Michael Carroll News
Appeals court refused to disqualify DeSantis critic from congressional primary race
A Florida appeals court rebuffed a last-minute challenge to disqualify an outspoken critic of Gov. Ron DeSantis from running in the Aug. 23 Democratic primary election in the state’s First Congressional District.
Women now make up 56% of law school students in Florida, new study reports
Following a nationwide trend, women now make up the majority of students attending Florida law schools, with Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law reporting the highest proportion of women students of any campus in the state, according to Enjuris.com.
Judge orders new round of mediation talks in 3M military earplugs litigation
The federal judge overseeing the mass tort litigation over 3M Corp.’s military earplugs has ordered the company to enter into mediation talks through the end of the month with plaintiffs who say they suffered hearing loss due to earplug defects.
Florida regulators urged to cut workers' comp rates for businesses by 8.4%
A national insurance rating association has recommended that workers’ compensation rates paid by Florida businesses be reduced 8.4% in 2023, drawing applause from business groups whose members struggle with inflation and rising wages.
State officials urge dismissal of lawsuit challenging dissolution of Disney tax district
Attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials have asked a Miami-Dade court to dismiss Orlando-area residents’ lawsuit challenging a state law that dissolves Walt Disney World’s special services district.
Judge rejects workforce training provisions of 'Stop WOKE Act'
Comparing Florida’s approach to First Amendment issues to a parallel dimension portrayed in the Netflix series “Stranger Things,” a Florida federal judge has granted an injunction against provisions of the “Stop WOKE Act” that restrict workforce diversity training.
U.S. Justice Department sides with plaintiffs challenging Florida voting restrictions
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed an amicus brief supporting Florida plaintiffs who are challenging voting restrictions contained in a new state law as violations of the federal Voting Rights Act.
Judge gives green light to second hospice provider in Glades, Hendry, Lee counties
Glades, Hendry and Lee counties will soon have a second hospice provider as a result of a ruling this month by a state administrative judge, but the current provider warns that the entry of VITAS Healthcare may threaten the end-of-life services it provides.
Rent-control debate intensifies as Orange County moves to put measure before voters
In a split 4-3 vote, Orange County commissioners voted to put a rent stabilization ordinance on the November ballot that would limit annual rent increases on multi-family dwellings to not more than 5%.
Broward County man sues Uber, alleges drivers refused to transport his guide dog
A blind Broward County man is suing Uber in federal court, alleging that the ride-share company violated the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) after its drivers repeatedly refused to transport him because he travels with a service dog.
DeSantis suspends Tampa-area state attorney for 'neglect of duty'
The Tampa-based state attorney who was suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis last week for “incompetence and willful defiance of his duties” said he will vigorously defend his legal rights but has not provided details.
Deputies found not entitled to qualified immunity in St. Tammany excessive force case
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies are appealing a recent federal court decision that found the deputies are not entitled to qualified immunity in an excessive force lawsuit filed by a Slidell resident.
DeSantis names Judge Renatha Francis to state Supreme Court
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday announced that 15th Circuit Court Judge Renatha Francis will become the newest justice on the Florida Supreme Court, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Al Lawson earlier this year.
Rollout of property insurance fraud squads spikes Florida prosecutions
Months of work by newly created insurance fraud squads has led to a more than twofold increase in successful property insurance fraud prosecutions across Florida, the state’s chief financial officer reported.
Tampa Christian school argues Biden gender identity policy threatens school lunch funds
Attorneys for a Tampa Christian school have filed a motion to stop the enforcement of federal nondiscrimination guidelines that include sexual orientation and gender identity so that the school can continue receiving school lunch funding.
Christian ministry group amends vaccine class action on behalf of Coast Guard members
An Orlando-based Christian ministry group has breathed new life into a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of Coast Guard personnel who allege the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate violated their constitutional rights.
Florida reinsurance plan aims to avoid disruptions caused by insurer downgrades
Florida insurance regulators last week pitched a contingency plan to help property insurers weather any turmoil in the market caused by a ratings agency’s plan to downgrade the financial status of 17 insurers.
Class action accuses Florida of undercutting value of unclaimed property
A St. Petersburg woman has filed a federal class-action complaint against Jimmy Patronis in his role as Florida’s chief financial officer, accusing the state of failing to pay owners of unclaimed properties just compensation.
2nd Circuit judge dismisses claims against legislative leaders in redistricting lawsuit
A Leon County judge has dismissed top Florida legislative leaders, including House Speaker Chris Sprowls and Senate President Wilton Simpson, as defendants in a lawsuit challenging the state’s congressional redistricting map.
Ratings firm downgrades financial grades of 17 Florida property insurers
A ratings company said it plans to downgrade the financial status of 17 Florida insurance companies, sending shockwaves around the struggling industry and putting millions of homeowners in danger of violating the terms of their mortgages.