Michael Carroll News
Appeals court expansion will go forward despite veto of $65 million in courthouse funding
Plans to add a sixth appeals court district in Florida, as well as seven new appellate judgeships, won’t be sidelined after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto of $65 million in funding for Tampa Bay-area courthouse facilities last week.
Louisiana bill would allow public entities that require covid vaccinations to be sued
A bill that would give Louisianans the right to file civil lawsuits against government agencies and public schools and universities that discriminate on the basis of coronavirus vaccination status is now headed to the governor’s desk.
Florida's high court rejects chance to weigh in on congressional redistricting challenge
In a one-page decision, the Florida Supreme Court last week declined to consider opponents’ arguments challenging the legality of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ congressional redistricting map, meaning the map will likely be used in this year’s elections.
Florida insurance commissioner sued over approval of policy language changes
A trade association has filed a lawsuit against Florida’s insurance commissioner and two insurers, alleging that recently approved policy language changes designed to reduce litigated property insurance claims violate state law and the Florida Constitution.
DeSantis signs property insurance reforms aimed at reducing abusive litigation
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation that aims to help stabilize the struggling Florida property insurance industry, crack down on frivolous home insurance claims and fight skyrocketing insurance premium costs.
17 apply to fill the seat of retiring Florida Supreme Court Justice Alan Lawson
The process of appointing a new Florida Supreme Court justice swings into high gear this month as a judicial nominating panel prepares to interview 17 candidates who applied to fill the position of retiring Justice Alan Lawson.
Preliminary settlement in Florida condo collapse would provide victims $1.02 billion
Plaintiffs’ representatives in the class action resulting from the deadly collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo complex in June of last year have given preliminary approval to a $1.02 billion settlement.
UCF to reinstate professor who drew protests over tweets about 'Black privilege'
A University of Central Florida professor who was terminated last year for “unacceptable professional conduct” was reinstated this month after an arbitrator found UCF had no just cause for its actions.
Proposed property insurance reforms target Florida's litigation climate
Florida insurance officials are rallying around several pieces of legislation that state lawmakers are reviewing this week during a special session of the Legislature aimed at resuscitating the beleaguered property insurance market.
Army veteran wins $77.5 million damages award in latest 3M military earplugs trial
A Pensacola jury on Friday ordered 3M Corp. to pay a U.S. Army veteran who blamed his hearing loss on the company’s military earplugs $77.5 million in damages – the largest amount ever awarded to a single plaintiff in the ongoing litigation.
Litigated property insurance claims continue to climb in runup to Florida special session
As state lawmakers prepare for their special session on Florida’s property insurance crisis, recent data shows a continuing upward tick in litigated property claims, suggesting that past civil litigation reforms have not produced their desired results.
Circuit judge overturns Florida governor's congressional redistricting map
A Leon County circuit judge has rejected the congressional redistricting map passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, concluding that the plan violates the Fair Districts amendment to the state constitution.
Defendants agree to settle Citizens' insurance fraud lawsuit for $1 million
Three companies accused by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. of fraudulently increasing property damage claims amounts over multiple years have agreed to pay Citizens $1 million to settle a lawsuit.
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.