Podcasts about Florida Legislature

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

Notably, the law would only apply to homesteaded properties, which is where a minority of property tax revenue comes from. According to the latest study by the Florida Policy Institute, homesteaded property taxes only accounted for 36% of statewide property tax revenue collected. In other words, all existing taxing authorities would still exist for all other property types, with annual increases limited under current state law.  

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

Today's Headlines: On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that Donald Trump's tariffs are unconstitutional under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The dissenters: Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh. Trump responded by blasting Justices Gorsuch and Barrett as “disloyal” and insisting he can “destroy trade” but not “charge a little fee.” He then proposed a global 10% tariff workaround — later bumped to 15%. Meanwhile, Americans are still effectively paying 9.1% in tariffs, and the Court didn't address what happens to the $133 billion already collected. Over the weekend, Trump announced he's sending a “great hospital boat” to Greenland, despite Denmark saying it wasn't informed and doesn't need it. The Navy ships in question are reportedly in Alabama. Sure. On the Russia beat, a Trump ally signed a natural gas deal with Russian energy giant Novatek despite U.S. sanctions tied to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine — the first known new U.S.–Russia venture of its kind. Separately, ICE and other agencies contracted with phone-forensics firm Oxygen Forensics, which has ties to sanctioned former FSB figures. At the same time, DHS has issued hundreds of subpoenas to tech companies seeking identifying information on users critical of ICE. Trump is also pressuring Netflix to remove Susan Rice from its board amid maneuvering around a media acquisition deal that could affect CNN. Casual. In Florida, Secret Service agents shot and killed a 21-year-old man who allegedly breached the perimeter of Mar-a-Lagowith what appeared to be a shotgun and fuel can; the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, Florida lawmakers approved renaming Palm Beach International Airport after Trump — a $5.5 million rebrand. And finally, taxpayers will now provide new Secret Service agents with two tailored suits upon graduation. Inflation hits us all differently. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: Trump raises global tariff to 15% shortly after implementing reworked 10% levy NYT: Denmark Rejects Trump's Plan to Send Hospital Boat to Greenland NYT: With ‘Tremendous' Deals at Stake, Trump Is Bringing Russia in From the Cold Substack: ICE Is Using Phone Extraction Software Linked to Russia's FSB-Connected Network Military: DHS Collecting Big Tech Users' Personal Data, Issuing Subpoenas For ICE-Related Criticism Financial Times: Trump demands Netflix remove former Obama official from board NBC: Law enforcement shoots and kills armed man trying to enter Mar-a-Lago, Secret Service says Politico: Now boarding: Florida Legislature approves renaming Palm Beach airport after Trump NYT: Homeland Security to Shut TSA PreCheck and Global Entry at Airports CNN: Exclusive: Secret Service will offer tailored suits to new protective detail agents Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On tonight's program: The Florida Legislature puts a halt – at least for now – on Governor DeSantis's using a disaster emergency fund for immigration enforcement; With so many folks now eager to fight for their rights, a legal expert opines there are times and places where that response may not be the best course of action; With a few weeks left in the session, the two chambers are far apart when it comes to spending and communicating; And even though Florida is not yet awash in data centers, it seems that might be changing.

The ‘entitlement Friday' edition of the Bob Rose Show, featuring US dramatic gold, Pres. Trump's trade deficit and manufacturing wins advancing his ‘Golden Age,' and the Florida Legislature advancing the first meaningful, logical steps to roll back property taxes. Perspective and commentary on the morning's biggest news stories

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

Successful efforts with immigration and drug enforcement officials are cleaning up drug trade and keeping the pressure on deportations. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins on cooperation with feds, plus the need for voter ID laws, and hopes for property tax relief in the Florida Legislature.

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

Florida man clones his dying dog for 50k. FL legislature wants to outlaw smoking outdoors. Congress found but won't release names found in the Epstein Files. Best state for singles and the puppy bowl js a sham. Jonathan Savage answers the UK looking to oust its prime minister? The invention of Curling

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

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took a trip to Idaho. FOX's Eben Brown looks at why DeSantis is on the road while the Florida Legislature is in session, and what message he is promoting.

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

Hour 3 of the Tuesday Bob Rose Show, as full-throttle focus on property tax relief is underway, with the start of the Florida Legislature's annual session. Targeting wasteful spending is needed, but the reality is that local governments have to replace substantial operating revenues. What's next, and all the morning's biggest stories for 1-13-26

The state is investigating baby formula concerns. Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins with the latest, plus growth, AI's future, and working with the Florida Legislature on the promise of reducing property tax burdens.

Trump Derangement Syndrome at home, in Congress, with protestors, and perspective on lefty Neil Young's rant. Plus, Minneapolis, Venezuela, Iran, Florida Legislature, Greenland, China and Russia. Commentary on all the morning's biggest news stories for 1-12-26.

X: @RepFine @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Congressman Randy Fine, member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Since coming to Washington, DC in April 2025, Congressman Randy Fine has risen to become one of the most highly effective communicators on Capitol Hill, clearly articulating the importance of implementing principled reforms and boldly addressing challenges and opportunities we face in America today. His messages remind us of President Ronald Reagan's smart responses, explaining in a simple language what we are facing as Americans, and presenting the unvarnished truth. Key topics: The U.S. economy, reforms, housing costs and illegal immigration. Venezuela | Maduro captured and the future of Latin America. Iran protests and the Tehran regime's brutal response. According to recent published reports as of January 12, 2026, over 500 protesters have been killed and more than 10,000 protesters have been arrested. NYC Mayor Mamdani IHRA revocation - scraps the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of anti-Semitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel. Rabbis express serious concerns regarding the safety of Jews in NYC. Developments in the Gaza Strip, Judea and Samaria also known as the West Bank, and the peace in the Middle East. Congressman Fine proposed a bill in December 2025, “No Welfare for Noncitizens” Act, which would prohibit all non-citizens from receiving federal public benefits. The federal government is projected to spend $177 billion dollars on welfare for noncitizens between 2024 and 2034, while current debt is $38 trillion dollars. Bio: Randy Fine was elected to represent Florida's 6th Congressional District in April of 2025 and serves on the House Foreign Affairs and the Education and Workforce Committee. A third-generation Floridian, Randy built a career as a successful entrepreneur, founding and running businesses in retail, technology, and hospitality. Randy's retirement didn't last long. In 2016, he was elected to the Florida House, where he served the maximum eight years before moving on to the Florida Senate and then Congress. During his time in Tallahassee, he chaired five committees, passed more than forty bills, and became known as a strong advocate for school choice, tough immigration enforcement, and protecting children from harmful ideologies. As the only Jewish Republican in the Florida Legislature, Randy led the fight to make Florida the safest state in America for Jewish families and people of faith. His colleagues and national Jewish organizations honored him with the nickname “The Hebrew Hammer” for his work opposing terrorism and combatting antisemitism. The son of two public school teachers, Randy graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in government and later earned his MBA from Harvard Business School, where he graduated with high distinction as one of the youngest Baker Scholars in decades. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @RepFine @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 9:30 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

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 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

X: @RepFine @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with U.S. Congressman Randy Fine. Randy Fine was elected to represent Florida's 6th Congressional District in April of 2025 and serves on the House Foreign Affairs and the Education and Workforce Committee. A third-generation Floridian, Randy built a career as a successful entrepreneur, founding and running businesses in retail, technology, and hospitality. At 40, he retired from the private sector to focus on raising his two sons, Jacob and David, with his wife, Wendy. Randy's retirement didn't last long. In 2016, he was elected to the Florida House - before moving on to the Florida Senate and then Congress. As the only Jewish Republican in the Florida Legislature, Randy led the fight to make Florida the safest state in America for Jewish families and people of faith. Randy graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in government and later earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. Topics: 1) Update on the U.S. economy, inflation, grocery prices and cost of gas. The inflation rate under President Biden's administration was 9.1% (year-over-year, as measured by the Consumer Price Index), which occurred in June 2022. This was the highest rate in approximately 40 years. Through President Trump's leadership on the economic front, the high inflation rate has dropped to 3%. The record high inflation under the Biden-Harris administration pushed up grocery prices to an all-time high. Congressman Fine addresses the concerns of the high cost of living with a clear explanation. Gas prices under the Biden administration surged to a high of $5.016 per gallon for regular unleaded, recorded on June 14, 2022. Today, gas prices have dropped to a national average of $2.93, with the average gas price in Mississippi dropping to around $2.57 per gallon of regular unleaded. Today, Democrats are running elections on "affordability" while facts clearly reveal that they created the economic crisis in the first place. It was the Biden administration's policies voted by Democratic Party members of Congress which have hurt American families and the US economy. The conversation focuses on how decent hard-working Americans will benefit from the tax cuts including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime and the removal of taxes on social security impacting retirees. 2) The rise of anti-Semitism in America with a focus on polling showing that anti-Israel sentiment is rising on the Republican side, especially among young voters. 3) President Trump's efforts to curtail the flow of drugs from Venezuela by targeting boats transporting cocaine to America. In the US, around 42 million people had used cocaine at some point in their lifetime as of 2024. An estimated 22,174 people died from a cocaine-involved overdose in 2024. 4) Bringing to the forefront how NATO member Croatia sold illicit Iranian oil stored in Croatian government facilities. The illegal scheme (operating between 2022 and 2024) where nearly one million barrels of sanctioned Iranian oil were allegedly stored in a Croatian facility before being sold as Malaysian oil to evade U.S. sanctions. Report: "A civil forfeiture complaint was filed early this year in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia alleging that $47 million in proceeds from the sale of nearly one million barrels of Iranian petroleum is forfeitable as property of, or affording a person a source of influence over, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or its Qods Force (IRGC-QF), designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). 5) The China threat. 6) Focusing on Congressman Randy Fine's effort in co-sponsoring the bill The Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Service members (ACCESS) Act of 2025 with Chairman Mike Bost, House Veterans Affairs Committee, a Marine veteran. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @RepFine @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 9:30 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

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: 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

Hour 4 of the Wednesday Bob Rose Show, and FL Sen. Bill 290 which impacts Florida consumers and agricultural interests with businesses and tech provisions. From supporting veterinarians, preventing crooks jamming communications to incentivizing development of meat processors, there is a lot to like in this important bill heading to the Florida Legislature in 2026. Plus dropping gas prices, self-driving cars (whether you want them or not), and all of the morning's biggest news stories for 10-29-25.

Concerns over importing beef and factors raising beef prices. Florida Agriculture Comm. Wilton Simpson on meat processing, trade agreements that hurt farmers, and navigating the federal government shutdown. Plus, the positives for growers, jobs, consumers, and preventing crime, in the new farm bill heading to the 2026 Florida Legislature.

Hour 2 of the Tuesday Bob Rose Show on severe charges filed against 4 people who rushed the filed after Florida's win over Texas. A new law passed by the Florida Legislature made the act a felony violation. But the law was meant to protect Pres. Trump and endangered politicians at rallies. Lawmakers worried about applying the law to events like football games. Plus, all the morning's breaking news for 10-14-25

The City of Gainesville has a referendum underway to wrestle control of Gainesville Regional Utilities from the Florida Legislature. Former State Senator Keith Perry is leading a fight to defeat the vote, overturning what has been a years-long effort to stabilize the debt-ridden utility.

Jeff Hendry, Executive Director of the Institute of Government (IOG) at Florida State University, joins the podcast to share how the IOG has evolved since its creation by the Florida Legislature in 1980. With over three decades of leadership at the helm, Jeff explains how the institute supports local governments—especially small cities—through training, research, and capacity-building programs.The conversation explores the broader concept of economic development. Jeff discusses how cities can work toward long-term sustainability by aligning community goals with workforce needs, infrastructure planning, and strong leadership. This episode offers valuable insight into how local governments can build resilience and thrive through strategic education and development efforts.

An article in the Wall Street Journal suggests that Florida's property insurance market is inherently flawed and financially shaky, under the review of a smaller ratings company.  It cites the 12 insurance company insolvencies between 2019 and 2023 in a market painted as over-reliant on reinsurance. Former Florida Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lisa Miller sits down with Demotech President & CEO Joe Petrelli and former Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty to explain the unique nature of Florida's market, how financial ratings of insurance companies are formulated, the critical role of reinsurance, the confusion between rate and premium, and the real reasons behind those insolvencies.Show Notes  (For full Show Notes, visit https://lisamillerassociates.com/episode-59-how-secure-is-floridas-property-insurance-market/) Host Miller discussed the evolution of Florida's property insurance market following 1992's Hurricane Andrew, highlighting the departure of large insurers and the rise of smaller, regional companies that still make up most of today's market.  Miller, an employee of the then Department of Insurance, said “large legacy insurance companies left our state altogether, saying the risk exposure was just too great.  Likewise, after 2017's Hurricane Irma, other companies stopped writing new policies.”  Florida's Unique MarketMiller noted that the state's property insurance market has adapted over the ensuing 33 years to continue to provide needed insurance “for what's become one of the riskiest places on earth to insure.  It has unique challenges that have prompted innovative solutions.”  One of those solutions was Demotech, a Columbus, Ohio-based actuarial firm that provided ratings for Florida's new regional companies when other ratings companies would not.  Demotech's RoleDemotech President Joe Petrelli said its specialty in reviewing and assigning Financial Stability Ratings (FSRs) for independent regional carriers was born of the need of federal mortgage backers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 1988, who together own or insure a substantial number of home mortgages nationwide.  They vetted Demotech's ratings methodology and today, the firm provides FSRs for most of the 55 Florida based property insurance companies, including some of the recent 14 carriers who've entered the market since the Florida Legislature's 2022-2023 litigation and consumer protection reforms.  Now in its 40th year, Demotech rates insurance companies across the nation that write billions of dollars of premiums.“We look at carriers independent of their size.  We look at them based on their business model, the execution of that business model, and the complementary nature of their reinsurance program,” said Petrelli.  “So I think that's what makes us unique.  I think when we look at catastrophe prone areas, whether it's wind, fire, tornado, hail, earthquake, what we're looking at is, does your reinsurance program give you the claims paying ability that you need?”  (For full Show Notes, visit https://lisamillerassociates.com/episode-59-how-secure-is-floridas-property-insurance-market/) 

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

Thank you so much for listening to the Bob Harden Show, celebrating nearly 14 years broadcasting on the internet. On Tuesday's show, we visit with our Florida State Senator Kathleen Passidomo about term limits in the Florida Legislature and candidates for the next election cycle. We visit with Collier County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller Crystal Kinzel about recent scams perpetrated against our residents, the planned widening of I-75, and the financial health of the county. The CEO of the Community Pregnancy Clinics Scott Baier and I discuss their life-affirming care and the efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. We also visit Linda Harden about the lack of effective messaging from the Democrat party. Please join us tomorrow when we visit with Cato Institute Chairman Emeritus Bob Levy and Professor Andrew Joppa. Access this or past shows at your convenience on my web site, social media platforms or podcast platforms.

In January 1959, Art Copleston was escorted out of his college accounting class by three police officers. In a motel room, blinds drawn, he sat in front of a state senator and the legal counsel for the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee, nicknamed the “Johns Committee.” His crime? Being a suspected homosexual. And the government of Florida would use any tactic at their disposal—legal or not—to get Copleston to admit it.Using a secret trove of primary source documents that have been decoded and de-censored for the first time in history, journalist Robert Fieseler unravels the mystery of what actually happened behind the closed doors of an inquisition that held ordinary citizens ransom to its extraordinary powers.The state of Florida would prefer that this history remain buried. But for nearly a decade, the Florida Legislature founded, funded, and supported the Johns Committee—an organization using the cover of communism to viciously attack members of the NAACP and queer professors and students. Spearheaded by Charley Johns, a multi-term politician in a gerrymandered legislature, the Committee was determined to eliminate any threats to the state's white, conservative regime. Fieseler describes the heartbreaking ramifications for citizens of Florida whose lives were imperiled, profiling marginalized residents with compassion and a determination to bring their devasting experiences to light at last. A propulsive, human-centered drama, with fascinating insight into Florida politics, American Scare is a page-turning reckoning of our racist and homophobic past—and its chilling parallels to today.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we kick things off with Congressman Randy Fine, who joins us to discuss rising antisemitism and the push to label the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization. Then, Congressman Jimmy Patronis joins the show to talk about his transition from Florida CFO to Congressman and filing his first bill to investigate the “Biden Big Lie.” Next, financial expert and former mayor Gary Gygi returns with advice for those in their 50s on how to catch up on retirement savings. And to close the show, Brennen Evans—songwriter of the Kiley's Corner theme—is filling in this week to share his own take on Kiley's Corner.www.breakingbattlegrounds.voteTwitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_BattleFacebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegroundsInstagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegroundsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegroundsTruth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegroundsShow sponsors:Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.comOld Glory DepotSupport American jobs while standing up for your values. OldGloryDepot.com brings you conservative pride on premium, made-in-USA gear. Don't settle—wear your patriotism proudly.Learn more at: OldGloryDepot.comDot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: dotvote.vote4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground' to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: 4FreedomMobile.comAbout our guest:Randy Fine is a self-made businessman and third-generation Floridian who successfully built and ran three companies, retiring by the age of 40 to spend time with his wife and two sons. As the child of two public educators and a product of public schools, Randy worked full-time while earning his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Harvard College.He later graduated from Harvard Business School as the youngest MBA in his generation and a Baker Scholar, the school's highest academic honor.In the Florida State House of Representatives, Randy sponsored the largest school choice expansion in U.S. history and has consistently fought for conservative values. As the only Jewish Republican in the Florida Legislature, Randy has championed pro-Israel legislation, leading the fight against antisemitism and promoting a strong U.S.-Israel alliance.Randy's legislative work includes securing hundreds of millions of dollars for infrastructure and environmental preservation, such as hurricane resiliency projects and efforts to stop sewage spills. He is proud to have advocated for individuals with disabilities and assisted in clearing the wait list for services for children with special needs. Randy has pushed legislation to clamp down on illegal immigration, hold insurance companies accountable, lower taxes, and protect the second amendment, which earned him an A rating from the NRA.Committed to advancing the America First agenda, in Congress, Randy will work to cut job-killing regulations, secure the border, strengthen the economy, and ensure future generations can achieve the American Dream.-Jimmy Patronis Jr., a Republican, serves as Congressman for Florida Congressional District 1, encompassing Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties in Florida's Western Panhandle. As a Panhandle native, Jimmy Patronis is a Christian, supporter of President Trump, a staunch defender of 2nd Amendment rights, and a supporter of first responders, law enforcement and America's veterans and active military servicemembers.-Mr. Gygi was hired by the Investment firm Dean Witter (became Morgan Stanley) after college and worked for the firm for about 15 years. During this time he achieved the position of First Vice President, Investment and branch manager of the Midvale, Utah office. Mr. Gygi won numerous sales awards and held the position of Branch Managed Money Coordinator and Branch Insurance Coordinator. Mr. Gygi left Morgan Stanley in 2003 to join the Investment management firm of Smoot Miller Cheney (later became SMC Capital) as a Senior Vice President. Mr. Gygi holds a dual registration so while affiliating with Smoot Miller Cheney; he also was a registered rep with Independent broker/dealer WBB Securities, LLC. In 2008, Mr. Gygi left SMC Capital to found Gygi Capital Management as President and CEO. Gygi Capital serves the Institutional and individual marketplace with investment management solutions. Gygi Capital is a State regulated Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Cedar Hills, Utah. Gygi affiliates with Union Capital Co. which is an independent broker/dealer firm. Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.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: 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

What occurred this week in the Florida legislature is a Rosetta stone to cracking the code of GOP perfidy. Republicans are incorrigibly bought out by special interests and are just as favorably disposed to open borders as they ever were. The only thing that has changed is that they use Trump's name to obfuscate their betrayals and make it even harder to defeat them in the primaries. I go through the policy and political background of the legislative leadership's fight with DeSantis over immigration enforcement and how it sheds light on every other issue in other states as well. We will not change anything unless we modify our approach to primaries and get Trump to make better endorsements.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices