Despite Florida’s economists projecting an $845 million surplus for fiscal year 2014-2015, Governor Rick Scott instructed state agencies to submit budgets with a 5% cut to recurring funds. State agencies were required to send their proposed budgets to the Governor by October 15th. Coupled with these proposed reductions is the Governor’s intent to cut taxes Read more about Florida’s Projected Budget 2014-2015[…]
After Representative Chris Dorworth’s defeat in the 2012 election, Representative Steve Crisafulli (R-Merritt Island) emerged as the Republican Party leader in the Florida House. The Democrats stripped Representative Darryl Rouson (D- St. Petersburg) of his position as the next Democratic leader, replacing him with Representative Mark Pafford (D- West Palm Beach) at a House Caucus Read more about Fall 2013 – Legislative Leadership Changes[…]
Legislators were in Tallahassee the last week of September and the second in October for their initial interim committee weeks in preparation for the 2014 Legislative Session. These first meetings included presentations by staff and others as follow-ups to previous legislative actions and to provide previews of upcoming issues. Outlined below are some highlights from Read more about Fall 2013 Legislative Updates[…]
Over thirty bills went into effect on October 1st and none have received as much attention as the texting while driving ban. The “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law” is a secondary offense, meaning you may not be cited for using a wireless communications device unless you are first pulled over for another driving Read more about Bills in Effect on October 1st[…]
The Fall interim legislative committee meetings are underway and the Legislature is preparing for the 2014 Legislative Session. Governor Rick Scott has yet to select a Lieutenant Governor. Incumbents continue with their campaign re-election efforts. Laws passed during the 2013 session went into effect. And, the Legislature welcomed two new members through special elections.