Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsApril 13, 2016

Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed a pared down tax package Wednesday, holding a bill signing ceremony in Jacksonville. Among other things, the bill permanently eliminates the sales tax charged on manufacturing equipment. It also creates a three-day back-to-school tax holiday. That tax holiday runs from Aug. 5 through Aug. 7. Randy Miller, president and CEO […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 13, 2016

When Governor Rick Scott visits a Florida town, odds are good that job creation is on the agenda. Wednesday in Jacksonville was no exception. Scott announced that Novolex will be expanding their Hilex Poly brand manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, which will create 25 new jobs and invest $6 million in the local community. Novolex makes plastic […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 12, 2016

They might be running unopposed, but that isn’t stopping Florida Senate candidates from raking in the campaign cash. Campaign finance reports were due Monday. And while there’re several hotly contested races this election cycle, candidates in 19 of the state’s 40 Senate districts are running unopposed. But that isn’t stopping them building up their campaign […]

Phil AmmannApril 11, 2016

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Amanda Cogan has stepped down as district secretary for Shalimar Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz. On: Lisa Goodson is Gaetz’s new district secretary. Off and on: Kevin Reilly has left the job of deputy staff director […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 7, 2016

A combat veteran and a former adviser to Rep. Jeff Miller has announced he’s running for Congress. James Zumwalt, a Niceville Republican, announced Thursday his intention to run for the Congressional District 1 seat. Zumwalt – a Navy veteran who fought in the Iraq War – was a military-oriented legislative aide for the retiring Miller […]

Drew WilsonApril 7, 2016

Despite not declaring for the race, Republican Sen. Greg Evers is the top choice among primary voters in Florida’s 1st Congressional District according to a poll conducted by a “grassroots advocacy organization” headed up by former Florida Division of Elections senior attorney Emmett “Bucky” Mitchell IV. The Citizens for a Just Government poll, first reported […]

Ryan RayApril 4, 2016

Rep. Matt Gaetz‘s campaign said Monday his U.S. House bid is picking up steam quickly, raising $350,000 during his first 10 days, including a $100,000 commitment from Gaetz himself. Gaetz is running for Congressional District 1, an open seat incumbent U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller is exiting after announcing his retirement from Congress in March. The Gaetz camp touted the big […]

Peter SchorschMarch 27, 2016

Another year passes, and another Rick Scott Chief of Staff is out the door. The Governor’s office announced last week that Kim McDougal will succeed Melissa Sellers in the top staff position, making McDougal Scott’s fifth CoS in six years. Which makes us wonder: Where are they now? Mike Prendergast, a retired Army colonel, moved over to become Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 25, 2016

Relief may be coming. Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Friday signed a bill (HB 307) that would expand the state’s Right to Try Act to include medical marijuana. The expansion means that terminally ill patients will now be able to use medical marijuana during their final days. Under the bill, which was sponsored by Fleming […]

Jim RosicaMarch 24, 2016

Because of differences between federal and state campaign finance laws, Mike Haridopolos can use money left over from his failed U.S. Senate bid to run for state Senate, but Matt Gaetz, who switched from a state Senate seat to a congressional bid, is out of luck. Haridopolos, a Merritt Island Republican and former Senate President, is […]

Tag: Matt Gaetz
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Capitol Reax: Rick Scott signs tax cut package

Rick Scott honors Jax company, ceremonially signs tax cut bill

Senate candidates boost campaign coffers despite running unopposed

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Republican James Zumwalt announces run in Florida’s 1st Congressional District

While not in the race, Greg Evers favorite of GOP voters for CD 1

Matt Gaetz says he’s raised $350K in first 10 days for congressional bid

Peter Schorsch: Five big stories in Tallahassee last week

Gov. Scott signs medical marijuana expansion bill into law

Campaign finance laws can help or hinder candidates, like Matt Gaetz or Mike Haridopolos, switching races