Michael Carroll News
Advocacy groups back Florida environmentalist's appeal of $4.4 million verdict
A diverse collection of groups is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to take up an appeal by a Florida environmentalist who was saddled with a $4.4 million verdict over public comments she made about a Martin County development plan.
Two-year suspension recommended for storm damage attorney accused of sham first-party property insurance claims
A court referee’s recent conclusion that Florida plaintiffs’ attorney Scot Strems should be suspended for two years sends a forceful warning to other lawyers pursuing lawsuits-for-profit strategies, according to the Florida-based Consumer Protection Coalition.
Injunction expected to halt recall count involving Miami commissioner
MIAMI – In a development that appears to be another setback for the effort to recall Commissioner Joe Carollo, a circuit judge on Friday said he would grant the commissioner’s request for an injunction to stop recall petitions from being counted.
Florida CFO releases guide on providing legal liability protections to businesses
Business leaders are applauding Florida’s chief financial officer for advancing three general guidelines about providing legal liability protections for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trial attorney money fuels Florida's $15 wage drive
A Florida measure on the November ballot that would boost the minimum wage to $15 an hour has less to do with helping low-wage workers and more to do with ginning up turnout in the presidential election, according to the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Palm Beach judge rules against teachers, leaves school reopening plan in place
Teachers who lost a bid at the circuit court level to overturn the Palm Beach County School District’s campus reopening plan will appeal the Sept. 29 decision.
Florida officials question legality of Bloomberg effort to help former felons
Florida’s attorney general and chief financial officer have both called on public agencies to investigate former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s effort to help felons pay off legal debts so they can vote on Nov. 3.
Lawsuit over Florida election ballot records deferred until after November election
Parties who had been sparing in litigation over the preservation of Florida ballot documentation have agreed to a temporary ceasefire until after the presidential election.
Miami high-rise condo complex sues Airbnb over security, nuisance concerns
Miami’s Opera Tower condo complex is suing Airbnb in the 11th District Circuit Court, accusing the rental platform of violating the city’s zoning regulations and turning the complex into “an unpleasant and unsafe living environment.”
Miami circuit judge rules against recall bid targeting commissioner
Attorneys for a Miami commissioner targeted for recall hailed a recent 11th Circuit Court decision that found the timing of the submitted recall petitions violated Florida law.
Comedian cites free speech protections in response to Lafayette's lawsuit
A New York comedian who was sued by the Lafayette city-parish government over his Facebook post about a fake antifa demonstration at a local mall aims to get the last laugh through his response to the civil lawsuit.
Florida elected officials behind Lagoa for U.S. Supreme Court vacancy
Some key Florida elected leaders, including U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, are voicing enthusiasm about the possibility of Judge Barbara Lagoa being nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court, but not all legal experts see this scenario as a likely one.
Florida felons' voting hopes dim in wake of federal appeals court decision
Hundreds of thousands of felons may not be able to cast ballots in the presidential election after a split federal appeals court upheld a Florida law requiring them to pay all legal financial obligations before they can vote.
DeSantis names Judge Grosshans to fill state supreme court vacancy
Gov. Ron DeSantis named Judge Jamie Grosshans as the newest Florida Supreme Court justice Monday, ending a months-long legal battle over his previous nominee’s qualifications.
Legal effort to block Francis' appointment to Florida Supreme Court advances
The Florida Supreme Court this week gave state Rep. Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando) an avenue to sideline Gov. Ron DeSantis’ effort to appoint Judge Renatha Francis to the high court.
U.S. Sugar points up data errors in plaintiffs' lawsuit on sugarcane burning
In a federal lawsuit against Florida sugarcane farmers, plaintiffs’ attorneys have acknowledged errors in their calculations involving the effects of sugarcane harvesting on air quality in the Glades area.
Florida's high court affirms need for bar exam, which is set for Oct. 13
The path for Florida law school graduates to practice their chosen profession narrowed this week as the state Supreme Court rejected the idea of allowing graduates a supervised practice option in lieu of taking the traditional state bar exam.
Justices say DeSantis exceeded authority in naming Francis to high court; But Governor remains committed to appointment
Renatha Francis’ appointment to the Florida Supreme Court remained in legal limbo this week in the wake of the high court’s decision that the governor overstepped his authority in choosing her.
Florida 'rights of nature' debate moves to state court
After being rebuffed in federal court, an environmental group has filed a lawsuit in Leon County to overturn a provision of a new state law that bans local governments from recognizing “rights of nature.”
Wastewater pollution lawsuit targets city of Largo
In a lawsuit that mirrors complaints against other Florida cities, environmental groups have filed suit against the city of Largo, alleging that it has violated the Clean Water Act by regularly discharging wastewater containing chemicals and other pollutants.