Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryJanuary 27, 2017

Although Florida Democrats failed to improve their numbers in the state Senate in 2016, Jeff Clemens is very optimistic that in two years their power will increase. “It just so happens that the way it plays out, the Democrats that are up for election in 2018 are in safe Democratic seats, so with the Republicans having to go defend […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 27, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott proposed $618 million in tax cuts this week, which included four back to school holidays and reducing the commercial lease tax. “Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ tax package includes a number of cuts which will significantly support Florida’s retailers, including a reduction in the business rent tax, cutting the business tax […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 26, 2017

A bill filed Thursday in the Florida Senate would reduce harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee and increase water storage capacity. Senate Bill 10, filed by Republican Rob Bradley, would bond money backed with Amendment 1 funds to purchase land south of the lake for water storage. Bradley, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and […]

Larry GriffinJanuary 24, 2017

At a Senate Judiciary Committee, a controversial bill that would shift the burden of proof to the prosecutors in Stand Your Ground cases got a pass and continued to move forward. Stand Your Ground is the oft-controversial law which justifies a case where a defendant used force to defend themselves. The bill, SB 128, was […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 24, 2017

Trulieve is expanding into Tampa. The medical marijuana dispensing organization announced Tuesday it will open its third dispensary Thursday in Tampa. The company currently has dispensaries in Tallahassee and Clearwater. “This is an exciting start to the new year for Trulieve and the patients we serve,” said Kim Rivers, the company’s CEO in a statement. […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 23, 2017

A bill to set up a civil citation program for juveniles statewide advanced Monday through a Florida Senate committee. However, questions about removing officer discretion may need to be addressed before the proposal gets widespread support from lawmakers later this Session. Miami Republican Senator Anitere Flores’ bill (SB 196) would mandate law enforcement officers to offer a civil citation […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 23, 2017

Drug Free America is urging Florida lawmakers to “proceed with caution” as they begin crafting legislation to implement the state’s newest medical marijuana law. “While we were opposed to Amendment 2 for a number of specific reasons, we recognize Florida voters have spoken,” said Calvina Fay, the executive director of Drug Free America, in a statement. “We also […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 19, 2017

A bill filed Thursday in the Florida Senate, if passed, would expand the medical marijuana system in the Sunshine State, complying with 2016’s Amendment 2. However, some critics — inside the Senate and outside as well — have raised concerns, suggesting the bill will not have the smoothest glide path. Senate Bill 406, filed by […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 12, 2017

Northeast Florida lawmakers continue to make their push for bringing F-35 jets to Jacksonville, reports the Jacksonville Business Journal. The laudatory comments about the fighter jets, which would be housed at the National Guard hangar at the Jacksonville International Airport, were made in the Florida Senate’s Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee. […]

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: Rob Bradley
Image via Governor's Rumble

Jeff Clemens bullish on Senate Democrats chances in 2018

Capitol Reax: Tax cuts, certificates of need, whiskey and Wheaties, fracking

Lake Okeechobee reservoir bill filed in Florida Senate

Controversial Stand Your Ground bill moves forward in Senate Judiciary committee

Trulieve to open medical marijuana dispensary in Tampa

Bill to expand juvenile civil citations raises questions on officer discretion

Drug Free America urges caution as lawmakers discuss Amendment 2 implementation

Amendment 2 implementation bill filed in Florida Senate

Northeast Florida lawmakers continue to advocate for F-35s in Jacksonville

Hearing on gun bills postponed after Senate cancels Judiciary Committee meeting