Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaOctober 29, 2015

A Tampa lawmaker has filed a bill that would shield the identities of “witness(es) to a felony” from being released to the public. State Rep. Ed Narain, a first-term Democrat, submitted his bill (HB 475) on Thursday. The legislation creates an exemption from Florida public records law of witnesses’ “personal identifying information,” prohibiting its disclosure, including to […]

Phil AmmannOctober 26, 2015

Hillsborough County Commissioners Sandy Murman and Ken Hagan possibly violated Florida Sunshine Laws when they failed to produce public records requested months ago. However, after a 10 News investigation, WTSP reporter Noah Pransky says one Commissioner is apologizing while the other blames county workers. The situation stems from an inquiry into the murky relationship between […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 12, 2015

[UPDATED: In the wake of this memo, The Florida-Times Union reports on Monday night that Lenny Curry has sought resignation letters from every other member of the JEA Board “The mayor felt it necessary to communicate with the five remaining board members given the recent admonishment by the general counsel of the city of Jacksonville and further revelations […]

Staff ReportsOctober 5, 2015

Legislative staff announced on Monday afternoon the proclamation that officially sets up the third special Session of 2016. Lawmakers will meet in Tallahassee beginning at 12 p.m. Monday on October 19 to revise the state’s Senate districts pursuant to a related Supreme Court ruling that struck down the Legislature’s Congressional boundary lines back in July. […]

Ryan RayMay 14, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday signed into law SB 7040, one of dozens of bills sent to the governor’s desk last week. Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles customers who include their emails in forms and communications with the office will now be shielded by an exemption from Florida’s stringent “Government in the Sunshine” […]

Ryan RayMarch 12, 2015

The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers Association has announced they will celebrate “Sunshine Week,” a nationwide initiative dedicated to open government and access, as well as educating people on the importance of the business of government. “Transparency in government is at the core of every Clerk’s office throughout the state,” Joseph E. Smith, FCCC president and Clerk […]

Ryan RayMarch 8, 2015

Jon C. Moyle, an attorney for Holly Moseley, has just fired a shot across the bow of blogger Jacob Engels and Sunshine State News (SSN). Moyle issued a strongly worded missive to the managing editor of the conservative media outlet regarding a column attacking Moseley, who is executive director of Charlotte’s Web advocacy group Realm of Care. Writing in SSN, […]

Ryan RayMarch 8, 2015

Jon C. Moyle, an attorney for Holly Moseley, has just fired a shot across the bow of blogger Jacob Engels and Sunshine State News (SSN). Moyle issued a strongly worded missive to the managing editor of the conservative media outlet regarding a column attacking Moseley, who is executive director of Charlotte’s Web advocacy group Realm of Care. Writing in SSN, […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 28, 2015

A St. Petersburg consumer law attorney is demanding an official investigation into Gov. Rick Scott, the Florida Cabinet and staff for possible violations of the state’s open records laws. On Tuesday, attorney Matthew Weidner sent a letter of complaint to William Meggs, state attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit in Tallahassee, requesting a formal investigation […]

Guest AuthorApril 16, 2014

When it comes to having an open and transparent government that is accountable to the people, Florida leads the nation. Since the Florida “Government in the Sunshine” law was enacted in 1967, we have served as a model for other states. In a world where technological advancements have introduced even more material into the public […]

Tag: sunshine law

Bill would protect names of criminal witnesses

After several requests, Hillsborough commissioners produce Beth Leytham emails they said didn’t exist

Jax general counsel issues “Sunshine Law” memo to JEA board, before Lenny Curry requests resignations

Legislature issues call for third special Session of 2016

DMV-collected email addresses to be exempt from Sunshine Law

Florida Clerks Association to promote Sunshine Week

Charlotte’s Web rivals slug it out in the press

Charlotte's Web rivals slug it out in the press

St. Pete lawyer files Sunshine Law complaint letter over Baileygate

P. C. Wu: Legislation would reduce number of frivolous open-records lawsuits