Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaOctober 31, 2016

A panel of state economists haven’t been able to figure out how much the Voting Restoration Amendment would cost the state. The proposed change to the state constitution would automatically return voting rights to felons who have completed their sentences. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference is tasked with estimating costs of constitutional amendments. This one gave them a struggle. “It is probable […]

Jim RosicaOctober 27, 2016

A second appeals court now has declared unconstitutional the state law limiting the amount of money awarded for pain and suffering when medical malpractice results in injury. The 2nd District Court of Appeal in Lakeland this week joined the 4th District’s opinion regarding caps on what are known as “noneconomic damages.” The Florida Supreme Court still is reviewing […]

Michael MolineOctober 26, 2016

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has no plans to draft its own legislative fix for rising workers’ compensation rates, but that doesn’t mean regulators are ignoring the problem, Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier said Wednesday. “We expect to be actively involved in that conversation,” Altmaier told reporters as his office’s biannual industry conference wound down. […]

Jim RosicaOctober 24, 2016

It’s been nearly five months since the Florida Supreme Court heard arguments over whether to expand slot machines in the state. Though the justices never set a timeline on when to expect a decision, the smart money says: Expect something by early next year. That’s because that’s when the Legislature will start drawing up the state budget, […]

Associated PressOctober 22, 2016

Attorney General Pam Bondi, warning that murder trials across the state could be placed in limbo, has asked the Florida Supreme Court to clarify a sweeping death penalty ruling it handed down last week. In two linked cases, the court first concluded that death sentences must require a unanimous jury and then struck down a […]

Michael MolineOctober 20, 2016

State law limits a homeowner’s rights under a sinkhole policy once the insurer becomes insolvent and the claim goes to the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday. It doesn’t matter if the policy was issued before a statute constraining the association’s obligation took effect, Justice Charles Canady wrote for a unanimous […]

Jim RosicaOctober 18, 2016

The state’s highest court has set oral arguments in an appeal of a punitive damages award against the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. The Florida Supreme Court, which accepted jurisdiction this May, will hear the case March 8, court filings show. At trial, a jury found smoker James E. Schoeff 25 percent at fault in his death. He had “died from […]

Jim RosicaOctober 14, 2016

Florida House Speaker-designate Richard Corcoran said he was “profoundly disappointed” by Friday’s state Supreme Court opinion invalidating part of the state’s death penalty. The court ruled 5-2 that death sentences require a unanimous jury, striking down a new law allowing a defendant to be sentenced to death as long as 10 out of 12 jurors recommend it. “Make […]

Associated PressOctober 14, 2016

The fate of convicted killers on Florida’s death row – as well as the fate of people awaiting trial for murder – was put in limbo Friday after the Florida Supreme Court ruled that death sentences require a unanimous jury. By a 5-2 vote the court struck down a newly enacted law allowing a defendant […]

Michael MolineOctober 14, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott accepted Florida Supreme Court Justice James E.C. Perry’s resignation Friday and gave the Judicial Nominating Commission until Dec. 13 to submit a list of possible replacements. “The commission’s expeditious handling of this matter is most appreciated,” the governor said in a letter to commission chairman Jason Unger. To replace Perry, the state’s […]

Tag: Florida Supreme Court

Cost of Voting Restoration Amendment? Experts unsure

Another appellate court finds med mal caps unconstitutional

David Altmaier promises active role in workers’ compensation debate

Slot machine decision could come in time for session

Pam Bondi wants court to clarify death penalty ruling

Supreme Court: Policyholders’ rights restricted after insurer goes broke

Court orders oral arguments in smoking death case

Reacting to death penalty decision, Richard Corcoran says courts ‘subvert will of the people’

Florida Court: Jury must unanimously agree on death penalty

Rick Scott begins search for Supreme Court justice’s replacement