Seeking Rents – The Podcast

In this episode: A community represented by a powerful lawmaker may get a reprieve from a proposal that would unleash massive real-estate developments in rural areas of Florida. Plus: A brewing battle over corporate tax breaks. An update from Day 45 of Florida's 2026 legislative session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:House Bill 299 — Blue Ribbon ProjectsPassed the House State Affairs Committee by a 21-5 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 7031 — TaxationPassed the House Ways & Means Committee by a 19-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 995 — Public Employees Relations CommissionPassed the House State Affairs Committee by a 17-8 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employees Relations Commission House Bill 1471 — Systems of Law and Terrorist OrganizationsPassed the House Judiciary Committee by a 13-5 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1632 — Ideologies Inconsistent with American PrinciplesHouse Bill 991 — Election IntegritySenate Bill 1334 — Elections House Bill 657 — Community AssociationsPassed the House Commerce Committee (vote not yet available)Senate Bill 1498 — Community Associations Senate Bill 1028 – Citizens Property Insurance CorporationHouse Bill 943 — Citizens Property Insurance Corporation House Bill 221 — Minimum Wage RequirementsThe stories discussed in today's show:A New York investment firm with vast land holdings across north Florida wants state lawmakers to greenlight giant developmentsCorporations could get a $3.5 billion tax break in Florida unless state lawmakers step in to stop itQuestions 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 unveils a plan to name a 124-mile, coast-to-coast corridor after Donald Trump. The “President Donald J. Trump Highway” would run right by “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” — and just a few miles to the north of “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard.” In between putting Trump's name on things, Florida lawmakers are also working on plans to give bigger tax subsidies to privatized public schools, make it harder for college students to vote, and force sixth-graders to watch anti-abortion propaganda. An update from Day 44 of Florida's 2026 legislative session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 628 — Transportation Facility DesignationsSB 628 amendmentPassed the House of Representatives by an 82-26 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 33 — Transportation Facility DesignationsPassed the House of Representatives by an 82-30 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 7046 — TaxationPassed the House Finance & Tax Committee by a 5-2 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 991 — Election IntegrityPassed the House of Representatives by an 83-31 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1071 — EducationPassed the House of Representatives by an 82-31 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1632 — Ideologies Inconsistent with American PrinciplesPassed the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee by a 5-3 vote (vote sheet not yet available)The stories referenced in today's show: ‘A parallel system': Miami-Dade school district to be cut out of decisions about charter schoolsLobbyists for a billionaire and a charter network pushed Florida lawmakers to expand a school privatization program, 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: Republican leaders in the House and Senate signal that they will not go along with enormous tax breaks that President Donald Trump and the GOP-controlled Congress passed last year. It's a move that would save the state of Florida billions of dollars that would have otherwise have been given away to some of the biggest corporations the in world. Plus: Lawmakers make improvements to dangerous bills dealing with property insurance, healthcare and agriculture policy. But the annual late-session shenanigans begin. An update from Day 43 of Florida's 2026 session.Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Proposed Bill 7048 — Internal Revenue CodePCB WMC 26-01 — TaxationHouse Bill 943 — Citizens Property Insurance CorporationPassed the House Commerce Committee by a 21-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 693 — Health and Human ServicesPassed the House Health & Human Services Committee by 17-7 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 433 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesPassed the House State Affairs Committee by a 22-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 399 — Land Use and Development RegulationsHB 399 amendment (adopted)Passed the House State Affairs Committee by a 16-10 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 208 — Land Use and Development RegulationsSB 208 amendment (withdrawn)Passed the Senate Rules Committee by a 22-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1389 — Affordable HousingHB 1389 amendmentPassed the House Commerce Committee by an 18-5 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 1220 — TransportationSB 1220 amendment (adopted)Passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 17-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1233 — TransportationHB 1233 amendment (adopted)Passed the House Commerce Committee by a 23-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 945 — Statewide Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism UnitPassed the House Budget Committee by a 20-8 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1007 — Data CentersPassed the House State Affairs Committee by a 22-1 vote (vote sheet)House bill 989 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle DealersPassed the House Commerce Committee by a 22-1 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 1217 — Prohibited Governmental Policies Regulating Greenhouse Gas EmissionsPassed the House Commerce Committee by a 19-4 vote (vote sheet)Senate Proposed Bill 7046 — TaxationSenate Bill 1756 — Medical FreedomPassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 10-7 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's podcast:Corporations could get a $3.5 billion tax break in Florida unless state lawmakers step in to stop itBuried in the budget: Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump and NewsmaxRepublican megadonor is behind bill that could affect Florida condo ownersThe billionaire and the no-bid contractDoral rep says he worked with Fontainebleau lobbyist on bill to allow water park‘Farm bill' would let the governor auction off conservation land to agribusinessesAttorney general questions legality of rural boundaries in Orange, SeminoleControversial surveillance bill moves ahead in Florida HouseQuestions 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: A top aide to Ron DeSantis admits that the administration interfered in the 2024 elections. Another of the governor's appointee refuses to answer basic questions about the “Hope Florida” scandal. The Florida Legislature can fix this. An update from Day 42 of Florida's 2026 legislative session.Show notes: The bills discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 1334 — ElectionsHouse Bill 593 — Government Agencies and PersonnelSenate Bill 802 — Public Officers and EmployeesHouse Bill 1445 (2025) — Public Officers and EmployeesHouse Bill 437 — Public RecordsSenate Bill 770 — Public RecordsSenate Bill 1120 — Water Management DistrictsHouse Bill 701 — Water Management DistrictsSenate Bill 1442 — Long-range Program PlansThe stories discussed in today's show: Hidden consultants and hurried payments: Records reveal details of DeSantis' campaign against abortion and marijuana amendmentsHere's the reason a top Florida health department attorney gave for leavingDeSantis officials tied to Hope Florida saga try again for Senate confirmationDeSantis official says she wouldn't have approved $67M Hope Florida settlementThe best and worst of Florida's 2025 session (so far)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: A bill pushed by a New York investment firm that would make it much easier to develop vast tracts of rural land is inching closer to passing in Tallahassee. But opposition is growing among Republican lawmakers who represent parts of the state that would be most impacted by the bill. Plus: Money for the nonprofit that was part of a scheme to build a golf course in a beloved state park. And an elections bill that combines voter suppression with rent-seeking. An update from Day 37 of Florida's 2026 legislative session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:House Bill 299 — Blue Ribbon ProjectsPassed the House Commerce Committee by an 18-3 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 2500 — AppropriationsPassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by an 18-0 vote (vote sheet not yet available)Senate Bill 1334 — ElectionsPassed the Senate Transportation, Tourism & Economic Development Appropriations Committee by a 9-5 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1632 — Ideologies Inconsistent with American PrinciplesTemporarily postponed by the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations CommitteeThe stories mentioned in today's show: A New York investment firm with vast land holdings across north Florida wants state lawmakers to greenlight giant developmentsAmid debate in Congress, Florida's Republican Legislature pushes election law changesQuestions 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: On a frenzied day in Florida's Capitol, lawmakers advance bills that would help Donald Trump and a gun manufacturer that makes allegedly “ghost-firing” guns — but hurt laid-off workers and college kids who want to vote. An update from Day 36 of the Florida Legislature's 2026 session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:House Bill 191 — Reemployment Assistance Benefit EligibilityPassed the House of Representatives by an 81-31 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 919 — Commercial Service AirportsPassed the House of Representatives by an 81-30 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 706 — Commercial Service AirportsPassed the Senate Rules Committee by a 17-6 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1551 — Products Liability for FirearmsPassed the House Judiciary Committee by a 13-5 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 455 — Protection of Historic Monuments and MemorialsPassed the House Judiciary Committee by a 14-5 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 641 — Gender Identity Employment PracticesPassed the House Judiciary Committee by a 13-6 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 743 — Prohibited Sex-reassignment Prescriptions and ProceduresPassed the House Judiciary Committee by a 14-5 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 991 — Election IntegrityPassed the House State Affairs Committee by a 17-6 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 173 — Parental RightsPassed the House Education & Employment Committee by a 12-4 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1506 — Civil LitigationRejected by the Senate Rules Committee by an 11-13 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 164 — Civil Liability for the Wrongful Death of an Unborn ChildNote: This bill was referred to by the wrong bill number during the showHouse Bill 1421 — Cattle Grazing on State LandPassed the House State Affairs Committee by a 20-3 vote (vote sheet)Stories discussed in today's show: A billionaire-backed think tank keeps sabotaging Florida workers. More attacks are coming.Prodded by business lobbyists, lawmakers may cut more Floridians off from unemployment insuranceBuried in the budget: Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump and NewsmaxA gun company gave lots of money to Florida lawmakers. Now it's lobbying for legal immunity.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: Republican leaders in the Florida Legislature unveil new state budgets with big funding gaps over everything from affordable housing and AIDS medication to a new baseball stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. At the same time, the state House wants to impose serious spending guardrails and transparency rules on Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Florida Senate does not. Plus: New College of Florida, money sink. An update from Day 35 of Florida's 2026 legislative session.Show notesThe bill's discussed in today's show: House Bill 5001 — General Appropriations ActPassed the House Budget Committee by 26-1 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 2500 — AppropriationsHouse Bill 5503 — Trust Funds/Re-creation/Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund/EOGPassed the House Transportation & Economic Development Subcommittee by a 12-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 5601 — Higher EducationPassed the House Higher Education Budget Subcommittee by a 9-4 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 437 — Public RecordsPassed the House Justice Budget Subcommittee by a 13-0 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's show: Buried in the budget: Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump and NewsmaxCorporations could get a $3.5 billion tax break in Florida unless state lawmakers step in to stop itFlorida DOGE Details Disproportionate Spending at New CollegeFinding more room for New College is a state priority, USF board chair 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: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is about to get cut off from an emergency-response fund he raided to rush construction of an immigrant detention facility in the Everglades. There's a showdown brewing between Republican leaders in the state House and Senate over whether he should get to keep it. Plus: The DeSantis administration admits spending opioid settlement money on anti-marijuana TV ads; car dealers are once again using the Legislature to keep themselves between consumers and new cars; and Uber and Lyft want to spend less money insuring their drivers. An update from Day 30 of Florida's 2026 legislative session.Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 7040 — Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund/Executive Office of the GovernorPassed the Florida Senate by a 29-10 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 7040 amendmentFailed in the Florida Senate by a 12-27 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1562 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle DealersPassed the Senate Transportation Committee by a 7-0 vote (vote sheet)Passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee by a 9-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 989 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle DealersPassed the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee by a 16-1 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 632 — Transportation Network Company, Driver, and Vehicle Owner InsurancePassed the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee by a 6-3 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employees Relations CommissionPassed the Senate Governmental and Oversight Accountability Committee by a 6-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1119 — Materials Harmful to MinorsPassed the Florida House of Representatives by an 84-28 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's show: Florida emergency agency ran up $405 million immigration tab in six monthsAn immigrant detention camp in the Everglades, financed with hurricane-response fundsFlorida state official acknowledges opioid money funded anti-weed campaignFlorida's top cop uses his power to prop up car dealersThe billionaires financing union-busting 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: After fierce opposition from activists on both the right and the left, Florida senators backed down from a plan that would help the state's sugar industry threaten defamation litigation against Everglades activists, wellness influencers, and news outlets. Senators also softened — very slightly — a bill to protect a gun manufacturer that has been making enormous campaign contributions from lawsuits over company-made guns that allegedly fire without anyone ever pulling the trigger. But both battles are still far from over. An update from Day 29 of Florida's 2026 legislative session.Show notesThe bill's discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 290 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesPassed the Senate Rules Committee by a 24-0 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1748 — Evidence in Civil Actions Relating to FirearmsPassed the Senate Judiciary Committee by an 8-3 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1566 — Local Government SpendingPassed the Senate Community Affairs Committee by a 7-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1177 — Space FloridaPassed the House Ways & Means Committee by an 18-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1471 — Systems of Law and Terrorist OrganizationsPassed the House Education & Employment Committee by a 16-4 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1279 — EducationPassed the House Budget Committee by a 20-7 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1071 — EducationPassed the House Education & Employment Committee by a 15-4 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 173 — Parental RightsPassed the House Judiciary Committee by a 15-4 (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's show: Florida politicians may give Big Sugar legal power to go after activists and silence criticsThey said they wanted to help farmers. They really wanted to hurt environmentalists.Could Florida's conservation lands soon be sold for agriculture?A gun company gave lots of money to Florida lawmakers. Now it's lobbying for legal immunity.Williams Celebrates Groundbreaking of Florida FacilityQuestions 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 unlikely alliance of MAHA activists, fishing guides, evangelicals and environmentalists has formed to fight a bill that would make it easier for agricultural corporations to sue people who “disparage” the industry. But the idea is still moving through Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature. Plus: General Motors wants to charge “processing fees” on car loans, a national conservative think tank wants to force more companies to fight unions, and Ron DeSantis wants to publish his own textbooks. An update from day 23 of the Florida Legislature's 2026 session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: House Bill 433 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesPassed the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee by a 14-0 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1236 — Employers Receiving Economic Development Incentives from State AgenciesPassed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee by a 6-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1217 — Prohibited Governmental Policies Regulating Greenhouse Gas EmissionsPassed the House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee by a 12-3 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 838 — Electronic Payments of Retail Installment ContractsPassed the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee by a 10-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 221 — Minimum Wage RequirementsPassed the House Careers & Workforce Subcommittee by an 11-5 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 7036 — EducationPassed the Senate Education PreK-12 Committee by a 5-2 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's show: Florida politicians may give Big Sugar legal power to go after activists and silence criticsThey said they wanted to help farmers. They really wanted to hurt environmentalists.Florida's Education Department could get into the textbook publishing game Companies linked to a Trump appointee are seeking money from Florida taxpayers — and giving money to Florida lawmakersQuestions 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: Sig Sauer, one of the country's biggest gun manufacturers, is facing dozens of lawsuits from police officers and other firearm owners who suffered gunshot wounds when a company-made pistol allegedly fired without anyone ever pulling the trigger. The company is now lobbying Florida lawmakers for protection from so-called “ghost firing” suits — and it is handing out giant campaign contributions while it does so. On a more promising front: Top Florida senators want to put an end to predatory fees charged by homebuilding giant Lennar and some other housing developers. Those were among the bills on the move during day 22 of the Florida Legislature's 2026 session.Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 530 — State LotteriesPassed the Senate Regulated Industries Committee by a 9-0 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1498 — Community AssociationsPassed the Senate Regulated Industries Committee by a 7-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1551 — Products Liability for FirearmsPassed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee by a 13-4 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1632 — Ideologies Inconsistent with American PrinciplesPassed the Senate Judiciary Committee by an 8-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 485 — Petitions for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence Containing Allegations of Marriage FraudPassed the House Civil Justice & Claims Committee by a 14-0 vote (see votes)Senate Bill 1220 — TransportationPassed the Senate Transportation Committee by a 9-0 vote (vote sheet)Stories discussed in today's show: A homebuilding giant is lobbying for the power to collect endless profits from homeownersAvatar v. Gundel (2023)A gun company gave lots of money to Florida lawmakers. Now it's lobbying for legal immunity.A Walmart-backed startup doesn't like local government rules. It wants Tallahassee to overturn them.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's Republican-controlled Legislature is quickly coalescing around a plan to cut spending on health insurance and food stamps by using bureaucratic hurdles and red tape to block people from accessing the programs. They're doing it at the same time as they consider billions in tax cuts for corporations. Plus: Some Republicans in Tallahassee are ready to go union-busting again. Show notesThe bill's discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 1758 — Public AssistancePassed the Senate Health Policy Committee by a 8-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 693 — Health and Human ServicesPassed the House Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee by a 12-4 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employees Relations CommissionTemporarily postponed by the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee.House Bill 995 — Public Employees Relations CommissionPassed the House Government Operations Subcommittee by a 12-5 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's show: Medicaid: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)The Uncertain Hour: The Welfare-to-Work Industrial ComplexA billionaire-backed think tank keeps sabotaging Florida workers. More attacks are coming.How conservative billionaires shape decisions inside the DeSantis administrationThe billionaires financing union-busting 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: Republicans in the Florida state House just rolled out a “Florida Students First” plan that would force the state's top universities — including the University of Florida and Florida State University — to sharply reduce the number of out-of-state students they serve, in order to open more seats for in-state students. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's latest corporate tax cuts could rip an enormous hole in Florida's new state budget. And the developer lobby is trying once again to undo protections for rural land around Orlando. An update from Day 16 of Florida's 2026 legislative session. Show notesThe bill's discussed in today's show: House Bill 1279 — EducationPassed the House Careers & Workforce Subcommittee by a 12-5 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 399 — Land Use and Development RegulationsPassed the House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee by a 10-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 221 — Minimum Wage RequirementsPassed the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee by an 11-6 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1071 — EducationPassed the House PreK-12 Budget Subcommittee by a 12-3 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 164 — Civil Liability for the Wrongful Death of an Unborn ChildPassed by the Senate Civil and Criminal Justice Appropriations Committee by a 5-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 919 — Commercial Service AirportsPassed the House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee by a 12-3 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's show: Florida is building a higher education Trojan HorseFlorida leaders hid money for controversial higher education projectCorporations could get a $3.5 billion tax break in Florida unless state lawmakers step in to stop itQuestions 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 pace is picking up in the Florida Legislature, which is now into the third week of its 2026 session. Bills have begun moving that would give a tax break to Philip Morris; let people pay for vending machine lottery tickets with debit cards; strip local communities of the power to regulate everything from religious gatherings to home playgrounds; block teenagers from obtaining birth control without permission from a parent — oh, and rename a major airport after Donald Trump. An update from Day 15 of Florida's 60-day legislative session.Show notes The bill's discussed in today's show: House Bill 377 — Heated Tobacco ProductsPassed the House Ways & Means Committee by 14-1 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 530 — State LotteriesPassed the Senate Regulated Industries Committee by a 9-0 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1444 — Preemption to the StatePassed the Senate Community Affairs Committee by 6-2 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 173 — Parental RightsPassed the House Health & Human Services Committee by a 19-7 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 706 — Commercial Service AirportsPassed the Senate Transportation Committee by a 9-0 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 332 — Public MeetingsPassed the Senate Judiciary Committee by a 10-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 167 — Former Phosphate Mining LandsPassed the Senate Rules Committee by a 22-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1119 — Materials Harmful to MinorsPassed the House Education & Employment Committee by a 16-5 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 7009 — OGSR/Public Service CommissionPassed the House State Affairs Committee by a 24-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 981 — Tributaries of St. Johns RiverPassed the House Budget Committee by a 28-0 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 290 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesPostponed by the Senate Rules Committee without a voteStories discussed on today's show: DeSantis grants tax favor for Philip Morris after $500,000 giftFlorida AG made sweeping claims in confidential abortion caseWho's behind a thorny Florida property rights bill? A real estate empireA gun company gave lots of money to Florida lawmakers. Now it's lobbying for legal immunity.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: On Day 14 of the Florida Legislature's 2026 session, lawmakers advanced bills that would help aerospace and defense companies dodge property taxes and let anti-vaccine parent send their kids to public schools while ignoring all immunization rules for reasons of “conscience.” Plus: Republicans in Tallahassee think Ivermectin is safe enough to sell without a prescription — but only if doctors and pharmacies have total legal immunity for providing it to patents. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 1512 — Space FloridaPassed the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee by a 4-0 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1756 — Medical FreedomPassed the Senate Health Policy Committee by a 6-4 vote (vote sheet)Stories discussed in today's show: Rigging the rules: How the state of Florida helps some special interests skip out on property taxes (podcast version)Florida rigged the rules for special interests who squeeze tax breaks out of Tallahassee. That's now causing chaos. (written version)Space Florida's rocket science financingQuestions 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: A bill has begun moving in Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature that would forbid school districts from considering the artistic or literary value of books that fringe activists want banned from libraries. Plus: The state House advances a plan to make public school students watch anti-abortion cartoons while the state Senate tries to put more bureaucracy between laid-off workers and the unemployment benefits they earned. Those bills and more from Day 9 of Florida's 2026 legislative session. Show notesFollowing up on the two points that came up during the show: * Republican state Rep. Dana Trabulsy is from Fort Pierce (not Tampa)* Byron Donalds, the Republican Congressman running for Florida governor, has taken more than $1 million from Richard “Dick” Uihlein, a major funder of the Foundation for Government Accountability The bills discussed in today's show: House Bill 1119 — Materials Harmful to MinorsPassed the House Education Administration Subcommittee by a 13-5 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 4027 — Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hillsborough CountyPassed the House Education Administration Subcommittee by a 17-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1071 — EducationPassed the House Student Academic Success Subcommittee by a 12-5 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 216 — Verification of Reemployment Assistance Benefit EligibilityPassed the Senate Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Committee by a 9-5 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 433 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesPassed the House Commerce Committee by an 18-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 105 — Local Government Enforcement ActionsPassed the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee by a 16-0 vote (vote sheet)Stories and other resources discussed in today's show: Hillsborough school board grills superintendent on book removals (Tampa Bay Times) Under state threats, Hillsborough pulls transgender YouTuber's memoir (Tampa Bay Times) Is ‘Baby Olivia' headed to a school near you? Bills in several states would allow screenings of fetal development video. (19th News)Florida lawmakers are about to hand a revenge tool to a much-criticized industry | Opinion (Miami Herald editorial board)Stop Florida's Corporate “Food Gag” Bills (Stand for Health Freedom)A billionaire-backed think tank keeps sabotaging Florida workers. More attacks are coming. (Seeking Rents)Prodded by business lobbyists, lawmakers may cut more Floridians off from unemployment insurance (Seeking Rents)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: A wild new bill in the Florida Legislature would let parents sue public school teachers for violating a parent's right to oversee the “moral training” of their child. Plus: Lawmakers may give more power to the politician at the center of the “Hope Florida” scandal; take more money from cities and counties; and launch an Everglades-like environmental recovery project in northeast Florida. An update from Day 8 of Florida's 2026 legislative session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 1010 — Enforcement of Protections for MinorsPassed the Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee by a 5-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 743 — Prohibited Sex-reassignment Prescriptions and ProceduresPassed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee by 12-5 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 103 — Local Business TaxesPassed the House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee by a 10-6 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 408 — Advertisement of a Harmful VaccinePassed the Senate Regulated Industries Committee by a 5-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 981 — Tributaries of St. Johns RiverPassed the House Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee by a 16-0 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1066 — Tributaries of the St. Johns RiverPassed the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee by an 8-0 vote (vote sheet)And the Ivermectin bills:House Bill 917 — Health CareSenate Bill 1756 — Medical FreedomStories discussed in today's show: A lawyer for Ron DeSantis revealed the real motive behind one of Florida's most controversial lawsFlorida's new budget sets the stage for a big environmental battleQuestions 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 its first full floor session of 2026, the Florida House of Representatives passed bills to 1) Give fertilized eggs some of the same legal rights as living children; 2) Repeal a bipartisan gun-safety law passed after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School; and 3) Protect a giant mining corporation from lawsuits over radioactive material left behind on former mine sites. Those bills and more from Day 3 of the 2026 legislative session in a state that seems to be growing more extreme by the day. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: House Bill 167 — Former Phosphate Mine LandsPassed the House of Representatives by an 87-24 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 289 — Civil Liability for the Wrongful Death of an Unborn ChildPassed the House of Representatives by a 76-34 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 133 — Minimum Age for Firearm Purchase or TransferPassed the House of Representatives by a 74-37 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 6003 — Recovery of Damages for Medical Negligence Resulting in DeathPassed the House of Representatives by an 88-17 vote (vote sheet)Stories referenced in today's show: Lobbyists for a mining company wrote a bill to block lawsuits over radiation on former minesA dream for developers, a nightmare for women: Florida lawmakers start a new sessionQuestions 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 Gov. Ron DeSantis just replaced a justice on the Florida Supreme Court who couldn't participate in redistricting cases with a new judge who has defended partisan gerrymandering. The switch comes just as DeSantis and the Florida Legislature prepare to redraw to the state's Congressional districts to give Republicans an even greater advantage in the 2026 elections — an issue with national consequences that will almost inevitably end up before the Florida Supreme Court. Meanwhile, special interests and government agencies are teaming up to cut the public out of public hearings. And in the Florida Senate, we don't talk about Big Sugar. An update from Day 2 of Florida's 2026 legislative session.Show notes:The bills discussed in today's show: House Bill 655 — Pub. Meetings/Attorney Meetings to Discuss Private Property Rights ClaimsPassed the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee by a 17-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 7009 — OGSR/Public Service CommissionPassed the House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee by a 15-1 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 290 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesPassed the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee by a 17-3 vote (vote sheet)Stories referenced in today's show: Florida court upholds DeSantis' congressional redistricting map Florida Supreme Court upholds congressional district maps Trump judicial nominee “indefinitely” stalled by criminal probeCity rejects $6.6 million RYAM property demandDuke Energy case and legislative bills could bring more secrecyQuestions 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 comes a point during every session of the Florida Legislature where it looks like it's all fallen apart, everybody is mad at each other, and nothing will ever get done. It doesn't usually come on Day 1, though. Plus: A bill to let giant landowners dodge local rezoning votes starts moving the Senate, and General Motors lobbies to legalize credit card fees on car loans. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 354 — Blue Ribbon Projects Passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee by 7-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 479 — Land and Water ManagementPassed the House Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee by an 11-5 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 838 — Electronic Payments of Retail Installment ContractsPassed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee by a 10-0 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 289 — Civil Liability for the Wrongful Death of an Unborn ChildSenate Bill 1734 — Civil Remedies Pertaining to AbortionsHouse Bill 167 — Former Phosphate Mine LandStories referenced in today's show: House speaker calls DeSantis' hand-shake snub ‘petulant'A dream for developers, a nightmare for women: Florida lawmakers start a new sessionA New York investment firm with vast land holdings across north Florida wants state lawmakers to greenlight giant developmentsFlorida may send bounty hunters after women and doctors Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Since 2017, companies linked to a multibillion-dollar investment manager in New York have spent at least $230 million buying up more than 80,000 acres across north Florida — amassing giant tracts of largely rural land near Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Panama City. The same investment firm now wants Florida lawmakers to make it much easier to develop that land.Editor's note: A written version of this story first appeared in the Seeking Rents newsletter:A New York investment firm with vast land holdings across north Florida wants state lawmakers to greenlight giant developmentsShow notesHouse Bill 299 — Blue Ribbon Projects (first vote) Senate Bill 354 — Blue Ribbon Projects Senate Community Affairs Committee Committee meeting noticeTo contact for Florida legislators:Find Your Elected Officials in FloridaFlorida House of Representatives full list of membersFlorida Senate full list of senatorsQuestions 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 of the world's largest mining firms wrote a bill in the Florida Legislature that would help the company dodge lawsuits related to radiation on former mines — and make it easier to develop some of its vast land holdings across the southern interior of the state. Editor's note: A written version of this story first appeared in the Seeking Rents newsletter: Lobbyists for a mining company wrote a bill to block lawsuits over radiation on former minesShow notesThe bill discussed in today's show: House Bill 167 — Former Phosphate Mining Lands (first committee vote, second committee vote)To contact for Florida legislators: Find Your Elected Officials in FloridaFlorida House of Representatives full list of membersFlorida Senate full list of senators 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 Power & Light recently won permission to raise electricity rates by at least $7 billion over the next four years. It appears to be the largest electric rate hike in American history. In this episode, we explain why this increase is so big, how FPL pulled it off, and who should be held accountable. Editor's note: A written version of this story first appeared in the Seeking Rents newsletter: Florida just approved the largest electric rate increase in history. Here's how it happened.Show notesCheck out some of Seeking Rents' previous coverage of Florida Power & Light and utility regulation in Florida:Inside the $5 billion deal that Gov. Ron DeSantis' political appointees gave to Florida Power & Light (August 2022)Florida Power & Light pocketed $1 billion in tax cuts for itself. But now it can pass tax increases on to its customers (August 2022)How Ron DeSantis helped Florida Power & Light raise electricity rates by $5 billion (September 2022)A power company wants to take $1 billion from Florida customers. It just gave $3 million to Florida politicians. (November 2022)Customers took Florida's biggest power company to court. Ron DeSantis and lawmakers stepped up to help...the power company. (July 2023)As his campaign runs low on cash, DeSantis turns to big Florida businesses for help (October 2023)Ron DeSantis just re-stacked the deck on the board that sets electricity rates in Florida (October 2025)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 have begun working on a new bill that would let giant landowners lock in real-estate development rights regardless of the underlying zoning — and without having to go through a vote before the local county commission or city council. It's already looking like one of the big lobbying blitzes of Florida's 2026 legislative session, which begins next month. Plus: Ron DeSantis doubles down on the state's “Schools of Hope” privatization program and wants more money to continue New College of Florida's transformation from quirky liberal arts college to right-wing academic and employment hub. Show notes:The bill's discussed in today's show:House Bill 299 — Blue Ribbon Projects (see votes)Senate Bill 354 — Blue Ribbon Projects Senate Bill 208 — Land Use and Development Regulations (see votes)Ron DeSantis' proposed FY2025-26 budget and his budget-related 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: Pushed by a potential future candidate for governor, Florida lawmakers are working on a bill that would make it easier for the agriculture industry to sue people who criticize its production practices. It could help Florida's politically influential Big Sugar companies attack environmental groups who say the sugar industry has polluted the Everglades. Plus: More bills on the move as Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature gears up for a new legislative session that begins in January.Show notesThe bill's discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 290 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (first committee vote) House Bill 167 — Former Phosphate Mining Lands (first committee vote, second committee vote)House Bill 191 — Verification of Reemployment Assistance Benefit Eligibility (first committee vote)House Bill 289 — Civil Liability for the Wrongful Death of an Unborn Child (first committee vote, second committee vote)House Bill 37 — Removal, Storage, and Cleanup of Electric Vehicles (first committee vote, second committee vote)Senate Bill 88 (2021) — Farming Operations (Senate final vote, House final vote)For further reading: Lobbyists for a mining company wrote a bill to block lawsuits over radiation on former mines (Seeking Rents)In Support of Free Speech on Food (article from Penn State Law Review)Publix sought to block electric vehicle rules, records show (Seeking Rents) Prodded by business lobbyists, lawmakers may cut more Floridians off from unemployment insurance (Seeking Rents)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 mid-June, just a few hours before Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature finalized this year's state budget, GOP leaders in Tallahassee slipped a sentence into the spending plan authorizing state officials to acquire a piece of property in the Panhandle through a popular land-preservation program. Three months later, the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis used that little line in the budget to spend $83.3 million in taxpayer money on a tiny spit of vacant land owned by a prominent real-estate developer and Republican Party donor. Here's the story of how Florida politicians pulled off a land deal that one longtime conservation leader called “a sham.” Editor's note: A written version of this story first appeared in the Seeking Rents newsletter: Florida lawmakers took instructions from a landowner's lobbyist. Now Florida taxpayers will pay $83 million for four acres. Show notesFor further reading: Lobbyist wrote proposal directing Florida to buy pricey 4 acres in Destin (Tampa Bay Times)‘A sham': Florida's longtime conservation experts question pricey 4-acre Destin purchase (Tampa Bay Times) State senator promotes Destin waterfront land purchase added late in budget talks (Politico Florida)$83 million for sandy Florida lot: Did GOP donations pay off for seller? (Orlando Sentinel) Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: With the start of the Florida Legislature's 2026 session approaching, lawmakers just revived two big bills they failed to pass during their last session. One would give fetuses some of the same legal rights as living children — and further cement into law a legal theory known as “fetal personhood” that conservative legal groups want to use to cut off all access to abortion. Another would help fertilizer giant Mosaic Co. fend off lawsuits related to radioactive contamination left behind in the company's former phosphate mines. Show notesThe bill's discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 164 — Civil Liability for the Wrongful Death of an Unborn ChildHouse Bill 167 — Former Phosphate Mining LandsFor further reading (and listening) about fetal personhood and Mosaic's proposed legal shield: Florida AG made sweeping claims in confidential abortion caseFlorida politicians will go further to interfere with abortion – unless Florida voters stop themFlorida lawmakers may help a mining giant fend off lawsuitsMosaic's Next Chapter (Florida Trend - July 2018)And the the story mentioned at the very end of the show: Florida lawmakers took instructions from a landowner's lobbyist. Now Florida taxpayers will pay $83 million for four acres. Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spent between $35 million and $40 million of taxpayer money last fall during an unprecedented advertising campaign against citizen-led amendments that would have enshrined abortion rights and marijuana freedom in the state constitution. The estimate is based on hundreds of pages of emails, invoices, transaction logs and other documents obtained by Seeking Rents through a series of public records requests. The records also reveal ways in which the governor and his aides bent rules and blurred lines during their publicly funded campaign against a pair of ballot measures supported by millions of Floridians — from paying political strategists on hidden subcontracts to making rushed payments under misleading pretenses.Show notesHidden consultants and hurried payments: Records reveal details of DeSantis' campaign against abortion and marijuana 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: A new state law that was supposed to be about helping Floridians rebuild their homes after hurricanes is now being weaponized by Gov. Ron DeSantis and some politically influential real-estate developers to strip local governments of all power to manage growth. As a result, communities across the state have suddenly lost their ability to protect wetlands, save rural land from suburban sprawl, or make homebuilders harden subdivisions against flooding. Some places are even now having trouble regulating roosters in residential neighborhoods. But more than two dozen cities and counties just decided to do something about it.Show notesSenate Bill 180 — EmergenciesRon DeSantis is helping real estate developers exploit a hurricane relief lawNeal Bundles Checks to DeSantis at Manatee Press ConferenceYour town, their rules How the ‘Free State of Florida' works with business lobbyists to keep wages lowQuestions 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: A billionaire hedge fund manager and a New York City charter network lobbied to expand a school privatization program in Florida, according to records obtained by Seeking Rents.Editor's note: A written version of this story first appeared in the Seeking Rents newsletter: Lobbyists for a billionaire and a charter network pushed Florida lawmakers to expand a school privatization program, records showShow notesSenate Bill 2510 — Prekindergarten Through Grade 12 EducationA few examples of key Florida lawmakers who have had personal and financial ties to the charter school industry:Firms belonging to wife of Rep. Donalds grabbed millions in charter school contractsNew disclosures only deepen mystery of Rep. Donalds's wife's charter school companiesA South Florida charter school network now runs a small district 500 miles away. Legislators with close financial ties to charters helped make that happen.Incoming speaker Corcoran says bill that would benefit his wife's charter school is part of broader reformA few stories about the failure of Florida's first ‘School of Hope':Federal grand jury investigates bid-rigging in DeSantis' education departmentFlorida officials tried to steer education contract to former lawmaker's companyJefferson gets its schools back following bid shenanigans and efforts to keep it with a charter operatorAnd some of the stories and resources referenced in the pod:Commentary: Florida doubles down on failed Schools of Hope experimentThis link will download an spreadsheet from Florida Department of Education with 2025 list of public schools that are now classified as “persistently low-performing.”A billionaire is showering cash on Florida politiciansLobbyist for a billionaire-run hedge fund wrote a bill allowing longer non-competes, records showThe Secret to Success Academy's Top-Notch Test ScoresAt a Success Academy Charter School, Singling Out Pupils Who Have ‘Got to Go'At Success Academy School, a Stumble in Math and a Teacher's Anger on VideoFiling Alleges Bias at Success Academy Network Against Students With DisabilitiesQuestions 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 Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Legislature just approved an odd new law that tries to choke off funding for fact-checking organizations and media-monitoring firms that rate news outlets based on their accuracy and ethics. The unusual measure had a hidden backer: Newsmax, the right-wing cable news network that rose to prominence by promoting phony election-fraud claims after the 2020 presidential election.Editor's note: A written version of this story first appeared in the Seeking Rents newsletter: A right-wing news network lobbied Florida lawmakers to defund fact-checkers, records showShow notesSenate Bill 2502 — Implementing the 2025-2026 General Appropriations ActHouse Bill 1449 — Agency Contracting with Media Reliability and Bias MonitorsNewsmax Will Pay $67 Million to Settle Dominion Defamation LawsuitNewsmax paid $40 million to settle defamation suit over US 2020 election claimsNewsmax Analyst Lauds DeSantis for New Anti-Censorship LawQuestions 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 a pitched battle that dragged on for more than a year, the people of Fernandina Beach finally seemed to beat an effort by Rayonier Advanced Materials to build an ethanol plant in the historic seaport town. But then the company sent its lobbyists to the state Capitol with legislation to overturn to the decision. And the lawmakers who filed the bill on RYAM's behalf tried to cover the company's tracks.Show notesFor more on the on-the-ground battle against ethanol in Fernandina Beach, check out this Craig Pittman piece: Florida beach town faces explosive fight over ethanol plantAnd don't miss our previous episodes in this series: A Republican megadonor got caught hosting a pigeon shoot. Then he got Florida politicians to change the law.Florida's largest landowner lobbied to weaken development rules on rural landQuestions 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 largest private landowner in Florida is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Better known as the Mormon Church, it owns more than 600,000 acres around the state. About half of its land holdings are cattle ranchlands east of Orlando — where the the church has long-term plans to build the equivalent of a new city of 500,000 people. But voters in Orlando recently approved new rules meant to slow suburban sprawl on rural land. So the Mormon Church turned to Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature to step in. And the church had help.Show notesThe bills discussed in this show:Senate Bill 1118 — Land Use and Development RegulationsSenate Bill 180 — EmergenciesTime is a flat circle: Lobbyists for developers pushed Florida lawmakers to block rules meant to save rural lands from sprawlThe top 10 landowners in Florida: Land LordsReach more about the Mormon Church's long-term development plans in central Florida (stories from the August 2017 issue of Florida Trend magazine):Ranchland to rooftops in central FloridaDeseret Ranch — the LandRural Florida's players and their projectsTavistock's Role in Developing Rural FloridaDuda's agribusiness development reachThis the second episode to come out of public records we obtained after the end of the Florida Legislature's 2025 session. Here's the first episode:Florida Passed Bills for Pigeon Shooters?! (YouTube)A Republican megadonor got caught hosting a pigeon shoot. Then he got Florida politicians to change the law. (audio)And here's the podcast mentioned in this show about the erosion of home rule happening Florida and other Republican-controlled states:Your Town, Their Rules: How States Are Stealing Local Power (YouTube)Your town, their rules (audio)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 recent weeks, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — and aides he installed as attorney general and education commissioner — have bent local leaders in Orlando and Tampa to their will in disputes over mass deportations and book bans. They've done so by twisting laws and then threatening punishment under their twisted interpretations. But there are ways communities can fight back. Show notes908.104 — Cooperation with federal immigration authorities 908.102(6) — Definition of “sanctuary policy”Under duress, Orange County mayor signs ICE addendum to ward off threat of removal from officeSouth Miami mayor hopes lawsuit will help cities decide ‘without fear' if ICE agreement worksHow Florida's new education chief is rattling schools with public threatsJudge strikes down parts of a Florida law used to ban school library booksPenguin Random House LLC v. Gibson — Order (Aug. 13, 2025)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 February 2024, a pair of animal-rights groups used drone recordings to expose a massive pigeon-shooting event at a ranch in Okeechobee, Fla., owned by Troy Link, the CEO of Jack Link's Meat Snacks and a major donor to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other Republican politicians A little over a year later, DeSantis signed a new state law that criminalizes the use of drones to record people on private property. That law, records show, was written by lobbyists hired by Troy Link.Show notes:Pigeon Jerky: Florida Beef Jerky Magnate Blasted for Hosting Live Pigeon ShootHouse Bill 1121 – Unmanned Aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft SystemsQuestions 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: Late last month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 180, a sweeping new law intended to help communities better prepare for — and recover from — hurricanes. But developers around the state are now trying to use the new law to undermine local rules that help slow suburban sprawl. One industry group used Senate Bill 180 to sue a county in southwest Florida that raised fees on homebuilders. Another developer is threatening a similar suit in Orlando to eliminate protections for rural land. Did Tallahassee Republicans and industry lobbyists quietly work together to pull a fast one under the guise of hurricane recovery? Or are developers exploiting a well-intentioned law that was merely meant to make sure homeowners can rebuild after a storm?Show notesSenate Bill 180 – EmergenciesA few recent stories about the impact of Senate Bill 180:Legislature wants to make it impossible for local governments to build back better after hurricanesFlorida bill could block communities from rebuilding stronger after hurricanesFacing threat of lawsuits, Orange County may scrap its rural boundaryManatee receives threat of litigation over increased impact feesBurdensomely Vague IntentionsAnd two other stories mentioned in the podcast:Florida chafes under flood-protection rulesApple quietly lobbied to stop ‘Right to Repair' bill, 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: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is hiding $250 million in taxpayer-funded contracts tied to the new immigration detention camp Florida just opened in the middle of the Everglades. His hand-picked attorney general is showering public money on $875-an-hour lawyers. And his administration has been ducking auditors for nearly three years now. But Ron DeSantis wants you to think that its your local town council that needs to be audited.Meanwhile, the governor just did a big favor for a billionaire donor — and he did it in a way meant to make sure nobody else noticed. Florida workers will pay the price. Show notesThe tab for Florida's immigrant prison in the Everglades is $250 million — and counting'Alligator Alcatraz' Contracts Disappeared From a Florida State DatabaseMaxwell: Florida flouts auditing law on ‘emergency' immigration spendingHouse Bill 1219 — Employment AgreementsLobbyist for a billionaire-run hedge fund wrote a bill allowing longer non-competes, records showA billionaire is showering cash on Florida politiciansQuestions 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 Gov. Ron DeSantis just slashed millions of dollars in funding for river restoration, public radio, and well-behaved inmates who want to phone their families. But the Republican governor also approved pork-barrel projects supporting the Inter Miami Major League Soccer team, owners and breeders of thoroughbred racehorses, and a giant real-estate developer near Daytona Beach. We take a closer look at what DeSantis decided to veto — and, more importantly, what he chose to approve — in Florida's new $115 billion state budget. Show notesPeople in Florida prisons will get free calls for good behavior in new programFree prison call program rewarded good behavior, cost taxpayers zero. DeSantis killed itRon DeSantis just pocketed nearly $1 million from an industry he helpedAfter a personal meeting, and a $10,000 donation, DeSantis approved a $10 million earmarkFlorida lawmakers may unleash a last-second expansion of school privatizationA billionaire is showering cash on Florida politiciansFlorida taxpayers will help fund a lavish pay package for a new university presidentA few quotes referenced in the show from Ron DeSantis' June 30th budget news conference: Schools of Hope charter schools“We got an overhaul to our Schools of Hope program. So you're going to have groups — like there's a group in New York City, Success Academy, and they've been able to do very well in New York City, which is very tough because the unions want to kill charter schools up there and the elected officials are negative — they're going to be able to go in the most dire areas of Florida and open up these schools and potentially change people's lives for the better…I'm glad we were able to work with the Legislature to get that through in this extended session.”Civics Seal of Excellence teacher training“We created this Civics Seal of Excellence program. We created a 50-hour course — well, we didn't, we got scholars from, like, Hillsdale, Heritage Foundation, all these places, and they devised this programming, basically lectures — about all these different things that went into the formation of the country and the values and principles that made us a unique experiment.” New College of Florida takeover“We made sweeping appointments to the Board of Trustees, they replaced the president with a conservative who had been the commissioner of education under our administration in the first term, and now, all of a sudden, they're bringing in these professors that are, like, really, really strong. And that is being transformed almost into, like, our version of a Hillsdale College.”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 the morning, Ron DeSantis celebrated the opening of an immigrant detention camp built on Everglades land he commandeered using emergency powers under what is now a nearly three-year-long “state of emergency” in Florida. In the afternoon, he vetoed a bipartisan bill intended to limit corruption in his administration by stopping him from interfering in future elections and making it harder for his aides to squeeze lobbyists for cash. It was a day that underscored just how much power the state of Florida has allowed to become concentrated in one person. Show notesRepublican Donors Cash In on ‘Alligator Alcatraz' Immigrant CampFlorida Taps Contractors With No Detention Experience for ‘Alligator Alcatraz'DeSantis vetoes bill aimed at limiting corruption in officeThe best and worst of Florida's 2025 session (so far)House Bill 1445 – Public Officers and EmployeesQuestions 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 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