Michael Carroll News
Victim's rights law doesn't shield police officers' identities, Florida high court says
A measure that gives crime victims the right to bar disclosure of information that could be used to harass victims or their families does not shield the release of police officers’ names when officers use lethal force to defend themselves, the state’s high court said.
Bill would bar state, local governments from recognizing transgender Floridians' pronouns
A newly introduced Florida bill would bar state and local agencies and nonprofit groups that receive state funds from recognizing an employee’s preferred gender pronouns if they differ from the individual’s biological sex.
Tort reforms help Florida to shed its 'Judicial Hellhole' designation
Florida has been a regular in the American Tort Reform Foundation’s annual Judicial Hellholes report for decades, but the latest ATRF report removed Florida from the dishonorable designation, citing recent legal reforms signed into law.
Washington Post challenges Florida law that shields governor's travel records
A Washington Post lawsuit to force the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to comply with a series of public document requests has evolved into an effort to overturn a newly passed law banning the release of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ travel records.
Florida judge refuses to dismiss Tesla lawsuit on automated-driving technology
A Palm Beach County circuit judge has denied Tesla’s motion to dismiss a wrongful death case brought by the widow of a Lake Worth Beach man who died in a collision while driving a Tesla Model 3 equipped with an Autopilot system.
Florida attorneys filed nearly 54,000 auto glass lawsuits in first 9 months of 2023, despite reforms
Nearly 54,000 auto glass lawsuits were filed in Florida during the first three quarters of 2023 despite the passage of recent legal reform measures, far outpacing the level of such litigation in any recent year, new data shows.
Florida high court blocks pari-mutuel firms' bid to halt online sport betting
The Florida Supreme Court has turned down a motion by pari-mutuel companies to block the Seminole Tribe’s plan to restart its mobile sports-betting operations pending the outcome of ongoing litigation over the state’s 2021 gambling compact.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects Florida's request to allow enforcement of drag-show law
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined the state of Florida’s application to partially block a lower court ruling that prevents Florida from enforcing a new state law barring minors from attending live drag shows.
Federal lawsuit challenges Florida directive to deactivate Palestinian student groups
A University of Florida Palestinian student group has filed a lawsuit against the State University System’s chancellor seeking to block a directive to shut down UF’s chapter of National Students for Justice in Palestine.
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.