News from June 2016
Florida Supreme Court weighs grandparent visitation rights
TALLAHASSEE – In a case that highlights the continuing debate over the rights of grandparents, the Florida Supreme Court is reviewing the case of a mom who has refused her late husband's parents the chance to see their grandchildren even though a Colorado court had previously awarded them three weeks of visitation a year.
Former lawmaker Rivera appeals ethics violations, challenges House speaker’s power
TALLAHASSEE – A lawyer for former state lawmaker and U.S. Rep. David Rivera has argued before the Florida District Court of Appeals that it is unconstitutional for the Florida House speaker to penalize Rivera with fines for ethics violations while serving as state legislator from 2002-2010.
Hulk Hogan's Gawker verdict as much about newsworthiness as privacy, according to experts
ST. PETERSBURG—The $140 million Florida verdict for invasion of privacy last month that has driven Gawker Media into bankruptcy and toward a possible sale is less a result of one state’s privacy laws and more a combination of the decision of one particular jury and possibly the visceral reaction to excerpts of a sex tape, according to people who have studied the case.
Colleagues praise newly appointed state solicitor general
TALLAHASSEE – Those who have worked with Amit Agarwal, who was appointed earlier this month to be Florida’s new solicitor general, have high praise for him as an attorney and as a person.
Campaign contributions a 'permanent reality,' says lawyer
TALLAHASSEE –– Donald Trump's political contribution to Florida's elected attorney general created at least the appearance of bias and impropriety. This is a danger faced by all elected legal officials, a Miami attorney said during a recent interview.
Legal ethics require caution with social media during litigation, prof says
GAINESVILLE – With social media becoming an ever-greater part of people’s lives, it isn’t surprising that it’s also being drawn in to litigation, but lawyers need to be careful when advising clients, according to a Florida law professor.
Florida Supreme Court to decide if 'pain and suffering' caps are consitutional
TALLAHASSEE – Florida's highest court held hearings earlier this month on a case that could redefine the ever-changing legal landscape of medical malpractice suits.
Former Galuppis on the Green employee alleges she wasn't paid overtime
MIAMI – A server alleges she was not paid at the proper rate for the approximately 10 overtime hours she worked each week.
First Advantage Background Services alleged to have inaccurate report on man
TAMPA – A Tarpon Springs man alleges he was denied employment because of an inaccurate consumer report.
Man alleges AmeriFinancial Solutions LLC called him trying to reach another person
MIAMI – A Broward County man alleges a debt collector contacted him trying to collect a debt from another person.
eBay sellers alleged to offer counterfeit Chanel products
MIAMI – A luxury goods maker alleges that eBay and bonanza.com sellers are offering counterfeit versions of its products.
Man claims Fort Lauderdale Sears isn't accessible to disabled
MIAMI – A Palm Beach County individual is suing a Fort Lauderdale retail store alleging it failed to keep its property accessible to disabled persons.
Havana Pharmacy & Discount Inc. accused of not paying for products
MIAMI – An Illinois company that maintains an office in Tallahassee alleges a Miami company owes it for health products.
Bradford County Sheriff's Office, employee facing suit regarding driver's information
JACKSONVILLE – A St. John's County man alleges that an employee of a sheriff's office obtained personal information about him to be used for illegal purposes.
Photographer claims photo was used without permission
FORT LAUDERDALE – A South Florida photographer claims an employee of a Pembroke Pines country club used his work without permission.
Woman files suit against LINA for long-term disability benefits
OCALA – A Citrus County woman alleges her long-term disability benefits were wrongfully terminated.
Pinebrook Plaza owner accused of violating ADA
ORLANDO – An individual has filed a suit alleging that the owner of the Pinebrook Plaza in Fort Myers failed to keep the premises easily accessible for persons with disabilities.
Orlando city attorney named first female president at GrayRobinson
ORLANDO – Mayanne Downs has been named president and managing partner at the GrayRobinson law firm, making her the first woman to take over at one of the state’s largest firms.
FAMU student election prompts legal battle
TALLAHASSEE – A contested student government election at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is poised to have wide legal ramifications for universities and students outside the Rattler community.
Florida Supreme Court upholds tax on out-of-state flower orders
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Supreme Court recently determined it’s constitutional to tax the sale of flowers that are ordered online through a company that resides in the state even though the order is fulfilled outside the state.