Michael Carroll News
Tallahassee tenants sue over redevelopment of public housing complex
Former tenants of the Orange Avenue Apartments in Tallahassee are suing the local housing authority over its redevelopment plan for the public housing complex, alleging the plan violates the federal Fair Housing Act.
DeSantis vetoes bill that would have encouraged businesses to sue local governments
Public-policy groups have expressed relief over Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto of legislation that would have allowed businesses to sue local governments when ordinances lead to profit losses of 15% or more.
Alachua County farm files 'right-to-repair' class action against John Deere
A Northern Florida federal class-action lawsuit is among the cases challenging John Deere’s “illegal monopoly” in the farm equipment repair market that have been consolidated in Illinois.
Citizens moves to boost attorney spending to resolve property insurance claims
Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has approved a total of $100 million for the year 2022 to pay attorneys to litigate the rising number of disputed claims, raising new concerns about the struggling Florida insurance industry.
Business groups applaud DeSantis' veto of tax audit bill
Groups concerned about the plight of Florida small businesses are applauding Gov. Ron DeSantis for vetoing a bill that critics say would have put business owners at a disadvantage during tax audits initiated by the state Department of Revenue.
Florida's 'Stop-WOKE' law not seen as impediment to Title IX training
Despite concerns about the potential effects of Florida’s new “Stop-WOKE” law on sex-discrimination training, the president of a national Title IX administrators group does not see the law having any bearing on Title IX training in Florida.
Journalist critical of FPL business activities surveilled by consulting firm, documents allege
A consulting firm that once worked with Florida Power & Light surveilled a Florida Times-Union journalist who wrote critically of the utility’s business plans in 2019 and 2020, documents leaked to the Times-Union indicate.
Florida's 'anti-WOKE' law drawing more criticism from academic freedom advocates
Groups that advocate for academic freedom are becoming increasingly critical of the new “anti-WOKE” law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April, signaling that more litigation to overturn the measure may be in the works.
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.