The Week Ahead in Florida Politics - December 29, 2014
THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, DECEMBER 24, 2014…..After a judge rejected its first attempt, the Florida Department of Health will try again next week to devise a plan for carrying out a new medical-marijuana law. Also, former state Rep. Jimmy Patronis will join the Florida Public Service Commission, and new secretaries will take over at the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation. Otherwise, it will be a relatively quiet holiday week in state government and politics.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014
STEVERSON TAKES HELM AT DEP: Gov. Rick Scott's appointment of Jon Steverson as secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will take effect. Steverson, who has served as executive director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District, will replace Herschel Vinyard, who recently stepped down as secretary.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014
MEDICAL MARIJUANA RULE AT ISSUE: The Florida Department of Health will hold a workshop as it tries to develop a regulatory framework to carry out a new law that allows limited types of medical marijuana in the state. An administrative law judge rejected an earlier rule proposed by the department. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Florida Department of Health in Orange County, 6101 Lake Ellenor Dr., Orlando.)
HD 13 PRIMARY RESULTS CERTIFIED: The state Elections Canvassing Commission will certify the results of a Dec. 16 special primary election in Duval County's House District 13. Former Rep. Reggie Fullwood, D-Jacksonville, won the primary and will face Republican Lawrence Jefferson in a Feb. 17 special general election. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)
VETERANS GROUP DISCUSSES MARKETING: The Florida is for Veterans Inc. Marketing Committee will hold a conference call to discuss market research and performance measures. Lawmakers this year created Florida is for Veterans Inc., to help encourage veterans and military families to move to the state and to promote veterans' hiring and education. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. Call-in number: 1-888-670-3525. Code: 3244965172 then #.)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014
APPEALS COURT OPINIONS RELEASED: The 3rd District Court of Appeal, which hears cases from Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, is expected to release its weekly opinions.
FINAL DAY OF FLORIDA PREPAID FEE BREAK: Families purchasing Florida Prepaid College plans can receive a $50 discount through Dec. 31. The Florida Prepaid College Board is waiving a $50 application fee as an incentive for families to enroll in the program.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015
STATE GOVERNMENT CLOSED: State government offices will be closed for the New Year's holiday.
MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES: Florida's minimum wage will increase from $7.93 to $8.05 an hour. The increase stems from a 2004 constitutional amendment designed to lead to annual hikes.
LOWER WORKERS COMP RATES BEGIN: New workers-compensation insurance rates for Florida businesses will take effect. Overall, rates will decrease 5.2 percent, which is the first drop in four years.
CHILD SAFETY LAW TAKES EFFECT: A law aimed at improving child safety in vehicles will take effect. The law, passed during the 2014 legislative session, requires children up to 5 years old to be placed in car seats or booster seats when riding in vehicles. In the past, only children 3 years old and younger have been required to ride in the restraining devices.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2015
PATRONIS MOVES TO PSC: Former state Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, will take a seat on the Florida Public Service Commission. Gov. Rick Scott appointed Patronis to the utility-regulatory agency effective Jan. 2, replacing Commissioner Eduardo Balbis who did not seek reappointment. Also, Scott reappointed Commissioner Julie Brown, whose term takes effect Jan. 2.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015
BOXOLD TAKES OVER AS DOT SECRETARY: Gov. Rick Scott's appointment of Jim Boxold as secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation will take effect Jan. 3. Boxold will replace Ananth Prasad, who is stepping down from the job Jan. 2.
