Seeking Rents – The Podcast

Jason Garcia
  • 4.9 (51)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

"Rent-seeking" is a term in economics that describes when a corporation uses its political influence to twist tax laws and other public policy in its favor. Seeking Rents – The Podcast brings you the stories of how that's happening in Florida, where corporate interests like Florida Power & Light, Big Sugar, and Walt Disney World wield enormous influence everywhere from local city halls to the state Capitol. Hosted by award-winning journalist Jason Garcia, Florida's leading corporate-accountability reporter. jasongarcia.substack.com

  1. Florida Legislature 2026: At least a billionaire got his waterslide

    8H AGO

    Florida Legislature 2026: At least a billionaire got his waterslide

    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 Designations Passed the Senate by a 31-4 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet) House Bill 1451 — Utility Services Passed the Senate by a 30-6 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet) House Bill 1279 — Education Passed 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 governor House Bill 905 — Foreign Influence Passed the House of Representatives by an 83-17 vote (vote sheet) and now goes to the governor Senate Bill 484 — Data Centers Passed the Senate by a 31-6 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet) House Bill 399 — Land Use and Development Regulation Passed 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 399 Failed to pass the Senate by a 17-20 vote (vote sheet) Rural boundaries amendment to HB 399 Failed to pass the Senate by a voice vote Senate Bill 180 amendment to HB 399 Ruled out of order by House Republican leadership Senate Bill 7044 — Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund/Executive Office of the Governor Passed 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 opposition A developer wants to build a giant data center in Palm Beach — after lobbying for a tax break in Tallahassee Buried in the budget: Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump and Newsmax A New York investment firm with vast land holdings across north Florida wants state lawmakers to greenlight giant developments Landowner behind ‘Blue Ribbon Projects’ bill gave $300K to Florida leaders before session began, records show A gun company gave lots of money to Florida lawmakers. Now it’s lobbying for legal immunity. Gun money in the Florida Legislature Florida politicians may give Big Sugar legal power to go after activists and silence critics They said they wanted to help farmers. They really wanted to hurt environmentalists. Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify Watch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

    56 min
  2. Florida Legislature 2026: Nightmare Christmas

    1D AGO

    Florida Legislature 2026: Nightmare Christmas

    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 notes The bills discussed in today’s show: House Bill 991 — Election Integrity Passed 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 Organizations Passed the House of Representatives by an 80-25 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet) House Bill 7031 — Taxation Passed the House of Representatives by a 109-0 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet) House Bill 697 — Drug Prices and Coverage Passed 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 Florida Corporations could get a $3.5 billion tax break in Florida unless state lawmakers step in to stop it Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify Watch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

    22 min
  3. Florida Legislature 2026: End game

    2D AGO

    Florida Legislature 2026: End game

    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 notes The bills discussed in today’s show: Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employee Relations Commission Passed the House of Representatives by a 73-37 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 991 — Election Integrity Amendment to HB 991 Amendment failed to pass the Senate by a 12-24 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 167 — Former Phosphate Mining Lands Passed the Senate by a 32-4 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet) House bill 1217 — Prohibited Governmental Policies Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Passed the Senate by a 24-12 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 488 — Transportation Passed the Senate by a 36-0 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet) Senate Bill 1134 — Official Actions of Local Governments Passed the House of Representatives by a 77-37 vote and now goes to the governor (vote sheet) House Bill 697 — Drug Prices and Coverage Passed 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 group Lobbyists for a mining company wrote a bill to block lawsuits over radiation on former mines DeSantis’ office authored ‘terrorist’ bill, records show Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify Watch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

    35 min
  4. Florida Legislature 2026: Florida lawmakers vote to make life a little more expensive

    4D AGO

    Florida Legislature 2026: Florida lawmakers vote to make life a little more expensive

    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 Corporation Passed the House of Representatives by an 88-19 vote and now goes to the governor sign or veto (vote sheet) Senate Bill 302 — Coastal Resiliency Passed 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 Vehicles Car dealer amendment Passed the House of Representatives by a 108-1 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 1758 — Public Assistance Passed the Senate by a 26-11 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 1756 — Medical Freedom Passed 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 nationwide Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify Watch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

    25 min
  5. Florida Legislature 2026: The rules only matter when they want them to

    MAR 5

    Florida Legislature 2026: The rules only matter when they want them to

    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 notes The bills discussed in today’s show: Senate Bill 840 — Land Use Regulations for Local Governments Affected by Natural Disasters Senate Bill 1756 — Medical Freedom Senate Bill 180 (2025) — Emergencies House Bill 1001 (2025) — Vessels Senate Bill 1388 (2025) — Vessels House Bill 291 — Common Entities of Motor Vehicle Distributors and Manufacturers Senate Bill 352 — Common Entities of Motor Vehicle Distributors and Manufacturers House Bill 989 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle Dealers Passed the House of Representatives by a 109-1 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 1028 — Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Passed the Florida Senate by a 33-1 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 620 — Candidate Qualifying Passed 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 Claims Passed the Senate by a 36-0 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 981 — Tributaries of St. Johns River Passed the House of Representatives by a 107-3 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 725 — Political Activity at Public Institutions of Higher Education Passed 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 law The last stand for home rule in Florida (podcast) Orders from on high New State Law Forces Wellington To Change Waterway Rules Car dealers try to keep a chokehold on new car sales in Florida Republican megadonor is behind bill that could affect Florida condo owners Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify Watch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

    39 min
  6. Florida Legislature 2026: Mighty MAHA

    MAR 4

    Florida Legislature 2026: Mighty MAHA

    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 notes The bills discussed in today’s show: Senate Bill 290 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Passed the House of Representatives by a 94-10 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 1756 — Medical Freedom Passed the Senate Rules Committee by a 14-8 vote (vote sheet) SB 1756 amendment Rejected by the Senate Rules Committee on a voice vote Senate Bill 354 — Blue Ribbon Projects Passed the Senate Rules Committee by a 12-10 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 540 (2023) — Local Government Comprehensive Plans House Bill 1471 — Systems of Law and Terrorist Organizations Passed the House of Representatives by an 81-26 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 1632 — Ideologies Inconsistent with American Principles Passed the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee by a 5-3 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 905 — Foreign Influence Passed the House of Representatives by an 86-20 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 1178 — Foreign Influence Passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by an 11-5 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 1451 — Utility Services Passed the House of Representatives by an 81-26 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 399 — Land Use and Development Regulations Passed the House of Representatives by a 71-38 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 693 — Health and Human Services Passed the House of Representatives by a 79-30 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 1279 — Education Passed 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 developments A ‘smart growth’ group calls for DeSantis to veto a ‘death knell’ to growth management bill Orders from on high Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify Watch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

    45 min
  7. Florida Legislature 2026: Over the cliff

    MAR 3

    Florida Legislature 2026: Over the cliff

    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 notes The bills discussed in today’s show: Senate Bill 1758 — Public Assistance Passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by 14-4 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employees Relations Commission Passed the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee by a 10-8 vote (vote sheet) Senate BIll 1298 — Public Records/Public Employees Relations Commission Failed to pass the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee by an 8-10 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 7046 — Taxation Passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 12-5 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 7048 — Internal Revenue Code Passed 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 affected Lawmakers weigh a new charter school subsidy that would start small but could grow quickly Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify Watch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

    30 min
  8. Florida Legislature 2026: Blue ribbon carveouts

    FEB 27

    Florida Legislature 2026: Blue ribbon carveouts

    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 notes The bills discussed in today’s show: House Bill 299 — Blue Ribbon Projects Passed the House State Affairs Committee by a 21-5 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 7031 — Taxation Passed the House Ways & Means Committee by a 19-0 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 995 — Public Employees Relations Commission Passed 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 Organizations Passed the House Judiciary Committee by a 13-5 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 1632 — Ideologies Inconsistent with American Principles House Bill 991 — Election Integrity Senate Bill 1334 — Elections House Bill 657 — Community Associations Passed the House Commerce Committee (vote not yet available) Senate Bill 1498 — Community Associations Senate Bill 1028 – Citizens Property Insurance Corporation House Bill 943 — Citizens Property Insurance Corporation House Bill 221 — Minimum Wage Requirements 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 developments Corporations could get a $3.5 billion tax break in Florida unless state lawmakers step in to stop it Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com Listen to the show: Apple | Spotify Watch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

    37 min
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4.9
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About

"Rent-seeking" is a term in economics that describes when a corporation uses its political influence to twist tax laws and other public policy in its favor. Seeking Rents – The Podcast brings you the stories of how that's happening in Florida, where corporate interests like Florida Power & Light, Big Sugar, and Walt Disney World wield enormous influence everywhere from local city halls to the state Capitol. Hosted by award-winning journalist Jason Garcia, Florida's leading corporate-accountability reporter. jasongarcia.substack.com

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