Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayJune 10, 2016

A group of dog racing track owners and other gaming interests filed a brief with the Florida Supreme Court on Friday urging Attorney General Pam Bondi and the high court to nix a proposed amendment to the state constitution that could expand gambling by allowing counties to hold referendums on the matter. The amendment’s opponents — including the […]

Martin DyckmanJune 10, 2016

Assume that Pam Bondi were a judge. That’s a dismal prospect but bear with it. Assume further that she asked for a campaign contribution from a big shot businessman who was being sued in her court — and that after getting the money, she dismissed the case. If she was a judge, instead of Florida’s […]

Staff ReportsJune 9, 2016

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Two Florida lawyers accused of orchestrating the arrest of a rival attorney are asking the state’s Supreme Court not to disbar them for good. Robert Adams and Adam Filthaut of Tampa are requesting disbarment with an opportunity for reinstatement in five years. Their attorneys gave oral argument in the matter Thursday. Pinellas County Judge W. […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2016

The state’s business lobbying groups called for legislative action Thursday after a Florida Supreme Court decision earlier that day on the worker’s compensation law. The court’s 5-2 ruling for injured St. Petersburg firefighter Bradley Westphal strikes down a provision in the law limiting the time that injured workers can get temporary disability benefits. (Story here.) Three justices, […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2016

The state’s Supreme Court on Thursday delivered another blow to Florida’s workers’ compensation law. In a 5-2 decision, the court ruled unconstitutional part of the law that “cuts off disability benefits … to a worker who is totally disabled and incapable of working but who has not yet reached maximum medical improvement,” or in other words, the person cannot heal any further. That cutoff […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2016

When it comes to attorney’s fees, how much is not enough? The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday heard argument on a law firm’s position that it didn’t get paid enough for helping a brain-damaged young man get a claim bill from the Florida Legislature. Lawmakers in 2012 passed such a bill for Aaron Edwards, who born […]

Gary FineoutJune 8, 2016

Months after Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature rejected the idea, the state’s highest court was urged Wednesday to throw out the three-decade-old law that prohibits openly carrying guns in public. Dale Norman, who had a permit to carry a concealed weapon, was arrested by Fort Pierce police in 2012 because his gun was in a holster as […]

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 […]

Tag: Florida Supreme Court

Gaming interests in SCOFL brief: Leave expansion amendment off the ballot

Martin Dyckman: Pam Bondi’s mess too pungent to ignore

‘Love Sponge’ lawyers plead to keep law licenses

Business lobby upset over worker’s comp decision

Florida Supreme Court strikes down another part of worker’s comp law

Claim bill process under judicial microscope

Sand, surf and gun? Florida’s highest court may say yes

Justices consider change to lawyer-pay rules

Florida Supreme Court considers new death penalty law

Lawmakers intended slots expansion, lawyer argues