Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaNovember 28, 2017

Business interests brought out a panoply of former state officials, judges and others Tuesday to heap criticism on a proposed state constitutional amendment to expand the right to bring environmental-related lawsuits. But one environmental advocate countered there was no potential for a “parade of horribles” to come out of the amendment. The Florida Chamber of […]

Scott PowersNovember 21, 2017

Associated Industries in Florida is preparing for a legal fight to stop a proposed Florida Constitutional amendment, charging that the proposal declaring the right to a “clean and healthful environment” is “dangerously vague.” AIF announced Tuesday it hired top environmental and regulatory attorneys with the Gunster law firm to stop the Florida Constitution Revision Commission’s Proposal […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 20, 2017

An appellate court on Wednesday ordered satellite-television companies to pay legal and other costs in a long-standing tax case they lost earlier this year. After DirecTV and Dish Network sued, the Florida Supreme Court in April decided satellite TV can be taxed at a higher rate than cable TV. The case was remanded to the 1st District […]

Staff ReportsJuly 5, 2017

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Simone Marstiller, a retired judge of the 1st District Court of Appeal, will be joining the Gunster law firm’s appellate and government affairs teams and will be based in the Tallahassee and Tampa offices, the firm announced Wednesday. “Judge Marstiller brings vast expertise and judicial system knowledge,” said Lila Jaber, regional managing shareholder and head of the firm’s […]

Jim RosicaJune 20, 2017

Former appellate judge and Republican Simone Marstiller said on Facebook she will not run for Attorney General in 2018. “NOT running for AG,” she posted Monday night. “Holding that office has been a dream of mine for a long time. “But I’ve reluctantly concluded that running for the office just isn’t financially feasible for me,” she […]

Jim RosicaApril 13, 2017

Satellite-television service can be taxed at a higher rate than cable TV, the Florida Supreme Court decided Thursday. Satellite companies had challenged the state’s 16-year-old Communications Services Tax (CST), which now taxes cable service at 4.92 percent and satellite at 9.07 percent. Those concerns, led by DirecTV, said that difference was unconstitutional and asked for a refund. But […]

Jim RosicaOctober 19, 2016

The list of applicants to Gov. Rick Scott for a seat on the state’s Constitution Revision Commission continues to grow, now including conservative lawmaker Matt Gaetz. The panel, which reviews the state’s constitution every two decades, is scheduled to convene 30 days before the beginning of the Legislature’s 2017 regular session on March 7. As […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterSeptember 8, 2016

It’s been overlooked for years, but criminal justice reform could be coming down the pike. Sen. Jeff Brandes said he hopes to make reforming the system a top priority, but told the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists it could take years before reforms are achieved. Calls for reform aren’t new, but they are growing louder. […]

Jim RosicaJune 2, 2016

M. Kemmerly Thomas, a Tallahassee attorney in private practice, will be the next judge on the 1st District Court of Appeal. Gov. Rick Scott announced the appointment Wednesday. The 49-year-old Thomas beat out five others for the opening, caused by the resignation of Judge Ronald V. Swanson. Finalists for the spot included Matthew Carson, general counsel to the Florida House […]

Jim RosicaApril 6, 2016

Should satellite-television service be taxed at a higher rate than cable? The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments from both sides Wednesday. Satellite TV companies, including DirecTV, want the court to uphold the 1st District Court of Appeal’s 2-1 decision last year, which said that taxing the two services differently is unconstitutional. The state’s Revenue Department and Florida’s […]

Tag: Simone Marstiller
Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Image via Visit Florida.

Business interests lambaste environmental amendment

AIF to fight proposed constitutional amendment on environmental protection

Court to DirecTV, Dish: Pay up in taxing case

Personnel note: Simone Marstiller joins Gunster

Simone Marstiller takes herself out of Attorney General contention

Supreme Court OKs taxing satellite TV higher than cable

Matt Gaetz joins applicants to Rick Scott for CRC position

Jeff Brandes turns attention to criminal justice reform

M. Kemmerly Thomas named new 1st DCA judge

State’s highest court talks TV tax