Like spring, the start of the state legislative session can be a time for rejuvenation. While some lawmakers are eager to propose new bills, others are awaiting renewed talks or progress on legislation proposed last session.
More than a few of these long-stewing bills could have a dramatic effect on business and revenue.
There are log-jammed proposals -- the most significant of which is Gov. Charlie Crist's attempt to win big for the state and his budget through expanded gambling rights at Seminole casinos.
There is an attempt to change Florida tax law to capitalize on revenue from Amazon.com and other out-of-state vendors.
And, there are proposals to change how Florida uses its natural resources, such as a call to lift the state ban on off-shore oil drilling.
Here's a look at some of the highest profile pieces of unfinished legislation that could come up again this session:
Seminole Gambling Compact
What's the deal?
Crist negotiated a deal to expand gambling rights at Seminole casinos in 2007, but it since has been invalidated by the state Supreme Court because it violated Florida gambling laws. In the deal, Seminole casinos could install Vegas-style slot machines and banked card games like blackjack and baccarat.
Crist signed a new deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida in August that could generate $400 million in a trust fund set aside for education. But, it would need to be approved by the Legislature. If approved, it would allow banked table games at all seven casinos in the state, as opposed to the four proposed by legislators, and give casinos exclusive rights to slot machines throughout the state.
In January, the House Select Committee on Seminole Indian Compact Review rejected the deal, saying it would be unfair to the owners of state-approved dog and horse tracks who want the same casino games as the Seminoles. The Seminoles, meanwhile, say if they don't get exclusive rights to the games, the deal is off. They say they put up $400 million to pay for exclusivity. And, if they have to compete for business with the racetracks, the trust fund - all $400 million of it - will vanish.
Who is brokering it?
Crist has said he will continue to work toward a deal, but specifics have yet to be revealed. Nevertheless, a portion of his proposed $69.2 billion state budget relies on passage of the Seminole compact. Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, has been leading negotiations with the Seminole tribe but he did not return calls for comment.
Will it pass or be heard this session?
"We are in gridlock right now," said Rep. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Wellington, who sits on the committee. The state and Seminoles are still in negotiation, and there haven't been announced results. Abruzzo said he thinks the compact Crist proposed was unfair to state-approved operations like dog and horse tracks.
Streamlined Sales and Use Tax
Senate and House legislators proposed bills last year that would make Florida the 23rd state to conform to the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. States that approve the agreement require Internet vendors and other out-of-state sellers to collect and remit state sales and use taxes.
Who is brokering it?
Sen. Evelyn J. Lynn, R-Daytona Beach, is brokering the Senate bill that proposes enacting the Streamlined and Use Tax Agreement and numerous other pieces of state tax reform.
Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, introduced HB 329 last year.
Both bills were introduced in the fall session and are still in committees.
Will it pass or be heard?
Lynn is hopeful it will at least make it to the floor. At a time when the state is starving for revenue, the uncollected taxes are crucial for replenishing state coffers. She said she does not believe such a bill would direct business away from Florida, because many states have passed the agreement and still attract business.
"This is a totally legitimate bill," she said. "We're working to get the taxes we're owed."
Off-Shore Oil Drilling
What's the deal?
Lawmakers have been considering a repeal of the state's ban on off-shore drilling. The issue came before the Senate and House in the fall session. But, while the House passed the bill - albeit hastily - the Senate did not.
Who's brokering it?
Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, is sponsoring the proposal in the House, but no bill is ready yet.
Will it be passed or heard this session?
"It's too soon to tell," Cannon said. Cannon added he wants the bill to require that no drilling structures be visible from the shore, and all operations comply with environmental safety regulations. He said the bill will also include provisions to require consideration of where, how and why drilling can occur.
He said he plans to make each step of creating the controversial legislation public, starting with a public bill-drafting session soon after session begins.
The proposal has drawn fire from environmental advocates. In early February, environmentalists gathered on a Florida beach for a "Hands Across the Sand" protest.
Florida Forever
What's the Deal?
The state-funded Florida Forever program acquires land for preservation. It has preserved some 2.4 million acres of state land in its two incarnations. The state denied funding to the program last year, but Crist has elected to resurrect it in his proposed budget.
Who is brokering it?
In a bad economy, Crist is proposing the allocation of $50 million of his proposed budget to fund the Florida Forever program. But, the program is always funded with money from state documentary stamp taxes. His proposal has received much support from environmental advocates.
Will it be passed?
There's much competition for the slim state purse available, but lobbyist Janet Bowman, who represents The Nature Conservancy in Florida, is hopeful.
While state revenues in general have fallen, doc-stamp tax collections have risen. Because of lower land values, it's a good time to buy property, she said, and "Florida Forever continues to be a smart choice."
