Michael Carroll News
Lawsuit filed on behalf of Moms for Liberty accuses federal agencies of refusing records requests
A federal lawsuit filed on behalf of Florida-based Moms for Liberty accuses the Biden administration of not responding to records requests about whether agencies are monitoring the parental rights organization after it was designated an “extremist” group.
U.S. Supreme Court to review Florida law limiting social media companies' ability to moderate content
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments on whether a 2021 Florida law that limits social media companies’ ability to moderate and edit content on their platforms violates the First Amendment.
Judge dismisses lawsuit filed by Florida churches seeking to split from United Methodist Church
A state circuit judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by scores of United Methodist churches in Florida seeking to separate from the larger network of places of worship that make up the United Methodist Church.
Disney sues DeSantis, other officials for 'retaliation,' violations of constitutional rights
Disney World on Wednesday filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state and local officials for allegedly engaging in “a relentless campaign to weaponize government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint.”
Florida Senate passes bill allowing cities to recover attorney costs in lawsuits over local development plans
A bill that would allow prevailing parties to recover attorney fees and court costs in lawsuits challenging certain local government development plans cleared the state Senate this week despite concerns raised by environmental groups.
Florida bill to stop lawyers from exploiting auto glass law passes state Senate
A Florida Senate on Wednesday approved a bill designed to reduce abusive auto-glass claims lawsuits and protect consumers from substandard repairs.
New Florida court filings soared to 280,122 in March in runup to signing of tort reforms
A record number of civil cases – 280,122 – were filed in Florida courts in March during the runup to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to sign a comprehensive tort-reform measure, according to a new tally of civil lawsuits.
Florida attorney general sues activists who allegedly vandalized crisis pregnancy centers
Two federal lawsuits have been filed against a pair of abortion-rights activists accused of being part of a shadowy group called Jane’s Revenge, vandalizing Florida pregnancy crisis centers and intimidating medical staffs.
Governor orders probe into whether Disney 'usurped' special district's powers
Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered Florida’s chief inspector general to investigate whether a now-defunct board controlled by the Walt Disney Co. broke any laws by transferring key regulatory powers over to Disney.
Bill to restrict 'over-the-top' legal ads advances in Florida Legislature
A Florida Senate bill would place new restrictions on certain attorney advertisements that critics say can encourage consumers to discontinue their medications and cause lawyers to pocket higher contingency fees.
Florida Supreme Court justice steps down, takes new job with Citizens Insurance
Florida Supreme Court Justice Ricky Polston, who announced his resignation from the bench last week, will become the new general counsel and chief legal officer of the state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
Tens of thousands of civil suits flooded Florida courts just before tort reforms took effect
Plaintiffs’ attorneys have been filing tens of thousands of civil lawsuits more than usual in the runup to the signing of a comprehensive tort reform bill by Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to multiple court system observers.
Florida's senior living facilities have 2nd highest legal claims rate in U.S., study finds
Florida’s senior living facilities recorded the second highest average claims losses among the 50 states in 2022, amounting to $1,250 per occupied residential unit, according to a new study from the insurance services company WTW.
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.