Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannMay 1, 2015

Editorial cartoonist Bill Day sharpens his pencil to mark the “official” sine die of Florida’s 2015 Legislative Session. While Friday would usually be filled with post-hanky drop celebrations throughout the Florida Capitol and along Adams Street, there is no joy tonight in Mudville (otherwise known as Tallahassee). On Tuesday, the House abruptly adjourned its session, hightailing […]

Christine Jordan SextonMay 1, 2015

The Florida House of Representatives has asked the state Supreme Court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by 13 Democratic senators over the House going home three days early. The House argues in its legal briefs that the separation of powers doctrine prohibits the high court from compelling legislators to return to Tallahassee. “The Florida Constitution’s […]

James CallApril 30, 2015

The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday afternoon ordered the House to respond by 10 a.m. Friday to Senate Democrats’ lawsuit against the lower chamber for adjourning the 2015 Regular Session three days early. After the House replies, the Democrats will have until 12:30 p.m. to answer. Earlier Thursday, Senate Democratic Leader Arthenia Joyner had asked […]

James CallApril 29, 2015

Instead of a Doctor of the Day, when the Florida House and Senate next meet, maybe they should consider a psychologist, counselor or mediator. After an exchange of insults and letters Wednesday it became even more uncertain when the two chambers will be able to begin budget negotiations. The gulf between the Florida House and […]

Daniel TilsonApril 28, 2015

With state representatives like these, who needs enemies? With nearly four days left in the Florida Legislature’s regular session, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli unexpectedly gathered up all his “Stand Firm” post-it notes, lobbyist business cards and ALEC issues briefings, then suddenly called the session quits and sent everybody home. The political class in Tallahassee likes […]

James CallApril 28, 2015

Florida’s impasse over the state budget has rubbed nerves raw, throwing lawmakers and lobbyists’ plans for May and June into chaos. On Tuesday, the Legislature quickly deflated the party atmosphere that usually engulfs the end of the annual 60-day session. The House adjourned unexpectedly Tuesday and is in recessed, in the words of Speaker Steve Crisafulli “until […]

James CallApril 20, 2015

It may not compare to the estimated $4 billion wagered in office betting pools during the NCAA basketball tournament, but Capitol observers have some side bets going on about the 2015 Legislative Session. One is when will the hanky drop. Entries for #CateSineDie are due by 10 a.m. Tuesday. Predict when lawmakers adjourn the 2015 Legislative Session, […]

Daniel TilsonApril 21, 2014

The fast-approaching, official end of the Florida legislative session is known as “Sine Die.” That’s Latin. It means the legislature adjourns with no fixed date for future meetings. True to form, when the respective House and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms stand side by side in the Capitol Rotunda on May 2 and drop their white hankies signifying […]

Tag: Sine Die
Image via AP.

Bill Day’s latest: Gone fishin’

House asks high court to dismiss Senate Democrats’ sine die lawsuit

High court orders House to answer sine die lawsuit by 10 a.m. Friday

Senate President, House Speaker exchange letters as budget dispute deepens

Daniel Tilson: Florida House Republicans flip us all the bird and fly home

Sine Die 2015: No joy in Tally tonight

#CateSineDie: placing bets on Session’s end

Daniel Tilson: ‘Live And Let Die’ legislators