Richard Jones News
Middle District court pushes parties to streamline pre-trial motions
FORT MYERS — A federal judge has denied a host of motions in a contentious case in which allegations of copyright violations are mixed with claims of fictitious military service.
Federal judge rules against Verizon claim for sanctions
ORLANDO — A federal judge has denied a request by Verizon Communications and Verizon Florida to issue sanctions against a Florida woman who claimed the company violated debt collection and credit reporting laws.
District court judge allows bad faith claim against Starr Indemnity & Liability to move forward
TAMPA — A U.S. district court has issued an order denying a motion for dismissal in favor of Tampa-area brothers who filed an insurance claim following a fire in a building they owned.
Federal judge denies dismissal in ADA suit against Florida Highway Patrol
MIAMI — The U.S. District for the Southern District of Florida has ruled that a federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) suit against the Florida Highway Patrol can move forward.
1st District Court of Appeal affirms dismissal of declaratory judgment in rental property case
TALLAHASSEE — Florida's 1st District Court of Appeal recently affirmed a dismissal of a declaratory decision issued by a lower court in a case disputing whether property used for short-term rentals violated an agreement.
Federal judge denies summary judgment motions in insurance case
TAMPA — A U.S. district judge has denied motions by both the plaintiffs and defendants in a Florida woman’s bad faith lawsuit against an automobile insurer.
Federal judge rules against Brevard County sheriff
ORLANDO — A district court judge has granted a motion in favor of a Florida-based activist who routinely records encounters between police and citizens.
Judge dismisses discrimination case against Orange County Public Schools, others
ORLANDO — A district court judge has granted a motion for dismissal in favor of several education organizations in a discrimination case after he ruled that several factors in the complaint were unclear.
Appeals court denies challenge to medical record copy fees
TALLAHASSEE — The 1st District Court of Appeal has declined a challenge to how much the Florida Board of Medicine said patients can be charged for copies of medical records.
Appeals court overturns Kissimmee physician’s license restrictions
TALLAHASSEE — A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal has granted a petition for review and quashed an order of emergency restriction of license against a Kissimmee-based physician.
Federal judge issues ruling in employment and gender discrimination case
TALLAHASSEE — A judge for the U.S. District for the Northern District of Florida recently issued a motion for a protective order in a gender employment discrimination case.
Judge denies Social Security benefits claim
PENSACOLA — A U.S. district court judge has affirmed a final decision of the commissioner of the Social Security Administration, denying a Florida woman’s request for disability insurance benefits.
Judge denies motion to step aside from case, calling it 'bunk'
TALLAHASSEE — Judge Mark E. Walker of the U.S. District for the Northern District of Florida has struck down a motion by a Sarasota-based concrete firm seeking to remove him from hearing a breach of indemnity lawsuit against bought by the company Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.
Florida district court rules in excess coverage case
PENSACOLA — The U.S. District for the Northern District of Florida granted a summary judgment in favor of American Casualty Insurance Co. and denied a similar motion for the Tudor Insurance Co. in a case to determine whether American Casualty was required to contribute to the monetary settlement of a claim in involving a party insured by both companies.
Appeals court allows judgment against tobacco giant to stand
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida First District Court of Appeal has affirmed a lower court decision against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in a case in which a woman claims the laryngeal cancer she suffered from was caused by cigarettes.
First District Court of Appeals sends land-use case back to lower court
TALLAHASSEE — Florida's First District Court of Appeal recently affirmed parts of a lower court decision while reversing the summary judgment from a circuit court judge in a case disputing the future use of land.
First District Court of Appeal reinstates jai alai application for Magic City Casino
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida First District Court of Appeal has reversed a lower court ruling that denied a Miami casino and resort owner's jai alai license for the summer season.
Temporary injunction against abortion waiting period reinstated; case remanded to circuit court
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida 1st District Court of Appeal on April 4 remanded a case over the required waiting period before an abortion can be performed to the Circuit Court for Leon County.
Appeals court says Winn-Dixie not liable for customer's injury
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida 1st District Court of Appeal has affirmed a lower court judgment in a premises liability case involving the Winn-Dixie grocery chain.
Appeals court allows counties to pursue reimbursement from Department of Juvenile Justice
TALLAHASSEE — The 1st District Court of Appeal has found that three Florida counties involved in litigation with the Department of Juvenile Justice can move forward with their appeals despite a recent settlement agreement.