MORE STORIES

• GUN RIGHTS

  Bill awaiting Gov. Rick Scott's signature has gun rights activists sharply divided

  The NRA’s longtime Florida lobbyist gun rights supporters asking them to support a bill that would prevent some mentally ill people from buying guns.

• ENVIRONMENT

  Gov. Rick Scott signs into law wide-ranging bill opposed by scores of environmentalists

  Asked why he signed a bill that drew hundreds of letters or emails urging him to veto it, Gov. Rick Scott gave a vague response.
• 

  Gaming

  Skill or chance? Maquinitas hold tantalizing clues

  A reporter plays video slots — shut down by a new law — and finds some people are certainly more skilled than he is.

• PROPERTY INSURANCE

  Hue and cry grows over deal for Scott donor

  The list of lawmakers criticizing Citizens Property Insurance Corp. for a $52 million deal with a new insurance company continues to grow. The latest critic: House Speaker Will Weatherford.By Toluse OlorunnipaHerald/Times Tallahassee Bureau

• INSURANCE

  Sweet deal for state taxpayers or Scott donor giveaway?

  Critics see political donations and heavy lobbying by Heritage Property and Casualty as evidence that Citizens Property and Gov. Rick Scott are tapping the insurer’s $6.4 billion surplus for special giveaways to politically-connected companies.

• POLITICS

  Senate president, House speaker tout legislative accomplishments during tour

  Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford hit the road to highlight what they see as success stories of their joint legislative agenda and the 2013 state budget.

• ELECTION LAW

  Gov. Rick Scott signs elections bill to fix long voter lines

  Gov. Rick Scott completed Florida’s election law about-face, signing a bill to reverse changes to early voting laws.

• Tallahassee

  Gov. Scott vetoes hundreds of millions from state budget

  From a coast-to-coast bike trail to tuition increases, Gov. Rick Scott vetoed more than $350 million from the state budget, which he signed Monday.
• 

  STATE BUDGET

  Gov. Rick Scott to veto tuition hike

  When he signs the state budget Monday, the governor is also expected to approve an extra $65 million for safety-net hospitals like Jackson and Broward Health.

• GAMING

  AARP cancels Florida sweepstakes, blames new state gambling law

  A new state law cracking down on gambling prompted the nation’s retirees association to eliminate its contests.

• POLITICS

  Analysts: Supermajority not needed on tax cut vote

  Legislative analysts flip-flopped on whether lawmakers’ vote on Gov. Rick Scott’s manufacturing equipment tax cut was valid.
• 

  POLITICS

  Gov. Rick Scott’s choice: to veto or not to veto?

  Gov. Rick Scott, who campaigned on a pledge to shrink the size of government, has until next week to decide how to trim the largest budget in state history, $74.5 billion.

• In My Opinion

  Fred Grimm: Boondoggle? Hey, it’s for the kids

  Tallahassee has long resonated with talk about our precious, precious school children. Except lately the allusion has become quite literal.

• Tallahassee

  Florida lawmakers pay peanuts for health insurance

  The state House quietly kept members’ health insurance rates low. How low? Less than 9 bucks a month.
• 

  Sun Life Stadium

  Miami Dolphins spent big bucks on campaign for canceled election

  In six weeks, the political campaign for tax dollars to fund a Sun Life Stadium renovation became one of the most expensive in Miami-Dade history.

• Legislature 2013

  Fight over money for tutoring went down to the wire

  South Florida lawmakers led the charge to give millions of dollars to private tutoring firms, even after revelations of fraud and lax oversight in the programs.
• 

  Legislature 2013

  Pet projects may face Governor Rick Scott’s veto pen

  From alligator marketing to rowing centers, the state budget has millions of dollars aimed at lawmakers’ pet projects. The governor has until May 24 to approve or veto them.

• Politifact Florida

  An attack on Gov. Scott that doesn’t add up

  Florida’s Democratic chairman attacked Gov. Scott over his teacher pay promise. Unfortunately, her math didn’t make sense.

• Education

  Bill would allow online vendors better access to public school funding

  Though the vote garnered little attention from outside observers, Republicans hailed it as among the year’s most important victories for school choice.

• Legislature 2013

  Agency puzzled over windfall for springs

  Lawmakers approved spending $10 million to protect the state’s springs, but the Department of Environment Protection doesn’t know what to do with the money.

• Tallahassee

  Governor expected to veto tuition hike

  State universities say they aren’t counting on extra money the Legislature approved.

• GAY RIGHTS

  David Richardson, Florida’s first openly gay lawmaker, to be honored by SAVE Dade

  Gay-rights group SAVE Dade will honor Florida’s first openly gay legislator and two straight political allies.
• 

  News analysis

  Miami-Dade mayor sees no voter ‘animosity’ toward him over Dolphins deal

  Mayor Carlos Gimenez said he is not worried about potential political fallout from the subsidized Sun Life Stadium renovation deal he negotiated with the Miami Dolphins.

• 2013 Legislature

  Despite differences, Miami-Dade lawmakers delivered

  Miami-Dade lawmakers came together to win money for local projects and block property insurance rate hikes.

• Courts

  Federal appeals court: Florida law prohibiting hiring of companies tied to Cuba is unconstitutional

  A three-judge panel affirmed an earlier ruling by a federal judge in Miami blocking the law from taking effect.
• 

  Democrats urge Gov. Rick Scott to call special session on Medicaid

  U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and other Florida Democrats say the state needs to expand Medicaid under a program that would cover another 1 million Floridians using billions in federal money.
• 

  LEGISLATURE

  Weatherford’s veer to the right confuses Democrats, wins support from Republicans

  The House Speaker’s veer to the right confuses Democrats, but helps him win support from Republicans.

• POLITICS

  Legislature 2013: Winners and losers

  Below, a list of some of the bills that were approved or failed in the 2013 legislative session. Unless noted, the bills that passed still must be signed by Gov. Rick Scott before they become the law of the land.

• Cancer treatment bill awaits Scott’s signature

  Among the healthcare-related achievements of the legislative session that ended last week: passage of the Cancer Treatment Fairness Act, a bill that now awaits the signature — or veto — of Gov. Rick Scott. It would require insurance companies to cover oral chemotherapy treatment in the same manner they cover the treatment when administered intravenously by injection.

• Politics

  Marc Caputo: Why Dolphins owner Stephen Ross — not House Speaker Will Weatherford — owns stadium-deal death

  Success has many fathers in the Florida Legislature. The Miami Dolphins stadium deal is an orphan.

• To Our Readers

  From the Editor: Legislative session’s over, but The Herald’s vigilance isn’t

  More than 1,800 bills were filed during this year’s state legislative session, ranging from teacher pay raises to the contentious debate over Medicaid expansion.
• 

  Sun Life Stadium

  Miami Dolphins don’t plan to invest in Sun Life Stadium

  Following the end of the team’s efforts for a subsidized renovation, the Dolphins’ chief executive said the team will not pay for stadium upgrades.
• 

  2013 Legislature

  Lawmakers boost education spending, expand online learning

  State lawmakers increased the education budget by $1 billion and revamped the way Florida awards high school diplomas.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  Hefty budget poses stark spending choices for Gov. Rick Scott

  Gov. Rick Scott has 15 days to act on the record $74.5 billion budget, making this a “money year” for the governor in more ways than one.

• LEGISLATURE

  Miami Children’s Hospital gets maternity wing

  Although the labor and delivery unit was not popular among legislators, it was part of a bill that contained many member priorities.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  Florida Legislature concludes in a burst of bipartisanship

  On a smooth-sailing final day of the 2013 session, the Florida Legislature approved a record $74.5billion budget.

• MEDICAID

  Failed Medicaid deal could be costly for businesses in Florida

  Without a deal on health care, business owners across the state face the predicament of either paying to provide health insurance for their employees or facing federal government fines.

• ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

  Assisted living facility reforms fail to pass

  Efforts to toughen up regulation of assisted living facilities fizzled in the Florida House.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Lawmakers pass bill to deal with Everglades suit

  Florida legislators used a bill to change wetlands regulations to block a lawsuit against the state for approving two no-bid, 20-year lease agreements with sugar and vegetable farmers.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  Legislature passes bill to extend early voting, moves back early presidential primary for 2016

  State lawmakers finally agreed on legislation aimed at preventing a repeat of the voting problems that plagued the 2012 presidential elections.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Bill to support Miami Dade College dies on last day of session

  Money would have gone to support building and maintenance projects at the nation’s largest college. But the bill never got heard in the Florida House.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Legislature toughens rules for unregulated children’s homes

  The bill, sponsored by Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa and Rep. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, adds more oversight of religious homes and boarding schools, some of which the Times found flew under state scrutiny or remained in operation after the state cited t
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013 | Sun life stadium

  Florida lawmakers reject Miami Dolphins stadium referendum bill

  The Miami Dolphins failed to reach a deal for a taxpayer-supported stadium upgrade on the last day of Florida’s legislative session.

• LEGISLATURE

  Tick, tock: With deadline looming, House gets moving

  Governor stops by, but dodges questions on health care reform.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013 |

  Time running out for Dolphins stadium bill

  As the Legislature enters its final day, The Miami Dolphins still do not have a deal on a taxpayer-supported stadium upgrade.
• 

  LEGISLATURE

  Texting while driving ban gets the green light

  Supporters say bill is not ‘ideal,’ but it’s headed in the right direction.

• 2013 Legislature

  Florida public online school gets small budget increase

  The Florida Virtual School says a change to the state’s education financing formula will hurt its bottom line.

• LEGISLATURE

  Lawmakers tighten guidelines on nuclear advance fees

  Utilities must be able to demonstrate they can complete construction of a nuclear power plant. If they can’t, they won’t be allowed to collect advance money.

• LEGISLATURE

  Scott gets tax break, but House Democrats threaten lawsuit

  A House vote on a the governor’s long-sought manufacturing tax break fell 12 votes short of a two-thirds vote. Democrats say that wasn’t enough, and they’re willing to challenge it in court.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Citizens Property reform bill — minus big rate increases — heads to governor’s desk

  The bill approved by lawmakers and awaiting Gov. Rick Scott’s signature will steer homeowners away from Citizens without boosting their rates.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Elections bill to fix long voter lines stalls over Miami-Dade elections office

  An elections law bill to fix the long lines that angered scores of voters in the 2012 presidential election is stalled in the Florida Legislature.
• 

  FLORIDA SUPREME COURT

  Florida court clamps down on cops searching through cellphones

  Florida justices, in a ruling hailed by civil libertarians, just made it harder for police to seize your cellphone and shuffle through the contents.

• LEGISLATURE

  Senate says no to maternity unit at Miami Children’s Hospital

  Senate moves ahead with plan to allow trauma centers to be built in rural counties.

• 2013 Legislature

  Lawmakers take on ‘unsatisfactory’ teachers

  A piece of the controversial ‘trigger bill’ is added to legislation that would hold charter schools more accountable for their finances and management.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Lawmakers sign off on Everglades restoration plan

  The bill is backed by environmental groups and sugar farmers, and its sponsors have said it marks a truce in a long-running dispute.

• In My Opinion

  Fred Grimm: Tallahassee sticks it to the locals

  Our good ol’ boys in Tallahassee surely do resent those meddlers from Washington sticking their big government noses in Florida’s business. “We know what’s best for Florida,” they’re fond of saying.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  Gov. Rick Scott vetoes alimony bill; OK’s campaign finance, ethics bills

  Facing a midnight deadline, Gov. Rick Scott acted minutes after the Legislature passed the second of his two session priorities — a three-year sales tax exemption on manufacturing equipment purchases.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Bill extending foster care to age 21 goes to Gov. Rick Scott for signature

  The Florida House passed a bill Wednesday giving young adults in state custody the option of remaining until age 21 – three years longer than in current law – to reduce their chances of ending up homeless, jobless or in jail.
• 

  REDISTRICTING

  Group sought to protect Wasserman Schultz’s congressional seat, emails show

  The emails between the leaders and consultants of what’s known as the Fair Districts Coalition became a central piece of evidence in the Republican-led Legislature’s legal defense of the congressional districts it drew in 2012.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  Lawmakers take off the gloves as tensions mount

  Democrats and Republicans faced off in a bitter, partisan and bizarre standoff in the Florida House on Wednesday, throwing the legislative session into chaos.

• Legislature 2013

  Teacher pay raises placed on fast track

  After an outcry from educators, Florida lawmakers decided to speed up the release of teacher pay raises.

• LEGISLATURE

  What killed Florida’s plan to reform health care?

  Despite assurances early on that it was a priority, the Legislature just can’t come to an agreement on statewide health care expansion.

• PolitiFact Florida

  Will Sun Life Stadium renovation ‘create more than 4,000 new local jobs?’

  PolitiFact Florida found the claim by “Friends of Miami First” in a mailer to be Half True because it was largely based on a 2010 study.

• LEGISLATURE

  There’s something about Mary — if you can take the voice

  For more than 10 hours Wednesday, lawmakers sat and listened to the drone-like voice of “Mary,” a robotic auto-reader used to speed through hundreds of pages of legislative text.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Lawmakers may change, but budget tricks stay the same

  In Tallahassee, a flurry of deals were struck behind closed doors and at late night meetings on policy and spending decisions affecting millions of dollars.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Lawmakers end subsidized tutoring program

  A last-ditch effort by South Florida lawmakers to keep millions of dollars flowing to private tutoring companies suffered a resounding defeat on Wednesday, giving Florida school districts control over $100 million in federal education money for the first time in a decade.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  With no deal on Medicaid expansion, Democrats continue into Day 2 of protest, stalling tactics on House floor in Tallahassee

  Democrats in the Florida House continued to use procedural tactics to slow down the legislative process Wednesday, part of a protest against the Legislature’s non-action on healthcare reform.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  State pension reform issue dies in the Senate

  Plan would have steered new state and county workers into a private investment plan that would have taken burden off taxpayers.

• LEGISLATURE

  Bill to remove 'mental retardation' wording from statute headed to Gov. Rick Scott

  Brittany Norman, a 25-year-old Tallahassee woman with Down syndrome, had a message for Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday: “Sign the bill.”

• Legislature 2013 | EDUCATION

  Legislature looks to speed release of school employee raises

  South Florida school officials pushed back at the Legislature’s original timetable, and argued not enough money is being provided.

• Legislature 2013

  Senate kills parent trigger bill in dramatic 20-20 vote

  In a surprise vote, the Florida Senate killed a proposal that would let parents demand changes at failing public schools. Critics said it would have opened the door to school privatization.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Florida House rejects attempts to repeal nuclear fees

  The Florida House on Tuesday rejected attempts to repeal a controversial state law that allows utility companies to charge customers for nuclear power plant development in advance of construction.

• LEGISLATURE

  House passes Citizens insurance bill that is easier on the pocketbook

  A Florida Senate bill to reform Citizens Property Insurance Corp. passed the House on Tuesday, after lawmakers removed provisions that would raise rates on new policyholders.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Florida House grinds to a halt over healthcare feud

  Protesting the House’s resistance to accept federal healthcare money, Democrats invoked a rare rule to demand that every bill be read in its entirety.
• 

  LEGISLATURE

  Texting while driving bill hits a roadblock in the House

  Amendment would allow cell phone records to be used as evidence in the event of a crash. That’s not in the Senate version of the bill.
• 

  2013 Legislature

  From the courthouse to the Capitol, Trujillo delivers

  A sophomore state representative from West Kendall is making a name for himself in Tallahassee.

• LEGISLATURE

  Senate and House play hot potato with Medicaid bills

  Senate plan relies on $51 billion in federal funding, but the House plan uses only state money. The two chambers can’t come to an agreement.

• LEGISLATURE 2013 | DEATH PENALTY

  Bill reducing delays in implementation of death penalty approved

  The bill was aimed at cutting down on the number of people who have been on Death Row for 20 or 30 years.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  State’s $74.5 billion budget comes with something for everyone

  Lawmakers must wait until Thursday before they can vote on the $74.5 billion budget, which represents a $4.5 billion increase from last year.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Medical liability bill gets snagged by gun concerns

  A proposal to limit the liability of doctors in medical malpractice cases got snagged by concerns that it could open the door to insurance companies seeking gun information on patients
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013 | NEWS ANALYSIS

  Rare legislative accord has led to session wins

  The amicable relationship between the House and Senate this session has led to a spate of bills resolving long-fought turf battles and big-picture reforms.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  Lawmaker at odds with environmentalists

  State Rep. Jimmy Patronis, a Republican from Panama City, and environmental activists often butt heads in Tallahassee.

• Legislature 2013

  Charter schools win $91 million for facilities

  State lawmakers agreed to deliver $91 million for their construction and maintenance needs — more than last year but not as much as the governor and House wanted.

• Politics

  Marc Caputo: Two-minute offense time for Miami Dolphins in Tallahassee

  The Miami Dolphins underwrote the $4.78 million cost of a referendum on whether the club gets tax money to help retrofit Sun Life Stadium.

• LEGISLATURE

  Lawmakers putting a few clouds in front of Florida’s Sunshine Laws

  The First Amendment Foundation, a watchdog group, called a bill to block off public access to some information ‘bad public policy.’

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  With budget surplus for projects, it's game on for politicians

  For the first time in years, there’s plenty of money in the pot. And South Florida legislators are poised to make sure some of it winds up back home.
• 

  2013 LEGISLATURE

  Does Tallahassee dictate too much to cities, counties?

  State lawmakers often complain about Washington’s top-down governance, but they, too, push bills that strip power away from city and county governments. 1373583536
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013 | SUN LIFE STADIUM

  Dolphins’ stadium bill stalled

  The Senate again delayed voting on a bill allowing the Miami Dolphins to use taxpayer money to renovate the stadium. The House is waiting for the Senate to act. 1373583536
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  Lawmakers agree on pay raise for state workers

  Employees would get a raise of at least $1,000 under a deal struck by House and Senate negotiators. 1373583536

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  House panel rejects Florida Senate's repeal of insurance tax break

  The Senate wanted to repeal the tax break for insurers and use the money to cut motor vehicle registration fees, saving Florida drivers about $220 million. 1373583536

• LEGISLATURE

  Three percent tuition hike tucked into Florida budget

  Gov. Scott, who has said he doesn’t support a tuition increase, might veto the plan. 1373583536
• 

  2013 Legislature

  Parent trigger bill spawns mystery video from supposed supporters

  The video featuring South Florida moms praising the controversial parent trigger bill is tied to a mysterious grassroots group known as the Sunshine Parents, but it was actually produced by a group in California. 1373583536

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Medicaid plan puts Florida House on collision course with Senate

  The House, as expected, signed off on a health care plan to provide health coverage to about 130,000 Floridians, using up to $300 million in state funds. 1373583536

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  House votes to speed up executions

  A proposal to limit the legal arguments used by lawyers for death row inmates in the post-conviction process will now be considered by the state Senate.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  New Citizens Property customers — not current — to see rate increases under bill approved by Senate

  In a 24-15 vote, the Florida Senate voted to reform Citizens Property Insurance Corp., potentially raising rates for all new policyholders.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Voters’ email addresses will remain secret, House decides

  Email addresses of voters will be secret under a bill the House passed and sent to the Senate Thursday.
• 

  LEGISLATURE

  Hope for health care compromise dwindles

  Republicans refuse to accept Senate plan that includes accepting $51 billion in federal funds. The plan would ensure more than 1 million low-income Floridians have coverage.
• 

  2013 LEGISLATURE

  Gov. Rick Scott signs drones bill into law

  The new state law limits how police can use unmanned drones for surveillance.

• 2013 Legislature

  High school sports bill gets a Hail Mary in the Florida House

  It will be up to the Florida Senate to decide whether athletic association will lose some of its power to govern high school sports.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Five things to look for in Wednesday’s legislative session

  It's Day 51 of the Session, and all eyes will be on the Senate floor, which will start at 9 a.m.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Citizens Insurance overhaul bill delayed — again

  The 100-page bill seeks to shrink the level of risk carried by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. by raising its rates and forcing its policyholders into the private market.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  Legislators finish rewrite of ethics, campaign bills

  Florida legislators reached agreement on major ethics and campaign finance bills, declaring them landmark reforms and sending them off for the governor’s review.
• 

  FLORIDA

  Wherever Florida Gov. Scott looks, he sees greatness

  ‘Great Floridian’ awards are being bestowed on a record number list of honorees, ranging from Juan Ponce de Leon to Walt Disney to Tim Tebow.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  Legislators prepare for potential ‘fracking’ in Florida

  Florida’s ancient oil fields may or may not be a potential place to plumb for oil and gas using new hydraulic fracking technologies but legislators say they want chemical disclosure rules in place anyway.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  ALF reform bill stalled in House

  The Senate approved a bill tightening oversight of Florida’s assisted living facilities, but the House version is stuck in committee.

• POLITICS

  Legislators push back on efforts to make state documents open to public

  Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s attempts to require all agencies to post their contracts to a secure public website has been dealt a setback as the House and other Cabinet officers oppose it.
• 

  LEGISLATURE

  Graham leads charge against sugar interests

  Former senator says bills making their way through the state Legislature would be harmful to Florida’s wetlands.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Senate advances controversial bill to revamp high school sports association

  Proponents of the Florida High School Athletic Association are on their defensive heels as those trying to revamp how high school sports are managed in Florida are driving with the ball as the clock runs down.

• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

  House wants fix for branding logo featuring tie

  A new branding logo for Enterprise Florida has drawn some heat for neglecting women by featuring a symbol of male business attire.

• LEGISLATURE

  Voting rights groups lambaste Florida GOP’s election law rewrite

  Plan would prohibit anyone from helping a voter they didn’t already know, and limit help to 10 voters.

• LEGISLATURE 2013 | NURSING HOMES

  Move to limit lawsuits against nursing homes draws criticism

  A measure heading to the Senate floor would raise the threshold for anyone suing a nursing home for severe misconduct.
• 

  Legislature 2013 | SCHOOLS

  Scott signs bill revamping schools, universities

  Gov. Rick Scott signed a sweeping education bill that will overhaul high school graduation requirements and allow the state’s top universities to create new online programs.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Legislators poised to adjourn with no Medicaid plan

  As lawmakers debate an alternative plan to expanding Medicaid, they may leave Tallahassee with no plan at all.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Future of Medicaid expansion in hands of key GOP House members

  Senate Republicans seem willing to join Democrats in supporting a massive healthcare expansion, but many House Republicans are not convinced.
• 

  Legislature 2013

  Senate, House clash over controversial subsidized tutoring program

  Public input has been limited in the debate over a state-funded tutoring program found to have paid people with criminal records and profiteers.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  Clock ticking on Gov. Rick Scott’s legislative wish list

  Only two weeks remain in the 2013 session and Gov. Rick Scott’s legislative priorities are in serious disarray.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  House, Senate agree on merit pay raises for teachers

  The agreement reached by House and Senate budget negotiators sets up a fight with Gov. Rick Scott, who wants all teachers to receive salary increases.
• 

  Fathers and children

  Miami dads find political voice in Tallahassee

  A group of dads and traveled to Tallahassee to push for fatherhood issues.
• 

  2013 LEGISLATURE

  Lawmakers playing favorites when considering raises for state workers and teachers

  A budget surplus producing the first pay raises for state employees in six years has been celebrated by lawmakers as a chance to make up ground.

• LEGISLATURE

  State Sen. Tom Lee, a divorced dad, leads charge for changes in custody laws

  A divorced father himself, Lee says the courts need to catch up to 21st Century families. If his proposal becomes law, it won’t affect his own case.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013 | DOLPHINS

  Dolphins stadium bill goes to Senate floor; trouble brewing in House

  A bill to help the Miami Dolphins renovate their stadium with a state tax break is stalled — for now — in the House. The Senate version will soon go to the floor for a vote.

• 2013 Legislature

  Florida House passes bill overhauling alimony, awaits Gov. Rick Scott’s signature

  A bill that would put an end to permanent alimony, and encourage judges to split custody evenly between divorced parents, is headed to Gov. Rick Scott.

• LEGISLATURE

  Abortion, ‘anti-Shariah’ bills pass House, but fate uncertain in Senate

  Heated exchange comes during debate of proposal that would ban an abortion based on unborn child’s gender or race.

• Five things to look for in Thursday’s legislative session

  South Florida sports are in the spotlight and the Senate’s budget committee buckles down for a full day of voting on bills. Here’s what’s happening Thursday at the Capitol:

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Legislature opens door to giving Miami Children’s Hospital maternity ward

  The hospital says the maternity beds are needed to avoid complications that might arise while transporting the baby or its mother to Miami Children’s after birth.

• BROWARD

  Ban on machines at senior arcades challenged

  The lawsuit alleges the ban on casino-style games at adult arcades is too vague.

• 2013 Legislature

  Lawmakers ease rules on sewage outflow that will save South Florida $1.6 billion

  Florida House agrees to change that would save Miami-Dade, Broward and Hollywood each hundreds of millions of dollars.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  House unanimous on abortion bill

  Measure would require doctors to provide care for an infant born alive following a failed abortion.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Senate advances competing Medicaid alternatives

  A Senate committee approved two different alternatives to expanding Medicaid, making it clear that Senate Republicans are willing to accept billions in federal funds to provide insurance to 1 million poor Floridians, even if the House is not.

• LEGISLATURE

  Drone bill heads to Gov. Scott’s desk without opposition

  Proposal would control when and how drones, and the information they collect, could be used.
• 

  Education

  Teachers mount legal challenge to new evaluation system

  Seven teachers are suing the state for deploying an “unfair” system for evaluating teachers. They’re being rated on test scores of students they haven’t taught.

• Legislature 2013

  Florida Republicans target foreign-language voting

  The state Senate passed a measure designed to restrict alleged partisan activities by interpreters but would also expand early voting. Voting-rights groups say they may sue.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Nuclear fee hinges on disparate House, Senate bills

  A Senate bill takes a more aggressive approach to ratcheting down the fee electric customers pay for nuclear power development, while a House bill leaves charges intact.
• 

  LEGISLATURE

  Texting-while-driving-ban sails through the Senate

  This will be the first time the measure has been heard in the Florida House.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  Sen. Jack Latvala raises doubts over Sen. Maria Sachs’ residency

  Sen. Jack Latvala, chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, grilled a woman who rents her Broward condo to Sen. Maria Sachs.

• LEGISLATURE

  Miami-Dade State Attorney wants Legislature to reinstate witness signature on absentee ballot

  Elections supervisors say they think the practice would ‘disenfranchise’ voters and they want language taken out of bill.
• 

  2013 Legislature

  Legislators grapples with what to do with student data

  Florida lawmakers are debating what to do with the abundant education data collected about students.
• 

  Healthcare

  Cancer ‘parity’ bills churn through Florida Legislature

  Bills in the Florida Legislature would compel health insurers to cover cancer pills the same way they cover intravenous or injectable chemotherapy.

• 2013 Legislature

  House OKs bill giving children of undocumented immigrants in-state tuition

  State representatives overwhelming voted in favor of a bill extending in-state college tuition rates to students born in the United States, but whose parents are undocumented immigrants. However, the Senate hasn’t yet had a hearing on the subject, lessening its chances of it becoming a law this session.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  $74.4 billion House budget has money for education, state workers

  Next week, legislative leaders will begin to meld the House and Senate versions of the state’s spending plan.
• 

  Legislature 2013

  Lawmakers approve major changes in graduation requirements, online university

  State lawmakers approved a sweeping education proposal that would create two distinct designations for high school diplomas.

• Healthcare

  Florida can save millions by accepting federal Medicaid funds, state agency says

  A state agency says savings from the feds picking up the cost of Florida’s ‘Medically Needy’ program would more than cover the first decade of Medicaid expansion.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  House Medicaid alternative would subsidize far fewer poor Floridians than expansion plan

  The bare-bones plan would cover disabled adults and adults with children, allowing them to purchase insurance using a state-based health marketplace.

• 2013 Legislature

  Tougher standards for Bright Futures likely to remain in place

  Republican lawmakers are refusing to hear a proposal to offset an expected decline in the number of students eligible for state-funded scholarships.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Gov. Rick Scott signs foster care bill backed by advocates

  Gov. Scott signs foster care bill backed by advocates

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  House committee moves bill to modify nuclear fee law

  After years of inaction, a House committee approved a bill that would prevent utility companies from charging customers for the development of nuclear plants before obtaining a license.

• In My Opinion

  Fred Grimm: Feral-cat bill is bad news for wildlife

  Florida Senate Bill 1320 has to do with feral cats. And little to do with science.
• 

  LEGISLATURE

  House, Senate differ on how to structure tax break for Dolphins

  The Miami Dolphins are looking to the Florida Legislature to seal the deal on taxpayer funding for a stadium renovation. In Tallahassee, the House and Senate are divided over how to structure the deal.

• Florida senate unanimously passes $74.3 billion state budget

  Plan includes 3 percent raises for state workers, and money for Everglades restoration and public schools.

• PROPERTY INSURANCE

  Property insurance rates could go through roof under Senate bill

  Lawmakers have largely ignored the massive potential premium property insurance rate hikes included in SB 1770, a bill moving swiftly through the Florida Legislature.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Gov. Rick Scott signs Internet cafe ban bill into law

  The measure, HB 155, was approved in response to a three-year federal and state investigation into illegal gambling at Internet cafes affiliated with a veterans charity.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Lawmakers eye ‘blind trust’ in ethics reform bill

  The Senate version — for the first time in Florida — would allow elected officials to establish “blind trusts.” Some criticize the move as creating “cloak of invisibility.”

• 2013 Legislature

  Senate Medicaid plan would cut funding for Jackson, safety-net hospitals

  CEOs of the Florida’s safety-net hospitals are fighting a proposal that they say would slash their Medicaid funding.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Senate advances bill to put brakes on nuclear fees

  A bill to raise the hurdle for electric utilities to charge customers in advance for nuclear projects clears a committee after years of attempts. 1373579607

• GAMBLING

  With ban on Internet cafes, gambling operators scramble to hang on

  New law prohibiting casino game look-a-likes is expected to put 14,000 workers out of their jobs.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013 | ALLERGIES

  Parents back bill to let Florida schools stock ‘EpiPens’

  Parents rally behind a bill that would enable public and private schools to have supplies of epinephrine injectors to treat allergic reactions.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Stop the music, says Senate panel

  A Senate committee backed a plan to rewrite the state’s noise law by barring motorists from blaring music from their cars.

• ABORTION

  Abortion bill in Florida Legislature has rare bipartisan support

  The bill would require doctors who provide abortions to offer emergency medical care in the unlikely event a baby is born alive. 1373579607
• 

  2013 Legislature

  Virtual learning bills gain momentum in Florida Legislature

  Florida lawmakers are moving aggressively to expand students’ access to online classes.

• INTERNET CAFES

  Legislature sends Internet cafe ban to governor

  Following a sweeping law enforcement crackdown on a chain of Internet cafes, lawmakers outlaw slot-machine style games.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Pinellas sheriff says civil liberties bill would protect drug dealers, pedophiles

  The controversial bill would require police to obtain a warrant from a judge before searching cellphone contents.
• 

  SUN LIFE STADIUM

  Time running short on Dolphins’ Sun Life Stadium renovation talks

  As another hurdle was cleared in Tallahassee, the Dolphins’ negotiations with Miami-Dade County over funding for stadium renovations appear to be edging closer to completion.

• INTERNET CAFES

  Convicts slip past Internet cafe law in Florida

  Florida’s lack of regulations on Internet cafes and adult arcades opened the door for some owners with criminal records to remain in business with no protections for customers.
• 

  Needle exchange bill inching forward in the Florida Legislature

  Florida legislators are considering a bill to allow needle exchanges as a way to curb HIV, hepatitis and other blood diseases among injection drug users. If approved, a five-year pilot program would be based in Miami-Dade.

• INSURANCE

  Lawmakers could raise rates for Citizens Insurance customers

  Citizens Insurance says it has done an ‘extraordinary’ job of reducing risk since last year, but lawmakers are pitching sweeping rate hikes anyway.

• 2013 Legislature

  Bill to end alimony draws acrimonious debate in Tallahassee

  The Florida Senate is set to vote on a proposal to end permanent alimony. Opponents say the bill is “anti-family” and “anti-woman.”

• MEDICAID EXPANSION

  Lawmakers weigh alternatives to Medicaid expansion

  House Speaker Will Weatherford seems open to the idea of accepting some federal dollars in crafting an alternative state plan to expanding Medicaid in Florida.

• FLORIDA

  Florida U-turns on international driver’s permit requirement

  Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill Tuesday repealing a law that required tourists from Canada and other countries to obtain a special $25 driving permit.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Senate moves closer to outlawing slots-like cafe and arcade games

  A Senate committee continues the fast-paced push to ban electronic sweepstakes and adult arcade machines popular with many senior citizens.

• CITIZENS

  Senate criticizes then casts support for Citizens Insurance chief

  After a lengthy grilling, Citizens Insurance president Barry Gilway received a unanimous vote of support from a committee in the Florida Senate.
• 

  2013 Legislature

  Proposal would lead to high-school free agency, opponents say

  A Lakeland lawmaker is pushing a measure that she says would give student athletes more rights. The Florida High School Athletic Association says it would turn public high schools into “recruiting-frenzied sports giants.”

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Florida lawmakers weigh bill to tweak lobbyist gift ban

  Enjoying a steak dinner on a lobbyist’s tab would still be banned. But a cup of coffee? Maybe not.

• 2013 Legislature

  Debate grows over merit pay plan for teachers in Florida

  Will Florida be ready to launch its ambitious merit-pay program for teachers in 2014? Lawmakers say yes. Educators are not so sure.
• 

  ALLIED VETS INVESTIGATION

  Undercover slot machines expert to be key witness in Allied Vets probe

  Using sophisticated computer networks that rely on servers that set payouts and odds, the Internet cafes were running a gambling ring of illegal slot machines, police expert contends.
• 

  Sun Life Stadium

  Miami Dolphins agree to pay back more stadium tax dollars

  In back-to-back press conferences in Tallahassee and Miami, the Dolphins said it would be willing to repay much of the taxpayer financing, including nearly $50 million in state tax rebates.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Financial picture brighter for Florida universities, but tuition hikes still on table

  Universities and colleges are getting more money from the Florida Legislature, a real change from previous years.
• 

  Miami

  Miami Commission wants to confiscate ‘maquinitas,’ hire more police

  Miami commissioners directed the city manager to confiscate video-gaming machines, approved an up-sizing of one of the city’s largest development projects, and asked the feds for the right to hire more cops.

• LEGISLATURE

  Senate’s tax break for drivers has insurance lobbyists up in arms

  Despite the insurance industry balking at losing a tax break it’s enjoyed for 26 years, the state Senate moves ahead with giving motorists some relief in fees.

• Legislature 2013

  Confusing law about foreign drivers repealed

  The law called for foreign visitors to get international driving permits before leaving their home countries.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Foster care bill would give kids more freedom

  The Florida Senate approved a bill eliminating many of the restrictions that keep foster children from participating in normal activities, like a field trip or sporting event.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Gun-toting teachers? House education panel says ‘yes’

  Despite strong opposition from parents and educators, a bill that would allow teachers to carry concealed weapons on school property got an early OK from a House panel.

• FLORIDA

  Lawmaker complains about getting out of speeding ticket; trooper fired

  For decades, Florida Highway Patrol has shown deference to legislators because they set the patrol’s budget.

• DOZIER SCHOOL FOR BOYS INVESTIGATION

  Sen. Bill Nelson seeks money to investigate reform school

  Former students have alleged that physical and sexual abuse — and even wrongful deaths — occurred at the former Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna.

• politics

  Senate creates task force to review budget transparency

  The Legislature remains a long way from offering the public real-time access to budget data.

• ABORTION

  Abortion bills clear Florida House panels

  Several abortion-related bills are making through the Florida Legislature during a session void of controversial social issues.
• 

  Sun Life Stadium

  Miami Dolphins offer to repay portion of public costs to renovate stadium

  The football team has also told Miami-Dade County it would pay penalties if it fails to bring major events, including Super Bowls, to Sun Life Stadium

• POLITICS

  Legislators ask court to shield them from having to testify over maps

  An appeals court hears arguments on whether state leaders should have to explain under oath how they came up with redistricting maps last year.
• 

  POLITICS

  Ex-RPOF chairman Jim Greer faces sentencing hearing

  Former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer’s pretrial guilty plea in February allowed him to avert the possibility of up to 75 years in prison for fraud, money laundering and theft.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Despite budget surplus, affordable housing money still up for grabs

  Lawmakers are stripping $200 million in housing aid after receiving the same amount in a civil settlement with mortgage banks.

• 2013 Legislature

  Lawmakers grapple with future of special needs students

  A controversial question has spurred an emotional debate in Tallahassee: Who should have the final say over a special needs child’s education?
• 

  Larcenia Bullard | 1947-2013

  Hundreds gather for former state senator Larcenia Bullard’s funeral

  Hundreds gathered to pay their respect at the funeral service for former state senator Larcenia Bullard Saturday morning at the South Dade Cultural Arts Center in Miami.

• INTERNET CAFES

  Florida regulators to probe another charity tied to alleged illegal gambling at Internet cafes

  The Associated Press reports that Florida regulators will investigate a children’s cancer group connected to a sweepstakes network that is four times bigger than Allied Veterans.

• POLITICS

  Florida House votes to ban internet cafes

  Internet cafes across Florida could soon be forced to close their doors as state lawmakers move swiftly to outlaw the storefront operations.

• 2013 FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

  House votes to close state pension to new employees, Senate unsure

  The proposal, a priority of House Speaker Will Weatherford, passed along party lines 73-43 after nearly four hours of debate over two days.

• Legislature 2013

  Cyber-bullying proposals win support, raise legal questions

  Proposals intended to stamp out cyber-bullying have raised complex legal questions for Florida lawmakers.

• Sun Life Stadium | MIAMI DOLPHINS

  Miami Dolphins: Public funding for stadium will be contingent on Super Bowl award

  The Miami Dolphins, sure S. Florida will get a Super Bowl, say they’ll make county funding for stadium work contingent on landing the game.

• Quinnipiac poll

  Poll: Most Florida voters favor universal background checks

  A poll found that most Florida voters support universal background checks for all gun purchases, and also back Hillary Clinton over homegrown political stars.

• Federal appeals judges, meeting in Miami, question state’s controversial Cuba law

  The judges peppered an attorney for the state with questions about the constitutionality of a Florida law prohibiting local governments from contracting with companies that do business in Cuba and Syria.

• Senate Republicans pitch Medicaid expansion alternative

  Health Florida, a proposed new program, would subsidize private insurance policies for low-income families.

• POLITICS

  Who might be Rick Scott’s next lieutenant governor?

  The job of lieutenant governor in Florida often gets little respect, but this year it matters plenty to the political future of Gov. Rick Scott.

• 2013 Legislature

  Bucking Scott’s plan, Senate proposes merit-based raises for teachers

  Gov. Rick Scott is encountering more resistance than he expected from fellow Republicans on his signature issue: a $2,500 across-the-board pay raise for teachers.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Republicans in Tallahassee back alernative Medicaid expansion plan

  Top Senate Republicans want to expand the state’s Florida Healthy Kids program to cover qualifying adults as an alternative to expanding Medicaid.

• LEGISLATURE

  Legislators rush to unload tainted gambling cash

  Stung by the discovery that the gambling chain that purported to be a veteran’s charity may have been a fraud, legislators are scrambling to give back thousands in campaign donations.

• LEGISLATURE

  Most gun bills are languishing in firearm-friendly Florida legislature

  Democrats in the Florida Legislature have filed a bevy of gun control bills this year, but the state has been reluctant to engage the gun debate.
• 

  2013 LEGISLATURE

  Despite warnings, Jennifer Carroll says she was duped by Allied Veterans

  As a member of the state House, former Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll filed a bill to legalize Internet sweepstakes cafes while she simultaneously consulted for Allied Veterans.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Senate panel moves to ban Internet cafes amid vigorous protests from operators

  A Florida Senate committee followed the House lead on Monday and passed legislation to effectively ban electronic sweepstakes games operated at Internet cafes statewide.
• 

  Larcenia Bullard | 1947-2013

  Larcenia Bullard, former Miami state senator with ‘biggest heart’, dies

  The former lawmaker, who left office in 2012, was well-liked on both sides of the aisle during her 18 years in the Legislature.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013

  Gaming committee chairman relies on flights from gaming lobbyist for travel to Tallahassee

  A charter flight service operated by a prominent gaming lobbyist has become the airline of choice for the chairman of the Senate gaming committee.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  A flurry of proposals for making Florida schools safer

  Herald readers offer a mix of opinions on how Florida lawmakers should deal with school security in the wake of last December’s mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school.
• 

  POLITICS

  House Speaker Will Weatherford’s fast rise started from humble beginnings

  At age 33, House Speaker Will Weatherford stands atop a political system that rewards those who win doing whatever it takes. He’s gone negative at times, raised big campaign cash, and espoused hard-edged GOP positions. What sets him apart is that he still comes across as extraordinarily likable.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  House panel passes bill to outlaw illegal gambling machines

  The bill to ban online slot machines at Internet cafes, including maquinitas in Miami-Dade, was prompted by this week’s arrest of dozens of individuals connected to a statewide illegal gambling operation.

• 2013 Legislature

  For Florida education laws, it’s out with the old

  Efforts to repeal more than two dozen education laws show how public-school policy comes and goes in Florida.

• tallahassee

  Internet cafe campaign cash flooded state capitol, lawmakers’ coffers

  The probe into illegal gambling at Internet cafes has prompted a swift response from Florida lawmakers, who now say they will outlaw them and return campaign checks from industry officials.

• CHARITY SCANDAL

  Officials: Fla. lawyer at center of $300 million scheme

  Jacksonville attorney Kelly Mathis was identified by authorities as the man at the center of the alleged racketeering scheme to use a veterans charity as a front for an illegal gambling operation.

• Legislature 2013

  Widespread support for Dolphins stadium bill, except in Miami-Dade

  The state bill to help the Miami Dolphins pay for stadium renovations has broad support in the Legislature, but Miami-Dade lawmakers are split.

• 2013 legislature

  Key lawmaker calls for shutdown of Internet cafes

  An influential senator who has sought to place a moratorium on new Internet cafes said Wednesday that criminal allegations of racketeering and other wrongdoing in the industry should spur lawmakers to close the storefront businesses.

• GAMBLING

  Internet cafe probe snags dozens, could doom industry in Florida

  A three-year probe into the Internet cafe industry led to dozens of arrests, and the resignation of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, in what investigators say is only ‘the first wave.’

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Debate over school security shifts to Tallahassee

  Florida lawmakers are proposing a flurry of bills aimed at beefing up security at schools. One would enable teachers to carry concealed weapons on school property.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Lawmakers do about-face on foreign driver’s permit requirement

  The Florida Legislature moved to repeal a 2012 law that requires foreigners to get an international driver’s permit in order to drive in Florida.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  Lawmakers want drones grounded in Florida

  The bill would ban local law enforcement officials from using drones without a warrant or threat of a terrorist attack and prohibit information collected by drones to be used as evidence in courts.

• LEGISLATURE

  In the midst of health care fight, Legislature pushes bills to limit medical liability

  Opponents point to a decline in lawsuits against doctors and hospitals, and the drop in insurance costs, but proponents say it’s time to impose new limits on liability.

• Legislature 2013

  Senate panel rejects Medicaid expansion in Florida

  A Senate committee voted against moving forward with expanding Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act, suggesting instead an alternative that would rely on private insurers.

• LEGISLATURE

  Senate’s campaign finance compromise creates mega PACs

  The controversial political slush funds are being replaced by political committees with tighter restrictions but with no contribution limit.

• Education

  Education proposals have Gov. Rick Scott stuck between a rock and Republicans

  The governor appears to be wooing the support of teachers, but his GOP allies in the Legislature have other ideas about how best to improve education policy.

• Politifact Florida

  What Gov. Scott did and didn’t say on education

  Is it true that Gov. Scott said education isn’t a ‘core function’ of the state?
• 

  IN MY OPINION

  From the managing editor: Why we all should care about public records

  There is seemingly a never-ending quest to chip away at public records laws.

• POLITICS

  Ethics Commission throws out Diaz de la Portilla complaint

  The state ethics commission on Friday dismissed a complaint against Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, saying it was no longer in the public interest to proceed with the case.

• 2013 Legislature

  Stadium renovation bill survives amendments, wins House panel approval

  The Dolphins stadium bill cleared its first committee in the Florida House on Friday, but only after surviving rogue amendments and tough rhetoric.
• 

  Florida Legislature

  Bill to ban texting while driving picks up speed in Florida Legislature

  A bill to make texting while driving illegal passes a House committee unanimously.

• 2013 Legislature

  Controversial ‘parent trigger’ bill gets first nod from House subcommittee

  Voting along party lines, legislators give the thumbs up to a bill that would allow failing public schools to be turned into charters.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  5 things to watch Thursday in the Legislature

  Politics often makes strange bedfellows, as will be obvious once again in the state Capitol Thursday. Here are five things to watch:

• 2013 Florida Legislature

  Miami-Dade politicians blast Legislature over wage laws

  Several proposed bills in Tallahassee would ban existing county laws setting a “living” wage and prohibiting wage theft, among other protections.

• LEGISLATURE

  House pushes bill to cap Everglades cleanup costs for agriculture

  A House committee gave swift approval to a measure that would limit how much the sugar industry would pay for Everglades cleanup.

• LEGISLATURE 2013 | ASSISTED-LIVING FACILITIES

  Senate panel approves tougher rules for ALFs

  The bill requires the Agency for Health Care Administration to inspect ALFs, rate them for consumers and revoke or deny the licenses of those whose staffers deliberately harm residents.
• 

  LEGISLATURE 2013 | MIAMI-DADE

  Poll: Dolphins stadium-tax deal highly unpopular

  On a day when a Senate panel OK’d the Miami Dolphins stadium renovation plan, a poll obtained by The Miami Herald shows most Dade voters aren’t fans of the idea.

• LEGISLATURE 2013

  Bill could bring higher insurance rates for property owners

  A major proposal to overhaul Florida’s property insurance market cleared its first hurdle in the Legislature on Thursday. It could mean higher insurance rates for Floridians.

• 2013 Florida Legislature

  Tuition break for students with undocumented immigrant parents sails ahead in Florida House

  Republicans and Democrats in the Florida Legislature are rallying behind a plan to extend in-state college tuition rates to the U.S.-citizen children of undocumented immigrants.

• 2013 FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

  House Speaker: program that helped his family was financed by Medicaid

  A day after telling fellow legislators how a program for the needy helped pay his brother’s medical bills, House Speaker Will Weatherford acknowledges the program is financed by Medicaid. Weatherford is opposed to expanding Medicaid.

• DOLPHINS STADIUM FINANCING

  Senate panel gives green light to Dolphins bill

  A bill that would help the Miami Dolphins pay for half the cost of renovating their stadium got the go ahead from a key Senate committee.

• 2013 LEGISLATURE

  House Republicans searching for alternatives to Medicaid

  House Republican have a goal and lots of ideas, but no clear idea on where to start.

• LEGISLATURE

  Five things to look for in Wednesday’s Legislative session

  On the second day, the Florida Legislature will get down to business. Here are five things to watch Wednesday:

• LEGISLATURE

  Fla. legislators work to regain voter trust

  After the ritual opening of their annual session, legislators push through bills aimed at repairing their image with the public.

• 2013 FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

  Gov. Rick Scott says his policies making Florida economy stronger

  The governor says the state’s economy has steadily improved on his watch, and his top priority is paying teachers more money.
• 

  Florida government

  Eustis, Fla.: A place where some don’t recognize the ‘new’ Rick Scott

  In a conservative Central Florida town, people have trouble reconciling the governor they happily supported two years ago with the politician he has become.
• 

  2013 FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

  Lawmakers to focus on pocketbook issues

  As the Florida Legislature prepares to begin another session, lawmakers will make decisions on a number of pocketbook issues, including insurance, taxes and housing.

• MEDICAID

  State lawmakers in House balk at Medicaid expansion in Florida

  Refusing to go along with Republican Gov. Rick Scott and angering Democrats, a House select committee opposed a major expansion of the Medicaid program under the federal Affordable Care Act.

• 2013 FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

  Bill would require warrants for cellphone searches

  Police would need court approval to seize pictures, text messages or other material on cell phones or other personal electronic devices under a bill approved Monday by a Senate committee over the objection of police and prosecutors.

• MEDICAID EXPANSION

  Legislature could tip hand on Medicaid expansion Monday

  House and Senate committees studying the expansion of Medicaid in Florida could make recommendations before Tuesday’s start of the 2013 legislative session.

• POLITIFACT FLORIDA

  PolitiFact Florida to track Tallahassee lawmakers

  When politicians start legislating in Tallahassee, PolitiFact Florida will be checking for the truth. We’ll be in the committee rooms and at the press conferences.
• 

  Legislature

  Lawmakers seek larger share of state budget, caps on property insurance rate hikes

  South Florida lawmakers will have to stick together — and cozy up to the people in power — to win state money for local interests.
• 

  2013 FLORIDA LEGISLATURE

  The freshman 15: South Florida’s newest lawmakers

  There are 59 new members of the Florida Legislature and they have a variety of different experiences. Here are the 15 locals.

• CITIZENS PROPERTY INSURANCE

  Florida class-action case takes aim at Citizens’ reinspection program

  The proposed class-action lawsuit, filed in Broward, aims to halt Citizens’ reinspection program, claiming it has illegally stripped discounts from homeowners.
• 

  POLITICS

  Harry Sargeant, Florida Republican money man, is a highly controversial figure

  Harry Sargeant is a Republican financial powerhouse, but congressional investigators have called him a ‘war profiteer.’

• LEGALIZED MARIJUANA

  Poll: 7 in 10 back Florida medical-marijuana plan, enough to possibly affect governor’s race

  Medical pot’s sky-high approval cuts across party and demographic lines, with even GOP voters in favor, according to a new poll conducted for People United for Medical Marijuana, or PUFFM. Will the measure make the ballot?

• CITIZENS PROPERTY

  Citizens Property Insurance strains to pull in belt on spending

  A review of travel costs shows that Citizens Property has taken some steps toward frugality since the Herald/Times revealed in August that executives were enjoying lavish meals and five-star hotel stays at the same time the state-run insurer was aggressively trying to raise rates.

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