Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJune 8, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court took a look at the high cost of lawyering on Wednesday. The justices considered a change to the rules governing the state’s attorneys on how they can get paid. Specifically at issue are “the legal needs of people who win settlements in personal injury or wrongful death cases but then find […]

Associated PressJune 8, 2016

Florida’s Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on whether the legislature’s changes to the state death penalty law can be applied to pending cases. Florida’s 5th District Court of Appeal has asked justices whether the new law can be applied in the case of Larry Darnell Perry, who is accused of killing his 3-month-old son in […]

Jim RosicaJune 7, 2016

A lawyer for a small North Florida racetrack told the Florida Supreme Court Tuesday the Legislature intended to allow for an expansion of slot machines in the state. Marc Dunbar, attorney for Gretna Racing, told the justices it was “the easiest case you’re going to hear today.” He said counties were empowered under the constitution and state law […]

Jim RosicaJune 3, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott won’t be able to appoint a new judge for the Palm Beach County court, the Florida Supreme Court decided Friday. The unanimous decision means Palm Beach voters get to pick a replacement for outgoing County Judge Laura Johnson. She resigned to run for a circuit judgeship. But the court did side with Scott on three […]

Jim RosicaMay 31, 2016

A plethora of high-profile matters is scheduled for argument before the Florida Supreme Court next week. The state’s justices will consider questions related to gambling, guns, capital punishment and medical malpractice. Another case involves claim bills, passed by lawmakers to pay people for injuries suffered at the hands of government or a public entity. Still two others involve attorneys […]

Jim RosicaMay 31, 2016

The state’s highest court agreed to hear an appeal of a punitive damages award against the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in the case of a man who died from smoking, according to filings. The Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction last Thursday, court dockets show. At trial, a jury found smoker James E. Schoeff 25 percent […]

Jim RosicaMay 31, 2016

The National Federation of Independent Business/Florida is adding its voice to the business groups decrying a proposed 17 percent hike in the cost of workers’ compensation insurance to employers. The rate increase “is a $623 million tax on workers in Florida that will go primarily to workers’ compensation attorneys,” NFIB/Florida Executive Director Bill Herrle said in […]

Jim RosicaMay 27, 2016

The state’s business groups are saying “we told you so” over the cost of workers’ compensation insurance. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has asked the state to consider a 17 percent rate hike in the cost of workers’ comp to employers. Workers’ comp is mandated by states to pay workers who get hurt on the job. The council submitted its filing to […]

Jim RosicaMay 27, 2016

Despite “nothing about Hamilton Downs (being) real in terms of racetrack standards,” an administrative law judge nonetheless sided with the north Florida horse track, tossing out the state’s complaint that the track ran “flag drop” races contrary to its license. Administrative Law Judge E. Gary Early submitted his recommended order on Thursday, dismissing the action by state pari-mutuel regulators. […]

Associated PressMay 26, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court ruled that the state can impose a sales tax on a web-based florist for flowers sold to out-of-state customers and delivered outside of Florida. The Court on Thursday overturned an appeals court decision that said the Department of Revenue couldn’t collect taxes from American Business USA Corp.’s out-of-state sales. The Supreme […]

Tag: Florida Supreme Court
Sen Rick Scott in Sarasota. Photo by Jacob Ogles.

Justices consider change to lawyer-pay rules

Florida Supreme Court considers new death penalty law

Lawmakers intended slots expansion, lawyer argues

Court blocks Rick Scott from picking judge

Bevy of big cases awaits state Supreme Court

Supreme Court agrees to hear smoking case

NFIB/Florida joins groups opposed to workers’ comp hike

Business lobby blasts workers’ comp rate hike

Judge sides with track over ‘flag drop’ races

Florida Supreme Court says web-based florist must pay taxes