News from March 2016
Florida revamps death penalty sentencing for constitutionality
TALLAHASSEE – Florida lawmakers have approved changes to the state’s death penalty sentencing system in response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the old system was unconstitutional.
Attorney Kenneth M. Poole named partner at Syprett Meshad
SARASOTA – The Sarasota law firm of Syprett Meshad named family and criminal law attorney Kenneth M. Poole Jr. a partner last month.
Woman says mortgage lender failed to pay overtime
MIAMI — A Broward County woman who worked as a loan processor has filed a class-action lawsuit against her former employer, claiming the company didn't pay her proper compensation for overtime.
Hair extension retailer sues competitor over Instagram post
MIAMI — A hair extension retails is suing another hair extension retailer, claiming an Instagram post by the defendant was false; that it could or did deceive consumers; that it was libelous, deceptive and misleading; and that it constituted tortious interference.
Teacher alleges Big Children's Academy failed to pay all wages owed
ORLANDO – An Orlando daycare teacher alleges she was terminated after complaining about unpaid wages.
Man sues Cawley & Bergmann over allegedly harassing calls
ORLANDO – A Seminole County man alleges that a debt collection company harassed him by repeatedly calling his phone seeking to reach a different person.
Man sues Hartford Life over alleged denial of benefits
TAMPA – A former employee of Wood Group Management Services Inc. alleges that his insurance company denied his disability benefits.
FedEx alleges men fraudulently shipped items to Columbia
MIAMI – A delivery courier has filed a suit against two Florida men, alleging they schemed to make hundreds of international shipments without paying for them.
Lawsuit alleges trademark infringement
MIAMI — A Florida company that claims to hold the rights to the TechnoMarine trademark owner is suing over alleged trademark infringement.
Bill fails, but discussion over public records laws continues
TALLAHASSEE — Despite the compromise reached between public records advocates and lawmakers last month, controversial Senate Bill 1220 regarding Public Records did not pass in the Florida House of Representatives.
An employee is suing former employer for alleged underpayment of wages
ORLANDO — A man who says he worked as a restaurant cook for three years is suing his former employer, claiming violation of overtime pay and minimum wage laws.
Horse breeder sues buyer over alleged contract breach
PALM BEACH — An Oklahoma horse breeder is suing a buyer who lives in West Palm Beach, alleging breach of contract.
U.S. SC set to consider public interest firm’s petition for review of Duracell settlement
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court on March 18 will consider a petition asking it to review a consumer fraud class action settlement, claiming plaintiffs lawyers “by far” received the largest share of the benefits the settlement produced.
AG Bondi to seek U.S. SC review of 'no surcharge' challenge
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi will appeal a loss in four companies' constitutional challenge to the state's "no surcharge" laws, which bar surcharges on credit card purchases, to the U.S. Supreme Court, a spokesperson said.
Company sues farm operators over alleged breach of contract
FORT MYERS – A seed and crop protection producer is suing farm operators over allegedly unpaid delivered goods.
Former employee sues Abalux Inc. for allegedly unpaid wages
MIAMI – A sign maker is suing his former employer claiming he was not paid overtime.
Floral Logistics accused of violating FMLA
MIAMI – A forklift operator alleges he was terminated after asking for leave to care for his wife.
Consumer alleges Ally Financial engaged in telephone harassment
ORLANDO – A Melbourne woman is suing a company that sought to recover an alleged debt in a manner that the plaintiff claims is a violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act.
Laborer sues joint employers over alleged unpaid wages
MIAMI – A laborer is suing his employers over allegations of unpaid overtime.
Man sues drivers, government over traffic accident
ORLANDO — A man who says he was injured in a chain-reaction crash on a Tampa freeway has sued two other motorists and the United States of America, citing alleged negligence.