Michael Carroll News
Judge won't lift suspension of ousted prosecutor, but rejects DeSantis' effort to dismiss free-speech arguments
A federal judge has denied a motion by attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis to dismiss claims by suspended prosecutor Andrew Warren that Warren’s ouster violated his First Amendment rights.
Litigated property insurance claims continue to batter Florida, Citizens reports
Litigated claims remain a potent factor in Florida’s increasingly challenging property insurance market as recent reform measures have yet to yield tangible benefits, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. officials said at a recent board meeting.
Oral arguments completed in federal lawsuit challenging Jacksonville City Council districts
With oral arguments completed, plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit seeking to invalidate Jacksonville’s City Council districts as discriminatory toward Black voters expect a decision before city elections are held in the spring of next year.
Osceola County commissioner candidate sues to have election invalidated
An Osceola County commissioner candidate who lost an election in August is suing to have the vote declared invalid, arguing that the third-place finisher was a “ghost candidate” who was bribed to siphon off Hispanic votes.
District judge allows Orange County rent-cap measure to go before voters
The Florida Apartment Association is appealing a district court decision allowing a rent-control ordinance to go before Orange County voters in November.
Florida utility regulator defends Duke Energy solar program in court challenge
A Latino civil rights group will continue its state Supreme Court challenge to Duke Energy’s solar-power development program as a corporate “subsidy,” despite regulators’ recent reaffirmation of the solar program as fair to customers.
Fate of Florida property insurance reform measure moves to First District appeals court
Florida contractors who engage in weather-related home repairs have taken steps to appeal a Leon County judge’s ruling that dismissed their challenge to a property insurance reform restricting their ability to recover attorney fees.
Only 37% pass Florida's new civics test for high school students
Only 37% of Florida high school students who took the state’s new civic literacy exam passed during the 2021-2022 school year, but education officials expect civic literacy among students to improve as more school reforms are implemented.
Leon County judge dismisses contractors' challenge to property insurance reform law
A Leon County judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by contractors who specialize in water, fire, and mold mitigation that argued a new property insurance reform measure trampled on their rights by restricting their ability to recover attorney fees.
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.