Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryDecember 3, 2015

Earlier this summer, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that defendants who use the controversial “Stand Your Ground” controversial legal defense — rather than the government — have the burden of proving it should shield them from prosecution. The ruling upset the National Rifle Association, and prompted GOP lawmakers to say they would address the issue in […]

Ryan RayDecember 3, 2015

The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard from Gov. Rick Scott‘s chief budget aide Wednesday morning, when she presented Scott’s $79.3 billion proposed budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year before hearing some pushback from Senate Democrats on state worker pay, social services, and health care. The presentation was a calmer affair than in the House, however, where […]

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, […]

Peter SchorschNovember 18, 2015

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House Republican Majority Leader Dana Young will raise money for her re-election with a major event Dec. 2 in Tampa. Cabinet members Jeff Atwater, Pam Bondi and Adam Putnam, as well as House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Speaker-Designate Richard Corcoran, headline the invitation for Young’s fundraiser at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club. Honorary hosts […]

Gary FineoutNovember 5, 2015

Setting up another contentious budget battle, Florida Gov. Rick Scott was expected Thursday to call for $1 billion in tax cuts, most of it targeted at businesses. Scott’s is recommending the hefty amount despite signs that the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature will resist going along with such a large tax cut package. Scott, however, will argue […]

Gary FineoutOctober 29, 2015

Amid an ugly political brawl in which one senator publicly accused another of being a bully, the Florida Senate on Wednesday narrowly approved a new map for the state’s 40 senate districts. But some senators predicted shortly after the 22-18 vote that the proposal may not pass the Republican-controlled Florida House. That’s because the Senate […]

Jim RosicaOctober 28, 2015

The Florida Senate on Wednesday passed its redrawn district map by a close vote of 22-18, with all 14 Democrats and four Republicans opposed. It’s now up to the House of Representatives to OK the map as is or change it and send it back as the Special Session clock ticks to an end. “We now have […]

Mitch PerryOctober 28, 2015

As he continues to pile up missed votes, Marco Rubio hasn’t been shy about the fact that he can’t stand the U.S. Senate. Fine, say his critics. Resign and let someone else do the job instead. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel is calling for Rubio to step down in their lead editorial. If you hate your […]

Jim RosicaOctober 27, 2015

The “coalition plaintiffs” in the state Senate redistricting challenge announced Tuesday night they were submitting their own redrawn district map – weeks after the chairman of the chamber’s redistricting panel invited them to participate in the map-making process. The Senate set up its own map on Tuesday for a Wednesday vote, one that combines a version of South Florida districts […]

Mitch PerryOctober 27, 2015

Once again Brandon Republican state Sen. Tom Lee’s proposed alimony legislation (SB 250) that would end awarding lifetime payments by the ex-spouse making the most money in the relationship is causing a ripple in Tallahassee. One of the most controversial pieces of the legislation is requiring judges to allow the divorcing parents get equal time with […]

Tag: Tom Lee
Image via AP.

Stand Your Ground revisions pass thru Florida Senate committee

Senate budget run-down from Rick Scott’s budget chief calmer than in House

Alimony overhaul bill clears first House panel

Dana Young plans major re-election fundraiser Dec. 2

Despite resistance, Rick Scott wants $1 billion in tax cuts

What’s next after Florida Senate narrowly approves new Senate map

Senate passes new district map, sends to House

Mitch Perry Report for 10.28.15 – Pressure grows on Rubio to leave U.S. Senate

Plaintiffs now say they’re filing their own Senate district map

Retired judge says Tom Lee’s alimony legislation sets “dangerous” precedent if enacted