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A House panel has approved a measure that aims to simplify the process for victims of domestic violence to obtain a protective order.

Bill to simplify obtaining protective orders moves in the House A House panel has approved a measure that would make it easier for domestic violence victims to obtain a protective order. The Civil Justice Subcommittee voted 16-0 on Thursday to approve HB 761 by Rep. Alina Garcia, R-Miami. The bill, “Interpersonal Violence Injunction Petitions,” would elimina...

A three-judge panel of a federal appeals court heard arguments on Thursday in a challenge to a 2023 law that placed restrictions on organizations that gather voter registration applications as part of a series of legal battles concerning changes to 's election laws.

Federal appeals court weighs a Florida law targeting voter registration groups In part of a series of legal battles about Florida election-law changes, a three-judge panel of a federal appeals court on Thursday heard arguments in a challenge to a 2023 law that imposed restrictions on groups that collect voter-registration applications.

is currently challenging a 2021 state law that imposes restrictions on major social media platforms, arguing that it infringes upon their First Amendment rights.

Florida urges US Supreme Court to uphold tech law Those challenging the 2021 state law say that placing restrictions on social media platforms violates First Amendment rights

The Florida Bar has taken a significant step by adopting ethical guidelines that govern attorneys' use of artificial intelligence technology, becoming one of the first governing bodies to do so. These guidelines provide guidance on how AI can be integrated into the practice of law and cover a wide range of aspects, including reviewing computer-generated work, fee structures, and maintaining client confidentiality.

AI Guidance From Florida Bar Builds on Familiar Ethics Rules The Florida State Bar adopted ethical guidelines for attorney use of artificial intelligence technology Friday, becoming one of the first governing bodies to provide members with dos-and-don’ts for integrating AI into the practice of law.

Bill HB 757, aimed at streamlining defamation lawsuits, is progressing through the Florida Legislature and may get approved this year.

Florida legislative panel OKs bill making it easier to sue media, others for defamation A bill making it easier to sue journalists and others for defamation is making its way through the Florida Legislature.

DCA judges can establish an alternate headquarters in their county of residence if they live more than 50 miles from their official courthouse. The SB 570 bill, recently voted 10-0 by the Senate Judiciary Committee with no debate to be approved, would authorize an alternate headquarters in a county adjacent to the judge's county of residence.

Measure would expand DCA judges’ alternate headquarters Some district court of appeal judges would be authorized to establish more convenient “alternate headquarters” under a measure that is moving through the Legislature. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 10-0, with no debate January 16, to approve SB 570 by Republican Senators Danny Burgess of Z...

On Tuesday, a Senate panel voted unanimously to approve a public records exemption designed to protect Florida circuit court clerks and their deputies.

https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/bill-to-shield-from-public-view-the-personal-identifying-information-of-circuit-court-clerks-deputy-clerks-and-clerk-personnel-moves/

Bill to shield from public view the personal identifying information of circuit court clerks, deputy clerks, and clerk personnel moves A Senate panel on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve a public records exemption that is designed to protect Florida circuit court clerks and their deputies. The Judiciary Committee voted 9-0 to approve SB 1176 by committee Chair Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville. The measure is an unfortunate sign o...

Parents are voicing their concerns about a proposed law in . House Bill 1 aims to ban social media accounts for children under 16. Supporters argue that social media can be harmful for kids, while opponents claim it's an overreach and challenging to enforce.

Parents, experts react to proposed Florida law to ban social media for children under 16 years old Supporters say they agree with the bill's sponsors that social media can be harmful for children. Opponents say banning social media for children under 16 would be an overreach by the state legislature and nearly impossible to enforce.

Today, we honor and remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His message of love, equality, and justice continues to resonate with us today. Let's uphold his legacy by fostering peace, respect and unity every day.

Legislation granting new mothers the option to skip jury duty is progressing. After gaining unanimous support from lawmakers and the public in its two committee stops, it is now heading to the House floor.

Bill excusing new mothers from jury duty heads to House floor ‘In the Sunshine State, we’re committed to helping women bond with their babies during these invaluable early moments.’

A bipartisan proposal to establish safe-exchange locations for parents of minor children is making its way to the House floor. This initiative aims to add a layer of protection and well-being for families during custody exchanges.

Bill mandating safe locations to exchange custody of minors on its way to the House floor A bipartisan proposal to require safe-exchange locations for the parents of minor children is headed to the House floor. The Judiciary Committee on January 8 voted 21-0 to approve HB 385 by Rep. Joel Rudman, R-Navarre, and Rep. Hillary Cassel, D-Hollywood. It cleared the House Civil Justice Subcommi...

On February 26th, the U.S. Supreme Court will commence hearing arguments in a First Amendment dispute regarding a Florida law enacted in 2021 that imposed restrictions on major social media companies. More information below.

US Supreme Court to hear arguments in fight over Florida law that restricts social media giants The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Feb. 26 in a First Amendment fight about a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on large social-media companies.

Did you know that The Florida Bar has a dedicated Standing Committee on Cybersecurity and Privacy Law? Their mission is to equip Bar members with valuable resources to achieve "cyber-resiliency" and compliance with ethical rules.

Read more about the Standing Committee's objectives and its goals for 2024.

The Florida Bar Prioritizes Cybersecurity in the Digital Age At the beginning of my presidency, The Florida Bar created the Standing Committee on Cybersecurity and Privacy Law — the first of its kind — tasked with developing resources for Bar members to achieve “cyber-resiliency” and compliance with ethical rules. It’s the Bar’s good fortune that ...

has implemented new laws that may impact individuals participating in local elections and those currently holding public office within the state. Effective Monday, these laws require local elected officials to provide more comprehensive financial information.

New Florida law spurs resignations, changes landscape of financial disclosures of local officials | WPEC New laws in Florida, could impact those running in local elections and those who already hold public office statewide.

Senator Jonathan Martin filed Senate Bill 1120: "Display of Flags" and Senate Bill 1122: "Monuments and Memorials" on December 28, 2023.

The bills aim to restrict Governmental Entities from erecting or displaying certain flags and protecting 's unique history.

Read more about these bills below.

Press Release - The Florida Senate Senate Bill 1120 deals with displays by Governmental Entities. This bill will prohibit Governmental Entities from erecting or displaying certain flags. This will also authorize a current or retired member of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard to use reasonable force to prevent the....

With nearly 1,100 bills already submitted, read about some of the bills filed for Florida's 2024 legislative session.

Here's a look at the most interesting bills proposed for Florida's 2024 legislative session Almost 1,100 bills have been filed for Florida's 2024 legislative session. Here's the most interesting ones we could find.

Florida has introduced new laws that will bring changes to various aspects of daily life. Read the article below to learn more about the new legislation and its impact on the state.

New Florida laws in effect for 2024. Here’s what to know New laws in Florida will impact the way you drive, the way you vote and the way some people are kept in jail after being accused of a violent crime.

Happy New Year! May 2024 bring you health, peace, love, joy, fulfillment, and moments to cherish.

As part of the laws that take effect on January 1st, the "Move Over" law is set to undergo an expansion. This notable change emphasizes the requirement for drivers to vacate the lanes closest to stationary vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and utility trucks.

A comprehensive transportation bill (HB 425), approved during the regular session, introduces a new provision effective Monday. Read more below.

These new Florida laws take effect on January 1, 2024 Several changes in Florida laws will take hold as 2024 begins, from an expansion of the "move over" traffic law to stricter rules involving investments in Iran.

will have new legislation to ring in the new year in just one week.

Several new Florida laws going into effect on January 1 In just a week, we'll be ringing in the new year with new laws in the state of Florida.

SB 784 is one of the four laws that will take effect in Florida on January 1st, 2024. Known as the "Protect Our Loved Ones Act," this legislation enables law enforcement organizations to "develop and maintain a database, to be known as the “Special Persons Registry,” for a specified purpose; authorizing local law enforcement agencies to provide relevant information from the registry to law enforcement officers under certain circumstances, etc."

Individuals can choose to freely register on the registry, or if they are deemed incapable or a minor, a parent or legal guardian may voluntarily enroll them. The intention is to enhance the way law enforcement agencies respond to service requests and the way police deal with individuals who have those conditions.

Read more about this bill directly on The Florida Senate website (link below).

Senate Bill 784 (2023) - The Florida Senate Special Persons Registry; Citing this act as the “Protect Our Loved Ones Act"; authorizing local law enforcement agencies to develop and maintain a database, to be known as the “Special Persons Registry,” for a specified purpose; authorizing local law enforcement agencies to provide relevant i...

Find out more about the legislation that the Legislature passed earlier this year and that will go into effect on January 1, 2024.

Four new Florida laws take effect in January. Here’s what they may mean for you One of the laws has Broward and Manatee connections.

A new law mandating elected officials to provide more detailed financial disclosures has caused some officials to quit or announce they’re stepping down by January 1.

New Florida law pushes some small town officials to resign Municipalities in Pinellas and Pasco are among those affected by rules requiring officeholders to reveal their finances in greater detail.

A bill that is making its way through the Legislature would exempt new moms from jury duty for up to six months following childbirth.

Measure would excuse new mothers from jury duty New mothers would be excused from jury duty up to six months after giving birth under a proposal that is moving through the Florida Legislature. The House Civil Justice Subcommittee voted 18-0 on December 6 to approve HB 461 by Rep. Carolina Amesty, R-Windemere. “Strong and healthy families should...

Two industry groups urged the U.S. Supreme Court to preserve a verdict that banned key portions of a 2021 law setting restrictions on large social-media companies, arguing that the measure is "entirely incompatible with the First Amendment."

Supreme Court urged to reject Florida tech law TALLAHASSEE — Arguing the law is “entirely incompatible with the First Amendment,” two industry groups Thursday urged the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a ruling that blocked key parts of

The Board of Governors adopted a number of suggested rule amendments during their final meeting of 2023, including some of the first guidelines for the use of generative AI in legal practice in the country.

Board reviews guidelines for the use of generative AI in the practice of law Meeting for the last time in 2023 on Friday, the Board of Governors approved a raft of proposed rule revisions that included some of the nation’s first guidelines for the use of generative AI in the practice of law. During a marathon session in a Destin conference room, the board voted unanimously...

On November 30, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the necessity for three more judges: two in Hillsborough County, three in Orange County, and one in the 20th Judicial Circuit. Along with legislation for fewer statutorily allowed judgeships in the First and Second District Courts of Appeal, the court suggested reducing the number of judges in Alachua and Brevard counties by one, a recommendation that was opposed by three justices.

Read more: https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/supreme-court-makes-judgeship-recommendations-ahead-of-upcoming-legislative-session/

Supreme Court makes judgeship recommendations ahead of upcoming legislative session The Florida Supreme Court on November 30 certified the need for additional judges: one in the 20th Judicial Circuit, two in Hillsborough County, and three in Orange County. The court also recommended a decrease of one judge in Alachua and Brevard counties, which three justices opposed, and legislati...