Michael Carroll News
Plaintiffs challenging Florida's Parental Rights in Education law argue against motions to dismiss case
Litigation filed by Florida students and parents challenging the legality of the state’s newly passed Parental Rights in Education law received some encouragement last week from an amicus brief filed by attorneys general in California and 18 other states.
State Supreme Court green-lights grand jury probe into COVID-19 vaccine activities
The Florida Supreme Court last week approved Gov. Ron DeSantis’ petition for a statewide grand jury to investigate criminal activity and wrongdoing related to the development, testing and promotion of the COVID-19 vaccines in the state.
DeSantis fills appeals court vacancies in wake of state Supreme Court rejecting residency challenge
The Florida Supreme Court cleared the way for Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill judicial slots on the new Sixth District Court of Appeal by rejecting a legal challenge arguing that nominees for the positions did not meet residency requirements as specified in the state constitution.
Further Florida property insurance changes expected in the wake of reform measure's passage this month
The passage of landmark property insurance reforms this month by the Florida Legislature, including an end to incentives for filing frivolous lawsuits, likely won’t be the last word on insurance reforms, industry insiders say.
DeSantis calls on state Supreme Court to approve statewide grand jury on COVID-19 vaccinations
Gov. Ron DeSantis has petitioned the state Supreme Court to impanel a statewide grand jury to investigate whether “criminal or wrongful activity” has taken place in Florida related to the development and promotion of coronavirus vaccines.
Lawsuit to stop dissolution of Disney special services district moving forward
A lawsuit challenging Florida’s decision to dissolve Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) next year is moving forward amid a continuing debate over whether the district equates to a tax break for Disney or a good deal for taxpayers.
Governor signs property insurance reform bill that would end one-way attorney fees
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a bill that tort-reform supporters say is a landmark measure to shore up the state’s property insurance market, ban the heavily criticized one-way attorney-fee provision and eliminate the assignment of benefits (AOB) in property claims.
Appeals court rejects imposing injunction against Brevard Public Schools public participation policy
A federal appeals court has turned down a request to impose a preliminary injunction against the Brevard Public Schools’ public participation policy, which a conservative group challenged as unconstitutional.
James Madison Institute study urges lawmakers to abolish state's one-way attorney fee provision
As Florida lawmakers prepare for a special session on property insurance reforms next week, the James Madison Institute has released a study outlining a path to reform that includes the end of the state’s one-way attorney fee law.
Ahead of special session, latest Judicial Hellholes report puts Florida Legislature on 'Watch List'
The Florida Legislature is dragging its feet on addressing litigation abuses – from “nuclear verdicts” to a burgeoning property insurance crisis – according to a new report from the American Tort Reform Foundation that places state lawmakers on a “Watch List.”
Federal lawsuit challenges legality of Florida program to remove 'unauthorized aliens' from state
The Southern Poverty Law Center and immigration rights groups are suing the DeSantis administration, alleging that its program to transport “unauthorized aliens” out of state amounts to state-sponsored harassment of the undocumented.
Analysis criticizes potential $10 million payout to Ben Sasse to lead University of Florida
Outgoing Nebraska U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse’s contract to become the University of Florida’s next president for a five-year term could be worth around $10 million, according to an analysis of the contract by professors who called it “the richest we have seen.”
Proposed State Capitol conduct rules seen as threat to free speech
The ACLU of Florida is warning that proposed new free-speech rules in and around the State Capitol buildings pose a threat to constitutional rights and give Capitol Police the power to silence views they disfavor.
Gabby Petito family awarded $3 million in wrongful death suit
The family of a woman who was slain by her fiancée during a cross-country road trip has been awarded $3 million by a Sarasota County judge as part of a wrongful death lawsuit.
'Fix the Cracks' campaign warns Floridians about abusive auto glass lawsuits
Insurance and tort reform groups have launched a campaign to warn consumers about the explosive growth in auto glass litigation in Florida – a phenomenon that some observers say contributes to rising claims costs and insurance policy rates.
Lawsuit advocating for medical marijuana users' ability to purchase firearms appealed to 11th Circuit
Florida’s agriculture commissioner is appealing a recent federal judge’s order dismissing a lawsuit she and other plaintiffs filed challenging a prohibition against medical marijuana patients purchasing firearms.
Half-measures won't be enough to stabilize Florida property insurance market, industry observer says
Florida’s one-way attorney fee system favoring plaintiffs in litigated insurance claims should be abolished, the time to file a litigated claim should be limited to one year and assignments of property insurance benefits ought to be banned entirely, an insurance industry insider says.
Federal court allows lawsuit challenging Florida congressional redistricting map to advance
A lawsuit challenging the Florida congressional redistricting map that helped Republicans gain four additional U.S. House seats in the November election will advance to the discovery phase as a result of a recent federal court decision.
11th Circuit dismisses Zantac class-action lawsuit
Efforts to secure damages awards from the makers of the Zantac heartburn drug over the allegation that it contains carcinogens hit a roadblock earlier this month after a federal appeals court dismissed a proposed class action.
State courts' budget request includes $50 million for new 6th District courthouse
The Florida Supreme Court has approved a 2023-24 judicial branch budget request that includes tens of millions of dollars for salary increases and $50 million to build a courthouse for the newly created Sixth District Court of Appeal.