Michael Carroll News
Florida Bar Exam passage rates down slightly compared to before pandemic
The Florida Bar Exam passage rate for the online exam given in July ticked downward compared to results prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, both for first-time test takers and all takers, the just-released results show.
New Florida law restricting telephone solicitations sparks class actions
A new Florida law that aims to protect consumers from unwanted sales calls and text messages has already prompted a series of class-action lawsuits, raising concerns that the new law is creating a new venue for civil litigation.
Florida law mandating reporting on new independent contractors takes effect in October
As a result of legislation passed this year, Florida employers will be required to report information on new independent contractor hires to state officials beginning Oct. 1 to improve Florida’s child-support system.
Lawmakers to make another push to pass data privacy bill to limit 'big tech'
Despite the defeat of data privacy legislation earlier this year, Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls wants to resume the battle against “big tech” by giving consumers more rights to limit the use of personal information collected by companies.
Florida lawmakers urged to avoid protracted redistricting litigation
As Florida lawmakers open discussions on redrawing political districts in the state, advocacy groups are expressing hopes of avoiding the protracted litigation and secrecy that occurred during the 2010 redistricting process.
Miami jury's $43 million award against Philip Morris shows willingness to punish companies for the past, observer says
A Miami jury has found Philip Morris liable for $43 million in damages in the cancer death of a woman who smoked Virginia Slims cigarettes for over a decade.
Florida's high court to decide fate of state preemption on local firearms ordinances
The Florida Supreme Court has decided to weigh in on the legality of a state law that blocks local government officials from passing firearms regulations that are more strict than what the state allows.
Florida caregiver advocates weigh need to extend COVID-19 legal liability protections
Advocates for health care organizations are weighing whether to push Florida legislators to extend COVID-19 legal liability protections for medical professionals beyond the March 2022 expiration date.
Appeals court allows state officials to enforce DeSantis' school mask mandate ban
A state appeals court has allowed Florida officials to continue enforcing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ban on school mask mandates, overturning a district court ruling that supported pro-mask-mandate parents.
Appeals court rejects Florida property owners' effort to limit public beach access
A federal appeals court has rejected property owners’ arguments that a Florida beachfront town’s ordinance outlining public access to “dry sand areas” of town beaches violates a state law.
Federal judge blocks enforcement of key section of Florida's new 'anti-riot law'
Civil rights groups this week welcomed a federal district court opinion that found Florida’s “anti-riot law,” House Bill 1, violates the Constitution and chills the legitimate free-speech rights of protesters.
DeSantis loses court bid to keep enforcing ban on school mask mandates
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis lost a legal battle this week as a Leon County district judge rejected the governor’s arguments that the state should be allowed to enforce a ban on local school districts imposing mask mandates while the issue is litigated.
Analysis calls on Florida to cut workers' comp premiums by 4.9% in 2022
A workers’ compensation data analysis recommends a 4.9% decrease in the workers’ comp insurance rates paid by Florida employers, suggesting that workplaces are becoming more safe.
DeSantis moves to appeal circuit ruling rejecting school mask mandate bans
Gov. Ron DeSantis has appealed a trial judge’s ruling that rejected the state Department of Education’s authority to ban local school districts from implementing COVID-19 mask mandates.
Leon County judge affirms governor's cut-off of federal jobless benefits
A state judge has rejected a request from 10 plaintiffs who sought a temporary injunction against Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to opt out of supplemental federal unemployment benefits of $300 per worker per week.
Florida rule change shields top corporate officers from abusive deposition requests
The Florida Supreme Court last week adopted a change in the state’s civil procedure rules that increases protections for presidents, CEOs and other top corporate officials from having to sit for depositions.
Florida recovers $5 million in settlement over domestic violence funds
Florida officials announced a multimillion-dollar settlement last week in litigation filed against the Florida Coalition for Domestic Violence and the coalition’s president and CEO.
Uptick in Florida evictions expected after U.S. Supreme Court action
The U.S. Supreme Court pulled the plug on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s eviction ban this past week, putting renters in Florida and elsewhere at a greater risk of losing their current residences.
State judge upends DeSantis' ban on school mask mandates
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ban on school boards from enacting COVID-19 mask mandates under the banner of parents’ rights was ruled illegal by a Leon County judge Friday.
South Florida headlines new 'Everlasting Judicial Hellholes' report
South Florida’s recent placement on the American Tort Reform Association’s “Everlasting Judicial Hellholes” list has prompted a Florida small business group to urge state lawmakers to recommit themselves to key civil justice reforms.