Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 1, 2018

Rep. Kathleen Peters‘ attempt to amend an House ethics reform bill resulted in virtual fireworks Thursday, with a prominent lobbyist saying Peters was targeting him and a lawmaker bemoaning “political gymnastics” that temporarily gummed up the measure. One of Peters’ amendments would have banned sitting lawmakers and their immediate family members from working for lobbying firms. The […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 30, 2018

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee narrowly voted in favor of a bill Tuesday that aims to put franchisees on a level playing field with their franchisor. SB 1076, known as the “Small Business Parity Act,” would shield business owners from restrictions on selling their franchises or passing them on to an heir, and would give […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 16, 2018

A bill that would legalize consumer fireworks cleared a House committee on Tuesday even as it faces strong opposition from the fireworks industry. Floridians buy and use fireworks just as much as any other state around the 4th of July and New Years Eve even though they can only purchase them after signing a form […]

Peter SchorschDecember 29, 2017

‘Tis the season, and the Legislature’s dubious Christmas present this year was moving up the 2018 Legislative Session two months from its usual March start date. We will no doubt have many gifts in store, besides the inevitable policy food fights, such as perhaps seeing some lawmakers in their ugly holiday sweaters (the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts “sunny, turning warm” for […]

Mitch PerryOctober 11, 2017

The latest attempt to end a decades-old prohibition on fireworks sales in Florida received its first hearing in the state Senate Wednesday, and it was a bit bumpy. The bill cleared the Senate Regulated Industries Committee on a 8-2 vote, but bill sponsor Greg Steube admits it still needs some work. For more than half a […]

Peter SchorschJuly 4, 2017

Whether it’s on a boat or at the beach, setting off fireworks or firing up the grill, Floridians are expected to kick off Fourth of July weekend in style. An estimated 2.3 million Floridians are expected to travel during the holiday weekend, part of a historic holiday travel weekend travel pattern, according to AAA – […]

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2017

The numbers are out. Registered legislative lobbying firms reported median earnings of more than $35.7 million in the first quarter of 2017. The Top 5 earners during the three-month period were Ballard Partners, Southern Strategy Group, Ronald L. Book PA, Capital City Consulting, and Greenberg Traurig. If those rankings look familiar, there’s a reason for […]

Drew WilsonApril 12, 2017

Republican Vance Aloupis’ first finance report shows more than $100,000 in contributions for his campaign to take over for Rep. Michael Bileca in House District 115. Aloupis, an attorney, took in $104,505 across 267 contributions since filing for the seat on March 1. The haul puts him far ahead of his two Republican Primary challengers, […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 22, 2017

Southern-Strategy-01a-mw-111811-Large-e1471298175277.jpg

Registered governmental affairs firms, representing virtually every industry in Florida, reported earning more than $31.75 million from October 1 to December 31 of 2016 to lobby the Florida Legislature. FloridaPolitics.com previously reported which firms made what, with Ballard Partners leading all firms in Q4 compensation. The 2016 Q4 numbers were down slightly from the 2015 Q4 numbers ($31.75 mil to […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterNovember 22, 2016

Senate President Joe Negron can drop the “designate” from his title. Florida senators voted unanimously to elect Negron as the 87th president of the Florida Senate during its organizational meeting. “There’s one thing about Joe Negron, he’s always respectful and kind. He truly cares about those that he represents. While Joe is thoughtful and considerate, […]

Tag: Ron Book

‘Political gymnastics’: House panel kills Kathleen Peters’ ethics proposals

Franchisee bill squeaks by first Senate panel

Bill to legalize fireworks takes off in House committee

The 12 Days of Christmas, as brought to you by these Florida lobbyists and politicos

Fireworks bill clears first Senate panel

Independence Day is brought to you by these lobbyists and political associations

Lobby firms bring in more than $35.7M in first quarter to lobby Legislature

HD 115 candidate Vance Aloupis breaks $100K mark in first month

Known unknowns: Trying to divine the real numbers in the lobbying compensation reports

Joe Negron formally elected as Senate president