Seeking Rents – The Podcast

In this episode: Florida's attorney general defied a federal court order and bragged about it on TV. A trio of appellate court judges colluded to strike down a state law. The board of education ordered a school superintendent to break the rules and ban more books. And the governor seized property to build an immigrant prison in the Everglades. Each of these would be an extraordinary story on its own. But taken together, they show just how far the authoritarian state has expanded in Florida. Show notes: Judge finds Florida attorney general in contempt over immigration lawHow a Florida court took unusual steps to limit abortion access for minorsAs Hillsborough book battle unfolds, other districts wonder who's nextFlorida seizes Everglades land to house detained migrants in ‘Alligator Alcatraz'Read the federal judge's order finding Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in contempt of court Read Uthmeier's legal briefs and the Florida appellate court's opinion in a case permitting parents to force their kids to give birthWatch comments from Board of Education members ordering a school superintendent to ban more books and see the list of books they wanted bannedQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: They say a budget reflects your values. And if that's true, state lawmakers in Florida sure do value culture wars. The new state budget pours more than $100 million of taxpayer money into culture-war crusades — including cash for anti-abortion activists, new book-banning software, and an “economic freedom” center that invented an award for Ron DeSantis and praises Donald Trump's tariffs. Show notesA few recent Seeking Rents stories on Florida's new $115 billion budget: In Tallahassee, a feast of tax breaks for businesses – and table scraps for everyone elseFlorida lawmakers may unleash a last-second expansion of school privatizationFlorida taxpayers will help fund a lavish pay package for a new university presidentLawmakers just slashed Ron DeSantis' budget for high-priced lawyersQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Florida lawmakers are springing some last-minute surprises as they inch toward a final budget deal — including a potentially massive charter school expansion. An update from Day 100 of the Florida Legislature's 60-day-session. Yes, you read that right. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:House Bill 1267 — Education Senate Bill 1708 — EducationHouse Bill 1115 — Education (specifically this amendment) House Bill 1427 — Nursing Education Programs (specifically this amendment)Senate Bill 2510 — Prekindergarten Through Grade 12 EducationSenate Bill 2514 — Health and Human ServicesHouse education budget offer — Conforming Bill (SB 2510)House healthcare budget offer — Conforming Bill (SB 2514)Senate administered funds budget offer — Budget Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Across the country, state-level politicians are hollowing out home rule, robbing communities of the freedom to make their own choices, and seizing power for themselves. They are doing it by weaponizing a legal tool known as “preemption.” Katie Belanger of the Local Solutions Support Center, an advocacy group that fights for home-rule rights, joins the show to talk about what preemption is and how states are abusing it.Show notesLSSC's roundup of some of the most egregious preemptions that have passed around the country in 2025A brief history of abusive preemptions in FloridaAnd a case study: No water, no shade: How homebuilders, farming companies and construction firms got politicians to reject heat rules for outdoor workers in FloridaQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Ron DeSantis made a college lower its standards so he could make a middling politician its president. He tried to use a university presidency as a dumping ground for another politician no one liked. It was just a matter of time before political goons came for the state's most prestigious school, too. Meanwhile, in Tallahassee: Lawmakers are finally negotiating a new state budget, while the governor flails away online.Show notesMaxwell: Politics at Florida universities is really about the griftOut-of-state employees, a Paris trip, missing vehicles: Florida legislators question spendingFlorida Crossroads – OcklawahaQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: The Florida Legislature has agreed to give giant tax breaks to businesses — and table scraps to everyone else. The Republican Party of Florida is defending a law that takes rights away from its own voters. And Florida's governor is cashing in on his veto power.For show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:House Bill 1205 — Amendments to the State ConstitutionHouse Bill 6017 — Recovery of Damages for Medical Negligence Resulting in DeathHouse Bill 105 — Pari-mutuel WageringA New Crackdown on Ballot Initiatives Unnerves Florida OrganizersRead Florida Decides Healthcare's complaint in the lawsuit against House Bill 1205Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Ron DeSantis is once again flexing political muscle in Florida, seizing control of more state universities and joining forces with the state's Big Business lobby. But after yet another attempt to develop conservation land collapsed in controversy — and amid a new criminal investigation into DeSantis' “Hope Florida” charity — it's clear that Florida's governor can't get away with everything any more. Show notes: The Florida Senate gave Ron DeSantis an inch. He's taking a mile.Maxwell: DeSantis in hot seat with Hope Florida probe and “Free Kill' veto Who was behind Florida's latest public land deal? DeSantis won't say. Criminal investigation launched related to Hope Florida, prosecutors sayHouse Bill 6017 — Recovery of Damages for Medical Negligence Resulting in DeathQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Well, everyone knows the Florida Legislature's 2025 session broke down in dysfunction. What this podcast presupposes is…maybe it didn't? Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 1620 — Mental Health and Substance Use DisordersHouse Bill 913 — Condominium and Cooperative Associations Senate Bill 56 — Geoengineering and Weather Modification Activities Senate Bill 1388 — Vessels House Bill 1205 — Amendments to the State Constitution Senate Bill 498 — Trust Fund Interest for Purposes Approved by the Supreme CourtHouse Bill 1549 — Financial Institutions House Bill 173 — Interest on Trust Accounts Program Interest RatesHouse GOP demands text messages, emails from DeSantis administration in spending probeLawmaker says DeSantis administration is withholding Hope Florida recordsQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: All of a sudden, nobody knows when Florida's annual legislative session will end. But lawmakers are still racing to finish up a few big special-interest favors before it does. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 492 — Land Development House BIll 1609 — Waste Incineration Senate Bill 700 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesFlorida lawmakers may help a mining giant fend off lawsuitsQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: After key players in a scandal roiling Ron DeSantis and his closest allies refused to answer their questions, Republicans in the state House decide to end their hearings rather than escalate even further. So what's next? Plus: Bills to help banks earn bigger profits, hedge funds bind workers to longer non-competes, and Success Academy charter schools set up shop in Miami. Show notes:The bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 498 – Trust Fund Interest for Purposes Approved by the Supreme Court House Bill 1219 – Employment AgreementsHouse Bill 1267 – EducationSenate Bill 1080 – Local Government Land Regulation Lawmakers end Hope Florida charity probe without hearing from key playersTax-funded nonprofit spent $5 million on ads amid abortion ballot battleFlorida pushed anti-abortion nonprofit to run ads against Amendment 4Billionaire Ken Griffin gifts $25M to Success Academy Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Some bright-red warning flags just began waving in the Florida Legislature, suggesting that top lawmakers are about to spring some last-minute surprises. Meanwhile, Florida's attorney general has some explaining to do as the Hope Florida scandal roiling the DeSantis administration continues to deepen. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 492 – Land DevelopmentHouse Bill 1225 – EmploymentSenate Bill 676 – Minimum Wage Requirements Senate Bill 1672 – Labor Pool Act Countering DeSantis, $10M Hope Florida donation came from Medicaid, draft showsTop DeSantis staff spoke with group pushing state park golf course earlier than knownRecords show Big Sugar lobbyists are working on plans for an Everglades-area mineQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Republican lawmakers are digging deeper into a scandal in which the Ron DeSantis administration may have used a Casey DeSantis charity to turn $10 million of Medicaid money into funding for TV ads in a political campaign that was important to the governor. It's obviously bad — and potentially illegal. But it's also part of a broader pattern of abuses. Plus: Is the Florida Senate getting ready for war? And a good day for an environmentally destructive mining giant. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 1144 — Hope Florida Senate Bill 110 — Rural Communities Senate Bill 832 — Former Phosphate Mining Land Ron DeSantis won the battles. He may have lost the war.‘Mistakes were made,' Hope Florida charity leader tells lawmakersLawmaker will subpoena Florida attorney general in DeSantis charity probeFlorida lawmakers may help a mining giant fend off lawsuitsQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Florida lawmakers may shower millions in taxpayer money on the beef-cattle industry — while also passing laws to obstruct potential lab-grown and plant-based competitors. Plus: Subsidies for the horse-racing industry; a money-losing incentive program written by a company that profits off of money-losing incentive programs; and a corporate tax break for a national funder of conservative causes.Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 700 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesSenate Bill 2500 — AppropriationsHouse Proposed Bill WMC 25-02 — TaxationSenate Proposed Bill 7034 — Taxation Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: The state House has suddenly gotten very aggressive with Ron DeSantis, as lawmakers probe ever-deeper into his administration's spending. The enraged governor has responded by accusing House Republicans of betraying GOP voters. The Florida Senate has avoided taking sides — for now. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:House Bill 1445 — Public Officers and EmployeesSenate Bill 1760 — Public Officers and Employees House Bill 1321 — Higher Education Senate Bill 1726 — Higher Education Donors gave big to DeSantis' marijuana campaign after getting $10M from Hope FloridaRecords show DeSantis wanted to make university president searches a secret Report: After DeSantis intervened, a state college scrapped its search for a new president and will hand the job to a politicianHope for legislative property insurance fix dimming as Legislature enters second halfQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Republicans in the Florida Senate are trying to pass a bill that would help everyone from farmers to cellphone owners find affordable repairs when the stuff they buy breaks. Why are Democrats in the Florida Senate trying to stop them? Plus: New records reveal that Ron DeSantis is secretly behind a bill to weaken child-labor laws. And the charter-school industry is having a very good session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 1132 — Consumers' Right to Repair Certain Equipment Senate Bill 918 — Employment of MinorsHouse Bill 1225 — Employment of Minors House Bill 1157 — Verification of Reemployment Assistance Benefit EligibilitySenate Bill 1238 – Verification of Reemployment Assistance Benefit EligibilityHouse Bill 443 — Charter SchoolsHouse Bill 123 — EducationHouse Bill 569 — Construction and Facilities Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed for child labor rollbacks behind the scenes, records show A billionaire-backed think tank keeps sabotaging Florida workers. More attacks are coming.Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Florida lawmakers are working on changes that could stop staffers in the Governor's Office from squeezing lobbyists for campaign contributions and interfering with university presidential searches. Meanwhile, a bad bill written by lobbyists for car dealers has been gutted. And good bills giving people the power to fix broken tractors, wheelchairs and cell phones are inching closer to passing. A look at some of the positive things happening in Tallahassee midway through the Florida Legislature's 2025 legislative session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:House Bill 1445 — Public Officers and EmployeesHouse Bill 1321 — Higher Education Senate Bill 1726 — Higher EducationHouse Bill 429 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Franchised Motor Vehicle DealersSenate Bill 1820 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Franchised Motor Vehicle DealersHouse Bill 235 — Digital Right to Repair House Bill 311 — Repair of Motorized Wheelchairs Senate Bill 412 — Repair of Motorized WheelchairsSenate Bill 1132 — Consumers' Right to Repair Certain Equipment Car dealers try to keep a chokehold on new car sales in FloridaCorporate lobbyists scurry to stop bipartisan 'Right to Repair' billsQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: You won't find the word “abortion” anywhere in them, but two bills that just passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in Florida may ultimately amount to a backdoor expansion of a statewide abortion ban that is already one of the strictest in the nation. Plus: Bills that would make it it harder for college students to vote and easier for billionaires to suppress worker salaries. Show notesSenate Bill 1288 — Parental RightsSenate Bill 1284 — Civil Liability for the Wrongful Death of an Unborn ChildHouse Bill 1381 — Elections Senate Bill 922 — Employment Agreements Lobbyist for a billionaire-run hedge fund wrote a bill allowing longer non-competes, records showQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: An investment company with a history of peddling poorly performing tax incentives is back in Tallahassee, trying to attach itself to the “rural renaissance” movement in the Florida Senate. An update from Day 28 of the Florida Legislature's 60-day legislative session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 1322 — Tax Credits for Investment in Rural CommunitiesSenate Bill 1238 — Fraud in the Reemployment Assistance Program House Bill 1157 — Verification of Reemployment Assistance Benefit EligibilityInvestment company writes Florida incentive laws, then profits from them In Search of Rural Jobs, States Weigh Strategy With Checkered Past How Savvy Financiers Pitch Complex Investment ProgramsPayday at the mill: How sophisticated financiers used a Maine investment program they devised to wring millions of dollars in risk-free returns at taxpayer expense Shrewd financiers exploit unsophisticated Maine legislators on taxpayers' dimeNothing Ventured, Millions Gained — Capco's benefit in Florida programQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Republicans in Tallahassee want to punish the state's chief economist because she refused to bend to political pressure during a debate last year over an abortion-rights ballot measure. Meanwhile, the speaker of the state House calls for a historic tax cut for consumers. It's an idea with a lot of promise — but a lot of peril, too. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:House Bill 1205 — Amendments to the State Constitution Senate Bill 7016 — Initiative Petitions Proposing an Amendment to the State ConstitutionState lawmakers could slash sales tax, saving Floridians billionsInstitute on Taxation and Economic Policy: Who Pays? (7th ed.)ITEP: A Revenue Analysis of Worldwide Combined Reporting in the StatesQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Republicans voting against Republicans, Democrats fighting with Democrats, sick-and-tired-of-it public testimony in every hearing, and a long list of bad bills on the move. But also a public execution for one particularly controversial piece of legislation. An update from Day 22 of the Florida Legislature's 2025 session, one of the wilder days we've seen in Tallahassee in years. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 814 — Weapons or Firearms at School-sponsored Events or on School PropertySenate Bill 1816 — Protection of Historic Monuments and MemorialsHouse Bill 541 — Minimum Wage RequirementsSenate Bill 676 — Minimum Wage RequirementsSenate Bill 918 — Employment of MinorsHouse Bill 1387 — Public Employees Relations CommissionSenate Bill 1288 — Parental RightsSenate Bill 100 — Display of Flags by Government Entities Senate Bill 440 — Gender Identity Employment PracticesHouse Bill 875 — Educator PreparationSenate Bill 832 — Former Phosphate Mining LandsSenate Bill 752 — Defamation, False Light, and Unauthorized Publication of Name or LikenessesSenate Bill 872 — Price Controls for the Removal and Storage of Electric VehiclesSenate Bill 1388 — VesselsSenate Bill 134 — Sales Tax Exemption of BullionQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Philip Morris, the Big Tobacco giant best known as the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, helped Ron DeSantis defeat ballot measures last fall that would have legalized marijuana and protected abortion rights. A few months later, the Florida governor did a favor for Philip Morris: Allowing the company to sell its IQOS product line free of state tobacco taxes. And now Florida lawmakers are advancing company-backed bills that would cement that decision into state law. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 1418 — Heated Tobacco ProductsHouse Bill 785 — Heated Tobacco ProductsHouse Bill 1517 — Civil Liability for the Wrongful Death of an Unborn Child House Bill 1219 — Employment AgreementsSenate Bill 806 — Florida Trust CodeHouse Bill 1173 — Florida Trust CodeDeSantis grants tax favor for Philip Morris after $500,000 gift Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Republican lawmakers in Florida are considering a bill pitched by a billionaire-backed think tank that would make it even harder for workers to qualify for unemployment insurance. Plus: “Baby Olivia” comes to the Florida Capitol and all the adults play dumb. An update from Day 15 of the Florida Legislature's 2025 session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:House Bill 1157 — Verification of Reemployment Assistance Benefit EligibilityHouse Bill 1255 — EducationHouse Bill 651 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Is ‘Baby Olivia' headed to a school near you? Bills in several states would allow screenings of fetal development video.Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: In a single afternoon, Florida lawmakers advanced bills to roll back protections for rural land in Orlando, allow an ethanol plant in a historic city north of Jacksonville, and help hedge funds bind workers to years-long non-compete contracts. Those issues and more from Day 14 of the Florida Legislature's 2025 session.Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 420 — Official Actions of Local Governments Senate Bill 1118 — Land Use and Development Regulations Senate Bill 922 — Employment RegulationsSenate Bill 1776 — Employment RightsSenate Bill 1822 — Regulation of Auxiliary Containers Ron DeSantis took money from you and gave it to businesses. And you didn't even notice.A developer-backed bill would unravel rural protections in Orlando, allow an ethanol plant near JacksonvilleRanchland to rooftops in central FloridaFlorida beach town faces explosive fight over ethanol plantQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: There's a quiet effort afoot in the Florida Capitol to enable a charity funded by the duPont family fortune to shift spending from Delaware to Florida. Meanwhile, an ugly plan to cut funding for Legal Aid — so a few banks can make more money — has begun to move forward. Those bills and more from Day 9 of the Florida Legislature's 2025 session. Show notes The bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 806 — Florida Trust Code Senate Bill 498 — Interest Rates Applicable to the Interest on Trust Accounts ProgramSenate Bill 832 — Former Phosphate Mining Lands Senate Bill 752 — Defamation, False Light, and Unauthorized Publication of Name or Likenesses House Bill 541 — Minimum Wage Requirements House Bill 683 — Construction Regulations House Bill 429 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Franchised Motor Vehicle Dealers Banks lobbyists want to slash funding for legal support programsFlorida lawmakers may help a mining giant fend off lawsuitsCar dealers try to keep a chokehold on new car sales in FloridaAfter taking money from Walmart heirs, Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature helped billionaires hide their family fortunesQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Wealthy communities in Florida have hijacked a program that is supposed to help impoverished areas. Some Republican lawmakers want to put a stop to it. Unfortunately, they also want to help the dairy industry duck competition from plant-based rivals. An update from Day 8 of the Florida Legislature's 60-day legislative session. Show notes:The bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 1242 — Community Redevelopment AgenciesSenate Bill 700 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services House Bill 565 — Regulation of Auxiliary ContainersQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: As the second week of Florida's 2025 legislative session begins, Republican lawmakers roll out an intentionally unconstitutional plan meant to provoke a legal showdown over the state's voter-approved minimum wage. But there's also a budding bipartisan movement to make sure Ron DeSantis never again pays for political ads with taxpayer money. Show notes:The bills discussed in today's show:Senate Bill 676 — Minimum Wage Requirements House Bill 541 — Minimum Wage RequirementsSenate Bill 7016 — Initiative Petitions Proposing an Amendment to the State ConstitutionSenate Bill 1624 — Higher Education Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: With lobbyists for big corporations like Publix and Florida Power & Light cheering them on, Republican leaders in the Florida Legislature began advancing new plans this week that are meant to make it much harder — maybe even impossible — for everyday citizens in Florida to pass ballot measures through petition drives. Plus: An oversight fight that could have major implications for efforts to restore the Florida Everglades and an anti-abortion poison pill slipped inside a boat-safety bill. Show notes:Links to all the bills referenced in today's show: House Bill 1205 — Initiative Petitions for Constitutional AmendmentsSenate Bill 7016 — Initiative Petitions Proposing an Amendment to the State ConstitutionSenate Bill 7002 — Water Management DistrictsHouse Bill 289 — Boating Safety Senate Bill 628 — Boating SafetySenate Bill 676 — Minimum Wage Requirements Senate Bill 700 — Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Senate Bill 498 — Interest Rates Applicable to the Interest on Trust Accounts ProgramSenate Bill 832 — Former Phosphate Mining Lands Banks lobbyists want to slash funding for legal support programsFlorida lawmakers may help a mining giant fend off lawsuitsQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: The Florida Legislature opened its 2025 session Tuesday — and Republican legislative leaders are already forcing Ron DeSantis onto some politically dangerous ground. Plus: Lawmakers move forward on a favor for one of the state's biggest companies. And the most important battle of session is about to begin. Show notes: Secret study reveals insurance companies pocketed billions while crying poor in FloridaFlorida lawmakers may help a mining giant fend off lawsuitsWhat to watch as Florida's 2025 session beginsHB 1205 — Initiative Petitions for Constitutional AmendmentsQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Insurance companies in Florida have been quietly pocketing billions of dollars in profits while claiming to lose money, according to an explosive new report from the Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald. The insurance industry used those “losses” as a pretense to lobby Florida politicians into passing a series of industry-written, anti-consumer laws that have left millions of Florida homeowners and business owners paying higher prices for poorer quality policies. And a taxpayer-funded study exposing it all was kept hidden from the public for two years. Tampa Bay Times reporter Lawrence Mower, the journalist who broke the story, joins the show to talk about it. Show notes: Florida insurance companies steered money to investors while claiming losses, study saysQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Ron DeSantis and Republicans in the Florida Legislature end a month of fighting over immigration by agreeing to a package of bills that crack down on college kids — but cower from big corporations. Florida's new immigration legislation is most interesting for the way that Republican state lawmakers used the process to push back against DeSantis after years of playing a submissive second fiddle to the governor. And now the Republican-appointed Florida Supreme Court is kicking his butt, too. Show notes: Jim DeFede analysis: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis backs down on immigration Debbie Mayfield vs. Secretary, Florida Department of State Car dealers try to keep a chokehold on new car sales in FloridaQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Florida lawmakers are finding ways to reassert themselves after half a decade of cowering in a corner from Ron DeSantis. Meanwhile, Florida's agriculture commissioner — a potential candidate for governor in 2026 — doesn't think the state should use its power to protect farmworkers dying in 100-degree heat. But he does think the state should use its power to protect the dairy industry's market share. An update from another week of hearings in Tallahassee as the Florida Legislature prepares for its 2025 session. Show notes: Senate Bill 108Babies over bachelor's degrees? DeSantis appointee says women should choose motherhood over higher edWhy DeSantis vetoed a farmworker housing bill passed unanimously by state lawmakersMilking the system: The dairy industry takes more of your money by erecting barriers to competition. Got rent-seeking?Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: One year ago, Ron DeSantis wiped out almost all state funding for arts and cultural programs across Florida because he claimed some of the shows getting to be funded were too “sexual.” Now, the Republican says he's willing to restore arts funding in Florida — but only if he gets to deny money to any groups he doesn't like. It's part of a broader theme running through a new state budget DeSantis proposed this week, which could further empower the governor and his allies to block research grants, defund university programs, pull books from libraries, harass petition drives, and spread taxpayer-funded propaganda.Show notes: DeSantis said he cut Florida's arts funding over ‘sexual' festivals Ron DeSantis wants lawmakers to sanction his election interferenceQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: In a wild 48 hours, Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature made clear that it is sick of Ron DeSantis' self-promoting schtick. But as much fun as it was to watch the biggest bully in Florida politics get his head metaphorically dunked in a toilet, Florida's two-day special session on immigration also saw a bunch of innocent kids get hurt by politicians who seem more interested in performative cruelty than solving root causes. Show notes: Selective outrage: DeSantis, GOP lawmakers give pass to companies violating immigration laws | CommentaryQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature just wrapped up its first week of hearings ahead of the state's annual 60-day lawmaking session, which will begin in March. The week offered a sneak preview of some big coming battles on issues like abortion and immigration. But it also revealed important fights ahead over insurance industry secrets, rock mining in the Everglades, and favors for banks.Show notes: How Florida could try to stop voters from ever again voting on abortion accessPoliticians weakened state ethics laws. Investigators are now closing cases.How home insurance companies in Florida sidestep rules meant to prevent excess profitsBanks lobbyists want to slash funding for legal support programsRon DeSantis' top aide punished bank lobbyists for being disloyalQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Florida has become a national leader…at kicking kids off health insurance. Over the past year or so, politicians in Tallahassee have presided over a brutish purge of state insurance rolls, defied federal rules meant to keep kids covered, and slow-walked a bipartisan expansion plan that was supposed to ensure medical care for more children. Joan Alker, a professor at Georgetown University and national health-policy expert, has has been sounding the alarm about Florida's actions. She joins the show to explain what's happened. Show notes:A few helpful resources and articles:Florida's children's healthcare report cardWhat is the impact of unwinding on Medicaid enrollment?Child Medicaid Disenrollment Data Shows Wide Variation in State Performance as Continuous Coverage Pandemic Protections LiftedState of Florida Files Legal Challenge to Weaken Continuous Coverage Protection for Children in CHIP NationwideA Deeper Dive into Florida's Lawsuit Seeking to Undermine the New Requirement for 12-Months Continuous Eligibility for Children in Separate State CHIP ProgramsFlorida's Governor Spends Taxpayer Money on Lawyers to Further Delay Covering ChildrenBiden administration OKs Florida KidCare waiverThanks but no thanks: State turns down Florida KidCare waiver approvalDeSantis health officials to delay KidCare expansion until after Trump takes officeQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Since taking total control of state government 25 years ago, Florida Republicans have systematically rolled back reforms that once kept state courts independent. It was a project launched by Jeb Bush, expanded by Rick Scott, and that has now culminated under Ron DeSantis with a Florida Supreme Court that is a rubber stamp for the governor and Legislature — and a roadblock for anyone who dares to challenge them. Learn more about how it happened from Martin Dyckman, a Florida journalist and historian whose investigative reporting once exposed Supreme Court corruption and spurred some of the very reforms that have been undone.Show notes:Read this Dyckman column in the Sun-Sentinel explaining some of the history and changes in more detail.And if you want to do a truly deep dive into the subject, check out his book: A Most Disorderly Court: Scandal and Reform in the Florida Judiciary (and don't forget his biographies of Govs. Reubin Askew and Leroy Collins, too).Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Longtime Florida journalist and Bloomberg Opinion columnist Mary Ellen Klas dug through a trove of legislative and electoral data from around the country to understand what happens when one party commands total control of a state's government. She joined the show to talk about what she found. Show notes:This Is Why You Don't Recognize Your State Government (Bloomberg Opinion) Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: The new leaders of Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature take the stage for the first time in Tallahassee. The good: The speaker of the Florida House of Representatives suggests he may try to stop private equity firms from squeezing individual homebuyers out of the housing market. The bad: The president of the Florida Senate signals he'll turn a blind eye to Ron DeSantis' decision to spend millions of dollars of taxpayer money on political ads. Show notes: Check out “Buying Up the Bay,” the Tampa Bay Times series mentioned on the show. Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: The first twins of Florida politics — Anna Eskamani, a state representative from Orlando, and Ida Eskamani, a long-time advocate in the Florida Legislature who now organizes in state legislatures across the country — join the podcast to talk about corporate influence in the Sunshine State and how to defeat it. Hint: It takes a lot of hard work. (Note: Ida Eskamani appeared on the show in her personal capacity.)Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Thomas Kennedy, a progressive organizer in Miami and former Bernie Sanders campaign staffer, rejoins the pod to talk about how Democrats lost touch with the working class — and what needs to happen next.Show notes: A couple of items referenced on the show:What It Took to Win: A History of the Democratic PartyTrump's closing campaign ad in 2016Thomas' podcastQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell joins the podcast to talk about Florida's 2024 elections — including some stunning local results in which voters in Orlando chose a pair of grassroots activists over tourism- and developer-backed alternatives who had outspent them by as much as 8-to-1. It's the dawning of a new day in what has historically been one of the nation's biggest company towns. And it further established Orlando as a blue island in a statewide sea of red. Show notes: For more about Florida's elections — both in Orlando and across the state — make sure to read Scott's most recent column in the Sentinel. And check out more of his work here.To understand what made these Orlando races so important, and why they will have statewide repercussions, see these pieces from Seeking Rents: Voters in Orlando have a chance to loosen the tourism industry's grip on taxpayer money Candidates in Orlando split over new rules to save rural land from suburban sprawl Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Thoughts on the 2024 election results in Florida. Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTubeSubscribe: SeekingRentsFL.com Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Amid a growing consensus that overly restrictive housing rules are a major driver of high housing prices, the city of Gainesville just passed far-reaching reforms meant to make it much easier to build more homes. At the same time, Orange County is on the brink of passing changes meant to slow suburban sprawl and encourage denser urban development instead. A pair of leaders from both communities — Eric Grimmer of Orlando YIMBY and Gainesville City Commissioner Bryan Eastman — join the show to talk about their housing efforts, as well as a couple of fascinating local referendums on the ballot this fall. Show notesAs promised in the show, here's a link to Orlando YIMBY.And for more details about Gainesville's zoning reforms, check out this presentation.Lastly, here are a few stories that we touched on during the discussions:The Missing Middle: Supply vs. Aesthetics in the Drive for New Housing (Governing)Florida Republicans Are Fighting Gainesville's Zoning Reform, and Themselves (Bloomberg)Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' Administration Tells Gainesville To Abandon Zoning Reform (Reason Foundation)Gainesville community rallies for amendment returning GRU leadership to city (The Independent Florida Alligator)In five races, Orange County voters can choose sides in the fight over growth (Orlando Sentinel)Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTubeSubscribe: SeekingRentsFL.com Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Roxey Nelson is an executive vice president with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare union in Florida and a board member for Floridians Protection Freedom. That's the group sponsoring a constitutional amendment to overturn Florida's near-total abortion ban. She joined the show to talk about Amendment 4, and the ties that bind policies like abortion bans, union busting, and tax breaks for billionaires.Show notesFor more information about Amendment 4, or to find ways to get involved in the final two weeks of the campaign, check out Floridians Protecting Freedom.Here are some of the stories we talked about on the show:The think tank behind Project 2025 is also behind some of Florida's most extreme lawsA billionaire-backed think tank keeps sabotaging Florida workers. More attacks are coming.The billionaires financing union-busting in FloridaQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTubeSubscribe: SeekingRentsFL.com Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Ron DeSantis is now threatening television stations with criminal prosecutions unless they take down ads supporting a ballot measure that would overturn Florida's near-total ban on abortion. It's the latest escalation in DeSantis' increasingly extreme efforts to use the powers of state government — and the pocketbooks of Florida taxpayers — for political campaigns against citizen-led petition drives to end the statewide abortion ban and legalize marijuana. Show notesFor further reading and listening:Ron DeSantis' Administration Is Threatening to Prosecute the Media for Airing Pro-Choice Ads (Slate)Ron DeSantis blurs lines, burns cash in tax-funded campaign to block abortion and marijuana ballot measures (Seeking Rents)Delayed and Denied: How Florida's Six-Week Abortion Ban Criminalizes Medical Care (Physicians for Human Rights)Hemp execs pledge millions to Republican Party of Florida, texts reveal (CBS News)DeSantis, Florida House pay outsiders to influence financial statement on abortion measure (Tallahassee Democrat)Florida politicians will go further to interfere with abortion – unless Florida voters stop them (Seeking Rents – The Podcast)The think tank behind Project 2025 is also behind some of Florida's most extreme laws (Seeking Rents)Because of Florida abortion laws, she carried her baby to term knowing he would die (CNN)Florida DOT's driving high ads are ‘propaganda,' marijuana campaign tells TV stations (Miami Herald)DeSantis turns to TV lobbyists to stop Florida voters from overturning a statewide abortion ban (Seeking Rents) Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTubeSubscribe: SeekingRentsFL.com Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Progressive activist and Ron DeSantis antagonist Thomas Kennedy joins the show to talk about why the DeSantis bubble burst so spectacularly on the national stage and to call out some of the Florida politicians from both parties who take money — and marching orders — from Big Sugar. We also talk about DeSantis' refusal to extend Florida's voter registration as a monstrous hurricane looms off the coast and new campaigns targeting Republican lawmakers who have attacked and exploited immigrants.  Show notes:As promised on the show, here are links to watch the CBS Sunday Morning segment on the ways Florida's anti-immigrant laws are hurting Florida farmers and to see the infamous Tallahassee billboard mocking a cosplaying governor pretending to be a fighter pilot.You can also find lots more detail about the ways some top Florida Democrats teamed up with DeSantis and Florida Republicans to do Big Sugar's bidding in these stories and podcasts:After sugar's $11 million investment, a bipartisan push to protect industry (Miami Herald)Glades residents left behind: Nikki Fried's ‘changes' to cane burning served only Big Sugar (Palm Beach Post)How Ron DeSantis and Nikki Fried Teamed Up to Defend Big Sugar (Seeking Rents – The Podcast)Finally, make sure to check out Kennedy's Podcast, Why Are We Like This, and to follow him on social media (@tomaskenn on Instagram and @tomaskenn on Twitter).Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTubeSubscribe: SeekingRentsFL.com Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: There are some important battles being waged in Orlando right now — including a pivotal local election and a tug-of-war over a vast swath of cattle pasture that could become covered in subdivisions. And at the center of both fights are Buddy Dyer, the longtime mayor of Orlando, and Tavistock, the billionaire-backed real-estate developer that has cultivated close ties with the mayor during his more than 20 years in City Hall. Beth Kassab, a former investigative reporter with the Orlando Sentinel and now the editor of the Winter Park Voice, joins the show to talk about both of those battles, the tourism lobby, housing politics, and the future of local news.Show notesSubscribe to the Winter Park Voice (and be sure to support local news wherever you are).Read some of Beth's recent work on Orange County's District 5 commission race:Steve Leary, with Buddy Dyer's endorsement, heads to run-off from second placeSteve Leary taps political committee for unlimited dollars in race against Kelly SemradFor a deeper dive into a couple of the controversies discussed on the show, check out these recent Scott Maxwell columns in the Orlando Sentinel:Irresponsible. Orlando wants to hastily annex a Baltimore-sized piece of land to sate developersCandidates won't reveal promises made to hotel lobbyAnd for even more of the history here, see this piece I wrote a few years back for Florida Trend magazine: Ranchland to rooftops in central Florida Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTubeSubscribe: SeekingRentsFL.com Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: State Rep. Angie Nixon just won re-election to a Jacksonville-based state House seat after steamrolling over a challenger backed by the state's big-business lobby. She joins the podcast to talk about what it's like to take on corporate influence in the Florida Legislature and whether a backlash may be building to Republican overreach.For more on some of the topics that came up during the conversation:Florida Democrats get infusion of cash from DNC as voting by mail is set to begin (Florida Phoenix)Keep your eye on the Florida Senate race (The Washington Post)Ron DeSantis blurs lines, burns cash in tax-funded campaign to block abortion and marijuana ballot measures (Seeking Rents)Florida Supreme Court weighs high stakes for minority voting rights after DeSantis' redistricting (The Tributary)Operatives working for FPL arranged job offer to opponent of Jacksonville utility sale, records show (Orlando Sentinel)Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTubeSubscribe: SeekingRentsFL.com Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Longtime Florida journalist Nate Monroe, the statewide columnist for USA Today's Florida newspapers, joins the show to talk about the bursting of the Ron DeSantis bubble — an implosion that plenty of people in Jacksonville always said was inevitable. We also chat about why TV execs are trying to keep abortion banned in Florida and who to root for as some of the biggest bullies in state politics turn on each other.Show notesCheck out some of Nate's recent work:Noticed a lot of anti-abortion ads on Florida TV? Columnist Nate Monroe found out whyWill Florida Supreme Court finally constrain Gov. Ron DeSantis?With national ambitions extinguished, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is adriftPlus, as promised on the pod, here's more about one of the most delicious backstories from Ron DeSantis' doomed presidential campaign: DeSantis Tried to Bury Her. Now She's Helping Trump Try to Bury HimQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTubeSubscribe: SeekingRentsFL.com Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: A recent report from the United Way revealed a staggering fact about Florida: Nearly half of the state's 9 million households are now unable to afford basic living expenses. One reason so many Florida families are struggling is that the state has the most unfair tax code in the country — one that takes far more money from the working and middle class than it does from the very wealthy. But there's a way Florida lawmakers could solve both problems at once. It's called the “Working Floridians Tax Rebate,” and it would deliver a tax cut to more than 2 million Floridians. Esteban Santis, an economic policy analyst at the Florida Policy Institute, joins the show to discuss it. Show notes: Check out a a terrific deep dive into the United Way study that found nearly half of all households in Florida are struggling to make ends meet. Find more research and read report itself directly from the United Way.Learn what makes Florida's tax code so easy on the rich — and punishing on the poor — from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Read up on the Working Floridians Tax Rebate, including how it would work, who would get a tax cut, and why the benefits would ripple out others. And if it sounds good to you, figure out your representatives in the Florida Legislature and tell them to support it. Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTubeSubscribe: SeekingRentsFL.com Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Anti-abortion politicians in Florida are in a panic over Amendment 4, the proposed constitutional amendment that would overturn the state's near-total abortion ban and prevent further government interference with abortion. State police are going door to door to interrogate Floridians who signed the Amendment 4 petition, and political appointees are using taxpayer resources to advertise against the ballot measure. Maya Brown, a political strategist and advisor to the Amendment 4 effort, joins the show to talk about where things stand with the campaign — and a few other key races on the ballot in Florida this fall. Show notesRead more about how some Florida politicians are weaponizing state police and spending taxpayer money as they scurry to save one of the strictest abortion bans in the nation. Then visit Yes on 4 and make a plan to vote. Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTubeSubscribe: SeekingRentsFL.com Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe