Michael Carroll News
Disney accuses oversight board of slow-walking discovery in civil lawsuit
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is accusing the district that now regulates Disney’s Orlando theme park of failing to respond to Disney’s document requests in preparation for the district’s summary judgment motion in state court.
Cruise line injury lawsuits don't appear to be cutting into industry profits, attorneys say
In the post-COVID-19 era, the cruise line industry continues to defend against passenger lawsuits, the most common being slip-and-fall cases, but the litigation costs don’t appear to be making a dent in industry profits, according to those familiar with such cases.
Appeals court shields Florida lawmakers from subpoenas in lawsuit challenging Stop WOKE Act
Plaintiffs challenging a new Florida law that limits discussion of certain gender and race issues in higher education classes cannot subpoena state lawmakers to determine their motives in approving the measure, a federal appeals court decided.
State Supreme Court hears oral arguments on ballot language of recreational marijuana initiative
Florida Supreme Court justices last week appeared unpersuaded by oral arguments that the ballot language of a proposed state initiative to legalize recreational marijuana is deceptive or contrary to state guidelines.
Statewide judicial panel opposes plan to consolidate Florida judicial circuits
Florida should reject the idea of consolidating some of its judicial circuits as a way to increase efficiency or save taxpayer dollars, a statewide committee of judges, attorneys and other judicial system stakeholders has agreed.
3 former Publix workers sue grocery chain over federal employment law violations
Several former Publix assistant managers are suing the grocery chain for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, alleging that the company failed to pay them for overtime hours worked before shifts, after shifts and during meal breaks.
Florida attorney general sues Meta for allegedly harming children's mental health
Florida’s attorney general is suing Meta in federal court, alleging that its social media platforms, including Instagram, purposefully get children and teens hooked on their online features in a way that threatens children's mental health.
Florida urges U.S. Supreme Court to allow drag show law to be enforced
The state of Florida is calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to step in and limit the scope of an injunction placed on a new state law barring children from attending live drag shows that showcase “lewd” behavior.
Supreme Court deals Seminole Tribe a win by denying stay request by gaming pact foes
The Seminole Tribe of Florida will move forward on expanded casino gambling in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision denying a bid by pari-mutuel companies to put a hold on the state’s multibillion-dollar gaming compact with the tribe.
Lawsuit challenging Florida transgender restrictions OK'd as class action
A new Florida law restricting medical treatment for transgender adults and prohibiting such care for many transgender minors can proceed as a class action, a federal judge has decided.
British judge rules against Florida train company over claims against Virgin brand
A British judge has concluded that a Miami-based train operator should pay Virgin Enterprises Limited $115 million in damages to resolve a dispute over an alleged breach of a licensing agreement.
Florida Department of Health agrees to settlement over release of COVID-19 data
A settlement between the Florida Department of Health and a former state legislator over the release of detailed COVID-19 data will cost state taxpayers more than $150,000 in legal fees, according to the terms of the agreement.
Florida police union appeals administrative judge's decision upholding state's new union restrictions
The Florida Police Benevolent Association is appealing an administrative law judge’s decision to uphold the way a state agency is enforcing a new state law that places new restrictions on public-employee unions.
Florida attorney general sues vaping firm, alleging products were marketed to children
Florida’s attorney general is suing Juul Labs in state court, alleging that the electronic cigarette company has been illegally targeting children in its marketing campaigns to the point that Florida is now in the midst of an “underaged vaping epidemic.”
Florida attorney general sues Biden administration over potential loss of transit funds
Florida is suing multiple Biden administration officials, alleging they are threatening to withhold hundreds of millions in federal transportation dollars unless the state waives provisions of a new Florida law restricting collective bargaining rights.
Florida company sues X Corp., formerly Twitter, over alleged trademark violation
A Florida company has filed a federal lawsuit against billionaire Elon Musk’s X Corp., formerly Twitter Inc., alleging that its use of the “X” name infringes on X Social Media LLC’s trademark and violates Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
U.S. Supreme Court places temporary hold on Seminole Tribe's Florida gaming deal
Chief Justice John Roberts has temporarily placed a hold on a lower court ruling affirming the legality of the multibillion-dollar gaming agreement between the Seminole Tribe and the state of Florida.
Proposal to consolidate Florida circuit courts draws opposition
State justice system stakeholders in recent weeks have become more vocal in their criticism of a proposal to consolidate Florida’s system of circuit courts, which often serve as the entry point for civil litigation and criminal prosecutions.
Federal appeals court urged to block Florida law restricting Chinese nationals from owning property
Several Chinese citizens and a real estate brokerage are appealing a federal district judge’s decision not to issue a preliminary injunction against a new Florida law restricting people from China from owning property in the state.
Appeals court affirms injunction blocking Florida law that bans children from attending drag shows
A Florida law that bars children from attending drag shows depicting simulated nudity or certain sexual activities remains unenforceable as a result of a federal appeals court decision handed down earlier this month.