Michael Carroll News
Duval County school district paid teacher $300,000 to settle Black Lives Matter flag dispute
Duval County Public Schools this month agreed to pay a former teacher and her attorneys $300,000 to settle a federal lawsuit after the instructor was removed from her classroom position for refusing to remove a Black Lives Matter flag.
Florida parents sue to overturn governor's order precluding mask mandates in schools
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order stopping local school districts from imposing mask mandates to deal with the spike of COVID-19 cases in the state has prompted parents to seek an injunction against the order.
Gainesville votes to sue state, challenge new 'anti-riot' law
In a split vote, the Gainesville City Commission has directed private attorneys to file a lawsuit seeking a restraining order to stop the state from enforcing a section of House Bill 1, the new “anti-riot” law.
Florida seeks dismissal of Norwegian Cruise Line lawsuit over 'vaccine passports'
In the legal battle over Florida’s ban on COVID-19 “vaccine passports,” the state’s attorneys have urged a federal judge to dismiss Norwegian Cruise Line’s lawsuit to overturn the state law.
Florida test case in 3M military earplugs litigation dismissed with prejudice
A federal judge in Florida has dismissed with prejudice a test case involving allegations that service members’ use of 3M’s military earplugs resulted in hearing loss or tinnitus.
Florida officials hopeful that $26 billion opioid deal will help addicts
Florida will receive $1.6 billion over 17.5 years as a result of a multi-state opioid settlement with major pharmaceutical companies, according to the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
Novel 19th Amendment claim argued in continuing litigation over Florida felons' voting rights
The attorney representing two Black Florida women who are trying to restore their voting rights after serving felony sentences invoked a novel claim involving the 19th Amendment during oral arguments this month before a federal appeals court.
Environmental initiatives would give legal rights to Florida waterways, iconic animals
Florida environmentalists are moving to place five initiatives on the state ballot next year, including a constitutional amendment that would confer certain legal rights on Florida’s bodies of water.
11th Circuit panel reverses itself, rules against CDC sailing rules for cruise industry
A federal appeals court panel has reversed course and rejected a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bid to ensure the cruise industry abides by its COVID-19 conditional sailing orders – a legal win for the state of Florida.
Florida insurers scrutinizing portfolios in the wake of condo collapse
The Surfside condo collapse that killed an estimated 97 people in June is creating new challenges for Florida property insurers that were already dealing with rate increases and hurricane damage claims prior to the tragedy.
Florida civil-rights groups sue to block enforcement anti-riot law
Plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new Florida law that aims to counter violence and disorder during protests have filed a motion to halt enforcement of a key section of the law.
Norwegian Cruise Line sues Florida over new law that bans 'vaccine passports'
Norwegian Cruise Line is suing Florida over its new law barring businesses from requiring customers to show they have been vaccinated for COVID-19, arguing the law prevents Norwegian from resuming safe sailing operations.
Attorneys urge Florida Supreme Court to reconsider anti-quota directive
Several Florida attorneys are urging the state Supreme Court to rethink its new rule banning the Florida Bar from using quotas to ensure diversity among those who teach continuing legal education programs.
CDC set to take legal battle with Florida over cruise industry rules to 11th Circuit
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is appealing a federal district judge’s conclusion that the agency’s rules on reopening the cruise industry exceeded the agency’s authority.
Florida universities given liability protections against tuition-reimbursement lawsuits
Public and private universities, including Florida State University campuses, now have protection from lawsuits seeking tuition reimbursements after the switch to online instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses warned about restrictions in Florida telemarketing law
A national law firm is warning Florida businesses involved in telemarketing that a new state law puts additional restrictions on automated phone calls and text messages and creates new avenues for plaintiffs’ attorneys to file civil lawsuits.
Industry relieved after governor vetoes no-fault auto insurance repeal
Insurance industry representatives expressed relief this week over Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto of a proposal to repeal the state’s no-fault auto insurance system, saying that Senate Bill 54 would have led to rate increases.
Federal judge blocks Florida law limiting social media companies' ability to edit content
A federal judge has blocked enforcement of a new Florida law restricting social media companies’ ability to edit and regulate content on their platforms and barring the speech of politicians.
U.S. Supreme Court ruling strengthens rights of coastal property owners
Florida beachfront property owners should feel somewhat more secure about their private property rights in the wake of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, according to an attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation.
Homeowner files class action lawsuit over deadly Surfside condo collapse
The owner of a unit at the Surfside condo building that suffered a deadly collapse last month is suing the Champlain Towers South Condominium Association in a proposed class action that seeks $5 million in damages.