Michael Carroll News
Florida bill would allow police officers to seek victim protection under Marsy's Law
In response to a recent state Supreme Court decision, a Florida lawmaker has proposed measures that would restore the right of crime victims, including on-duty police officers, not to have their names disclosed to the public.
Federal judge dismisses free-speech lawsuit filed by Disney against DeSantis
Disney Parks and Resorts said it will appeal a recent federal court ruling dismissing the company’s free-speech lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis, the state Department of Economic Opportunity secretary and members of the special district overseeing Disney.
Family of woman attacked, drowned by gator sues senior housing complex
The family of a resident of the Spanish Lakes Fairways retirement community in Fort Pierce is suing the development’s owner for wrongful death after their mother was attacked and drowned by an alligator last year.
Florida lawmakers proposing bills to mandate disclosure of third-party litigation funding
A Florida measure is advancing in the state Legislature that would require the disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements in civil lawsuits, limit what investors could recover through damages awards and boost transparency of foreign financial interests.
Unlicensed Florida vacation rentals creating tax evasion concerns, new study finds
The growing problem of unlicensed vacation rentals in Florida is costing the state millions per year in lost revenue and threatening the safety of both renters and their neighbors, according to a new report from Florida TaxWatch.
Miami business owners file new lawsuit calling for Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo's ouster
Two Miami businessmen who last year won a damages award of more than $63 million against Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo for free-speech violations are now suing in state court to have Carollo removed from his elective office.
Motion to dismiss federal lawsuit challenging book removals from Escambia County school libraries rejected
A federal judge has given plaintiffs challenging the removal of books from library shelves in Escambia County public schools the green light to move forward on a First Amendment lawsuit.
Florida property insurance lawsuits appear on downward trajectory, new study finds
A new state report points to signs that recent tort reforms aimed at reducing litigated property insurance claims are gaining traction, but industry officials caution that more time is needed before any victory can be declared in the current insurance crisis.
Suspended Florida prosecutor's lawsuit against DeSantis can go forward, appeals court says
A federal appeals court has breathed new life into a lawsuit filed by a Hillsborough County prosecutor who was suspended by Gov. Ron DeSantis over statements related to abortion issues and trans gender health care, as well as his prosecution policies.
Florida woman who said she was raped by Lyft driver files federal lawsuit
A Florida woman who said she was repeatedly raped by a Lyft driver almost five years ago and then endured a problematic pregnancy is suing the ride-share company for compensatory and punitive damages.
Florida Legislature won't pursue judicial circuit consolidation this year, House speaker says
The state Legislature will not consider a proposal to consolidate judicial circuits in Florida this year after the state Supreme Court and a judicial assessment committee concluded consolidation would neither save money nor improve the judicial process.
DeSantis attorneys urge dismissal of free-speech lawsuits brought by Palestinian groups
Attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis and the State University System of Florida are calling on a federal judge to dismiss a First Amendment lawsuit brought by Palestinian student groups facing “deactivation” on Florida campuses.
Dean Mead exits Tallahassee legal market to focus on other Florida regions
In conjunction with its alliance with the national law firm Jones Walker LLP, Florida’s Dean Mead firm has exited the Tallahassee legal market as of Jan. 1 after a decade of doing business there.
Florida has second best volunteer rate for answering civil legal questions, ABA report finds
A total of 1,106 Florida attorneys have volunteered to answer the public’s legal questions through the American Bar Association’s virtual clinic, called ABA Free Legal Answers – the second-highest volunteer rate among all 50 states.
Florida woman sues Hershey, claiming she was deceived into buying faceless Reese’s candies
A Hillsborough County resident who purchased a bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins for $4.49 is now suing the manufacturer, Hershey Co., saying the candies in the bag lacked the artistic facial designs depicted on the packaging.
DeSantis touts Florida's 'sanity,' reform record in 2024 State of the State address
Taking a detour from his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, Gov. Ron DeSantis blasted “failed” federal policies on Tuesday while hailing Florida as a “refuge for freedom and sanity” during his State of the State speech to the Legislature.
Florida measure would ease child-labor protections on 16- to 17-year-olds
Restrictions on work hours for 16- to 17-year-olds in Florida would be relaxed under a measure proposed by state Rep. Linda Chaney (R-St. Pete Beach), mirroring similar legislative efforts in other states.
Disney files lawsuit against Orange County officials, alleging excessive taxation
Disney World is reminding Floridians about its contribution of $6.6 billion in tax revenues and its support of 263,000 direct and indirect jobs at the same time the company is suing tax officials over what it says are inflated property tax bills.
Candidate in Florida House race challenges special election results over residency issue
The Democratic candidate who lost a Dec. 5 special election to represent the 118th District in the state House of Representatives is contesting the election results because he says the winner, Republican Mike Redondo, doesn’t legally reside in the district.
Florida attorney general sues 2 solar energy firms for alleged deceptive practices
Florida’s attorney general has filed a second lawsuit against solar energy companies, accusing Vision Solar and SetUp My Solar of high-pressure tactics and deceiving Floridians about the pricing and capabilities of solar panel systems.