Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

James CallMay 8, 2015

The latest challenge to proposed regulations for Florida’s medical marijuana law is in its final stage. Late Thursday, attorneys for the Department of Health and Baywood Nurseries filed proposed final orders with Judge W. David Watkins. The two sides repeated the arguments they made during a hearing last month. Baywood went into greater detail in […]

Peter SchorschMay 8, 2015

The picture to the right is of the dock in front of the beach house where the Griswolds, er, the Schorsches are vacationing this week. This was supposed to be a recuperative, post-session retreat, and although it has been an enjoyable time here in St. Augustine, it feels like just a break before the next […]

Peter SchorschMay 8, 2015

Thursday, at the end of our story about Sen. Jack Latvala hiring uber fundraiser Meredith O’Rourke to raise money for his political committee, we noted that Ashley Ross had gone to work for Latvala’s rival, Joe Negron. Concurrent with our story, talk circulated that Ross had been fired from the Republican Party of Florida by Senate […]

Mitch PerryMay 8, 2015

Hillsborough County Commissioners (and Administrator Mike Merrill) are gung-ho on having the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) explore an opportunity to move its facility into downtown Tampa. There it could be a part of Jeff Vinik‘s grand plans to redevelop the Channelside area, even though there are serious questions about how productive such a move […]

Christine Jordan SextonMay 8, 2015

One day after leaving Washington, D.C., with no promises the federal government will extend Medicaid supplemental funding to the state for another year, Gov. Rick Scott‘s attorneys filed an injunction in his lawsuit against the Obama administration. On the surface, the filing asks the court to issue a preliminary injunction or to support a writ […]

Staff ReportsMay 7, 2015

A bill meant to crack down on posting sexually explicit photos of exes and former lovers by increasing the penalties was sent to Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday. Under SB 538, if approved, it would be a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and $1,000, the first time a person posts […]

Staff ReportsMay 7, 2015

The Senate on Thursday sent Gov. Rick Scott a bill that makes it illegal for law enforcement to have traffic ticket quotas. The governor has until May 22 to sign the so-called “Waldo” bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature. The bill’s nickname comes from the city of […]

Staff ReportsMay 7, 2015

A measure sponsored by Sen. Jeff Brandes aimed at increasing flexibility and lowering premiums on insurance premiums has made it as far as the governor’s office, where it sits pending his approval. SB 1094 replaced the House version sponsored by fellow Pinellas County Republican Rep. Larry Ahern. Brandes and Ahern both represent moderate coastal districts where […]

James CallMay 7, 2015

Included in the package of bills sent to Gov. Rick Scott Thursday is SB 248, which would make a body camera recording by police exempt from public record disclosure when the recording is taken: Within the interior of a private residence; The interior of a mental health care or social service facility, or; In a […]

Christine Jordan SextonMay 7, 2015

A bill that allows unlicensed people to carry concealed weapons or firearms on their body or in the car during emergencies and evacuations has been sent to Rick Scott for review. If approved by Scott, SB 290 would allow concealed weapons “while in the act of complying” with a mandatory evacuation order issued during a […]

Tag: Rick Scott
One of several proposed designs for Florida's new Margaritaville license plates. Image via the office of Rep. Linda Chaney.

Final arguments heard in Charlotte’s Web challenge

Takeaways from Tallahassee, er, St. Augustine

From the Not News Dep’t: Ashley Ross wasn’t fired

Mitch Perry Report for 5.8.15 — The MOSI-USF Football stadium dilemma

Rick Scott’s attorneys file injunction to force Medicaid funding beyond June 30

“Revenge porn” bill sent to Rick Scott for review

Where’s Waldo? Bill outlawing speed traps now on Rick Scott’s desk

Flood insurance flexibility bill goes to Rick Scott for likely approval

Body camera public record exemption sent to Governor

Bill to OK lethal weapon carrying during emergencies goes to Governor