Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMay 15, 2017

Hialeah-based Republican state Sen. Rene Garcia is not running for Florida’s 27th Congressional District, the seat being vacated next year by 29-year incumbent Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. “While the district represents a great part of the community and county that I love, I cannot continue to serve the public knowing that I would be abandoning the city of Hialeah and the […]

Phil AmmannApril 23, 2017

Florida’s business rent tax is one of the outstanding issues at play as lawmakers crawl toward sine die of the 2017 Legislative Session, set for May 5. As the only state-sanctioned sales tax on commercial leases in the entire nation, a pair of bills now making way through the Florida Capitol that attempt to lighten […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 17, 2017

An ongoing debate in Florida has revolved around whether foster care or group care is the best way forward for the kids who need it. This question, as is the case with so many “safety net” questions, depends on who you ask and how the question is framed. In the last ten years, the usage […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 13, 2017

Florida lawmakers appear to be taking steps to repeal a state law requiring personal injury protection coverage, but differences remain between the House and Senate proposals. The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee voted 8-1 to approve a bill (SB 1766) that would repeal the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law, replacing the PIP mandate with a […]

Les NeuhausMarch 27, 2017

In an unexpected move, legislators merged two bills into one rather than unnecessarily compete against one another in a common goal to create a coordinated effort to enlist better medical services for abused children Monday. Both bills related to child protection issues. SB 1454, sponsored by Sen. Doug Broxson, and SB 1318, sponsored by Sen. […]

Mitch PerryMarch 22, 2017

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Legislation to make texting while driving a primary offense passed Wednesday unanimously by the Senate Transportation Committee. Miami Republican Rene Garcia sponsored the legislation (SB 144). Florida was one of the later states in the country to adopt anti-texting laws, not doing so until 2013. But the fact that it’s a secondary offense has led critics […]

Mitch PerryMarch 14, 2017

Legislation to provide statewide regulations for transportation network companies (TNC’s) advanced in its latest committee stop in the Florida Senate Tuesday. St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes‘ bill (SB 340) received only two votes in opposition in clearing the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, though there were substantial concerns expressed about funding for paratransit that animated the debate. […]

Michael MolineMarch 9, 2017

A bipartisan coalition of House members and senators endorsed Gov. Rick Scott’s request to increase mental health funding by $25 million, but said even more money is needed to move Florida out of the basement in funding for treatment. “At the end of the day, we’re 49th (in funding among the states), which means we’ve […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 23, 2017

It’s never too early in the day to start fundraising. Sen. Denise Grimsley is scheduled to hold a fundraising reception for her 2018 bid for Agriculture Commissioner at 7:30 a.m. on March 7 at Florida Finance Strategies, 111-B East College Avenue in Tallahassee. The reception, according to a copy of the invitation, is hosted by […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 5, 2017

A pair of controversial gun bills in the Florida Senate will not be discussed during committee meetings next week According to the Senate calendar, a Judiciary Committee meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday has been cancelled. The committee, which is chaired by Sen. Greg Steube, was set to take up two gun bills during the […]

Tag: Rene Garcia
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Rene Garcia opts not to run for CD 27 seat

Business rent tax cuts still in play in House, Senate

Group homes, foster care concern Senate panel

House, Senate bills to repeal PIP clear committees despite questions, differences

Lawmakers merge two bills to expand medical services for abused children

Tougher texting-and-driving ban sails through Senate committee

Bill regulating ride-sharing in Florida advances in Senate Committee

Legislative coalition urges leaders to find money for mental health programs

Bring on the orange juice: Denise Grimsley schedules breakfast fundraiser for March 7

Hearing on gun bills postponed after Senate cancels Judiciary Committee meeting