four-year term. First elected in 2010, Fort Myers Republican Sen. Lizbeth […]

William MarchJanuary 7, 2016

A massive bill to protect Florida’s springs, waterways and groundwater appears headed for passage at the start of the coming Legislative Session, despite objections from environmentalists who say it’s been weakened by loopholes and the influence of industry and agriculture interests. Critics say they still hope floor amendments will close loopholes in Senate and House […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 3, 2016

As we head into the New Year, the Florida Legislature has a hefty agenda to tackle in 2016. Session begins Jan. 12 and runs for 60 days or nine weeks, until March 11. Committee meetings have been held since last September, bringing the total time for the 2016 session to 15 weeks. As with every session, […]

Mitch PerryDecember 12, 2015

Joe Negron, the Stuart-based state Senator who recently survived a marathon battle with Jack Latvala to become Senate President in 2017, has signed on as a co-sponsor Jeff Brandes civil asset forfeiture bill (SB 1044) in the Legislature’s upper chamber. The legislation would stipulate assets or property may only be seized under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act after a criminal defendant […]

Associated PressDecember 4, 2015

Two Republican lawmakers filed bills Thursday that would require a person be arrested before law enforcement agencies seize cash or property and a conviction before they can keep it – an idea the agencies strongly oppose. The bills are designed to prevent abuses of the current law, which doesn’t require an arrest or a conviction […]

Ryan RayDecember 3, 2015

A pair of Republican lawmakers spoke to reporters Thursday about their proposal to revamp the seizure of assets by police in Florida, amid reports the value of property taken from suspects across the country now exceeds that of property stolen by criminals. St. Petersburg Sen. Jeff Brandes and Lehigh Acres Rep. Matt Caldwell told assembled media some elements of law […]

Tag: Matt Caldwell

Insurance, real estate coalition seeks homeowners insurance reform in 2016

Lee County lawmakers boost their re-election coffers in December

2016 Legislative Food Fights: Water policy, money for Everglades could be hot topics

AIF H2O coalition: Florida leaders embracing water policy bill

New maps may mean crowded field of Lee County state Senate hopefuls in 2020

Environmentalists say water protection bill has loopholes

Matt Caldwell: Legislative Session busy from start

Joe Negron signs on to Jeff Brandes civil asset forfeiture reform bill

Bills seek to set higher threshold for property seizure

Jeff Brandes, Matt Caldwell want to rein in asset seizure by law enforcement