Michael Carroll News
Florida federal judge dismisses more than 20,000 military earplugs claims against 3M
The federal district judge overseeing the multidistrict litigation (MDL) against 3M Co.’s military earplugs has dismissed more than 20,000 injury claims on the MDL’s administrative docket, suggesting the court is winnowing out the weaker cases.
Federal judge dismisses lawsuit challenging dissolution of Disney's special district
A federal court judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by several Florida property owners who argued that the state’s move to dissolve Disney World’s self-governing special district is unconstitutional and would lead to higher taxes.
11th Circuit reinstates key provisions of Florida's 2021 voting law
A federal appeals court has overturned an order stopping the enforcement of key provisions of Florida’s 2021 law placing restrictions on ballot drop boxes and absentee voting that the law’s critics argue are discriminatory.
Florida solar industry dodges bullet as DeSantis vetoes net metering bill
Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed a controversial “net metering” bill that was supported by Florida Power & Light (FPL) and characterized by opponents as an attempt to kill the rooftop solar industry in the state.
Lawsuit against legal continuing education provider alleges ADA violations
A hearing-impaired attorney has filed a class action lawsuit against a Florida company that provides continuing legal education courses online, alleging the firm violated the Americans With Disabilities Act by not providing captioning for its courses.
3M to appeal latest military earplugs jury verdict amounting to $668,000
3M Co. will appeal the latest jury damages award in the ongoing military earplugs litigation in the Northern District of Florida, arguing that the defense was prevented from introducing key evidence in the case.
Orange County lake sues to block mixed-use wetlands development
In a novel filing, Orange County water bodies are listed as plaintiffs in a lawsuit being litigated in the Orlando circuit court that alleges the developer of a 1,923-acre site is endangering Lake Mary Jane’s right to exist.
Florida colleges urged to stand against state's new 'Stop WOKE Act'; Lawsuit contemplated
A civil liberties group is urging Florida colleges and universities to narrowly interpret or even defy a new state law that opponents say puts unconstitutional restraints on the academic freedom of professors.
Voting rights groups sue to overturn Florida's new congressional redistricting map
The League of Women Voters of Florida and other voting rights groups are suing to have the new congressional redistricting map signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis last week declared a violation of the state constitution.
Citizens groups challenge state Supreme Court to overturn Florida Power & Light rate hike
Several citizens groups are urging the Florida Supreme Court to overturn an electricity rate increase for Florida Power & Light (FPL) approved by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) in January.
Opioid litigation tactics questioned as Florida Walgreens trial advances
As the state of Florida and Walgreens face off in a trial over liability issues in the opioid epidemic, tort reform supporters are raising questions about whether protracted litigation is the best way to deal with such a complex social problem.
Appeals court orders dismissal of class action over Miami Dade College's online instruction
A Florida appeals court has rejected the basis of a class action lawsuit brought by a Miami Dade College (MDC) student who sought to recover mandatory student fees after the college switched to remote instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Florida has cut trial court case backlog by nearly 30%, chief justice reports
Florida’s court system has reduced the backlog of trial court cases accumulated since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic by nearly 30% as the judiciary moves toward a “new normal,” the state’s chief justice said in an annual address this month.
Local elections officials warn of time crunch in congressional redistricting process
Florida elections supervisors are warning that the timeline to conduct the state’s primary election in August will be tight once the Legislature and governor agree on a new redistricting congressional map and court challenges are resolved.
Federal class action alleges Burger King ad misrepresentations are Whoppers
A federal class action lawsuit filed in Florida alleges that Burger King advertisements exaggerate the size of the company’s meat patties in violation of state consumer protection laws around the nation.
Arbitration mandates seen as way to reduce litigated property insurance claims in Florida
Florida insurance officials have reacted positively to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s (FOIR) recent decision to allow a property insurance company to mandate mediation or arbitration in claims disputes in return for homeowner rate reductions.
Latest military earplugs verdict in Florida multidistrict litigation sides with 3M
3M Co. moved to even out its win-loss record in the ongoing federal litigation over military earplugs as a Pensacola jury last week found the company was not liable for the plaintiff’s hearing loss and tinnitus.
Florida's environmental agency OKs closure plan to close former fertilizer plant site
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has approved a closure plan that it says will permanently eliminate toxic discharge problems at Piney Point, an industrial site that once housed a phosphate fertilizer plant.
Florida officials plan to appeal federal judge's rejection of state's new election law
Florida officials plan to appeal a federal district court opinion that found Senate Bill 90, an overhaul of voting rules passed last year, was unconstitutional and that most of its provisions cannot be enforced.
UF English professor sues administrators, alleges suppression of free speech
Another University of Florida professor is suing the university over academic freedom issues after he allegedly received conflicting directives about online instruction during the fall semester and was placed on involuntary administrative leave for “disruptive” behavior.