MORE STORIES

• GOVERNOR'S RACE

  Florida gubernatorial candidates take plenty of time off

  Bill McCollum and Alex Sink, both running for governor, have schedules most citizens can only dream of -- though both say they work longer hours than their schedules indicate.

• FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT

  At FPL rate hearing, Plantation power outage gets attention

  Chronic outages in Plantation drew attention at a Florida Power & Light rate hearing on Wednesday.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Bill requires FPL boosters to come clean on links to company

  A state lawmaker from West Palm Beach wants those who testify before utility regulators to disclose any relationship with utilities such as FPL.

• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

  At FPL rate hearing, outage complaints get attention

  Everglades High School history teacher Stephanie Nagel arrived home on Wednesday and, once again, her clocks were off.

  It was another sign of the persistent problems she and her neighbors have had with Florida Power & Light's electric service to the Mirror Lake Estates neighborhood in Plantation.

• FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT

  FPL spends almost $5M pursuing rate increase case

  FPL made a concession on executive pay but was forced to justify to regulators how it pays its high-wage staff.

• GAMBLING

  House asks federal government to halt Seminole casino games

  The Florida House asked the federal government to shut down Seminole casino games.

• Florida House asks federal government to stop Seminole games

  The Florida House of Representatives declared an impasse Wednesday in gambling talks with the Seminole Tribe of Florida and asked the federal government to stop casino games on the tribe's reservations.

• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

  Four on list for PSC replacement

  Gov. Charlie Crist received nominees to replace a utility board member who resigned. A decision is expected by Tuesday.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Session on transportation issues in limbo

  A special session for state lawmakers to consider transportation projects is in question, as the House speaker considers the idea.

• Crist gets list of nominees to fill PSC vacancy

  Meeting for less than half an hour, the Public Service Nominating Council Tuesday sent Gov. Charlie Crist the names of four previous nominees to fill an unexpired term on the state utility board.

• COASTAL OIL DRILLING

  Oil-drilling interests targeting state senate

  After failing once before, proponents of coastal oil drilling will target the state's senate.

• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

  PSC messages reveal level of distrust within agency

  Private messages from Public Service Commissioners offer a window into the internal strife and distrust within the ranks of the agency.

• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

  Lawmaker: PSC's `culture ... needs to be disinfected'

  An FPL advocate and a legislator each called for more probes into Florida's top utilities regulator.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Healthcare advisor abruptly resigns

  Florida's chief healthcare regulator announced her resignation -- signaling her intent to run for a state Cabinet post.

• THE LEGISLATURE

  Drilling backers, foes prepare for big fight

  The state Legislature will be the battleground next spring as supporters and foes of offshore oil drilling ramp up their respective campaigns.

• PUBLIC CORRUPTION

  Crist calls for grand jury on public corruption

  On the day he called for a grand jury to investigate public corruption, Gov. Charlie Crist was mum about his ties to indicted political fundraiser Alan Mendelsohn.

• U.S. SENATE

  Crist calls for grand jury on public corruption

  Responding to a "rash of crimes'' by public officials, Gov. Charlie Crist announced Wednesday that he wanted to empanel a statewide grand jury to root out corruption.

• SUNSHINE LAW

  McCollum seeking to 'bust the myth' that new technologies skirt Sunshine Law

  Amid confusion by state employees, Attorney General Bill McCollum will clarify how the Sunshine Law covers new technology.

• PSC

  Joint investigation finds no criminal wrongdoing at Public Service Commission

  After a joint investigation, no criminal wrongdoing has been found at the Public Service Commission.

• FRAUD INVESTIGATION

  Alan Mendelsohn case: Checks, lies and audiotape

  FBI recordings reveal a turning point in a two-year corruption investigation that resulted in the indictment of a Broward eye doctor at the center of a GOP fundraising scandal.

• ANALYSIS

  Key issues dog Gov. Charlie Crist's legacy

  With little more than a year to go in his term, Charlie Crist's record as Florida's governor is mixed on issues such as insurance and the economy.

• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

  PSC troubles prompt widespread calls for reform

  Troubles at the Public Service Commission prompt widespread calls for reforms and questions on whether change will happen.

• MENDELSOHN INDICTMENT

  Mendelsohn indictment sheds light on Capitol power play

  Political player Alan Mendelsohn's alleged fundraising and lobbying scams shine a spotlight on how business is conducted in the state Capitol.

• LEGISLATURE

  Politics, careers often at odds in Florida Legislature

  In Florida's `citizen Legislature,' some lawmakers' personal lives -- and livelihoods -- are strikingly close to their legislative work.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Ray Sansom probe panel hires prosecutor

  A five-member legislative panel investigating former House Speaker Ray Sansom's conduct could exonerate him or recommend a penalty ranging from reprimand to expulsion.

• FLORIDA'S ECONOMY

  Economists warn of another big Florida budget deficit

  Economists warn that Florida faces another budget deficit, mostly due to the growing Medicaid rolls.

• FLORIDA HOUSE

  Judge drops key charges against former House Speaker Ray Sansom

  A judge dismissed misconduct charges against ex-House Speaker Ray Sansom and two co-defendants, putting the case in doubt.

• FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT

  PSC to decide: Who'll pay for FPL's $1.6B pipeline?

  State regulators are set to decide Tuesday if FPL should ask customers to shoulder the cost of a $1.6 billion natural gas pipeline or seek investors to pay for it.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Florida legislators' fundraising back in session

  Lawmakers are back in Tallahassee for committee meetings, but they'll also be raising money for campaigns.

• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

  Lame-duck member of Public Service Commission quits post

  An embattled member of the state's utility regulation panel stepped down early, as the agency battles ethics allegations.

• ALAN MENDELSOHN FRAUD CASE

  Broward fundraiser's indictment portrays a life of sex, lies, power

  A prominent Broward County doctor who detoured into state politics as a formidable fundraiser took a spectacular tumble last week, after being charged with defrauding political donors.

• PSC outsiders stressed their independence, watchdog skills

  The two new commissioners appointed to the state's utility regulation board persuaded the governor and nominating council that they were prepared for the job, one by pitching himself as an independent voice, the other as a budget trimmer.

• BROWARD COUNTY

  Broward political fundraiser arrested in fraud probe

  An unnamed former public official took payments from a prominent Broward political fundraiser who was arrested Wednesday on federal fraud and influence-peddling charges, according to an indictment.

• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

  Gov. Chrlie Crist to fill two open posts on PSC

  Gov. Charlie Crist faces a deadline this week to decide whom to put on the embattled board that sets electric rates.

• State regulators extend deadline for FPL's request to raise rates

  A week before the governor must decide whether to reappoint him to the Public Service Commission, the chairman of the state utility regulation panel ruled Friday that the largest rate case of his term should extend into January -- and into the new terms of either his or his successor.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Probe of cleared PSC commissioner called incomplete

  Ethics investigators failed to match up a utility regulator's story with the record, raising questions about whether the ethics charges should be renewed.

• RAY SANSOM SCANDAL

  State attorney: Evidence reveals Sansom opened key e-mails

  State Attorney Willie Meggs told Leon County Judge Terry Lewis on Wednesday morning that he will soon submit discovery evidence showing that e-mails sent to former House Speaker Ray Sansom regarding the $6 million airport hangar sought by developer Jay Odom were in fact opened.

• State attorney: Evidence reveals Sansom opened key e-mails

  State Attorney Willie Meggs told Leon County Judge Terry Lewis on Wednesday morning that he will soon submit discovery evidence showing that e-mails sent to former House Speaker Ray Sansom regarding the $6 million airport hangar sought by developer Jay Odom were in fact opened.

• ELECTIONS

  Voting machine monopoly seen in Florida

  In a new elections controversy, one company could control nearly all of Florida's voting machines.

• THE LEGISLATURE

  Fla. lawmaker tried to get funding for ACORN while wife was lobbyist

  A Florida lawmaker tried to get state funding for ACORN in 2007, though his wife was a lobbyist for the group, records say.

• ELDER AFFAIRS

  AARP, state agree to plan that could please seniors

  AARP and the state have agreed on a plan that requires Florida to spend up to $27 million in the coming year to move thousands of poor elderly residents from nursing homes to community-based programs.

• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

  PSC commissioner won't step down; FPL releases partial corporate-flight log

  A Florida utility regulator apologized for some of her decisions and proposed new rules for conduct as the Public Service Commission sought to restore public trust.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Critics say technology is enemy of open government

  The growing use of difficult-to-trace e-communications has raised concerns about public officials circumventing open-government laws.

• Crist: Campaign shouldn't repay state for personal security

  They shadow Gov. Charlie Crist everywhere: the well-dressed, expressionless agents who provide physical protection for the governor.

  FDLE agents even escort Crist to personal events, which means Florida taxpayers are on the hook for security when Crist is at private homes raising money for his U.S. Senate campaign. (Previous governors had the same level of security.)

• VISITING DIGNITARIES

  Florida taxpayers pick up tab for politicians who visit the Sunshine State

  Florida provides security to politicians who visit the Sunshine State -- and taxpayers pick up the tab.

• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

  Troubled PSC ignored past reforms

  A shelved grand jury report from 1992 recommended ways to curb criticisms now facing state utility regulators.

• U.S. SENATE RACE | ANALYSIS

  Charlie Crist could be vulnerable in race for U.S. Senate

  Crist's popularity as governor doesn't always extend to members of his own Republican Party, and that might make him vulnerable as he runs for U.S. Senate.

• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

  Ethics panel dismisses complaint against PSC member

  An ethics complaint against a Public Service Commission member was dismissed, leaving the man who made the complaint `livid.'

• HEALTHCARE REFORM

  Florida counts cost of likely Medicaid expansion

  The national healthcare debate misses one key point for Florida and other states: how to handle the cost of Medicaid's likely expansion.

• FLORIDA'S CONSTITUTION

  Lawmaking duo wants voters to add more `sunshine'

  After former House Speaker Ray Sansom's indictment, legislators want to change the Constitution to clean up lawmaking.

• STATE GOVERNMENT

  PSC member faces hearing over e-mail from FPL lobbyist

  An ethics complaint against a Public Service Commission member gets a hearing Friday as trouble continues to haunt regulators.

• RAY SANSOM CASE

  Judge issues rules for ex-House speaker's trial

  Ex-House Speaker Ray Sansom wil be tried on charges of official misconduct alongside former college president Bob Richburg, but the men will be tried separately on perjury charges, a judge ruled.

• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

  Public Service Commission halts own BlackBerry texting

  Regulators halted the use of text messaging on their own phones as their relationship with utilities continues to come under fire.

• LEGISLATURE

  Miami legislator files complaint against Florida House speaker

  A state lawmaker compared House Speaker Larry Cretul to a dictator and filed a complaint against him for changing House committees.

• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

  Public Service Commission lobbyist steps down

  The fallout continues at the Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities, as one lobbyist resigns and two staffers are put on leave.

• POLITICS

  Work by incoming Sen. George LeMieux, his law firm draws scrutiny

  Florida's new senator, transformed from little-known insider to major political figure, is facing scrutiny of his dealings at his law firm.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Public Service Commission aide fired over codes

  A state utility regulator fired her aide after the aide admits to sharing BlackBerry codes with a Florida Power & Light executive.

• STATE SPENDING

  Ill-fated real estate deal costs Florida $266 million

  The Florida board that invests public money for current and future retirees bet on a Manhattan real estate deal -- and lost every penny of a $250 million investment.

• Florida's new senator is facing scrutiny for dealings

  When Gov. Charlie Crist anointed George LeMieux as Florida's new U.S. senator, he did more than hand his closest adviser the plum job of a lifetime.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Ray Sansom appears in court seeking dismissal of case

  Ex-House Speaker Ray Sansom attended the first major hearing since his indictment on felony official misconduct charges.

• TALLAHASSEE

  State may invest in Florida real estate

  Officials consider investing in Florida real estate to help boost the state's pension fund.

• FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

  Florida lawmakers want names behind political attack ads

  The hardball tactics used by attack groups in a state senate race could be just a prelude of tough campaigning in 2010 as lawmakers plan to close an election-law loophole.

• Campaign to drill off Florida's coast has cash, confidence

  A coalition of legislators, business groups and Texas oil companies is working to open the door to leasing the waters off Florida's western shores for possible exploratory oil drilling.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Florida's Public Service Commission probed amid FPL rate bid

  State utility regulators considering an FPL rate increase are facing questions from Florida law enforcement officials about potential conflicts of interest.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Ray Sansom case goes to court

  The case against ex-House Speaker Ray Sansom heads to court Wednesday, with the embattled state legislator's lawyer expected to argue that the state has insufficient evidence to prove official misconduct.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Florida OK's $1.5M settlement over federal penalty

  Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday approved a $1.5 million settlement with the federal government, the state's negotiated penalty for illegally selling drivers' personal information to companies and individuals.

• POLITICS

  Quest to fill Mel Martinez's Senate seat continues

  Charlie Crist should have realized something was up when C.W. Bill Young arrived for the job interview in sneakers and an untucked polo shirt.

  Young was among 10 people, including former U.S. Rep. Mike Bilirakis of Palm Harbor, the governor had summoned for interviews about being appointed to fill out the 16 months of Mel Martinez's Senate term.

• RAY SANSOM CASE

  IRS may join Ray Sansom probe

  An anonymous complaint to the IRS against former Ray Sansom alleges the former House speaker violated tax law by using GOP funds for personal items and not declaring it as income.

• STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

  Changes made in key Florida House committee posts

  Among the biggest winners was Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, as House Speaker Larry Cretul reshuffled committee posts.

• UTILITIES

  Political clout bolsters FPL push for rate increase

  FPL is armed with influence and powerful support as it makes its case to raise customer electric rates.

• THE LEGISLATURE

  Miami State Rep. Erik Fresen facing foreclosure

  Miami State Rep. Erik Fresen, who is vying to become House speaker in 2014, faces a foreclosure fight over a property-tax dispute.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Phone company fined for overcharges

  A company that overcharged families of prison inmates for phone calls agreed to fines but no refunds.

• FLORIDA POLITICS

  Charlie Crist defends his conservative credentials

  Narrowly avoiding censure in a dramatic county vote, Gov. Charlie Crist is trying to woo conservatives as many turn against him.

• ENERGY

  Florida electric utilities keep top salaries top secret

  Two electric companies won't disclose their executive pay packages, saying it's not the public's business.

• U.S. SUPREME COURT

  Florida lobbyists urge overturning of state's ban on gifts to lawmakers

  Florida lobbyists asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday to review the state's ban on lobbyists buying gifts and meals for legislators in light of the high court's review of a similar case.

• TALLAHASSEE

  In Ray Sansom's case, the system itself is on trial

  When the Legislature punishes one of its own, the process can be tense and embarrassing amid the glare of publicity.

• LEGISLATURE

  Florida House to investigate ex-Speaker Sansom's dealings with college

  A legislative panel will begin investigating Tuesday whether ex-House Speaker Sansom damaged public confidence in his dealings with a North Florida college.

• LEGISLATURE

  New details in Sansom case

  More details emerge in the criminal investigation into relationship between former House Speaker Ray Sansom and the North Florida college that gave him a $110,000-a-year, part-time job the same day he was sworn in.

• STATE GOVERNMENT

  Road contractors lose automatic pay raises

  Florida's Department of Transportation said it will stop giving automatic pay hikes to private road contractors after a state senator raised questions. Other state departments may follow suit.

• LEGISLATURE

  Eleanor Sobel's Senate campaign linked to attack ads

  A deposition in a lawsuit alleging unfair political attacks has opened a window into how third-party groups work -- and the role of supporters of state Sen. Eleanor Sobel.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Talks over Seminole gambling agreement on hold

  Florida's long-debated Seminole gambling deal has reached a standstill, with an Aug. 31 deadline looming.

• JIM KING | 1939 -- 2009

  Florida Senate leader Jim King dies

  Jim King, long-time Florida Republican legislator known for one-liners and being passionate about healthcare issues, has died of pancreatic cancer. He was 69.

• PRISON POPULATION

  Record number of `lifers' in U.S. prisons, study finds

  A record number of criminals are serving life prison sentences, and in Florida, two of them are juveniles with their cases under review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

• LEGISLATURE

  Lawmakers fly private on taxpayers' dime

  Some legislators have been flying to Tallahassee on private planes linked to lobbyists -- and billing taxpayers for the flights.

• REPUBLICAN PARTY | U.S. SENATE CAMPAIGN

  Marco Rubio's top advisors become volunteers

  Two top advisors for Republican Marco Rubio's U.S. Senate campaign won't be paid for their services, raising questions about the candidate's viability and struggles to raise money.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Florida Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp now a candidate for attorney general

  Florida Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp says he'll run for the state's attorney general post.

• GOVERNOR'S RACE

  Alex Sink's fundraising success could mean trouble for GOP

  The Democrats' early success in fundraising could spell trouble for Republicans in the 2010 governor's race.

• DRIVING

  Florida's worst drivers will have to retake driving test

  Rack up three crash-related tickets in three years and you'll be back behind the wheel -- for a driving test -- under a new Florida law that becomes effective Jan. 1.

• PUBLIC MONEY

  Audit: Top Florida officials spent $51K on plane commutes

  In never-released findings, auditors concluded that top state officials spent thousands commuting to their homes or taking 'unnecessary legs during business trips' using state aircraft.

• Investigator issues report on Sansom dealings

  The special investigator hired by the Florida House of Representatives to investigate Rep. Ray Sansom's dealings with a Panhandle college has concluded that there is probable cause that the former speaker of the House violated House rules and could be sanctioned.

• CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ALEX SINK

  Alex Sink orders her office to review her state-plane use

  As questions continue about state-plane use by Cabinet officials, Alex Sink orders an internal review of her own plane use.

• LEGISLATURE

  Florida House panel to review Sansom case

  Former House Speaker Ray Sansom faces possible sanctions after an investigator says he may have damaged confidence in the House.

• FLORIDA

  Florida governor candidates defend use of state planes

  Travel records show how Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Attorney General Bill McCollum use state planes to get easy access to their Central Florida homes.

• RAY SANSOM CASE

  Document could be the key in Sansom case

  Some seemingly cryptic information on a document could be crucial in the prosecution of Ray Sansom, former Florida House speaker.

• RAY SANSOM CASE

  U.S. takes up investigation of former Florida House speaker

  Investigations into the dealings of former House Speaker Ray Sansom continue, despite his indictment.

• STATE SENATE

  Gov. Charlie Crist's veto was payback for lack of support, state Sen. Steve Oelrich says

  A senator suspects Crist's veto of his student transportation bill was a form of retaliation.

• GAMBLING

  Seminoles balk at Florida's new casino legislation

  The gambling legislation awaiting Gov. Charlie Crist's signature isn't likely to win the Seminole Tribe's cooperation, the tribe's attorney says.

• FLORIDA PRISONS

  Florida Legislature gives OK to ship inmates out of state

  Sending criminals to out-of-state prisons is a 'safety valve' for Florida's overpopulated prisons.

• Crist's high court pick puts him in political center

  Charlie Crist seated his fourth Supreme Court nominee, burnishing his reputation as a center-leaning governor

• GOVERNMENT SPENDING

  Senator criticizes Florida's privatization initiatives

  A state senator is renewing his criticism of privatization over a no-bid contract.

• OTHER LEGISLATION

  Boost in tuition set for 11 Florida colleges

  Gov. Charlie Crist on Monday signed into law one of his top priorities of 2009: a bill that allows all 11 state universities to increase tuition by as much as 15 percent a year.

• LAND DEVELOPMENT

  Crist signs controversial growth-management bill

  Florida Gov. Charlie Crist signed a controversial growth management bill that some say will stimulate the state's economy but others warn will increase urban sprawl.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Florida officials' salaries to be cut 2 percent

  Though Gov. Charlie Crist bragged state worker pay wouldn't be cut, his salary and that of a thousand other officials will still be reduced.

• Another indictment for former House Speaker Ray Sansom

  A grand jury investigating Ray Sansom's ties to a Panhandle college issued a second round of indictments Wednesday, accusing the ousted House speaker of lying about a developer's plans to store aircraft in a taxpayer-funded building.

• LEGISLATURE

  Gov. Charlie Crist: Florida budget is best it can be

  Gov. Charlie Crist signed the state budget and vetoed only two items -- but broke a no-new-tax pledge.

• Developer in Ray Sansom scandal indicted

  A grand jury Wednesday indicted a private developer at the center of a political storm involving former House Speaker Ray Sansom and a $6 million airport project.

• STATE BUDGET

  Group finds Dade 'turkeys' in Florida budget

  Florida TaxWatch found 10 projects worth $15 million that it urges Gov. Charlie Crist to veto.

• DEVELOPMENT

  Legislation to ease development rules disputed

  Gov. Charlie Crist is under pressure to veto a bill that loosens a transportation requirement for new development.

• STATE TAXES

  Gov. Charlie Crist to approve cigarette tax

  Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday he's ready to hit smokers up for a buck a pack more.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Broward scores few victories in legislative session

  Broward lawmakers faced a difficult legislative session this year, but with a record $6 billion budget deficit, so did most other counties.

• HIALEAH

  Miami legislators come together to bring new life to Hialeah Park race course

  In a rare show of unity, Miami legislators were on the same page -- and the 'stars and moon' aligned -- in the effort to bring new life to Hialeah Park.

• STATE BUDGET

  Lawmakers tout wins for Dade

  Miami-Dade legislators returned home with a long list of victories in a difficult budget year.

• STATE BUDGET

  Economic rebound won't be enough to save Florida's budget in 2010

  After draining its savings this year, Florida faces doubly difficult choices next year because of a tax structure that depends on population growth.

• PROPERTY TAXES

  Voters to have say on tax plan to help home buyers

  One of the tax plans that Florida voters will consider next year would give first-time home buyers a break on their tax bills.

• STATE BUDGET

  Economic rebound won't be enough to save Florida's budget in 2010

  After draining its savings this year, Florida faces doubly difficult choices next year because of a tax structure that depends on population growth.

• LEGISLATURE

  Florida Legislature finds a way to balance budget

  The 2009 legislative session ended as lawmakers balanced the budget with federal stimulus money and many new fees for Floridians.

• LEGISLATURE

  Author of Bright Futures scholarships to leave state Senate early

  Sen. Ken Pruitt, a top state Republican who founded Florida's Bright Futures college scholarship program, will leave office early to spend more time with his family in Port St. Lucie.

• LEGISLATURE

  State lawmakers OK new deal on gambling

  Lawmakers overcame gambling resistance and passed a historic plan to allow the Seminoles to continue offering casino games.

• Florida's tourism agency replaces its CEO

  Amid state budget tensions, Visit Florida, the state's tax-assisted tourism promotion firm, announced Friday that it is replacing its president and CEO as part of a larger staff shake-up.

• Florida legislators set to wrap up session

  The final day. Finally. A week late and many tense negotiations later, lawmakers Friday are poised to end their overtime 2009 legislative session by voting on a $66.5 billion state budget that is propped up with federal stimulus dollars, a dollar-a-pack cigarette tax and scores of other new fees affecting millions of Floridians.

• THE ENVIRONMENT

  U.S. help on horizon for Everglades, beaches

  Break out the swimsuits: Beach advocates are excited over big spending for beaches in President Barack Obama's proposed budget.

• Florida lawmakers to vote on $66.5 billion budget

  A week later than they hoped, legislators return to the Capitol Thursday to vote out a $66.5 billion budget to finish their only constitutional duty.

• SEMINOLE TRIBE

  Florida Legislature reaches compromise on Seminole gambling revenues

  Hialeah Park would reopen and the Seminole Tribe would be allowed to expand slots to all its reservations under a compromise reached in Tallahassee. The tribe must approve the deal.

• TRAFFIC SAFETY

  Florida seat belt law just got tougher

  Starting June 30, Florida police will be allowed to stop and cite motorists for not wearing their seat belts.

• Touting state's frugality cost taxpayers $2,400

  Florida's fiscal watchdog spent $2,400 for a trip with three staffers to laud cost savings at a call center.

• THE LEGISLATURE

  Florida's property tax debate is on again

  Business leaders have emerged as unlikely critics of proposed property tax cuts that will go to Florida voters next year.

• FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

  Condo foreclosure reform effort fizzles in Florida Legislature

  Efforts to increase the amount banks must pay condo associations for units in foreclosure died in the legislative session, as legislators continue grappling with the state's budget problems.

• FLORIDA'S BUDGET

  Get ready for more taxes, less service from Florida budget deal

  Hiking taxes and fees, state lawmakers hammered out the last details to get a budget deal done.

• RETIREMENT

  Double-dipping law could snare Florida's secretary of state

  A crackdown on ''double dipping'' with a pension and a paycheck means Florida's secretary of state may leave office.

• GAMBLING

  Florida Senate to offer 'substantial' gambling compromise

  Gambling expansion for the Seminoles and parimutuels is unresolved as a Friday deadline looms.

• Condo foreclosure reform effort fizzles

  Florida's condominium associations will likely face another challenging year of fighting lenders and struggling with budget shortfalls after lawmakers ended their annual session without taking up condo foreclosure reform.

• Local school boards get permission to raise taxes

  State lawmakers gave school boards the unsavory option of raising taxes if they want to replenish their construction budgets.

• TALLAHASSEE | EDUCATION SPENDING

  Education bills flunk out in the Florida Legislature

  They were introduced with much fanfare and backed by heavyweights, but that did not keep high-profile education bills from dying in the Florida Legislature in a budget-crisis year.

• MORTGAGE BROKERS

  Florida's mortgage brokers face tighter regulation

  To combat rampant mortgage fraud, Florida legislators are imposing tough new laws in an attempt to keep crooked brokers out of the industry.

• LEGISLATURE 2009

  Legislature's scorecard for 2009: 1 new tax, little reform

  Despite plans to push a broad tax review, legislators chose to pass the easiest single tax, and not much more.

• Effort to review toll road plans dies in the House

  BY BREANNE GILPATRICK

• PROPERTY INSURANCE

  Citizens insurance hikes win approval in Florida Legislature

  Increases of up to 10 percent on Citizens Insurance premiums win approval in the Legislature.

• EDUCATION

  Legislature spares Florida public schools from the worst

  Florida's public schools were breathing easier after finding that funding cuts will not be as drastic as had been expected.

• HEALTHCARE

  Jeb Bush's Medicaid legacy frets lawmakers

  Florida must adopt managed-care for Medicaid statewide or could lose federal funding, lawmakers were told.

• MIAMI DADE COLLEGE

  Tax ballot for Miami Dade College blocked in state House

  Fear of taxes thwarted Miami Dade College's effort to win state approval for putting a half-cent tax for the college before county voters.

• LEGISLATURE

  State budget remains undone for now

  Legislators, unable to ignore a budget crisis, raised tuition and taxes and rejected a rail line and offshore drilling.

• STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM

  Florida governor gets bill to end retiree double-dipping

  Legislators closed a loophole that has let thousands of public employees draw their salaries and retirement pay at the same time.

• Miami-Dade stamp surchage bill on its way to the governor

  BY BREANNE GILPATRICK Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau

• Effort to review toll road plans dies in the House

  BY BREANNE GILPATRICK Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau

• Transportation bill may hamper Alligator Alley privatization

  TALLAHASSEE -- A provision that Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando, and Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres, helped attach to a larger transportation bill would require that all plans to privatize state roadways first be reviewed by the state's Council on Efficient Government -- a deal that could affect a proposal to privatize Alligator Alley.

• MIAMI DADE COLLEGE

  Lawmaker might thwart Miami Dade College's bid to ask Dade voters for money

  The financial salvation for Miami Dade College is near death in Tallahassee -- on the final day of the session -- with a lawmaker from Broward apparently standing in the bill's way.

• LEGISLATURE

  Legislature takes first step toward curbing Florida's pill mills

  A bill passed by the Legislature could help contain the growth of illegal drug sales that made Broward County the nation's `pill mill capital.'

• FLORIDA BUDGET

  State legislative leaders haven't agreed yet on handling state worker pay cuts

  Legislative leaders haven't talked yet about how to handle pay cuts for state workers -- an issue that snagged budget talks.

• HIGHER EDUCATION

  Bright Futures scholarships take hit

  Florida's Bright Futures scholarship program will pass on the state's tuition increase to students and families.

• FLORIDA SENATE

  Florida Senate briefly bans state Rep. Baxter Troutman

  A state representative was briefly banned from the Senate floor after a dispute with another lawmaker.

• Much remains for lawmakers to decide in extended session

  Prescription drug fraud. Phone rates. Worker's compensation. Citizens Property Insurance. Commuter rail in Central Florida. These are among issues coming up for a vote today and Friday in the state lawmaking session.

• EDUCATION

  Effort to boost high-school standards fails

  The first major piece of education legislation declared dead this session is the push to raise graduation standards for high school students.

• LEGISLATURE | BROWARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE

  House OKs additional $1.8 million for slain BSO deputy's family

  The House overwhelmingly approved allowing the family of BSO deputy Todd Fatta, killed in 2004, to collect $1.8 million over the state payment cap.

• LEGISLATURE | FLORIDA SEAPORTS

  Florida seaport security headed for centralization

  A proposal to streamline state port security requirements is headed to the governor after clearing the Florida Senate on Wednesday.

• GROWTH MANAGEMENT

  Florida House OK's easing growth limits

  The Florida House rejected an agency head's warning and passed a growth rewrite bill.

• STATE BUDGET | GAMBLING

  Gambling deal unlikely to be reached

  Lawmakers have been unable to reach an agreement on gambling expansion in Florida. That means the state may leave millions of dollars on the table during budget negotiations.

• LEGISLATURE

  Lawmakers vow open budget battle

  As Florida lawmakers begin their first full day of sorting out the nitty-gritty of their budget details, they've promised to do it in the open.

• GAMBLING

  New games in the pipeline

  Horse and dog tracks are pushing for video-style machines that allow betting on the replay of old races.

• FLORIDA PANHANDLE

  NW Florida college cancels hangar project, fires president

  A controversial airport project for a Northwest Florida college is abandoned by the Board of Trustees and the college president fired in the wake of the indictment of former House Speaker Ray Sansom.

• LEGISLATURE | HIGHWAY SAFETY

  Legislature close to passing mandatory seat belt law

  A bill that would allow law enforcement to ticket drivers simply for not wearing a seat belt is poised to pass after winning overwhelming support in the Senate.

• TRANSPORTATION

  Cutler Bay, Doral, and Miami Gardens get good news

  The Florida House and Senate signed off on a measure that could give transportation money to Cutler Bay, Doral, and Miami Gardens.

• STATE BUDGET

  Florida Legislature close on budget agreement

  Legislative leaders broke an impasse over the budget, but big differences remain. Taxes and fees will rise.

• HIGHER EDUCATION

  Florida Senate OK's bill to increase university tuition

  Tuition hikes of up to 15 percent for Florida's universities gain momentum as the bill passes the Senate and heads to the House.

• FRAUD

  House passes bill targeting healthcare fraud

  The Florida House approved tighter licensing and residency rules for certain healthcare providers in an attempt to reduce Medicare and Medicaid fraud.

• LEGISLATURE | TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

  Red-light surveillance bill advances

  A bill approving the use of surveillance cameras targeting red-light runners moved closer to final approval after it was green-lighted in the House Monday.

• OIL DRILLING

  Florida House approves oil drilling bill, but Senate won't hear it

  The Florida House passed a bill to authorize oil drilling off Florida's shores, but Senate leaders said the bill was dead for this session.

• BUDGET

  Workers resent pay-cut plan

  With some lawmakers considering cutting state worker pay, the message is loud and clear to some: They're not valued.

• ANTI-CRIME LEGISLATION

  House approves bill to protect police informers

  With the anniversary of their daughter's death a week away, Rachel Hoffman's parents watched tearfully Monday as lawmakers passed a bill to protect police informers.

• LICENSE PLATES

  Florida could issue Jesus, cross license plates

  Florida would issue a license plate with the image of Jesus and another with a cross if lawmakers pass a bill now in the Legislature.

• Florida lawmakers returning to work as budget impasse continues

  Will the House and Senate dig in further or will there be a miraculous agreement on the budget? That is the question hanging over the Capitol on Monday morning as lawmakers return to work after closed-door budget talks reached a low point Friday.

• THE LEGISLATURE

  Oil companies push Florida legislature for offshore drilling

  Late in the legislative session, a group of mostly anonymous oil and gas companies have hired at least 20 lobbyists to push bills that would allow offshore drilling in Florida.

• PRESCRIPTION DRUG SALES

  Law may lack teeth to rein in pill mills

  Even if the Legislature approves a bill to slow illegal painkiller prescriptions, storefront pain clinics will still be able to operate with little scrutiny.

• STATE LEGISLATURE

  Stymied budget taking toll on Republican lawmakers

  As the Legislature gridlocks, the Republicans who control the process fear for the strength of their party after more than a decade in power.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Opa-locka tobacco firm wins reprieve on extra 45-cent tax

  Dosal Tobacco gets good news from Florida House leaders as workers protest a possible tobacco surcharge in Tallahassee

• TALLAHASSEE

  Tallahassee's storied Silver Slipper serves its last meal

  A legendary Tallahassee restaurant that fed politicians and lobbyists for decades has closed its doors, a victim of the economy.

• LICENSE PLATES

  Florida may issue Christian license plates

  Florida would issue a license plate with the image of Jesus and another with a cross if lawmakers pass a bill now in the Legislature.

• PRESCRIPTION SALES

  Florida Senate approves bill to track prescription drug

  The Florida Senate approved a bill creating a database to track prescription drug sales in an effort to curb 'doctor shopping' and illegal drug trafficking.

• COMPENSATION CLAIMS

  Florida Senate OK's $30.76M award in case against BSO

  Two Broward compensation bills cleared the Senate on Friday in the cases of a paralyzed man and a slain sheriff's deputy.

• STATE BUDGET

  No agreement reached yet on state budget plan

  Legislators quit budget talks Friday, all but admitting they won't finish their work before May 1, the end of the 60-day lawmaking session.

• Dosal Tobacco gets good news from Florida House leaders

  Dosal Tobacco's Opa-locka plant shut its doors Friday as 165 employees from around the state traveled to Tallahassee overnight to protest a House plan to impose a 45-cents-per-pack tax on their low-cost cigarettes.

• Tuition increase, property insurance top Florida Legislature agenda

  With budget negotiations still stalled, lawmakers in the House and Senate Friday will busy themselves with final votes on some major legislation, including bills to raise state university tuition and to remedy Florida's property insurance crisis.

• STATE BUDGET

  Education funds at center of secret talks

  Education money takes center stage in Tallahassee as the budget process continues to stall.

• GAMBLING

  Gov. Charlie Crist touts gambling revenue's benefits at school

  Parents and teachers at Riverside Elementary welcomed a visit by Gov. Charlie Crist, but some were wary of his plan to expand gambling in Florida to generate more money for the state's budget.

• EDUCATION

  Raised high-school standards pass in Florida House, await Senate vote

  Changes in education policy heading through the Florida House included a new requirement for a civics class for middle school students -- but only if the Senate agrees.

• ELECTIONS OVERHAUL

  Watered-down version of elections law faces House

  A weakened version of an elections law overhaul heads to the House after an earlier version triggered strong criticism.

• Florida university leaders poised to bash budget

  One of the most explosive issues of the legislative session -- higher education money -- takes center stage Thursday when the leaders of the state's university system plan to converge on the Capitol and bash the proposed budget of the Florida House of Representatives.

• SEMINOLE TRIBE

  Seminoles offer $1 billion to seal gambling deal

  The Seminole Tribe offered $1.1 billion to entice lawmakers to support their gambling plan.

• EDUCATION

  Federal education money waiting on Florida

  Florida has not filed a waiver to receive federal stimulus dollars for education.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Future speaker of House a power in secret budget talks

  A future legislative leader is playing a major behind-the-scenes role in shaping budget talks -- with an eye on when he controls the Florida House.

• HEALTHCARE

  Florida House passes Medicaid changes

  A plan to restructure the panel that recommends how the state doles out Medicaid money is headed to the Senate floor after clearing the House Wednesday.

• Bills take center stage in Florida Legislature

  As House and Senate leaders continue to grind away at the budget in secret meetings, their legislative colleagues will meet in session Wednesday to decide the fate of dozens of bills that depend on the outcome of the talks.

• LEGISLATURE

  Legislative budget talks continue -- behind closed doors

  Legislative leaders might be close to a budget deal. But who knows? They're meeting in secret and like it that way.

• COMPENSATION

  Compensation claims against Broward Sheriff's Office clear hurdles

  Compensation claims for the family of a slain Broward Sheriff's Office deputy and for a paralyzed Broward man are now ready for votes by the full Senate.

• HEALTHCARE

  Fate unclear for bill allowing a delay of child vaccines

  Lawmakers are adjusting a bill that would give parents more authority to delay the pace at which their children are vaccinated.

• TOBACCO

  2 bills offer relief to Big Tobacco when smokers sue

  Two bills would shield major tobacco companies from having to post hefty bonds as they face lawsuits from smokers.

• ENVIRONMENT

  Florida House panel OK's oil drilling bill

  The House Policy Council voted 17-6, along party lines, for a bill that opens state waters to exploration. The Senate and governor keep an open mind about the bill.

• Budget deal elusive in final days of Florida legislative session

  With nine days left in the 2009 legislative session, the House and Senate remain far apart on how to resolve their differences over taxing and spending.

• TAXES

  House to consider taxes on mailed magazines, newspapers

  A House panel is promoting a tax bill that's high on new tax breaks and short on revenue.

• MEDICINE

  Plan to monitor pain pills in Florida nears final vote

  A proposed prescription-drug monitoring system is ready for a vote in the House and Senate, after an hour of debate in its last major committee stop.

• OIL EXPLORATION

  Legislator's proposal backs oil drilling off Florida's coast

  A Republican leader is launching a bill to raise money by allowing oil and gas companies to seek permission to drill in Florida's coastal waters.

• House panel OKs tax bill that costs more than it generates

  Buyers of yachts and private airplanes in Florida would be spared from paying the full 6 percent sales tax on their purchase. But magazine subscribers would now start paying taxes.

• THE LEGISLATURE

  Florida lawmakers weigh overhauling system for mentally ill criminals

  Florida lawmakers, pushed by a Miami judge, are considering an overhaul of the system for handling mentally ill criminals.

• STATE BUDGET

  Divided Florida House OK's budget plan

  The House and Senate, with their positions on taxes and gambling staked out, are heading for a showdown next week.

• EDUCATION

  Florida class-size measure moves closer to ballot

  The Florida House approved a measure to send a class-size amendment to voters in a push to loosen requirements to keep classes small.

• ELECTIONS

  Changes at voting polls rile up critics

  A bill that would impose far-reaching changes on Florida's elections moved quickly through a House committee Friday without public debate.

• MEDICINE

  The Johnnie B. Byrd Sr. Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute is desperate for dollars

  A university Alzheimer's research center faces losing a key federal designation if it can't scrape together state dollars for support.

• TAXES

  State Senate OK's $1 cigarette-tax increase

  With a 39-0 vote, the state Senate overcomes the anti-tax mantra and passes a historic increase in the state's cigarette tax.

• SANSOM INVESTIGATION

  Former Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom testifies in front of grand jury

  Former House Speaker Ray Sansom testified before a grand jury that is weighing his fate in a case involving his close ties to a college in his hometown.

• Budget clash is building in Tallahassee

  With their budget plans $547 million apart, the House and Senate Thursday will debate and amend their spending plans for hours. They'll vote the plans out Friday.

• BUDGET

  Federal stimulus money will help state close budget gap

  $4 billion in federal stimulus money will be used during the current budget year.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Education issues in spotlight in final weeks of legislative session

  Key education issues emerged in the final weeks of the legislative session, including class size, graduation standards and rising tuition.

• Florida Legislature has tax breaks for homeowners, shoppers on its mind

  On a day most taxpayers dread, Florida lawmakers spent April 15 pushing bills to provide tax relief. But don't start spending yet -- they also made headway on repealing some sales-tax exemptions, such as on magazine subscriptions and ostrich feed, that would have some taxpayers paying more.

• Tax Day has a different meaning in Tallahassee

  Income tax day will not go unnoticed Wednesday as tax committees in the House and Senate take up bills to either impose new taxes, eliminate tax loopholes or offer new tax breaks to special industries and property tax payers.

• MENTAL HEALTHCARE

  Mental hospital privatization a special issue for lawmaker

  A fight over privatization of a state mental hospital has personal ties for one Florida legislator.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Socially conservative bills stall in Florida Senate

  Socially conservative legislation is failing to make headway as lawmakers focus attention on the state budget squeeze, and Republicans can't count on enough support in the Senate.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Florida could green light red-light cameras on state roads

  A proposal moving in the Legislature would let municipalities install cameras to snare red-light runners on state roads.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Florida lawmakers weigh tax break for yachts and planes

  As state lawmakers pinch pennies to balance the budget, they also consider a tax break on boats and planes that would benefit the wealthy.

• Florida lawmakers have a lot of unfinished business

  It's crunch time in the Florida Legislature, as the House and Senate face the reality of their major philosophical differences over taxing, spending, gambling and other issues.

• Legislators open door for quarter horse racing in Florida

  Legislators are still at odds over whether or not to expand casino gambling, but they appear ready to quietly revive a dead industry in Florida: quarter horse racing.

• Socially conservative bills stall in Florida Senate

  Legislation that would open the door to school prayer and discourage teaching evolution has been declared dead. Prospects don't look good for a proposal to require ultrasounds for first-trimester abortions. Same goes for a bill to make marriage licenses more expensive for couples who don't take a premarriage education course.

• LEGISLATURE

  Miami River businesses push for property-tax relief

  Some Miami River businesses are lobbying legislators to write regulations that would ensure them property-tax relief, stemming from a state constitutional amendment passed last year.

• UNEMPLOYMENT

  Florida's jobless benefits agency overwhelmed by demand

  The overwhelmed state agency that handles unemployment benefits processed 1.3 million jobless claims in 2008, twice as many as in 2007.

• STATE BUDGET

  Federal stimulus cash pumped through Florida's budget

  To balance the budget and help spur the economy, legislators are ready to pour $4 billion in federal stimulus money into the state.

• Challenge to Florida's Cuba travel law heads to court

  A hearing is scheduled in Miami federal court Friday on a challenge to a 2008 Florida law that aims to increase regulation of travel agencies selling trips to Cuba.

• LEGISLATURE

  Miami Rep. David Rivera accused of playing politics in budget

  A ban on embryonic stem-cell research. A prohibition on Cuba travel. More money for Florida International University. These hard-to-spot House budget add-ins inserted by Miami Republican Rep. David Rivera have a distinctly hometown flavor that might not survive the legislative session.

• CIGARETTE TAX

  Florida may target tribes' cigarette sales

  A new 'Indian cigarettes' stamp would help cut down on sales of tax-free cigarettes sold on tribal property, one Senate panel says.

• FLORIDA OPINION POLL

  Poll: Floridians support some new taxes

  A new poll finds that Floridians support some new taxes, including a cigarette tax increase and some service taxes.

• Florida legislators head home for holidays

  Florida legislators are headed home for the holidays. With just over three weeks left in the legislative session, Florida lawmakers left the Capitol late Tuesday for the Easter and Passover break.

• THE BUDGET | TOBACCO TAX

  Florida cigar makers could be spared state tobacco tax

  A tobacco tax to help finance the state's budget could exclude cigars, as lawmakers try to iron out their financial differences before the May 1 end of the legislative session.

• GAMBLING

  Gambling would financially help Florida, economists say

  Revenue forecasters predicted that limited gambling is a good deal for Florida.

• Florida House to discuss class-size amendment

  A plan asking voters to loosen class size standards faces a critical vote in the House Monday. The proposal before the Rules & Calendar Council would halt the classroom initiative, passed by voters in 2002, at a school-wide average, averting a stricter mandate set to begin in 2010.

• FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

  Florida Senate proposes closing corporate tax loopholes

  Corporate giants would lose big tax breaks under a Senate proposal to close loopholes and update Florida's corporate income tax code.

• FLORIDA LOTTERY

  Lottery changing way it picks its advertising agency

  The Lottery is changing its plans for hiring an advertising agency, following criticism.

• GAMBLING

  Florida House panel passes scaled-back gambling bill

  A house panel passed a less extensive tribal gambling bill as Gov. Charlie Crist continued to push for his plan.

• TALLAHASSEE

  Money shortage causing tension among Florida lawmakers

  A flare-up between a Miami representative and the Florida House speaker underscores tensions in a year when money is tight.

• Florida House to take up gaming pact, property insurance

  The Senate has another quiet Friday, but in the House, representatives will take up two weighty issues: Florida's gambling compact with the Seminole Indians, and how best to deal with the Sunshine State's troubled property insurance market.

• EDUCATION

  Per-student spending held steady -- for a price

  Florida's per-student spending is a matter of addition and subtraction in Tallahassee.

• FLORIDA'S COURTS

  Courts' cash crunch in Florida could ease

  Gov. Charlie Crist said he is hopeful he can restore funding slated for state prosecutors and public defenders.

• TAXATION

  Legislature unlikely to close sales tax loopholes this year

  The tax proposals before state lawmakers are not likely to include elimination of sales tax breaks this session, the head of a key Senate committee said Thursday.

• Florida tax plans likely won't end exemptions

  The tax proposals before state lawmakers are not likely to include elimination of the sales tax breaks this session, the head of a key Senate committee said Thursday.

• Florida House to look at raising a variety of fees

  Is a $2 surcharge on rental cars a tax? The question will be answered Thursday at the House Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Committee, which will vote on the most robust package of fees in the Legislature: $837.9 million.

• FLORIDA'S STIMULUS FUNDS

  Stances differ on Florida's use of stimulus funds

  Florida's stimulus czar met with Florida members of Congress to discuss how the state is spending its share of stimulus funds.

• BUDGET

  Florida lawmakers ready to raise fees

  Legislators turn to fees -- on everything from fishing to license plates -- to help pay for the state's budget.

• Florida lawmakers turn to 'fees' to fill budget gap

  Get ready to open your wallets, Floridians. To balance the budget, state legislators are ready to raise the cost of nearly every type of service: $15 for a license to fish off a pier or beach; an extra $1.50 ''reflectorization fee'' on license plates; a new $20 court clerk fee to record the purchase a grave site or ossuary.

• U.S. Sugar land deal scaled back to $533 million

  Gov. Charlie Crist repackaged his plan to buy U.S. Sugar land for Everglades clean-up and announced Wednesday a scaled-back proposal that will cost taxpayers $533 million -- 60 percent less than his original plan -- for 72,500 acres of land.

• Florida Senate panel takes up tax loopholes

  To some it may appear to be an April Fool's Day joke but Florida Republicans are so serious about talking taxes and closing tax loopholes, the issue dominates the Senate Finance and Tax Committee agenda for a second day.

• TAXES

  Florida Senate panel backs cigarette tax hike

  The Senate overcame its no-tax anxiety and gave preliminary approval to a $1 hike in state cigarette tax.

• FLORIDA LOTTERY

  Florida Lottery chief grilled over advertising contract

  Florida's lottery secretary continued a contract for a Miami advertising company despite a legislative order to seek competitive bids.

• PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

  Florida bill aims to ban 'double-dipping' by state workers

  A measure to outlaw 'double-dipping' by state employees who retire and then return to work while still collecting a pension faces a fight in the Legislature.

• Florida Senate panel to vote on cigarette tax hike

  A bipartisan drive to raise Florida's tax on tobacco products for the first time in two decades gets its first formal test Tuesday with a vote in the Senate Finance & Tax Committee.

• TAXES

  Lawmakers consider new taxes on tobacco

  Senators announced a bipartisan push to hike the price of all tobacco products $1 to cover Florida's costs for smoking-relating illness.

• FLORIDA SENATE

  Aid bill for Broward crash victim stalls

  A Broward family's efforts to collect $30.76 million from the Broward Sheriff's Office after a car crash that paralyzed a teen stalled Monday when lawmakers tabled the bill in its first committee stop.

• FLORIDA'S BUDGET

  Lawmakers try to draw Gov. Charlie Crist into budget battle

  Gov. Charlie Crist has stayed out of the budget fray, but lawmakers have begun to question the wisdom of his stance.

• UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

  Sen. Jim King has eye on chancellor job

  State Sen. Jim King, R-Jacksonville, wants to become Florida's next university system chancellor and is ready to step down from the Legislature after 23 years if the Board of Governors will have him.

• REAL ESTATE

  Real estate pros push tax credit advance for home buyers

  A federation of lending and real estate professionals wants Florida lawmakers to find a way to get new home buyers an $8,000 federal tax credit upfront to help them make down payments.

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