Author: Michael Peltier

TALLAHASSEE — A business-friendly unemployment compensation measure similar to a proposal by Gov. Rick Scott was approved Thursday by a House committee, promising lower taxes on employers a shorter payout period, and new requirements for workers seeking job benefits. The…

TALLAHASSEE — A business-friendly unemployment compensation measure similar to a proposal by Gov. Rick Scott was approved Thursday by a House committee, promising lower taxes on employers a shorter payout period, and new requirements for workers seeking job benefits. The…

TALLAHASSEE — An ambitious property insurance rewrite with everything including the kitchen sink(hole) has been filed and will get its first public hearing next week as lawmakers try again to reduce costs for the industry. From making it harder for…

TALLAHASSEE — In what likely will become fodder for upcoming lawsuits, a stinging federal report scheduled for release next week shows that shortcuts, mistakes, questionable technology and overall poor management led to the worst oil spill in U.S. history. Releasing…

With the critical summer North Florida tourist season less than three weeks away, state officials said Wednesday they'll roll out targeted TV spots this weekend to lure summer travelers to Florida's still pristine Gulf beaches. Visit Florida officials hope to…

Florida remains the white-sand wonder that has attracted tourists for decades, but even the threat of oil soaked beaches or the waters that sculpt them is costing Florida businesses millions, representatives of Florida hospitality industry said Thursday. Faced with a…

TALLAHASSEE — Faced with the potential loss of millions of dollars and Florida’s “sand-between your toes “reputation, Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday he’d consider calling lawmakers back to put an offshore drilling ban into the Florida Constitution. Several Democratic lawmakers…

TALLAHASSEE –  Fueled by a weak dollar overseas and healthy Latin American partners, Florida exports boomed in 2008 as fertilizer, motor vehicles, aircraft and medical supplies led a surge of commodities and products at rates exceeding national trends.  Overall, international…

TALLAHASSEE — Not even the rosiest of glasses appear able to soften the glare as lawmakers face a $2.3 billion hole in the current year budget and a worse financial conundrum in the year to come. Senate President Jeff Atwater…

TALLAHASSEE — Arguing that local government spending has ballooned uncontrollably, the National Federation of Independent Business kicked off a petition drive Tuesday to put an amendment on the 2010 ballot restricting local governments' ability to spend. Calling the initiative "Your…