Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 17, 2017

In what one lobbyist privately compared to “the bombing of Pearl Harbor,” House Speaker Richard Corcoran Friday dropped a blockbuster lawsuit on the Florida Lottery, which reports to Gov. Rick Scott, saying it was guilty of “wasteful and improper spending” for signing a $700 million deal for new equipment. The legal action caps off weeks of […]

Joe HendersonFebruary 17, 2017

I was watching the fascinating video from the Florida House of Representatives in its escalating war with Gov. Rick Scott over state subsidies for private businesses and tourism when an image caught my eye as it streaked by quickly. It was the logo for Enterprise Florida, the public-private partnership that is supposed to create jobs. […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 17, 2017

The Florida House of Representatives quietly released its gambling overhaul for 2017 Thursday afternoon, setting it for a hearing next Thursday. As expected, the 81-page bill (PCB TGC 17-01) includes a renewed blackjack deal, or “compact,” between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, as first struck by Gov. Rick Scott. No Casinos, the anti-gambling expansion […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 16, 2017

A bill that would remove Florida from the federal refugee resettlement advanced in the Florida House after a party-line vote Thursday. The legislation sponsored by Deltona Republican David Santiago would direct the state’s refugee coordinator to provide notice to the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement by June 30 that it intends to withdraw from the federal program by […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 16, 2017

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In a new three-and-a-half minute video, the Florida House of Representatives scorches the state’s beleaguered public-private economic development and tourism organizations. Phrases like “no more corruption” and “no more taking taxpayers for granted” run in between clips of what the House criticizes as failed recipients of business incentives, or what House Speaker Richard Corcoran has called […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 16, 2017

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers shouldn’t hold their breath for any state subsidy to renovate Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. House Speaker Richard Corcoran told WTSP’s Noah Pransky in an interview there was “zero” chance his chamber will fund the pro football team’s $10 million subsidy request – and didn’t think the Senate would go along either. […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 15, 2017

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Former Florida Senate President Don Gaetz and former Senate Democratic Leader Chris Smith are among those tapped by current Senate President Joe Negron to sit on the state’s Constitution Revision Commission. Negron, a Stuart Republican, announced his list Wednesday in a press release. Gaetz, a Niceville Republican in the Senate 2006-16, and Smith, a Fort Lauderdale […]

Scott PowersFebruary 15, 2017

With all but an OMG! reference, House Democratic Leader Pro-Tempore Bobby DuBose has challenged House Speaker Richard Corcoran to share anything he has to back up claims that terrorists have likely infiltrated Muslim refugees in Florida. DuBose sent a letter Tuesday to Corcoran and copied several key Republican lawmakers urging the speaker to “share with […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 14, 2017

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The Florida Bar‘s governing board has decided to oppose legislation that would allow state lawmakers to override court decisions they don’t like. The Board of Governors adopted the stance at its Jan. 20 meeting, according to the Bar News on Tuesday. It also disapproved a companion measure aimed at federal judges who interpret state laws. State Rep. […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 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: Tiffany Harrington has replaced Heather Williamson as House staff director of the Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining. On: Teri Cariota, formerly an aide to former Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, […]

Tag: Richard Corcoran

Richard Corcoran sues Florida Lottery over ‘improper spending’

Subliminal message no help in Enterprise Florida fight

House gambling bill teed up for next week

House advances bill pulling Florida out of refugee assistance program

Florida House slams Enterprise Florida, VISIT FLORIDA in video

House Speaker: ‘Zero’ chance Bucs get state money for stadium

Don Gaetz, Chris Smith among Joe Negron’s constitutional review panel picks

Bobby DuBose challenges Richard Corcoran’s ‘terrorists’ comments

Florida Bar will oppose legislative ‘override’ proposals

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round