Michael Carroll News
Judge Francis among names of six finalists for state Supreme Court sent to DeSantis
The process to select a successor to retiring Florida Supreme Court Justice Alan Lawson moved closer to a conclusion this month after a judicial nominating panel sent the names of its six finalists to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Tallahassee commissioner's lawsuit alleges regional agency violates open-meeting law
A Tallahassee city commissioner has filed a lawsuit in Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit alleging that an intergovernmental agency is failing to abide by the state’s open-meeting law.
Florida legal battle to ban sanctuary cities draws support from other states
Florida has received the support of attorneys generals from 17 other states in its legal effort to keep a state law banning sanctuary cities on the books so that local officials will be required to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement agencies.
Environmental groups, FWS settle lawsuit over Florida manatee habitat protections
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and environmental groups have agreed to a tentative agreement to settle a federal lawsuit over the critical habitat needs of Florida’s struggling manatee population.
Florida's high court hears challenge of state law barring local gun restrictions
The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments last week challenging a state law that restricts local governments from regulating firearms and ammunition and allows for fines against local election officials who vote for such regulations.
Florida class-action settlement ends 'automatic' solitary confinement on death row
The Florida Department of Corrections has decided to settle a federal class-action lawsuit challenging the department’s policy of “automatically” putting death row inmates in permanent solitary confinement.
Florida contractors group files lawsuit over new property insurance reform
A trade association representing independent contractors that specialize in making storm repairs has filed a lawsuit against a new property insurance reform measure, arguing that the new law tramples on the rights of contractors and homeowners.
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.