Bills to clarify whether ex-felons can legally vote advance in Senate

Floridians years ago approved a constitutional amendment to restore the voting rights of felons who had completed their sentences

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

Floridians years ago approved a constitutional amendment to restore the voting rights of felons who had completed their sentences.

News

Orlando lawmakers, LGBTQ advocates push back on slate of ‘bigoted’ legislation

“These distractions are intended to take our attention away from real corruption in the state Florida,” said Orlando Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith.

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

News

Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith says Florida prisons need more money than they’re asking for

The Orlando lawmaker cites finding that the agency’s path was ‘unsustainable.’

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

News

Judge denies Democrats’ lawsuit over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ access

Orlando’s Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Rep. Anna Eskamani are among five Democratic lawmakers who were denied access to the center in July

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

News

Orlando Dem Carlos Guillermo Smith revives push to rein in public money given to Big Tourism

Sen. Smith and Rosen Hotels CEO Frank Santos sparred over the issue at a League of Women Voters event Wednesday

by McKenna Schueler November 13, 2025November 13, 2025

News

Orlando lawmakers’ bill to support businesses harmed by construction fails to pass

Tension between Republican leaders and Gov. DeSantis slowed progress on passing proposed laws this year

by McKenna Schueler May 9, 2025July 9, 2025

News

Orlando Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith’s bill to aid businesses harmed by construction advances in Senate

Smith said the impetus for filing the bill was the closing in January of Orlando’s Hammered Lamb

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix April 11, 2025May 12, 2025

News

Orlando State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith files bill to make it easier to pass statewide ballot measures

Currently, Florida ballot measures need to get at least 60 percent support to pass. Under Smith’s proposal, just a 50 percent vote of support would be needed.

by McKenna Schueler February 19, 2025June 25, 2025

News

Florida bill would impose harsher penalties for immigrants driving without a license

Orlando Democratic Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith raised concerns, considering the deficiencies in Florida’s public transit system

by Jackie Llanos, Florida Phoenix February 13, 2025July 1, 2025

News

Orlando lawmakers propose state program to help small businesses harmed by street construction

The proposal will be considered during the 2025 legislative session that begins March 4.

by McKenna Schueler January 31, 2025April 11, 2025

News

Florida Democrats lock up 11 legislative seats, running unopposed ahead of Friday deadline

Two Democrats — former House members Carlos Guillermo Smith of Orlando and Mack Bernard of West Palm Beach — locked up Senate seats

by Jim Turner News Service of Florida June 17, 2024March 14, 2025

News

Democrat Carlos Guillermo Smith continues to snag endorsements in his bid for Florida Senate

So far, he’s been backed by much of Central Florida’s organized labor, as well as other Democratic politicians and Equality Florida’s PAC.

by McKenna Schueler September 19, 2023October 20, 2024

News

Orlando’s former Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith announces bid for Florida Senate in 2024

He’s running for the seat currently held by Sen. Linda Stewart, who’s term-limited from seeking re-election to office.

by McKenna Schueler April 10, 2023June 18, 2024

Elections, News

Carlos Guillermo Smith

Bills to clarify whether ex-felons can legally vote advance in Senate

Orlando lawmakers, LGBTQ advocates push back on slate of ‘bigoted’ legislation

Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith says Florida prisons need more money than they’re asking for

Judge denies Democrats’ lawsuit over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ access

Orlando Dem Carlos Guillermo Smith revives push to rein in public money given to Big Tourism

Orlando lawmakers’ bill to support businesses harmed by construction fails to pass

Orlando Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith’s bill to aid businesses harmed by construction advances in Senate

Orlando State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith files bill to make it easier to pass statewide ballot measures

Florida bill would impose harsher penalties for immigrants driving without a license

Orlando lawmakers propose state program to help small businesses harmed by street construction

Florida Democrats lock up 11 legislative seats, running unopposed ahead of Friday deadline

Democrat Carlos Guillermo Smith continues to snag endorsements in his bid for Florida Senate

Orlando’s former Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith announces bid for Florida Senate in 2024

Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago raided, Florida politicians react

Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’, CRT fearmongering bills under discussion in state House

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis endorses controversial ‘don’t say gay’ bill for public schools

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis endorses controversial ‘don’t say gay’ bill for public schools

Florida Department of Health appeals judge’s order asking them to explain why they stopped releasing COVID-19 data daily

Orlando Rep. Carlos Smith urges Gov. DeSantis to declare state of emergency over Florida’s affordable housing crisis

Orlando Rep. Carlos Smith urges Gov. DeSantis to declare state of emergency over Florida’s affordable housing crisis