Florida House resumes push to change employee pensions

The House Government Accountability Committee voted 14-8 Wednesday for a measure that would place newly hired public employees in an investment 401(k) styled-plan if they fail to make a choice within six months of starting their jobs. See the original bill here. Read analysis of the bill and see more at the AP.

Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida's super-rich

Our list of Florida’s wealthiest permanent residents shows more billionaires are choosing to live here full time. Besides naming names for the top 25 richest Floridians, this article gives the annual net worth of each, and tells their business specialty. Access full story.

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» Birds of a feather, the gilded rich are flocking to Florida and its lack of state income tax

Joint ventures: Money fuels medical marijuana debate

For businesses, lobbyists and regulators, medical marijuana is just another money-making opportunity. The regulatory process will determine who gets entry into a potentially lucrative industry. [Source: Clay Today]

"Hotels versus rentals" battle continues in Florida

The debate over whether vacation rentals are homes or businesses is heating up in one of the world's top tourist destinations. A Florida House subcommittee on Tuesday passed a bill that prevents cities and counties from passing any new ordinances that restrict vacation rentals of private homes. More from Travel Pulse and the Miami Herald.

Florida lottery tickets could soon come with warning label

Florida lottery tickets could soon carry a big warning label if a Republican legislator gets her way. A House panel on Tuesday voted for a bill that would require all lottery tickets to say “Warning: Gambling can be addictive.” See the original filed version of HB 937, here. Also read more at the AP.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida may reinstate resign-to-run law for politicians [AP]
Florida could reinstate a law that forces politicians to resign from their elected positions if they wind up running for federal office. A House panel on Wednesday voted for a sweeping election bill that would return the law to way it was before 2007

› Sarasota County commits at least $8.6 million to extend Legacy Trail [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Sarasota County leaders are digging through the couch cushions to find every penny available to fund the Legacy Trail's northern extension and several major facilities projects in the next two years.

› Prosecutor: Cuts over Florida death penalty will hurt safety [AP]
The top prosecutor for the Orlando area says a proposal by Florida lawmakers to cut her office's budget because she isn't seeking the death penalty anymore may compromise public safety in the nation's most visited city.

› Citizens Property Insurance blames water claims for first loss in over a decade [News Release]
Legal costs and soaring claims for water-related damage — not hurricanes — have caused state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to post a net loss for 2016, its first loss in more than a decade. Also read more at the Tampa Bay Times.

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› Bondi appointed to Trump's drug commission, headed by Christie [Tampa Bay Times]
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has been appointed to President Trump's Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission, which will be led by Chris Christie.

› USGS and partners team up to track down nonnative and invasive fishes in Florida [USGS]
U.S. Geological Survey scientists teamed up with government, nonprofit, and university partners in South Florida's Big Cypress National Preserve to hold a scientific scavenger hunt for nonnative and invasive freshwater fish species.

› Major changes in the works for auto insurance in Florida [WFTS]
House Bill 1063 could spell major changes for Auto Insurance in Florida. Right now , you only have to buy $10 thousand dollars worth of coverage. Under this bill, you would be required to buy $25 thousand dollars worth of coverage.

› Wawa to open another South Florida store this week [Palm Beach Post]
Wawa, a family-owned chain of convenience stores known for its fanatical following, will hold a grand opening celebration on Thursday for its newest store in Port St. Lucie.