Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsMarch 25, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott signed a raft of bills into law on Friday, including ones to expand medical marijuana to more patients in need. The bill extends the Right to Try Act to include medical marijuana and also gives assurances to dispensing organizations that have already received a license from the Department of State. Susan Driscoll, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 25, 2016

Nearly six dozen new laws went on the books Friday. Gov. Rick Scott signed 68 bills into law, including ones that clarify when physicians’ assistants can prescribe medication, a bill revising the state’s building codes and a host of local laws. The Naples Republican also vetoed his first bill, which would have created the Gainesville […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 25, 2016

Gainesville won’t get its own regional utility authority. On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott vetoed a bill (HB 1355) that would have created the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority. The independent governing body would have been tasked with managing and operating Gainesville Regional Utilities, the city-owned utility company. The bill, sponsored by Rep. W. Keith Perry, would […]

Melissa RossMarch 25, 2016

Among the 68 bills Governor Rick Scott just signed into law, perhaps the most attention-getting is HB1411, a bill that “revises regulations for licensed abortion clinics.” The controversial measure imposes new restrictions on clinics where abortions are performed, by requiring that physicians who work at them hold admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. The new law also […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 25, 2016

On Friday, Governor Scott signed HB 655 into law, revising alcoholic beverage requirements for restaurants in the Riverside-Avondale Commercial Character Areas. The goal of the bill is to provide allowances for space and seating requirements in a specialized zone called the Riverside Avondale Commercial Character Areas. The bill would reduce requirements to 100 seats (down […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 25, 2016

Relief may be coming. Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Friday signed a bill (HB 307) that would expand the state’s Right to Try Act to include medical marijuana. The expansion means that terminally ill patients will now be able to use medical marijuana during their final days. Under the bill, which was sponsored by Fleming […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 25, 2016

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry calls Rick Scott the Jobs Governor. And more evidence of that came through Friday, as Scott trumpeted 20,700 new Jacksonville jobs in the past year. Governor Scott said, “Jacksonville businesses have added 20,700 new jobs and the unemployment rate has dropped to 4.5 percent, which is exciting news for families. Every job created […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 25, 2016

Florida’s unemployment rate is at its lowest point in eight years. The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.9 percent in February, down from 5.6 percent a year earlier. That’s significantly down from December 2010, when the state’s unemployment rate was 10.7 percent. February’s jobless rate was down .1 percent from January’s 5 percent. In a […]

Phil AmmannMarch 24, 2016

On Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott announced 17 appointments to a variety of Florida university boards. Each of the following are subject to Florida Senate approval. Florida International University Board of Trustees Scott began by naming Marc Sarnoff to the Florida International University Board of Trustees. Sarnoff, 55, of Miami, is an attorney with Shutts and […]

Drew WilsonMarch 24, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott announced marketing company Inside Sales Solutions will be moving its headquarters to St. Petersburg’s Innovation District. The move adds 50 jobs and an estimated $29,000 in investments to Pinellas County. “I am proud to announce that Inside Sales is a growing company that chose Florida over Texas, Georgia, and Kansas,” Scott said […]

Tag: Rick Scott
Image via the Associated Press.

Capitol Reax: Medical marijuana, abortion restrictions, IT security, criminal justice

Governor signs 68 bills into law, including ones to help veterans

Rick Scott vetoes bill to create Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority

Gov. Scott signs restrictive abortion measure into law

Gov. Scott signs local bill easing liquor requirements in Riverside-Avondale restaurants

Gov. Scott signs medical marijuana expansion bill into law

Rick Scott says Jacksonville up more than 20,000 jobs in past year

Florida’s unemployment rate dips .1 percent to 4.9 statewide

Rick Scott makes 17 appointments to university boards

Rick Scott announces Inside Sales relocation to St. Pete, 50 new jobs