Before any agreement is made between Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, House Speaker Marco Rubio wants Gov. Charlie Crist to count all his political chips before he makes up his mind.
Crist has been negotiating with the state's Seminole Indian tribe on the addition of Las Vegas-style games to their casinos, which could allow Florida to rake in millions in tax revenue. If an agreement isn't made, the federal government can step in and allow the Indians to offer the games without the state getting anything.
Rubio sent Crist a letter Monday saying any agreement with the tribe won't be valid "unless it is ratified by the Legislature." Furthermore, Rubio does not does not support any compact that would permit the Tribe to conduct more types of gambling than it is entitled to under federal law.
Crist said Monday he wants to work with lawmakers to form an agreement.
"We always want to work with them, they're our friends," Crist said.
Crist said he is not looking at the compact as a revenue source, which Rubio also said he is against, but an opportunity.
"I think that needs to be clear as we negotiate," he said. "The negotiations are fluid. We're trying to do what's best for Florida in the long haul."