Michael Carroll News
Florida governor signs 'watershed' tort-reform bill into law
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a comprehensive bill aimed at rooting out excessive, abusive litigation in what the measure’s supporters said was “a watershed moment” in the history of tort reform.
Florida Senate passes comprehensive tort reform bill
Gov. Ron DeSantis could sign the bill into law as soon as Friday
11th Circuit panel won't lift injunction on provisions of Florida law restricting university instruction
A federal appeals court has rejected a bid by the DeSantis administration and Florida university officials to overturn a temporary restraining order on provisions of the state’s Individual Freedom Act.
Bill to bar banks, agencies from using ESG factors in investments advances in Florida Legislature
A Florida bill that would bar financial institutions from considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in their investment decisions advanced to the floor of the state House of Representatives this week.
Federal appeals court upholds Florida law barring firearms sales to those under 21
A federal appeals court has affirmed the legality of a Florida measure that bars the sale of long guns to those under 21 years old, concluding that the law is in line with historical restrictions on firearms.
State protection plans for natural springs don't comply with Florida law, court rules
A state appeals court has overturned an action by Florida environmental regulators, finding that state efforts to protect Florida’s bubbling natural springs fell short because they did not adequately take into account nonpoint pollution sources, such as farm fertilizers.
Florida blogger-registration bill in limbo in the wake of criticism
A bill that would have required bloggers who write about the governor or state lawmakers to register with the state government or face fines of up to $2,500 “per report” is now in limbo, but the fact it was even introduced worries free speech advocates.
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.