Legal Updates

ORANGE COUNTY RENT-CONTROL A circuit court judge has ordered the Orange County Supervisor of Elections not to certify the results of a disputed rent-control ordinance, which was on the November ballot. The judge had previously allowed the measure to remain on the ballot, but was overruled by an appeals court panel. Even though the measure was passed by the voters, the results are nullified.

MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATIONS A Broward County jury has rejected the assertion made by a Clerk of the Court employee that she was discriminated against due to her religious beliefs regarding gay marriage. The employee had asked that she be exempted from issuing marriage licenses or performing ceremonies. Shortly thereafter, her employment was terminated, leading to her lawsuit. 

FLORIDA CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MAP PART TWO A Leon County circuit judge has ruled that key state lawmakers and a top aide to Governor DeSantis can be questioned about the approved congressional district map. The judge cleared the way for depositions of six lawmakers, five current and former legislative staff members and a deputy chief of staff to the Governor. The administration will provide documents sought by plaintiffs challenging the redistricting plan, though he will privately review the documents to determine whether they should be shielded.

NERDS AND TROLLI GUMMIES A Florida-based cannabis company has agreed to stop making knockoffs of Nerds candies and Trolli gummies with THC and to pay damages of all profits derived from the trademark infringement.

WALMART AND OPIODS Walmart Inc. has agreed to pay nearly $215 million to resolve claims over its alleged role in fueling the opioid crisis in Florida. In addition, it will dispense hundreds of thousands of overdose treatment kits to law enforcement and other first responders across the state. PRESCRIPTION DRUG IMPORTATION The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alleging the federal government was “dragging its feet” regarding Florida’s proposal to import prescription drugs from Canada. The FDA denies the allegations in its response.