Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMarch 14, 2017

A bill allowing patients to stay overnight in ambulatory surgery centers cleared its first Senate committee Tuesday with a 4-1 vote. SB 222 by Sarasota Republican Rep. Greg Steube would allow patients to stay up to 24 hours at ASCs, a type of medical facility dedicated to less complicated, generally elective surgeries. ASCs don’t provide […]

Staff ReportsMarch 14, 2017

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On and off: Tyler Teresa is no longer district secretary for Sarasota Republican Rep. Joe Gruters. GeeDee Kerr has replaced Teresa. On: Jeremy Stein is the new district secretary for Fort Walton Beach […]

Jim RosicaMarch 10, 2017

VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism marketing agency, will be subject to greater oversight under a bill passed the Florida House Friday. State representatives passed the measure (HB 9), sponsored by Paul Renner of Palm Coast, by a vote of 80-35. Its reception in the Senate will likely not be warm: That chamber has not moved a […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 9, 2017

Florida Gov. Rick Scott sounded the alarm Thursday evening — again — on a bill that is the bane of his existence this session: HB 7005. “Tomorrow, members of the Florida House of Representatives will vote on HB 7005, a bill which eliminates a large majority of Florida’s economic development and jobs programs. The State of Florida […]

Jim RosicaMarch 9, 2017

The Florida House Thursday began its consideration of a bill to obliterate the Enterprise Florida economic development organization, castigated by Speaker Richard Corcoran as a dispenser of “corporate welfare.” The bill (HB 7005) also gets rid of a swarm of business incentive programs that sponsor Paul Renner said fail the return-on-investment test. (They are listed in the bill analysis.) Several […]

Jim RosicaMarch 9, 2017

House Democrats on Thursday grilled the sponsor of a bill that would overhaul and clamp down on VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism marketing agency. The full House began its consideration of the measure (HB 9) with questions to bill sponsor Paul Renner, a Palm Coast Republican. “It is simply a bill about accountability,” he said. […]

Jim RosicaMarch 9, 2017

As the House gets ready to start considering a bill to overhaul VISIT FLORIDA, its sponsor filed an amendment to dilute some of its strict requirements. The measure (HB 9) will be on the House floor today (Thursday) for questions. Rep. Paul Renner, a Palm Coast Republican, filed the amendment Tuesday, records show. It would […]

Phil AmmannMarch 8, 2017

A House subcommittee unanimously passed a bill to help service members and spouses find and keep jobs when they relocate to Florida. HB 615, known as Occupational Opportunity Act, sailed through the Florida Careers & Competition Subcommittee Tuesday with a bipartisan vote. Next stop for the bill is the full Commerce Committee. Palm Beach Republican Paul […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 6, 2017

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HB 1325, filed by Palm Coast Republican Rep. Paul Renner, would modify a number of regulations currently in place relative to Florida elections. One change would affect the payment of a filing fee, requiring a money order or cashier’s check drawn from funds contained within the campaign account. Stricken from statute: language allowing candidates to pay […]

Drew WilsonMarch 6, 2017

Veterans advocacy group Concerned Veterans for America announced its priorities for the 2017 Legislative Session, including support for bills that would help veterans by giving them tax breaks and helping them hold down jobs after leaving the military. “Florida should welcome veterans and military families, instead of pushing them away with burdensome taxes and regulations […]

Tag: Paul Renner

Bill allowing overnight ambulatory surgery stay clears Senate committee

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

House approves bill to rein in VISIT FLORIDA

Rick Scott: ‘Florida Lawmakers to vote on job killing legislation tomorrow’

House looks at bill to kill Enterprise Florida

House begins looking at VISIT FLORIDA overhaul

Sponsor proposes changes to VISIT FLORIDA bill

House committee passes military Occupational Opportunity Act

Paul Renner elections bill affects filing fees, extended polling hours

Veterans group releases priorities ahead of 2017 Legislative Session