Preserving Free And Open Democracy

In 2008, Florida PIRG and our allies helped save Florida’s system of public campaign financing when the Legislature proposed cutting it to save money. Florida’s system is one of the oldest in the country, having helped level the playing field for twenty years.

Keeping Our Families Safe From Dangerous Products

Those who violate product safety laws will face stiff fines and penalties and hazardous products will be removed from store shelves more quickly, under a landmark law championed by Florida PIRG in 2008. Our staff and members, helped overcome the last-minute opposition of Exxon-Mobil.

Holding Elected Officials To Higher Ethical Standards

A new, independent office will police ethical scandals in Congress, under a plan endorsed by Florida PIRG. Our staff helped make the case for the new Office of Congressional Ethics. The report details independent panels that enforce ethics in Florida and 22 other states.

Pointing The Way Toward Affordable, Dependable Health Care

Unlike all other service providers, hospitals have historically been exempt from disclosing their pricing, leading to less competition and little public knowledge about unfair pricing. In 2008, Florida PIRG and the Florida Retail Federation built a coalition to help pass the Consumers Right to Information Act, requireing hospitals to list the costs of common procedures on Floridahealthfinder.gov.

Promoting Young Voter Participation

Two million more 18- to 24-year olds voted in 2008 than in the last presidential election in 2004, part of a record overall voter turnout. The Student PIRGs’ New Voters Project did its part in our state by deploying organizers to Florida State University, the University of Florida, and the University of South Florida, and to 97 other college campuses in 16 states to help turn out voters. 

Demanding Meaningful Property Insurance Reform

In 2007, Florida PIRG helped pass provisions in property insurance legislation that will require insurers to pay claims within 90 days, forbid cherry-picking types of coverage, and end exemptions that allow builders to comply with weaker building codes in storm-prone coastal areas.

Defending Our Right To Participatory Democracy

If it weren’t for ballot initiatives, Floria wouldn’t have an indoor smoking ban or a higher minimum wage. In 2007, Florida PIRG led a successful veto campaign against a bill that would have made it impossible for grassroots groups to engage in the ballot initiative process.

Holding Retailers Accountable

Retailers that sell gift cards should have to make good on those transactions.  In 2007, the Legislature passed Florida PIRG-backed legislation that prevents companies from making a profit at our expense by applying expiration dates and dormancy fees to gift cards.