Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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 […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 12, 2016

Opening the 2016 Legislative Session Tuesday, Speaker Steve Crisafulli listed the priorities that he expects the House to focus on in 2016. That included an endorsement of Gov. Rick Scott‘s goal of cutting taxes by $1 billion, something that Senate members have expressed discomfort with. He also put in a good word for legislation that would regulate ridesharing […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 12, 2016

High-profile lawyer-lobbyist Sean Pittman, who formerly represented the Florida Limousine Association, is switching sides to Uber, the ride-sharing service. Pittman, one of INFLUENCE magazine’s “Top 100 Influencers,” is a big get for Uber, based in San Francisco. Pittman’s reach is statewide, with a presence in Tallahassee, Palm Beach County, and Miami. Expect Pittman and Uber to push lawmakers […]

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 SchorschJanuary 9, 2016

With Florida’s Legislative Session only days away, one of the hottest issues to face lawmakers this year is Open Carry. Two bills (SB 300/HB 163) filed by the Republican father-son tag team of State Sen. Don Gaetz of Niceville and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Fort Walton Beach, would allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry a […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 8, 2016

With the 2016 Legislative Session right around the corner, Sen. Joe Negron is in his element. The Treasure Coast lawmaker is known as a workhorse (although he might have to be more of a show horse now that he is Senate President Designate), and in Tallahassee is where he does some of his best work. Riding high […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 3, 2016

In a decision that could signal the end of Republican domination of the Florida Legislature, a circuit judge last week approved a new map for 40 state Senate districts. Judge George Reynolds‘ ruling rejected boundaries for Senate districts drawn up by a top Republican. Reynolds instead signed off on a map drawn by a coalition of […]

Ryan RayDecember 21, 2015

In another early maneuver in an increasingly expensive Senate primary, Rep. Matt Gaetz has unveiled a new ad in his race against fellow Republican George Gainer in SD 1. It focuses not on his primary opponent, but on the “radical” federal agenda of President Barack Obama, who Gaetz portrays as his biggest adversary during his time in the Florida House. […]

Drew WilsonDecember 18, 2015

Destin Mayor Mel Ponder says he will give up his local office to become a full-time candidate for the Florida House District 4 seat. Ponder originally planned to step down in June, which would have put the election for his successor on the August ballot. However, he will leave his job Jan. 15 instead. The […]

Ryan RayDecember 14, 2015

George Gainer isn’t slowing down his campaign for state Senate against Rep. Matt Gaetz just because Sen. Jack Latvala – who recruited him to run in the Panhandle Senate District 1 seat – recently gave up the ghost in his bid for Senate President. Gainer, a longtime Bay County Commissioner with deep roots in Northwest Florida, played on those origins […]

Tag: Matt Gaetz
Image via AP.

Fantasy sports bill clears House committee

Steve Crisafulli advocates for ride-sharing legislation in opening-day speech

Lobbyist Sean Pittman switches sides in ride-sharing wars

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

Open Carry advocates in Florida should take careful note of Texas’ new gun-toting law

Five questions with Senate President Designate Joe Negron

5 Florida pols screwed by the redistricting ruling

Matt Gaetz launches new TV ad in heated SD 1 primary

Destin Mayor Mel Ponder to give up seat for HD 4 run

George Gainer goes local in latest TV ad in SD 1