| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by the University of Central Florida | Hello and welcome to Monday. Speak To Me — Get ready. The whole world will be watching what happens in the next 60 days in Tallahassee as Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature leaps into overdrive. Time — Republicans last held a supermajority back in 2011, following the tea party wave that helped usher Rick Scott into the governor’s mansion. The session that followed the election was cemented with a long line of policy wins for the GOP, including a push to overhaul the state’s mammoth Medicaid program, the dismantling of the state’s growth management agency and a requirement that state workers pay into their pension plans. The Great Gig In The Sky — Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republicans got a big win in November. And the supermajority running the House and Senate has come up with a substantial list of proposed legislation dealing with guns, immigration, gender-affirming care, the tech industry, libel laws, the death penalty, and universal school vouchers. And maybe abortion. Democrats will be in vocal in their criticism of these bills and complain that Republicans are doing little — outside of a major affordable housing measure — to address the state’s affordability crisis. But they have little power to stop them. Us And Them — A large part of the list is driven by DeSantis' expected run for president and a desire to give him more policy wins ahead of the primary clash with Donald Trump. Legislators have increasingly deferred to the governor in the past two years, and the expectation is that whatever DeSantis wants this year he will get. The anticipation that lawmakers will deliver help to DeSantis has led to national media attention ahead of this year’s session. Both the Washington Post and The New York Times popped stories about the upcoming session. Expect a mob of reporters on Tuesday. Money — There are some small cracks in the DeSantis-Legislature alliance to keep an eye on in the next two months. For example, DeSantis recommended growing Florida’s private school voucher program but he has not committed to the wide-open universal voucher bill being pushed by GOP leaders that includes a disputed price tag. On The Run — Lawmakers additionally came up with a gun bill that scraps permit requirements to carry a concealed weapon in public. But that bill doesn’t include open carry even though DeSantis has acknowledged he would go along with it. A push to include open carry, which is what gun rights groups have been calling for, however, would likely be opposed by law enforcement organizations. Eclipse — Several bills that have been filed in the run-up in the session also share another trait: Legislators know they are likely to trigger lawsuits. The most obvious target is a measure crafted to try to undo a 1964 U.S. Supreme Court case on libel. But there are several others that appear destined for litigation by design. Live for today, gone tomorrow. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official for Gov. DeSantis Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | A message from the University of Central Florida: UCF is unleashing the potential of people and ideas to positively change the world. With our research, innovative approaches and powerful talent pipeline, we’re focused on solving the state’s problems in engineering, immersive technologies, energy, and healthcare by meeting the demand for Florida’s critical jobs and attracting new industry. That’s why UCF has been ranked a “Top 20 Most Innovative University” (U.S. News & World Report) for 5 years. See how UCF propels Florida’s prosperity. | | | |  | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | CHECKLIST — DeSantis and Florida GOP push hard-right agenda, including expanding ‘Don’t Say Gay,’ by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: Banning preferred pronouns at schools. Mandating K-12 libraries immediately remove and review books that are flagged as inappropriate. Prohibiting majors in gender studies. Florida’s Republican leaders, who have restricted how race and gender are taught in schools and colleges, are poised to go even further in the next few months as they prepare to hand Gov. Ron DeSantis a new round of education victories he can tout while running for president. WHAT PLAZA WANTS, PLAZA GETS — “DeSantis’ sway over Florida Legislature unprecedented ahead of 2024 bid,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Lawrence Mower: “When Florida lawmakers met for their annual legislative session last year, they championed bills that led to months of headlines for Gov. Ron DeSantis about sexual orientation, abortion, immigration, voting and the teaching of the nation’s racial history. For this year’s legislative session, which begins Tuesday, DeSantis has a preview: ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet.’ Emboldened by an overwhelming reelection victory margin and the most compliant Legislature in recent memory, DeSantis is pushing lawmakers to pass the legislation conservatives have been wanting for years.” THE AGENDA — “In Florida legislative session, a chance for DeSantis to check off his wish list,” by The New York Times’ Patricia Mazzei: “Most — and perhaps all — of Mr. DeSantis’s wishes will likely soon be granted by the Republican-held State Legislature, giving him a broader platform from which to launch a widely expected 2024 presidential campaign. Ahead of the annual session, scheduled to begin on Tuesday and last 60 days, Republican lawmakers have given every indication that they will be guided by whatever the governor wants.” ‘SESSION OF SPRAWL’ — “As culture wars get attention, legislators seek control of local water, growth rules,” by Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas: “As Florida’s Legislature begins its regular session Tuesday with a plan to tee up a host of culture war issues that Gov. Ron DeSantis can use as his “blueprint” for America’s future, another list of proposals is getting less attention but is being quietly cheered by powerful industries. Dozens of local government preemption bills have been introduced to stifle municipal authority over water quality and quantity, restrict citizen opposition to development plans, give businesses new avenues to sue, and repeal long-standing environmental rules.” — “DeSantis says ‘absolutely’ as gun rights advocates pressure Legislature for ‘open carry,’” by Tallahassee Democrat’s James Call — “Florida bills would ban gender studies, transgender pronouns, tenure perks,” by Washington Post’s Hannah Natanson and Lori Rozsa — “How Republicans’ latest insurance reform proposals could restrict your ability to sue,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Ron Hurtibise
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | | | DESANTISLAND | | ‘VERY MEASURED’ — When Ron DeSantis met the swamp, by POLITICO’s Rachael Bade and Bethany Irvine: Before DeSantis was a phenom governor and potential top-tier 2024 presidential candidate, he spent six years as a quiet, often awkward backbench lawmaker searching for a way up the political ladder. He was elected to the House in 2012 after embracing a drain-the-swamp populist agenda that would later become a centerpiece of Donald Trump’s presidential pitch. While more than a dozen of his former House GOP colleagues described him in interviews as a young politician with untapped potential, they said that “Ronny D,” as some called him, ultimately had to leave Washington to find his voice. LEADERBOARD — Sununu: If GOP primary were today, DeSantis would win New Hampshire, by POLITICO's Kelly Garrity: If New Hampshire’s Republican primary were held today, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis would win, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said Sunday. “Right now, if the election were today, Ron DeSantis would win in New Hampshire. There’s no doubt about that in my mind,” Sununu told host Chuck Todd during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” in which he also said that Trump won’t end up the Republican presidential nominee in 2024. FAMILIAR REFRAINS — “Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis brings the war on ‘woke mind virus’ ideology to California,” by Sacramento Bee’s Jenavieve Hatch: “Gov. Ron DeSantis visited the Golden State Sunday to tout his record in Florida as the ideal American future and an antidote to the “woke mind virus” of Democrats like his ideological nemesis, California Gov. Gavin Newsom. “Your Governor’s very concerned about what we’re doing in Florida so I figured I had to come by,” he said as he took the stage at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.” |  Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis sits with his family before addressing supporters at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., Sunday, March 5, 2023. DeSantis has quietly begun to expand his political coalition on his terms just as he releases a book, "The Courage to be Free," which comes out Tuesday. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) | AP |
— The Republican presidential nomination could run through California. Yes, California, by POLITICO’s Jeremy B. White
FAMILIAR REFRAINS PART 2 — “Ron DeSantis proclaims Texas, Florida partners against ‘woke’ left in Houston speech,” by Texas Tribune’s Patrick Svitek: “Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor and likely presidential candidate, rallied Houston-area Republicans on Friday with a speech that proclaimed his state as Texas’ new partner on the front lines in the battle against the political left. With Austin buzzing about an unspoken rivalry between the country’s two biggest Republican-controlled states, DeSantis paid homage to Texas’ boisterous self-image — and said Florida is gaining its own ‘big sense of pride’ under his leadership. He said it is being noticed ‘all the way up to the fella in the White House,’ referring to his potential opponent in 2024: President Joe Biden.” MICKEY’S LANDLORD — “DeSantis appointee to new Disney oversight board suggested tap water could turn people gay,” by CNN’s Andrew Kaczynski, Em Stock and Steve Contorno: “An appointee to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new oversight board in control of Disney’s special tax district called homosexuality ‘evil’ last year and shared a baseless conspiracy theory that tap water could be making more people gay. On Monday, the Republican governor appointed Ron Peri, an Orlando-based former pastor and the CEO of The Gathering – a Christian ministry focused on outreach to men – as one of five people who will now oversee the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the government body that has given Disney unique powers in Central Florida for more than half a century.” — “Trump vs. DeSantis: A shadow presidential contest revs up and heads to Iowa,” by Wall Street Journal’s Eliza Collins and Alex Leary — “TikTok banned in Florida? No, but DeSantis seeks block on government devices, school networks,” by USA Today Network-Florida’s Kim Luciani
| | | | A message from the University of Central Florida:   | | | | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | FAVORABLE TREATMENT — Trump ties a ribbon on the most MAGA CPAC yet, by POLITICO’s Natalie Allison and Meridith McGraw: The plan went off without any real hitch: No Republican departed CPAC with more glory than former President Donald Trump. In fact, no one bothered to try. As Trump walked onto the main stage Saturday night to give the keynote address, he was introduced as “the next president of the United States.” At the four-day conference of conservative activists, Trump’s loyal fan base heckled his Republican opponents, overwhelmingly backed him in a straw poll and quickly booed what appeared to be a rogue audience member who started to play music over his speech. | 
Former President Donald Trump arrives to speak during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. on March 4, 2023. | Francis Chung/POLITICO |
— “Trump pitches a sequel, but shies away from attacking rivals,” by The Associated Press’ Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Nicholas Riccardi
— The Trump world-Fox News war gets nasty, by POLITICO’s Natalie Allison and Meridith McGraw — “Mike Waltz waffles when asked to choose between Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis,” by Florida Politics A.G. Gancarski — “Republicans see growing primary field as boon for Trump,” by The Hill’s Max Greenwood — “Trump courts early-state Republicans at Mar-a-Lago,” by POLITICO’s Alex Isenstadt
| | DATELINE D.C. | | DOUBLE FAULT — “Novak Djokovic withdraws from BNP Paribas Open after being denied entry to US over COVID-vaccine status,” by Fox News’ Lawrence Richard: “Novak Djokovic will not participate in the BNP Paribas Open this month after the Biden administration denied his entry to the United States, due to him being unvaccinated against COVID-19. …Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, both Republicans from Florida, expressed support for the Serbian tennis star and called on Congress to act to eliminate President Biden’s ‘bogus vaccine mandate.’”
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | MAGIC 8-BALL SAYS — “‘Obviously a big decision’: Suarez says he’s still mulling presidential run,” by McClatchy D.C.’s Alex Roarty: “Republican Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said Friday that he was still considering a run for president but indicated that time was running out for him to make a final decision. ‘As you know, the due diligence related to that is extensive, and it’s obviously a big decision,’ Suarez said, talking with the Miami Herald after a speech at an annual gathering of national conservatives. ‘So I’m going to continue to go through the process, and when I’m ready, I’ll make the decision.’”
| | | | DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO MOBILE APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS– DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID. | | | | | | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | POWER POLITICS — “FPL’s Daniel Martell, linked to political controversies, is a key player in Palm Beach County,” by Palm Beach Post’s Hannah Morse: “Before appearing in a trove of documents that linked him and Florida’s largest utility to a series of political controversies, Daniel 'Danny' Martell was already well-known among the who’s who in Palm Beach County. Many credit Martell, as chief executive, with turning around the Economic Council of Palm Beach County by restoring the power and prominence of the group that counts the area’s business elites and leaders as members.” INTERRUPTED — “Cuban ambassador’s dinner in Tampa sparks protest, scorn,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Juan Carlos Chavez: “A band of Cuban dissidents protested inside an expensive Tampa restaurant Friday night, disrupting a meeting between Cuban Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera and a group of business officials and local politicians. The protest was around 7:30 p.m. at Mise en Place, the French-inspired fine dining staple near the Oxford Exchange and across from the University of Tampa. The incident was captured on a cellphone of one of the protesters, who chanted anti-Havana regime slogans and questioned the ambassador’s presence in Tampa.” SNAKES! — “Python invasion has exploded out of the Everglades and into nearly all of southern Florida, new map shows,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Bill Kearney: “Burmese pythons are too good at what they do — they’re nearly undetectable to both humans and their prey, they barely need to move and when they do they’re deadly. On top of that, they have lots of babies.” — “Florida’s edicts on classrooms are wearing thin with some school board members,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Jeffrey S. Solochek — “Guilty: Immigrant murder suspect politicized by DeSantis in Jacksonville is sentenced,” by Florida Times-Union’s Scott Butler — “After 2 failed challenges, Hillsborough school board to rule on ‘This Book is Gay,’” by Tampa Bay Times’ Marlene Sokol
| | A message from the University of Central Florida: Since 1963, UCF has supported Florida’s crucial industries by solving tomorrow’s problems today. We’re bringing top talent, innovation and ideas to the table — attracting industry and propelling Florida’s prosperity for generations to come.
Today, UCF is the nation’s No. 1 supplier of aerospace and defense talent, Florida’s No. 1 provider of new nurses and a critical source for sustainable energy innovation. What does this mean for our region? We’re fortifying Florida’s cyber infrastructure to safeguard from new threats. We’re reducing the nursing shortage and utilizing advanced technologies and simulation to enhance patient care. And we’re shaping how energy can become more affordable, efficient and reliable for all.
A better, brighter future starts now — and it starts at the University for the Future: UCF.
Find out how UCF grads and researchers are shaping Florida’s future. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — “‘I was prepared to be killed.’ A gun-waving man suddenly ended a Broward wedding,” by Miami Herald’s David J. Neal: “An Instagram video shows a South Florida wedding reception being broken up by a yellow-shirted man waving a gun. The DJ who posted the video says the man is the manager of the Southwest Ranches facility where the wedding was held.” BIRTHDAYS: State Rep. Juan Alfonso Fernandez-Barquin ... state Rep. Taylor Michael Yarkosky | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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