Florida Senate

In a unanimous vote the Florida Senate’s Republican caucus has elected Ben Albritton as its President-designate for the 2024-2026 cycle. The move made it official for the 5th generation Florida citrus farmer from Hardee County.

The general election marked Florida voters’ first opportunity to cast ballots in newly drawn state House and Senate seats, the result of the once-a-decade redistricting process.

Incumbent Sen. Loranne Ausley, a Tallahassee Democrat, is trying to fight off a challenge from Republican Corey Simon, a political newcomer who gained fame playing football for Florida State University before turning pro.

Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson has started the process that could lead to senators considering the fate of suspended State Attorney Andrew Warren.

Democratic state Sen. Loranne Ausley is focusing her reelection campaign on her long record of public service in North Florida.

While continuing to question Republican campaign tactics, state Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, a Miami Democrat, conceded his re-election bid to Ileana Garcia on Thursday after a hand recount didn’t alter the outcome of the District 37 contest.

Fernandina Beach Republican Aaron Bean and Naples Republican Kathleen Passidomo will serve as top lieutenants to incoming Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby. Incoming House Speaker Chris Sprowls rolled out a leadership team and committee changes, including a new committee that will be directed to look at the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Florida Senate begins its Organizational Session in mid-January. Lawmaking will look a lot different next year due to the coronavirus, with the state senate releasing precautionary rules.

The Senate will pay $200 hourly to the hospital for providing services – and an increased rate of nearly $270 per hour for “physician-specific” services.

Democrat Loranne Ausley and Republican Marva Preston had a few points of agreement, but far more issues separated them in their battle to succeed Bill Montford.