Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaNovember 18, 2015

A House bill aimed at overhauling and streamlining the state’s alimony rules cleared its first panel Wednesday, despite a retired judge telling lawmakers “bad things are going to happen to nice people” if the measure becomes law. The Civil Justice Subcommittee OK’d the bill (HB 455), sponsored by Republican state Rep. Colleen Burton of Lakeland, […]

Ryan RayNovember 13, 2015

According to recently submitted compensation reports, Dean Mead‘s five member lobbying team generated an estimated $220,000 in 3Q lobbying fees. Clients Lykes Brothers, Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, and Evans Properties topped the ledger books in earnings for the firm, bringing in some $60,000 among the three. Municipal clients such as the City of Clearwater, Charlotte County, Pinellas […]

Ryan RayNovember 13, 2015

The Tallahassee-based lobbying practice of Metz Husband & Daughton did a brisk business during the third quarter of 2015, taking in $800,000 for its Q3 work according to estimates based on recently submitted lobbyist compensation reports. The firm’s heftiest invoices came from The Florida Bar, which accounted for about $40,000 in executive and legislative lobbying fees during the […]

Guest AuthorOctober 27, 2015

Another dangerously flawed “Family Law Reform” bill has been once again submitted in the Florida Legislature. As this flawed legislation persists, Republican Sen. Tom Lee, who has been embroiled in his own past divorce and child support battles, has now introduced Family Law Reform bill SB 250. Many marginalized members of The Florida Bar are […]

Jim RosicaOctober 16, 2015

The Florida Bar’s Board of Governors on Friday postponed consideration of taking a formal stand on an evidence law change favored by Gov. Rick Scott and conservative lawmakers. The change was actually passed into law two years ago but the courts have yet to follow it. Bar spokeswoman Francine Walker said the board, meeting in Atlantic Beach, “tabled” […]

Jim RosicaOctober 13, 2015

A fight over an important but otherwise obscure evidentiary standard used in court cases looms later this week. The Florida Bar’s Board of Governors will consider whether to recommend rejecting a change in evidence law that’s favored by conservative lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott. It promises to revive, at least temporarily, the debate over “tort reform,” […]

Jim RosicaOctober 7, 2015

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Augustus Sol Invictus, a Libertarian candidate for the U.S. Senate from Florida, has been called a fascist and is a pagan who once killed and drank a goat’s blood. He’s also a lawyer licensed to practice in four states and federal court, a small-business owner, and is genially known as “Auggie Sunshine” to his law […]

Associated PressSeptember 24, 2015

The Florida Supreme Court is asking The Florida Bar to prepare a rule that would ban lawyers from using for-profit client referral services that aren’t owned by lawyers. The court issued its order on Thursday, citing problems with for-profit referral services that haven’t been in the best interest of clients. The Florida Bar had proposed […]

A.G. GancarskiAugust 28, 2015

Confirming persistent speculation, Jason Gabriel has been picked to continue as the city of Jacksonville’s general counsel, after a public search by a high-profile search committee led by former mayor John Delaney. Gabriel has been with the Office of General Counsel for more than five years, and has acted as general counsel since July 1, 2014. Mayor […]

Mark FerruloOctober 27, 2014

Florida is one of the most diverse states in the nation, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at our courts. According to The Florida Bar, people of color make up about 43 percent of Florida’s population. Yet among the state’s judiciary, fewer than 9 percent of judges are Hispanic, and fewer than 7 percent are […]

Tag: The Florida Bar

Alimony overhaul bill clears first House panel

Dean Mead collects $220K in Q3 lobbying fees

Metz Husband & Daughton books $800K in third-quarter lobbying fees

Judge Robert M. Evans: Enough is enough – Florida needs a neutral "Family Law Reform" task force

Florida Bar punts on controversial evidence standard

Will Legislature and Florida Bar get into tug of war over obscure court rule?

Senate candidate Augustus Invictus no “cartoon character,” friend says

Florida Supreme Court wants new rule on lawyer referrals

Jason Gabriel reappointed COJ general counsel

Mark Ferrulo: Rick Scott is shaping the courts in his image, not Florida’s