Seeking Rents – The Podcast

In this episode: Florida’s 2026 legislative session ends with one more development showdown on the floor of the Florida Senate, a weaker-than-expected deal on data centers, and a bunch of big decisions punted to a special session on the state budget that will be held later this spring. A recap of 60th and final day of the Florida Legislature’s 2026 session. Show notes:The bills discussed in today’s show: Senate Bill 628 — Traffic Facility DesignationsPassed the Senate by a 31-4 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)House Bill 1451 — Utility ServicesPassed the Senate by a 30-6 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)House Bill 1279 — EducationPassed the Senate by a 36-1 vote (vote sheet) and the House of Representatives by an 81-16 vote (vote sheet) and now goes to the governorHouse Bill 905 — Foreign InfluencePassed the House of Representatives by an 83-17 vote (vote sheet) and now goes to the governorSenate Bill 484 — Data CentersPassed the Senate by a 31-6 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)House Bill 399 — Land Use and Development RegulationPassed the Senate by a 27-11 vote (vote sheet) and the House of Representatives by a 73-27 vote (vote sheet) and now goes to the governor.Fontainebleau amendment to HB 399Failed to pass the Senate by a 17-20 vote (vote sheet)Rural boundaries amendment to HB 399Failed to pass the Senate by a voice voteSenate Bill 180 amendment to HB 399Ruled out of order by House Republican leadershipSenate Bill 7044 — Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund/Executive Office of the GovernorPassed the Senate by a 29-7 vote (vote sheet) and the House of Representatives by an 80-20 vote (vote sheet) and now goes to the governor.The stories discussed in today’s podcast:Florida lawmakers clear path for Fontainebleau water park despite oppositionA developer wants to build a giant data center in Palm Beach — after lobbying for a tax break in TallahasseeBuried in the budget: Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump and NewsmaxA New York investment firm with vast land holdings across north Florida wants state lawmakers to greenlight giant developmentsLandowner behind ‘Blue Ribbon Projects’ bill gave $300K to Florida leaders before session began, records showA gun company gave lots of money to Florida lawmakers. Now it’s lobbying for legal immunity.Gun money in the Florida LegislatureFlorida 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.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 the eve of the final day of Florida’s 2026 regular session, the Republican-controlled Legislature passed bills that will throw up more bureaucratic roadblocks to voting and allow state politicians to target “domestic terrorist” groups. But they also agreed not to give billions of dollars to the biggest corporations in the country and to help thousands of Floridians at risk of losing AIDS and HIV medication. Plus: Last-day floor fights are looming between urban and rural lawmakers over growth and development. An update from Day 59 of Florida’s 60-day session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today’s show: House Bill 991 — Election IntegrityPassed the Senate by a 27-12 vote (vote sheet). Passed the House of Representatives by a 77-28 vote (vote sheet). Now goes to the governor.House Bill 1471 — Systems of Law and Terrorist OrganizationsPassed the House of Representatives by an 80-25 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)House Bill 7031 — TaxationPassed the House of Representatives by a 109-0 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)House Bill 697 — Drug Prices and CoveragePassed the House of Representatives by a 108-0 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today’s show: No water, no shade: How homebuilders, farming companies and construction firms got politicians to reject heat rules for outdoor workers in FloridaCorporations 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: With the Big Business lobby leaning hard on lawmakers, Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature passes a controversial bill weakening the collective bargaining rights of teachers, utility workers, bus drivers and more. Republican leaders in the House and Senate also seem to have struck a deal on an elections bill intended to suppress turnout on college campuses. And legislation written by lobbyists for mining-and-fertilizer giant Mosaic Co. — which would shield the company from legal claims over radiation exposure on former phosphate mines — heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis. An update from Day 57 and Day 58 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today’s show: Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employee Relations CommissionPassed the House of Representatives by a 73-37 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 991 — Election IntegrityAmendment to HB 991Amendment failed to pass the Senate by a 12-24 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 167 — Former Phosphate Mining LandsPassed the Senate by a 32-4 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)House bill 1217 — Prohibited Governmental Policies Regulating Greenhouse Gas EmissionsPassed the Senate by a 24-12 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 488 — TransportationPassed the Senate by a 36-0 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1134 — Official Actions of Local GovernmentsPassed the House of Representatives by a 77-37 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet)House Bill 697 — Drug Prices and CoveragePassed the Senate by a 38-0 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today’s show: Florida Republican targets local and state government unions at behest of anti-union groupLobbyists for a mining company wrote a bill to block lawsuits over radiation on former minesDeSantis’ office authored ‘terrorist’ 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: In a session that was supposed to focus on affordability, the Florida Legislature just sent Gov. Ron DeSantis a bill that would force some condo residents and business owners to pay higher prices for their property insurance. Plus: Lawmakers pass a bill that could block a new cruise port near the mouth of Tampa Bay. And the state House engages in some last-minute shenanigans on behalf of the car dealers lobby. Senate Bill 1028 — Citizens Property Insurance CorporationPassed the House of Representatives by an 88-19 vote and now goes to the governor sign or veto (vote sheet)Senate Bill 302 — Coastal ResiliencyPassed the House of Representatives by a 109-0 vote and now goes to the governor to sign or veto (vote sheet)Senate Bill 488 — Department of Highway Safety and Motor VehiclesCar dealer amendment Passed the House of Representatives by a 108-1 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1758 — Public AssistancePassed the Senate by a 26-11 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1756 — Medical FreedomPassed the Senate by a 23-15 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today’s show: Affordability is Floridians’ top issue. Lawmakers aren’t addressing it.A victory for Terra Ceia FADA’s Ted Smith leads the fight to protect the franchise system nationwideQuestions 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 House of Representatives are trying to lawyer their way out of taking some tough votes — including on whether or not to fix Senate Bill 180, a hurricane-recovery law that real-estate developers have been using to crush local environmental regulations. Plus: Not one but two favors for the car dealer lobby. And why are some Florida lawmakers pushing to make condo owners pay higher prices for property insurance? (The answer rhymes with “millionaire.”) An update from Day 51 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session.Show notesThe bills discussed in today’s show: Senate Bill 840 — Land Use Regulations for Local Governments Affected by Natural DisastersSenate Bill 1756 — Medical FreedomSenate Bill 180 (2025) — EmergenciesHouse Bill 1001 (2025) — VesselsSenate Bill 1388 (2025) — VesselsHouse Bill 291 — Common Entities of Motor Vehicle Distributors and ManufacturersSenate Bill 352 — Common Entities of Motor Vehicle Distributors and ManufacturersHouse Bill 989 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle DealersPassed the House of Representatives by a 109-1 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1028 — Citizens Property Insurance CorporationPassed the Florida Senate by a 33-1 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 620 — Candidate QualifyingPassed the Florida Senate by a 37-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 655 — Pub. Rec. and Pub. Meetings/Attorney Meetings to Discuss Private Property Rights ClaimsPassed the Senate by a 36-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 981 — Tributaries of St. Johns RiverPassed the House of Representatives by a 107-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 725 — Political Activity at Public Institutions of Higher EducationPassed the House of Representatives by an 81-30 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today’s show:Ron DeSantis is helping real estate developers exploit a hurricane relief lawThe last stand for home rule in Florida (podcast)Orders from on highNew State Law Forces Wellington To Change Waterway RulesCar dealers try to keep a chokehold on new car sales in FloridaRepublican megadonor is behind bill that could affect Florida condo ownersQuestions 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: “MAHA moms” keep winning fights in the Florida Legislature over everything from Big Sugar to private schools to vaccine rules. Meanwhile, a bunch of dangerous bills are suddenly on the brink of passing — bills that would unleash massive real estate developments in rural areas, allow the governor to designate domestic terrorists, and weaken union rights for public school teachers — after squeaking through committee hearings by a single vote. An update from Day 50 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today’s show: Senate Bill 290 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesPassed the House of Representatives by a 94-10 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1756 — Medical FreedomPassed the Senate Rules Committee by a 14-8 vote (vote sheet)SB 1756 amendmentRejected by the Senate Rules Committee on a voice voteSenate Bill 354 — Blue Ribbon ProjectsPassed the Senate Rules Committee by a 12-10 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 540 (2023) — Local Government Comprehensive PlansHouse Bill 1471 — Systems of Law and Terrorist OrganizationsPassed the House of Representatives by an 81-26 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)House Bill 905 — Foreign InfluencePassed the House of Representatives by an 86-20 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1178 — Foreign InfluencePassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by an 11-5 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1451 — Utility ServicesPassed the House of Representatives by an 81-26 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 399 — Land Use and Development RegulationsPassed the House of Representatives by a 71-38 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 693 — Health and Human ServicesPassed the House of Representatives by a 79-30 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1279 — EducationPassed the House of Representatives by an 84-25 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today’s show:A New York investment firm with vast land holdings across north Florida wants state lawmakers to greenlight giant developmentsA ‘smart growth’ group calls for DeSantis to veto a ‘death knell’ to growth management billOrders from on highQuestions 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 Senate, a chamber that once championed Medicaid expansion, now wants to take health insurance away from single moms and near-retirees. Plus: A bitter fight over an effort to bust public teacher unions but a bipartisan alliance on rejecting corporate tax breaks. An update from Day 49 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today’s show: Senate Bill 1758 — Public AssistancePassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by 14-4 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employees Relations CommissionPassed the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee by a 10-8 vote (vote sheet)Senate BIll 1298 — Public Records/Public Employees Relations CommissionFailed to pass the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee by an 8-10 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 7046 — TaxationPassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 12-5 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 7048 — Internal Revenue CodePassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 17-0 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today’s show: Florida bill would force some on Medicaid to work but at what cost?Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis backs a new bill targeting unions; those who support him won’t be affectedLawmakers weigh a new charter school subsidy that would start small but could grow quicklyQuestions 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 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