Michael Carroll News
Broward County chief judge hones procedures for online jury trials
With jury trials suspended until at least July 6 in Florida due to the coronavirus pandemic, Chief Circuit Judge Jack Tuter in Broward County has been spearheading a move to conduct such proceedings remotely.
Florida legal changes brought about by COVID-19 may be here to stay
New Florida legal procedures put in place during the coronavirus pandemic, such as a greater reliance on remote workforces and attending hearings using video-conferencing technology, will likely remain even after the crisis subsides.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals will fight bladder drug claims outlined in Florida lawsuit
Two Florida law firms are suing Janssen Pharmaceuticals and its parent company, Johnson & Johnson, over a plaintiff’s eye injuries that allegedly resulted from her taking a drug to treat bladder pain.
Florida's scheduled July bar exam won't be delayed despite health concerns
The Florida Board of Bar Examiners has given the go-ahead to proceed with the standardized test for law school graduates on July 28 and July 29 despite health concerns in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic.
Lawsuit in works on behalf of North Miami nursing home resident who contracted COVID-19
The family of a North Miami nursing home resident who contracted coronavirus is preparing to sue the facility for failing to provide adequate screening and precautionary measures.
Florida Supreme Court selections delayed as DeSantis focuses on coronavirus response
Gov. Ron DeSantis has again delayed his timetable to name two new state Supreme Court justices as he continues to concentrate his attention on the coronavirus situation.
State lawmaker considers civil suit to challenge governor's COVID-19 orders
A limited but rocky rollout of the Florida economy unfolded last week as Gov. Ron DeSantis was bombarded with conflicting advice about how best to protect Floridians during the coronavirus pandemic
Business groups behind DeSantis plan to reopen Florida economy
Business groups in Florida have expressed strong support for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to begin reopening the state’s economy on Monday in all counties except for Miami, Broward and Palm Beach.
Fort Lauderdale restaurant sues over insurer's failure to pay losses due to coronavirus
The owner of a Fort Lauderdale restaurant has filed a class-action lawsuit against Chubb Limited, alleging that the insurer reneged on paying the business-interruption losses related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Florida ballot-order law stays afloat after 11th Circuit rules against state Democrats
Florida’s 1951 law requiring members of the governor’s political party to appear first for each office listed on general election ballots remains in force as a result of a federal appeals court decision this past week.
Florida health care facilities respond to liability, generator concerns
Florida’s health care industry has pushed back against the suggestion that a failure of nursing homes to fully comply with a backup generator law could sideline the facilities’ request for legal immunity during the COVID-19 crisis.
Longer early voting, more mail balloting likely in coming Florida elections
Those familiar with Florida elections see a greater reliance on mail voting and extended early-voting periods to space out crowds and reduce coronavirus risks during the August and November elections.
Recreational marijuana foes refine arguments as state Supreme Court hearing nears
Some opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida say a new state law will provide additional avenues for the state Supreme Court to reject the measure.
Coronavirus ushering in a more efficient, technologically savvy legal system, observers say
Despite a few embarrassing glitches, the increased use of time-saving video-conferencing technologies by Florida judges and attorneys may be the silver lining of the coronavirus pandemic, according to legal observers.
Some Florida firms press governor for commercial eviction protection; Onslaught of civil litigation expected in pandemic aftermath
Struggling Florida small businesses could be devastated by the prospect of commercial evictions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to attorneys and others monitoring landlord-tenant issues.
Florida law school deans call for decentralized approach to bar exams
The deans of 12 Florida law schools have called on the state’s top legal authorities to provide new graduates with opportunities to take the bar exam in September as well as the scheduled July date due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ruling against Florida cities over 5G installations called procedural setback
A trial judge has dismissed a challenge to a state law limiting cities’ ability to regulate new wireless installations on utility poles, but plaintiffs called the ruling procedural and may re-file the lawsuit.
Florida insurers respond to calls for rebates during coronavirus crisis
Florida insurance regulators are working with insurers to provide consumers with credits on business and auto insurance policies as a result of the economic disruptions created by the coronavirus situation.
Florida AG's Office open to probe of emergency management director's mask claims
The Florida Attorney General’s Office is ready to investigate the state emergency management director’s allegations that distributors and brokers selling sought-after 3M masks are engaged in price gouging and outright fraud.
Judge moves forward with class-action certification in Florida felon voting case
The effects of coronavirus on Florida’s court system don’t appear to be slowing efforts to resolve a dispute over felon voting, with a federal trial set for later this month and the number of potential plaintiffs expanding into the thousands.