Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

James CallApril 9, 2015

Although the Florida House overwhelmingly passed a $690 million tax-cut package Thursday, it still faces an uncertain future in the Senate. While the Senate looks to plug a $2.2 billion hole in the health care budget, the House is focused on keeping Florida’s economy growing by cutting costs for households and businesses. “One of the […]

Phil AmmannApril 8, 2015

The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF) recognized six Florida lawmakers this week for their efforts helping individuals and families touched by epilepsy. The EFOF “Champions of the Heart” are state Sens. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg, Rene Garcia of Hialeah and Denise Grimsley from Sebring, and Reps. Katie Edwards of Plantation, Matt Gaetz of Shalimar and Matt Hudson from […]

Associated PressApril 1, 2015

A Florida state representative is using the threat of the Islamic State group to advance a bill that could make it harder for people to find addresses and telephone numbers of military service members, their spouses and children. The House Local & Federal Affairs Committee unanimously approved the bill Wednesday. It now goes to the […]

Mitch PerryMarch 31, 2015

A Florida House Committee on Tuesday passed a bill (HB 451) that would replenish a tax incentives program to woo Hollywood film, television and digital productions to Florida, but it wasn’t easy. Orlando Republican Mike Miller is sponsoring the bill in the House, while Nancy Detert from Venice is carrying it once again in the Senate. For the past […]

Ryan RayMarch 31, 2015

A ride-sharing insurance requirements bill that goes hand in hand with a broader effort to pass legislation permitting Uber across Florida made progress today, passing quickly and unanimously through the Senate Judiciary Committee early Tuesday evening. The proposal — SB 1298 — sponsored by Altamonte Springs Sen. David Simmons requires that app-based “transportation network companies” such as […]

James CallMarch 27, 2015

This week at the state Capitol ended with House Republicans taking Democrats to school. There were four education bills advocated by the GOP on the agenda for a Friday session. All easily passed since Republicans outnumber Democrats 2-1 in the Florida House. Thursday, Democrats argued against mandating that school districts share construction and renovation money […]

James CallMarch 26, 2015

This day at the Florida Capitol the House Regulatory Affairs Committee held a four-hour workshop on gambling. Surprisingly, there was something comforting and familiar about spending the morning with a room full of Brooks Brothers suits. A historic review of the Tribal-State Gaming Compact and an overview of the legal relationship between the State and […]

James CallMarch 26, 2015

dnews-files-2013-03-ai-recognizes-spider-web-660-jpg-copy-1024x1024.jpg

Florida’s Charlotte’s Web law is back before the judge who in November invalidated the previous rule for the growing of marijuana and the processing of oil from the plant. Administrative Law Judge W. David Watkins will decide the challenge against the latest proposed regulations filed by the Medical Cannabis Trade Association of Florida (MCTA). He has until […]

James CallMarch 26, 2015

Florida’s Charlotte’s Web law is back before the judge who in November invalidated the previous rule for the growing of marijuana and the processing of oil from the plant. Administrative Law Judge W. David Watkins will decide the challenge against the latest proposed regulations filed by the Medical Cannabis Trade Association of Florida (MCTA). He has until […]

Ryan RayMarch 25, 2015

Republicans Sen. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg and Shalimar Rep. Matt Gaetz held a joint conference with representatives from Uber Technologies late Wednesday morning. Their message: Uber is here to stay in Florida’s streets and in state statute. “On the other side of this issue, though,” Brandes said, “you’ve got municipalities who, be it through crony capitalism or […]

Tag: Matt Gaetz

House passes tax-cut package; uncertain in Senate

State lawmakers honored as epilepsy “Champions of the Heart”

Islamic State group cited as need for records exemption

Film tax incentives package gets through House panel

Uber bill cruises through Senate panel, will see amendment in Appropriations

The week that was in Florida politics — March 27

The day that was in Florida politics — March 26

Judge David Watkins caught again in Charlotte’s Web; MCTA roots questioned

Judge David Watkins caught again in Charlotte's Web; MCTA roots questioned

Jeff Brandes, Matt Gaetz make case for “inevitable” Uber, as cabbies picket