Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsAugust 25, 2016

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Two Florida lawyers accused of orchestrating the arrest of a rival attorney have been permanently disbarred by the state’s Supreme Court. The court on Thursday, in its first release of opinions after the 2016 summer recess, unanimously agreed with a referee’s earlier recommendation on Robert Adams and Adam Filthaut of Tampa. A third attorney involved, Stephen […]

Michael MolineAugust 16, 2016

Trial attorneys mounted an ardent defense Tuesday of Florida Supreme Court rulings blamed by business interests for threatening an increase in workers’ compensation insurance premiums of nearly 20 percent. Mark Touby, a Coral Gables attorney who helped persuade the justices to eliminate a limit on attorney fees in workers’ compensation cases, insisted during a public […]

Michael MolineAugust 16, 2016

A leading open-government advocate offered strong support Monday for a legal challenge to a proposed workers’ compensation insurance premium increase of nearly 20 percent. “I think he’s got a cause of action,” First Amendment Foundation President Barbara Peterson said of Miami attorney James Fee, who is challenging the rate hike on open-government grounds. Fee filed suit in Miami-Dade […]

Michael MolineAugust 15, 2016

An insurance industry council moved Monday to block a legal challenge to proposed workers’ compensation premium increases of nearly 20 percent, warning that delay would threaten the solvency of Florida’s system for compensating injured workers. The state Office of Insurance Regulation is scheduled to take up the rate hike Tuesday morning in Tallahassee. Delay, the […]

Jim RosicaAugust 2, 2016

In a Stand Your Ground-related case, an appeals court has affirmed a Jacksonville man’s conviction and life sentence — after previously reversing it. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal on Tuesday unanimously upheld the punishment for John Swearingden, 48. Swearingden was convicted of second-degree murder in the stabbing of another man during a fight in […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 27, 2016

The case of Carol Scott, et al v. Mike Hogan, et al — better known as the “sham candidate” case in Florida’s 4th Circuit state attorney race — has been requested to be added to the Florida Supreme Court docket by the lawyers for Carol Scott’s side. The plaintiff’s lawyers are invoking the discretionary jurisdiction of the court, which […]

Jim RosicaJuly 22, 2016

An injured South Florida nurse who unsuccessfully challenged the state’s workers’ compensation system now wants the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case. Daniel Stahl filed his petition Tuesday, court dockets show. The request has not yet been acted on. In April, the Florida Supreme Court decided not to consider Stahl’s case. After hearing arguments […]

Drew WilsonJuly 19, 2016

A National Federation of Independent Business political committee has endorsed Hialeah Republican Rep. Manny Diaz for a third term in House District 103. “Small business owners are facing huge workers’ compensation hikes from bad Florida Supreme Court opinions. Electing a pro-small business Legislature has never been more important,” NFIB Florida Executive Director Bill Herrle said […]

Jim RosicaJuly 18, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott has appointed a new circuit judge in central Florida despite a candidate still suing to get the seat filled by election. Scott last week tapped David V. Ward of Sebring for the judgeship. Ward, 47, has been an assistant state attorney since 2001. He will replace Judge Olin W. Shinholser for the […]

Jim RosicaJuly 18, 2016

If voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling, will Floridians no longer be able to play Mega Millions? That’s the question being asked by opponents of the citizen initiative behind the Voter Control of Gambling amendment. Specifically, the amendment aims to give voters more control over the expansion of gambling in the state. The amendment is now before […]

Tag: Florida Supreme Court

‘Love Sponge’ lawyers permanently stripped of law licenses

Attorneys defend Florida Supreme Court decision on workers’ comp rate increase

Open government activists back legal challenge to worker’s comp rate increase

Insurance Council counters challenge to big workers’ comp rate hike

Court affirms Jax ‘Stand Your Ground’ conviction

4th Circuit State Attorney race ‘sham candidate’ case put up for Supreme Court consideration

Losing side in worker’s comp case appeals to U.S. Supreme Court

National Federation of Independent Business endorses Manny Diaz in HD 103

Rick Scott appoints judge despite lawsuit

Would Mega Millions be off limits under gambling amendment?