Michael Carroll News
Major lobbying battle looms over comprehensive tort reforms in Florida
A comprehensive tort reform bill passed the Florida Senate Banking and Insurance Committee this week in an 8-3 partisan vote as lobbyists for and against the measure braced for a battle royale.
DeSantis highlights tort reform priorities in State of the State address
Along with promises of more tax cuts, environmental restoration projects and infrastructure upgrades, Gov. Ron DeSantis in his State of the State address on Tuesday again called for the overhaul of a legal climate that he said is a drag on the Florida economy.
Auto-glass bill aims to put the brakes on excessive car insurance litigation
Supporters of an auto-glass lawsuit bill introduced last week say the reform would shatter current incentives that allow repair shops and attorneys to file excessive claims litigation, driving up the cost of auto insurance.
Transparency group sues liberal arts college, trustee for ignoring public records request
A nonprofit group that promotes government transparency is suing New College of Florida in Sarasota and a newly appointed trustee at the liberal arts school, arguing that they ignored a public records request.
Leon County judge dismisses lawsuit challenging program to relocate undocumented migrants
A Leon County judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by state Sen. Jason Pizzo (D-Hollywood) that challenged the governor’s program to transport undocumented immigrants to other states.
New Florida bill would limit lawsuits against senior-living providers
New constraints would be placed on litigation filed against senior living facilities, including a ban on expert witnesses testifying on a contingency fee basis, under provisions of a bill introduced this week in the Florida Legislature.
Florida Sheriffs Association to appeal judge's dismissal of lawsuit on police authority in Miami-Dade
The Florida Sheriffs Association is appealing a Miami-Dade County judge’s dismissal of the FSA’s lawsuit challenging the County Commission’s intention to maintain authority over police services ahead of an independent sheriff’s election in 2024.
'Most consequential' tort reform bill in decades introduced in Florida Legislature
A bill containing tort reforms that a trial attorney association says will threaten Floridians’ right to jury trials was introduced in the Florida Legislature last week with the backing of the governor and legislative leaders.
Florida's high court rules against diversity training for new judges
The Florida Supreme Court this month eliminated a rule requiring new judges to take a daylong training session on the topic of “fairness and diversity” and also disbanded the court’s nearly 20-year-old committee that oversaw the training.
Florida allocates $10 million to program to transport undocumented migrants within the U.S.
The Florida Legislature has passed and the governor signed a bill formalizing a controversial program to transport unauthorized migrants to other states under the authority of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management.
Proposed 2023-24 budget includes 150% hike for governor's litigation expenses
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2023-24 state budget includes a 150 percent spike in anticipated litigation expenses to defend against lawsuits challenging the governor on multiple issues, including congressional redistricting and the transportation of migrants to other states.
Free speech group opposes DeSantis initiative to rethink defamation litigation
The Florida First Amendment Foundation is raising questions about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent efforts to prod state lawmakers to make it easier for Floridians to sue media organizations for defamation.
Governor, lawmakers launch bid to curb excessive lawsuits, 'predatory' attorneys
A reform drive to reduce excessive litigation and prevent “predatory trial lawyers” from targeting individuals, truckers and small businesses was launched Tuesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Model sues Orange County Public Schools, alleges staff shared explicit photos of her
A model who permits sexually explicit images of herself to be displayed on a subscription-only website is suing Orange County Public Schools after the district barred her from being a volunteer at her children’s elementary school.
Department of State report doesn't endorse new personal identifier rules for Florida mail-in ballots
A new Florida Department of State report stops short of calling on state lawmakers to require the placement of personal identifying information, such as driver's license numbers, on return envelopes of vote-by-mail ballots to enhance voting integrity.
Bill would raise the stakes for Floridians who challenge local land-use plans
A bill introduced in the Florida Legislature last month would force citizens who file lawsuits opposing local government land-use amendments, including zoning for new housing projects, to pay the local government’s legal fees if the public agency prevails.
Reform bill would alter structure of Disney's Reedy Creek district and narrow its powers
A bill being considered by the Florida Legislature would revamp Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District to operate more like other special districts around the state rather than a corporate-run entity.
Class action alleges rental price-fixing conspiracy in Florida metro areas
Tenants have filed a class-action lawsuit against a real estate software firm and numerous large property owners and managers in southern and central Florida, alleging that the defendants engaged in a price-fixing scheme to drive up rents and company profits.
Florida bill would shorten time period on home construction defect lawsuits
A bill is advancing in the Florida House of Representatives that would shorten the time period when homeowners can file lawsuits alleging construction defects – a move supporters say would cut down on costly litigation and promote housing affordability.
Suspended prosecutor calls on DeSantis to reinstate him in wake of federal judge's ruling
A suspended Hillsborough County state attorney this week called on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to reinstate him to his elected post, citing a recent federal judge’s decision that concluded Warren never put in place blanket policies to prosecute only certain kinds of cases.