Vetos Coming?

The Governor has 14 days to take action on the state budget and 61 bills.

There is some speculation that Crist will use the veto to score political points with voters in his bid for election to the US Senate as an Independent.

Undoubtedly, this is Governor Crist's strongest political position...but whether he will or won't - we'll have to wait and see.

Florida Chamber of Commerce 2010 Legislative Session Summary

Florida Chamber of Commerce 2010 Legislative Session Summary

Oil Spill - To Affect Florida Beaches?

The oil platform accident on BP's Deepwater Horizon rig on April 20 continues to create environmental concerns. The rig continues to spew oil, and BP seems to have failed to anticipate a disaster of this type nor create appropriate contingencies. State and local governments have declared disaster areas. In Florida, the area covered include teh coast from the Alabama state line to Sarasota.

Sine Die

The Florida Legislature just adjourned the 2010 Session "Sine DIe". The tradition of the seargent-at-arms of the House and Senate dropping a hankie in the rotunda signaled the end of a challenging Session.

Goivernor Crist wasn';t in attendance - opting for a fundraiser in Miami.

$70 Billion Approved - Cooling Off Period Begins Today

Early this morning, neogtiators from the House and Sentate completed Conference negotiations on the state's 2010-2011 budget. The Florida Constitution rwequires a 72-hour period between agreement by Conference Committee and final adoption by the HIuse and Senate.

HB 1241 (Patronis) Closes Tourist Tax Loopholes - Passes House

Following a spirited debate, the Florida House passed HB 1241, which clarifies the intent of local-option tourist tax to apply to all transient accomodations. This bill should increase revenue to local DMOs. The bill further defined that service fees charged by Online Travel Agents are not subject to the tourist development tax.

Florida Chamber Weekly Legislative Update - April 23, 2010

Here's the Florida Chamber Weekly Legislative Update for Friday, April 23, 2010.