FLORIDA RECORD

TALLAHASSEE – Civil litigation funding has become an increasingly lucrative business for third parties in Florida and elsewhere, raising concern about the effect this may have on the justice system and questions about whether more regulation is needed to keep the industry in check.

TALLAHASSEE — A circuit court ruling that that said a workers' compensation group violated Florida's open records laws by not ensuring committee hearings and supporting documentation on a proposed rate increase were made available to the public is under appeal.

SUNTREE, Fla. — A large residential development in Brevard County could end up having one of the most-strict housing policies in the state in terms of sexual offenders and predators.

TALLAHASSEE — Judge Robert J. Luck recently was appointed to the 3rd District Court of Appeal by Florida Gov. Rick Scott.

MIAMI — Murray Austin Greenberg, a longtime attorney and law professor in the Miami area, died Dec. 31, 2016, at age 73 after losing a long battle with lymphoma, according to a report by the Miami Herald.

JACKSONVILLE — After being accused of illegally seeking business after a Texas woman's death, attorney Christopher M. Chestnut has been allowed to retain his license to practice law in Florida.

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – A Florida lawyer has won an appeal after being barred from arguing a motion by a Palm Beach County judge.

TAMPA --  The company behind the popular PODS has recently settled a trademark dispute with U-Haul International Inc. for alleged trademark infringement. 

BRADENTON, FLORIDA – Bradenton mayoral candidate Warren Merriman was convicted of petit theft in February 2015 and ordered to serve three months of probation after being fired from the Brandenton Police department. With the election date of Nov. 8 drawing near, Merriman must also prepare for a disciplinary hearing that is scheduled for Nov. 3, which may lead to the former deputy chief's law enforcement certification being either suspended or revoked.